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THINK SMART Helpful tips for your everyday life

Great cheap toys for summer trips

In "Chocolate Fix," kids use clues to place toy candies.

Check out these affordable, award-winning travel toys and games to help mediate meltdowns on long car rides or in crowded airports.

Travel 'n Doodle. This portable "doodle" board comes with a magic pen that you fill with water. Ages 2 and up (Spin Master, $14.99).

Wig Out. Race against your opponents to get rid of your cards by matching them up with wild hairstyles. Ages 6 and up (Gamewright, $6.49).

Chocolate Fix. This puzzle includes lifelike "chocolate" pieces. Ages 8 and up (ThinkFun, $17.99).

Ultimate Chess. This magnetic chessboard includes a how-to-play instruction book. Ages 7 and up (Scholastic/Tangerine Press, $7.99).

Lithgow Paloozas! Boredom Blasters Travel Edition. Included with the fun activity book are ideas for projects as well as supplies such as suction cup hooks, wipe-off paper and markers. Ages 7-11 (Running Press Kids, $14.95).

Claire Green is president of Parents' Choice Foundation (parents-choice.org).