Gadgets and games for summer fun on the beach
Pack a picnic and grab the stereo, it’s that time of year again when the beach beckons! Not sure what to take? Get online to discover a wealth of waterproof gadgets for music and memories, as well as picnic and playtime accessories. Here are a few ideas to get you started from iWorld.co.uk and Crazyaboutgadgets.com.SOUNDS OF SUMMER
Yes, sea and sand could potentially cause irreparable damage to your stereo or MP3 player, but that’s no reason to not enjoy your favourite summer anthems on the beach. You can either invest in a stereo that’s made for the job or protect your MP3 payer in a waterproof case. Easy!
The iSound Music Showcase for iPod (£69.99, iWorld.co.uk) is not only waterproof, it also resistant to sand, sun cream and water. The iSound floats easily in water and the polycarbonate body and rubber bumper make it durable, scratch and shockproof. It also has a fold out stand so you can set it down as your picnic music station. Four long-life AA batteries will provide over 24 hours of playtime.
Alternatively, just wrap up your MP3 player in a waterproof case. New for 2007, the affordable Allsop Dr iPod Splash Pack (£14.99, iWorld.co.uk) features a triple heat sealed headphone jack so not a drop of water can touch your ‘pod. You can easily access the controls through the clear plastic front. Why not pair it up with some H20 Audio Waterproof Headphones (£26.99, www.iWorld.co.uk) so you can sink or swim to the soundtrack of your choice!
PLAYTIME PICNICS
Don’t settle for a boring beach towel this summer. Get one that’s also a game. The new super soft Twister Beach Towel (£19.95, crazyaboutgadgets.com) is a whopping 158 x 128 cm and has the classic Twister board printed on it for fun. It comes with two inflatable waterproof dice that are printed with body parts and colours: think left foot green and right foot red. The dice also double up as comfy pillows giving you something to play for!
Sandy fingers or salty sandwiches, which do you prefer? If the answer’s neither then the new Plastic Cutlery Set (£9.95 for 4 sets, crazyaboutgadgets.com) is for you. Available in pink, green, blue or white, this handy little set comes flat packed and you need to snap out the elements the first time you use it. Everything you need and then some is included: plate, knife, fork, spoon, napkin ring, name plate and even a toothpick and chopsticks.
Liven up after lunch with an energetic round of the Christa Beach Game (£19.99, crazyaboutgadgets.com). Christa is not just any old bat and ball set, the neon orange and green bats have a built in shock absorbing membrane meaning they can catch and return even the most ballistic ball! The balls themselves are nice and soft so will not scratch or sting too much on sun-kissed skin if you miss.
Or, cool down with an Inflatable Boogie Board (£19.95, crazyaboutgadgets.com). Its great fun all wrapped up in a small mesh bag that is only about the size of rolled up beach towel. Get it out, pump it up and off you go. Bodysurfing, or ‘sponging’ as it’s called by regular boogie boarders, is a lot easier than surfing and a great way to get wet without going too far out to sea (the best waves are usually near the beach).
MAKE SOME MEMORIES
Family fun and frolics make for wonderful pictures meaning a camera is indispensable kit for a great day on the beach. An Underwater Digital Camera (£44.95, crazyaboutgadgets.com) is a brilliant choice as its not only robust enough to happily survive a day on the beach, its also waterproof up to 3m making Boogie Board action and fish pictures possible. It’s fully automatic, just point and click, and also operates as a video recorder and a web cam too (PC compatible only).
If you prefer to take your own camera then the Casauri iPod / Camera Case (£14.99, iWorld.co.uk) will keep it stylishly protected when not in use. This funky zip up case can hold any iPod, camera, PDA, phone or other electronic device that fits into 2.75” x 4.5" x 0.75". The transparent front allows users to operate gadget controls without opening the case. You can even view pictures on your camera or see what song is playing on an iPod. A good sized pocket on the back will hold headphones, spare memory sticks or even a little spare change or a receipt or two. Available in Sun Stripes, Palm Green, Sky Blue, Balmy Orange, Kiwi Green, Purple, Pink or Blocks (a pretty colour combo)!
TEARLESS TRAVEL
If the words ‘Are we there yet’ haunt your dreams throughout the summer season then a Password Puppy (£14.95, crazyaboutgadgets.com) or an iLuv Portable DVD Player (£149.99, iWorld.co.uk) may be worth the investment.
The Password Puppy is the first virtual puppy that can be raised and trained just by using your voice. The puppy only responds to its owner’s voice and can be trained to perform tricks and conquer challenges such as the maze game. Once trained, why not try and win a ribbon in the dog show. Hours of educational entertainment without the mess and hassle of a living pet.
The iLuv Portable DVD Player comes with a car adaptor and seat strap so it can be safely secured to provide excellent entertainment for the while journey home. Enjoy movies from DVD or music videos from your iPod on the excellent quality 7” screen.
