1. It’s a Jungle Out There!: 52 Nature Adventures for City Kids

We all know children need to experience nature, but this can be a challenge if you live in the concrete jungle of a city. Author Jennifer Ward has found 52 “nature adventures” for urban dwellers.

Just because you live in the city doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy nature. This compact guide offers 52 nature-focused explorations, adventures, observations, and games that can help you and your child connect to nature while living in the city. While it may be hard to see nature through the traffic, buildings, and busyness of the city, there is still much of the natural world to explore when you turn your gaze to the cracks in the sidewalk, the trees on the street, or the green spaces that your city offers. Become an urban birder, make your own man vs. wild observations, and discover the not-so-hidden pockets of nature in your neighborhood. For children ages 4 to 8.

I grew up in the suburbs, had a small yard, and lived relatively near a park. It was fun to see some of the activities I did as a child in this book, such as “seed soar” and “cool shadows”.  This book is divided by season, which makes it easy to find the right activity anytime of year.

We have reviewed Jennifer’s first book (i love dirt!).

Would I buy this book?  Maybe.  As I mentioned before, the activities seem to be things kids can naturally think of themselves if they spend time outside, but for the child (and parents) who are indoors all the time glued to the screen, this book could be very useful to inspire.  Obviously, my family is not the intended audience, and I do like the layout and ideas Jennifer presents.

2.  Purely Elizabeth Ancient Grain Granola Cereal

We didn’t have much luck with Purely Elizabeth’s Gluten-Free cookie mix, but I am pleased to say our experience with the Ancient Grain Granola is positive.

EACH INGREDIENT IN OUR ANCIENT GRAIN GRANOLA CEREAL IS HAND-SELECTED FOR ITS SUPERIOR NUTRIENT VALUE. We mix in ancient grains, oats, and seeds along with chewy dried fruit, organic coconut oil and organic coconut sugar for a perfectly crunchy, sweet and salty taste.

Our gluten free granola cereal is then baked in small batches to create a purely wholesome, good-for-you treat. Perfect for breakfast with milk  or yogurt (non-dairy of course),  crumbled on top of ice cream or fruit for a sweet dessert or as a healthy snack by itself. Our granola cereal will keep you fueled throughout your busy day.

We tried the cranberry pecan and original flavors. Both are very delicious.

My father is a celiac and avoids oats. These cereals have “certified gluten-free oats”, which I am not sure what that means. Oats have been debatable for celiacs.  My dad has always played it safe when it comes to oats, but perhaps I can get him to try Purely Elizabeth’s granola when he visits.

Would I buy these products?  Yes.

3.  Sativa Bags Hemp Baby Changer Shoulder Bag

This is seriously the nicest, coolest diaper bag I have ever seen. I refused to buy/carry a diaper bag and opted for a backpack with just a towel for changing my babes. Had I seen this bag, I would have gotten an official diaper changing bag!

The Baby Changer Shoulder Bag has three spacious inner compartments allowing you to easily store all you need to change your baby. Also, the nine specially designed compartments that are ideal for storing baby powder or baby cream and the large compartment for baby wipes make this Baby Changer Shoulder Bag a must have for all you parents out there. The detachable baby changing mat that keeps your baby safe and comfortable when changing is a great feature of this bag.

• Made from sustainable hemp and cotton
• 3 roomy inner compartments
• 9 specially designed compartments
• Detachable baby changing mat made from crinkle nylon, making it easier to wipe clean
• Adjustable shoulder strap
• Main compartments secured by zips and magnetic snap fastenings
• Comes with handy train card holder
• Free Sativa bags key ring

FREE

• Receive a free Eco Baby when you purchase this item

The detachable changing pad is very cool, as is the free eco baby. There are so many compartments to this bag , but it does not feel overburdened and bulky. This is such a hip, stylish, cool, eco-friendly bag!  Even Dad will feel cool carrying this diaper bag! Shoot, he may even offer to change all of the diapers on the go!

Would I buy this product?  Absolutely YES!

4. bamboobies Nursing Pads

Nursing pads were another of those baby items that I shunned, although for the first couple of weeks, my shirts were soaked at times. As long as I was just at home, it didn’t bother me.

bamboobies are super soft. They are sustainable, organic, and fair trade. One mother called them “Like a cashmere sweater for my boobies”.

Bamboobies are the new choice for mothers who want a

washable breast pad that doesn’t leak or show through clothing.  

Bamboo, organic cotton and hemp make these reusable breast pads

the most absorbent and unbelievably soft nursing pads around.

5. Coghlan’s Bug-Eye LED Headlight for Kids

My daughter has been backpacking for a few years, and we are about to take her brother on his first adventure into the wilderness. A headlamp is a must of these outings, and LED technology makes them lightweight and long-lasting.

Coghlan’s makes a headlight especially designed for young children:

The Bug-Eye Headlight is compact, lightweight and designed just for kids. Powered by a bright white LED – that never needs replacing. Comfortable elastic head strap. Perfect for kids who love the outdoors!

Would I buy this product? No. It seems like a toy, and I would rather get my kids real gear from the start. My daughter has the Petzl lamp with the elastic strap that can be worn around your wrist or head. Sure it costs a lot more, but she will never need another headlamp.

Disclosure:  The products described above were sent to us as free samples, unless noted differently in the review.  Prior assurances as to the nature of the reviews, whether positive or negative, were not given.  No financial payments were accepted in exchange for the reviews.  The reviews reflect our honest, authentic opinions.