Signs point to more time outside for Champaign-Urbana area families than we’re typically accustomed to, so get prepared with some essentials (and fun stuff) with holiday shopping at Costco
Snowshoes and boots, sleds and snowboards — gifts for your family are easy to come by
Parents, we are right here with you. We are all gearing up for more time outside this winter because of COVID-19. And, sure, we may have boots and snow pants that fit everyone, but is that really going to be enough to carry us through? Perhaps it will be. But in case you’d like to set some outdoor recreational gear under the Christmas tree, Costco in Champaign has some items you might want to consider for your fam.
- Yahama Snow Bike ($49.99)
Called a “snow bike,” this sled looks more like a snowmobile than a sled. It’s meant to be used as a sled though, powered by gravity, and due to its adventurous nature, you may want to strap a bike helmet on your kid before sending them squealing down a hill with delight. It’s sold out on Amazon, but Costco in Champaign has a whole display of these in stock.
Must know info: for ages 6+ and max weight of 88 pounds
Shop for snowshoes for your crew this winter in Champaign-Urbana. - Alptrek Snowshoe Kits ($69.99)
These high-quality, affordable snowshoes are available exclusively at Costco and we just can’t wait to try them out when it snows. They fit over most standard hiking boots and come in three different sizes. (If you want to learn about the sizes, you can read about them here before you shop.) They come with trekking poles (how cool is that?!) and their description says they’re easy to get on. They’re sold by weight limit and the green ones would probably fit most children and young teens, for reference. (Want to have a fun winter family field trip? Remember that Weldon Springs in Clinton is known for some great snowshoe trails!)
- Agit 48-inch Snowboard Sled ($15.99)
Is it a sled? Is it a snowboard? And most importantly, can mom or dad borrow it to have some fun? The display of sleds at Costco caught our eyes when we saw the word “snowboard” on them. These sleds are made of durable foam and a strong core that allows your child to stand up (if they wish) and use it like a snowboard, too. (Hope you still have those bike helmets handy.) The suggested weight limit is 165 pounds, so this sled is going to be a better fit for big kids who sled alone as opposed to younger kids who may still want a parent to ride down the hill with them.
- Khombu ladies’ all-seasons boots ($29.99)
Do these remind you of a popular style out there? Closely resembling the style of Sorel boots, these are rated to withstand temperatures up to 20 degrees below zero (and a fraction of the price of Sorel). If you have a female you’re shopping for this Christmas, these boots are definitely worth a look.
- Snowtrax Winter Traction Device ($9.99)
This is an affordable alternative to traditional snowshoes in the event you don’t quite want to make that investment. Strap these on over your boots or shoes and you’ll have added traction for walking through the many hiking trails in and around Champaign-Urbana this winter, even if there’s some ice or snow. These also come in a couple of sizes, but just like snowshoes, you’re going to use an adjustable strap to get a snug fit over your tennis shoes or hiking boots. Whether you buy these for your kids or get yourself a pair to avoid slipping on the ice this winter, $9.99 is a hard price to beat.
Get all the info we have on Costco here: Costco Membership Options | 8 Ways You’ll Save Money at Costco | 10 Things to Buy at Costco You Can’t Buy at Sam’s