Remember buying a present for your Mom because it was something you really, really, really wanted for yourself? Yes, you were probably 8 and using Dad’s money, but is that really an excuse.

If you nodded, keep reading. Because this Christmas, the Mama on the Move way to go is to pack the tree skirt with presents that will suit them while they’re with you.

It’s my version of having your cake and eating it too!

They’ll be ready to take to the friendly skies or hop on the bus Gus with airplane and bus backpacks from Zid Zid Kids at Global Home. Like most of the finds at this upstate New York shop with a new e-presence, the packs bring a piece of the globe into your home. Made of a durable vinyl and imported from Morocco, the packs are one part carry-all, two parts adventure toy.

Keeping the two-in-one theme going, Nursery Rhyme Tease pack learning and style in one little bag. Designed by a teacher, the rhyme design on the shirt provide a tease to the magic inside the accompanying board book – proof positive that literacy is indeed cool.

MeGiant doubles the fun with their tees in tiny retro tin lunchboxes that serve up plenty of fun for kids who like to play dress up, restaurant and school. Imagination’s the name of the game with the line of shirts too – the Mama on the Move seal of approval has been stamped right on the Chirp Daddy line of confused critters. Is that a rooster mooing? A dog oinking? Crack your kids up, then send them off with their box to think up more silly adventures.

Are they dying to take the wheels on the road? Pick up the Cheeky Chick from Okiedog to keep things rolling. The toddling tots can grab hold of the handles for assurance that everything’s a go before taking off on their own two feet, while the older kids show off their cheek riding ‘round the block. When they’re done, just fold the chick down to half its size (a smooth process, mom’s honor) and slip it into the trunk until the next time.

When they’ve settled back into the car for the trip home, how about pulling out this stocking stuffer? Psychobaby has brought out the Museum of Modern Art’s Close Up card games so your kids can brush up on art appreciation in the middle of a game of Old Maid or Memory. Or help them get wild about Warhol and crazy about Calder with the Modern Artists Go Fish for Art games.

Jeanne Sager is a freelance writer and mama (on the move) to Jillian. She lives in upstate New York, works as a newspaper reporter and let’s it all hang out all over the Web including the Mother of All Parenting Blogs, Babble’s own Strollerderby, at her site Inside Out, over at Burbia and of course here on PeekabooPicks. With Jillian in tow, she interviews Grammy nominees, big time authors and the farmer up the road – and she shares her juggling secrets every Monday here on Peekaboo Picks. To be featured in Mama on the Move, send an e-mail her way (mailto: jeannesager [at] gmail.com).