(NAPSA)—Here’s an idea for a new holiday tradition: Unplug the electronics and enjoy the outdoors. According to a survey from L.L.Bean and the National Park Foundation, 60 percent of parents say their children spend less than an hour a day outside and weather can often be a deterrent. With the right gear, however, and a little inspiration, the outdoors can be enjoyed year-round. Here are some gift suggestions from Outdoor Discovery Schools manager Gretchen Ostherrto help the whole family get outdoors and active: For the “newbie”: The best way to get people motivated for the outdoors is to start them young. There are many ways to get kids to go outside in cold weather, including gifts such as sleds and toboggans, snowshoes, ice skates and snow toys. Ski helmets and goggles are great gifts to help keep kids safe while enjoying the snow aswell. For the “gadget guru”: If you're looking to impress the gadget gurus in yourlife and motivate them to get outdoors, you can’t go wrong with a Solar Emergency Weather Radio. Excellent for camping and wilderness activities, it’s also a good way to stay informed and prepared during a power outage or emergency. Look for a digital readout, earphone jack, built-in LED lights with emergency flash and electronic and cellphone charging ports. You can find these radios in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit an emergency kit, bedside stand or car. For the “style conscious”: For the fashion-forward member of your family, shearling-lined boots and down jackets offer a great way to stay on trend while remaining dry and warm, whether commuting to work or walking in the woods. The right gear can help make an outdoor enthusiast out of practically anyone. For the “lazy boy”: Thereis usually at least one person in the family who is hard to motivate to spend time outdoors. A good backpack can be one gift that even the most infrequent outdoorsman will find useful. Backpacks are universally convenient for helping to store and carry items when out and about and comein a variety of sizes and styles—everything from a simple day pack just right for walks, bike rides and picnics to large utility rucksacks that can be used for camping, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. For the “person who has everything”: For the person who has already established a love for the outdoors, you can inspire his or her next outdoor adventure with something extra special this holiday season. In celebration of its 100th anniversary, L.L.Bean has created a line of special-edition anniversary products such as the limited edition Bamboo Fly Rods. Beautifully crafted and made by hand, they are a fitting tribute to the classic rods used by L.L.Bean 100 years ago. This is very likely to impress the avid enthusiast of the family. For more gift ideas and additional information on how to get your family outdoors, visit www.llbean.com.
