K is for kite
Beyond their aerodynamic qualities, kites are wildly colorful and generate heady emotions of freedom and flight. Which means that even if you don't want to fly one, you can hang one on the wall or the ceiling for an eye-catching splash of brightness that will remind you of the great outdoors.
Look for low-end kites where toys are sold; they conveniently come with pictures of the trendiest cartoon and trading-card characters. But for some serious kite acquisition, go to a specialty shop such as High Performance Kites at Ala Moana Center.
Durable cloth kites start at $22.50, in the basic diamond shape with colorful designs such as fish and penguins. To get airborne will require an additional investment in string, $4.98.
BETTY SHIMABUKURO / BETTY@ STARBULLETIN.COM
Less durable, but very pretty with their long streamers for tails, are Mylar kites, starting at $12.
And if you're really serious, sport kites with dual-line control and looking like minigliders sell for $40 to $200.
Imagine: Christmas Day. Gifts all unwrapped; early morning excitement passed. Take the kid(s) for a walk under the sunny Christmas sky, and set a kite loose in the breeze. The only one who won't be able to get a lift from that is the Grinch.
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