The holidays are right around the corner and I am going to start doing my shopping early this year. Since my kids don’t really need toys, some of my gift ideas are to get them some cool gear for their individual sports.  My recommendations today include:

• Destira Leotards - we LOVE these leotards for gymnastics practice. They are well made, wash well and come in so many cool designs. Place an order between now and 11/3/08 and get 10% off with the code 10SALE.
• Got a swimmer? I just ordered the Small Pro Backpack from Speedo for my daughters. It has plenty of room for their gear, but the small version is perfect for kids under 10 as they can carry it themselves (the regular size one is as big as they are). I can get their fins in the bag, there is a separate pocket for wet suits, and even a place for their iPod. SwimLocker is my favorite place to order their gear thanks to their large selection and free shipping option.
• If you miss the Olympics as much as I do, check out the US Olympic Shop for sweatshirts, hats, bags, and more.  Take 15% Off no Minimum at US Olympic Shop! Use Code LKS38LFN.
• Zappos, which I used to think only carried shoes, now has a great selection of Women’s Nike clothing at Zappos.com and they always offer free shipping!
• And just because it looks like fun, I am going to get my girls the We Cheer game for Wii. I like the dance component of it and we can all play it together.
• Justice (a spin off of Limited Too) always has sport themed ts, fleece, sweat pants and outfits. They seem to get new designs for gymnastics, soccer, and dance every season, and I have seen swim, basketball, and general athletic themes from time to time. Justice Sale! Fleece Jacket Now $24.99 each (thru 11/11)

As the holidays get closer, I will continue to highlight fun gifts for girls who love sports and track down some great deals, too. If you have any recommendations, don’t be shy - share them with us.

My gymnast daughter just went through a growth spurt and suddenly all but two of her leotards were too small. That meant a stack of leotards for me to list on eBay and it also meant I needed to get some new leotards for her.  This summer when we went to USA Gymnastics Congress and Trade Show we discovered Destira leotards. They have a great selection of fun prints and I was impressed with the fabric and stitching quality.

My daughter went to the Destira site and immediately found two leotards that she loved! Shipping was quick and when the leotards arrived, my daughter was thrilled - they looked even better on than she expected. Plus, no one else in the gym has them yet.

If you are looking for affordable, quality practice leotards for your gymnast, check out Destira leotards - they are our new favorite brand.

With two girls who play sports and love fun fashion, I spend a lot of time shopping at Justice Just for Girls and its sister store Limited Too. The two stores always seem to have at least one cute gymnastics, soccer, dance, swim, or basketball outfit every season. Occasionally they have other sports too.

For my daughter’s birthday she got one of their latest t-shirts that says “It’s a Gymnast Thing, You Wouldn’t Understand” - too cute! They have the same basic shirt in a soccer version too.

Justice and Limited Too both have great sales all the time so there is no reason to pay full price. For example, Justice Sale! Embellished Tee Now 2 or more $10.90 each (thru 10/12)
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