Top products from r/gencon

We went with my daughter when she was 11 months old and with both my son and daughter when they were 13 and 35 months old respectively. An umbrella stroller that takes up as little space as possible and corners well is a must. When walking with my daughter when she was 35 months I had her wear a giraffe backpack that had a leash attached to it. I didn't use the leash as a way to restrain her but kept it looped on my wrist while holding her hand and walking around. Toddlers are ninjas at darting away and in crowds the size of Gen Con they can disappear in a flash. The leash kept me reassured that if that happened I wouldn't lose her.

The best day for the exhibit hall will probably be Friday. Be sure to go through the Family Fun section of the exhibit hall. Companies like Habba have games for very young kids.

Obviously bring snacks and drinks for her. Be prepared to step away from the convention as needed. It can be over-stimulating for adults for kids it can be even more so. If you have a downtown hotel room that is perfect, if not there are plenty of quieter spots on the second floor of the ICC. Your title says "us" so I am guessing that you have a partner coming along. Be sure to take turns on who will be the one to take care of your daughter if special attention is needed. If you bring your daughter to an event clear it with the GM before the game starts and make sure it is not going to disrupt things too much if you need to leave.

Most of that is pretty common sense. The only "hack" I have is if your kid is anything like mine and likes attention put her in a comfortable geeky toddler costume. The constant attention and requests for photos made my kids feel so special and definitely upped their tolerance for how much convention they could handle.

Finally be sure to be aware of everyone around you. Like it or not there are plenty of people who do not think that small children should be allowed at the con or on the show floor. Be sure to prove them wrong by showing that parents can be courteous even while pushing a small stroller.

Edit: Fixed my daughter's age.

I took my Timbuk2 Spire backpack to the last 2 Origins and found it really useful for a number of reasons.

• Expandable height. Could fit 2 FFG square box games in that way.
  
  
• breathable back kept my shirt dry
  
  
• has 2 upright compartments inside, one for tablet, one for laptop. I didn't have a laptop but it would be great for your handbook.
  
  
• convenient water bottle mesh on one side
  
  
• waterproof
  
  
• Outside pockets for chargers, etc. Easy to get to.
  
  
• inside zippered organizer
  
  
• daisy chain webbing for hanging anything additional off of
  
  
• sternum strap to keep bag high on shoulders (better for weight distribution and posture)
  
  and
  
  wait for it
  
  
• bottle opener on front strap
  
  https://www.amazon.com/Timbuk2-306-3-2007-Spire-Backpack/dp/B014350FB6
  

I was curious as well, and did some googling and found this. I'm guessing this, or something like it, is what OP meant.

Looks like it's basically a bag with something like this built into it. Interesting, I'd probably just get the separate charger and put it in whatever bag I already have.

I have this and I love it. To the point that I got it for GC 2014, somehow lost it after (don't ask) and actually just bought another one for this year. The mesh keeps your back cool, it is small and low profile, it's big enough for what you need, not big enough to allow you to cram a load of extra crap you don't need. It can easily fit a player's handbook, even though it looks small.

Edited to add - it also has a couple smaller compartments on the front for stuff like pencils/dice that might get lost in the main compartment easily.

When I wear costumes, I use a custom badge holder I made using a simple clear badge holder and a clear KAM clip. I just cut the metal clip off and use the vinyl strap to connect them.

The badge doesn't flop around, you can put it in a lot of places, and since it's all clear it's still on display but doesn't draw the eye as much.

Just be careful, the clips are strong, but not perfect. I've never lost a badge, but it's possible if you put it on thin silk or very very thick fabric.

If you want history the best you can get is "Playing at the World". Very thorough.

https://www.amazon.com/Playing-at-World-Jon-Peterson/dp/0615642047/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1495168274&sr=8-1&keywords=playing+at+the+world

Messenger bags are the way to go if you plan to spend any time in the dealers' hall. Way easier to manoeuvre through the crowds and much friendlier for those around you. I use the one I got Kickstarting D-Day Dice years ago.

I picked up the worlds greatest gm screen a few years ago. I've never needed another.

See if you can find it at the makers table. If they are here.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.amazon.com/Worlds-Greatest-Screen-Landscape-Horizontal/dp/1591800463&ved=2ahUKEwigrOuK3-LjAhUDuZ4KHb2OAREQFjAAegQIBxAC&usg=AOvVaw03783vkGjELjzvVuXsam0K

Edit. They are here. Hammerdog Games. #2722.

AKOAK 10 Picee Per Pack Plastic Knit Counter Knitting Crochet Stitch Marker Row Counter - 5 Large Size and 5 Small Size - Blue and Red https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N0OTYRI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Y1ZrDbYDQM42P

We use these for gloomhaven. They are a little hard to turn but they work quite well.

My team brought a small USB Battery Charger. Kept our phone at full power each day (9 am to ~Midnight) of the con. We had a 3200mAh 5V/2A, which I could not find online. So here are two I would recommend:

Anker PowerCore+ mini, 3350mAh, 5V/1A (this is a slower charge), small form-factor.

Anker PowerCore 5000, 5000mAh, 5V/2A (like the one I have), bigger than the mini, close to pop can height.

For most people, samples and freebies are less of a thing at Gen Con than at, say, SDCC, but it's always good to be prepared.

I bring two bags: A large-ish messenger bag (I don't like backpacks), to hold books and dice, and a full-sized Army duffel for the one day when I'm planning to hit the vendor hall or otherwise buy stuff. Having to lug around a newly-bought giant stuffed Cthulhu that won't fit in your backpack is annoying!

Might I recommend this?

I have the 20000 model and it lets me recharge several times before having to recharge the battery.

*Edit: I can't format or spell correctly the first time around.

Direct Action Dragon Egg, relative to other options it is relatively expensive. However, the comfort level far outweighs the cost.

https://www.amazon.com/Direct-Action-Dragon-Tactical-Backpack/dp/B00VN6VZL8

Also, messenger bags are evil things that need to be eradicated from the planet. Nothing but shoulder pain distribution systems.

I've got one of these. Real durable, lots of space, and light when not filled with board games.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0025ZHZK6/

Star Wars books are

• http://www.amazon.com/Shadows-Empire-Planets-Guide-Star/dp/0874312841/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1344459092&sr=8-1&keywords=0874312841
  
• http://www.amazon.com/Pirates-Privateers-Star-Wars-RPG/dp/0874312949/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1344459139&sr=1-1&keywords=0874312949
  
• http://www.amazon.com/Operation-Elrood-Star-Wars-RPG/dp/0874312914/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1344459170&sr=1-1&keywords=0874312914
  
• http://www.amazon.com/Star-Gamemaster-Screen-Editon-Revised/dp/0874312884/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1344459195&sr=1-1&keywords=0874312884
  
• http://www.amazon.com/Star-Wars-Movie-Trilogy-Sourcebook/dp/0874311985/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1344459238&sr=1-1&keywords=0874311985