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The gifting season is in full swing and you might be trying to figure out what to get the kids this year. It's easy to default to the latest toy trends — but if you're like most people, chances are that the toys from last Christmas are lying dust-covered and forgotten in a plastic bin. Or perhaps they've already made their way to the donation box or garbage can. Besides, the last thing you need is more clutter in the house.
But before you cross off all the fun things from your list, you should know there's an easy answer that might just make everybody happy: get them something to play with outside.
Think about it — instead of setting the kids up with a movie the next time you're on a work call, why not send them to the backyard to play to their hearts' content? They'll get some fun exercise, you'll get some peace and quiet and the best part is that there's nothing to clean up when the playtime is over. Outdoor play equipment takes up zero space in your home, requires very little maintenance and provides an excellent return on investment for years to come.
Of course, that's provided you buy a high-quality product from a brand you can trust. As it says in the name, Lifetime Products builds durable, long-lasting products for families that stand the test of time. They've even been featured on Forbes' list of best swing sets to buy for your home.
If you're looking for a great gift to give the kids — and yourself — this year, here are a few ideas to get you started.
Playsets
As mentioned above, Korin Miller of Forbes included a couple of Lifetime Products on the magazine's list of best swing sets for backyard playgrounds. Miller mentions that the Lifetime Adventure Tower Deluxe playset is great for bigger kids while the Lifetime Double Slide Deluxe playset is the best swing set with a climbing wall.
Of the Adventure Tower Deluxe, one reviewer wrote, "We've had it for years now and it still looks exactly the same! Very sturdy, nothing has rusted or broken and our kids love it!"
Another reviewer who bought the Big Stuff Two-Slide Swing Set said, "I searched far and wide for years for the best playground, and THIS IS IT. Plus I know it will last a long time because my sister bought the same one 7 years ago and it is just as good as my brand new one.
If these don't suit your needs, Lifetime has dozens of other playset options to choose from.
Dome climbers
Maybe you don't need a full playset, but you want something for the kids to climb. Dome climbers might be your ticket. These easy-to-assemble climbers help kids develop strong muscles. Tracy Trautner of Michigan State University Extension explains climbing helps children's cardiovascular flow, increases flexibility, builds upper body and leg strength, and also helps with coordination.
One reviewer said that their kids "love making it into a tent" in addition to climbing it.
Swings
Inspire your child's inner acrobat with a couple of free-standing swings and a trapeze bar! Trautner also says swinging can be soothing and calming for children. It also can help develop spatial awareness and motor skills.
Lifetime's swings all pass playground performance and safety standards. Many reviewers note that these swings have lasted a decade or more for both children and grandchildren to enjoy.
Teeter-totters
These teeter-totters aren't like the ones you grew up with. Airplane-shaped Lifetime teeter-totters help stimulate your child's imagination while keeping them entertained for hours. With a capacity of up to seven children, you'll be able to pull all the kids or grandkids away from their computer games for a while.
Basketball hoops
If your kids have exited the playground stage of life, they can still have plenty of fun with an outdoor basketball hoop. Make it a permanent fixture with an in-ground hoop or give yourself some flexibility with a portable one.
Either way, older kids and teens will love practicing their jump shots over and over again. US Sports Camps even has a list of basketball drills your child can practice at home to improve their skills.
Create your backyard adventure with Lifetime Products
Whatever your kids' ages and interests may be, you can bet that Lifetime will have something that they'll love for years to come. To shop the whole selection of outdoor play equipment, visit lifetime.com or visit any of our local Lifetime Store locations in Utah or Idaho.
