Shopping mom Stacy Case searches for the best jungle-gym deals. Fitness expert Dave Patania shares advice on what to look for when buying a cross-training shoe. If you have a gardener on your gift list, try this cool Macbeth Collection tool caddy. (Photo by MacbethCollectiion.com)

Resources and Tips

Jungle Gyms

• Pine and fir are pressure treated with chemicals.
  
• Tall sets have more play value.
  
• Recommended sing beams = 4" x 6".
  
• Recommended uprights = 4" x 4".

Rainbow Play Systems
Rainbow of Tennessee
www.rainbowoftn.com

Kids Creations Swing Sets
www.kidscreations.com

Tires

• Buy all four tires at the same time.
  
• Under-inflated tires waste 3.5 million gallons of gas a day in America.
  
• If you drive an expensive care, buy tires to match.

Cross Trainers

• Look for shoes that have flexibility in the front and support in the sides.
  
• Be sure to ask about lateral support.
  
• Replace cross trainers every 60 to 70 hours.

New Balance 1008 Trainer
www.newbalance.com (search results page)

Buying for the Gardener

Suncalc
www.thesuncalc.com

Salad Seed Mix
Looks like an herb shaker but each one contains 20,000 seeds to keep you growing salad mix for months.
www.gardeners.com (product page)

Colorful Tool Caddies
The Macbeth Collection
www.themacbethcollection.com (product page)

Gloves in a Bottle
www.glovesinabottle.com

Powergear Tools by Fiskars
Fiskars PowerGear pruner and lopper use special gears to make the repetitive motion of pruning and trimming easy on your joints.
www.fiskars.com

Outdoor La-Z-Boy Recliner
www.lazboyoutdoor.com

Pet Car Safety

Safety Belt Harness
www.petsafetybelts.com