It’s hard to get a handle on drink boxes. One squeeze too many and mom’s cleaning up a tidal wave of apple juice.

Keep the mess to a minimum with Innobaby’s new Keepaa drink holder. The expandable sleeve gives sippers a handle to grip everything from milk boxes to yogurt smoothies.

We tested ours on a newly independent drinker and rather than cursing the day Capri Sun created the pouch, we enjoyed a stress-free, spill-free beverage break. The sleeve also collapses flat, which makes for easy transport to play spaces and birthday parties (a.k.a. messy drink territory).

Like all of Innobaby’s products, the Keepaa is free of BPA, phthalates, PVC, and lead, so it’s as safe as it is useful.

We’ll drink to that.

Available online at innobaby.com, $6.

GLIDE
Franciscan Polar Plaza
What: Bundle up for a spin on the open-air rink.
Why: Plenty of room for your ice princess to practice.
When: Thru Jan. 2, 2012. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (New Year’s Eve, 10 a.m.-midnight.)
Where: Tollefson Plaza, Pacific Ave., at S. 17th St. Adults and children, $8; skate rental, $2.

PLAN AHEAD
Children’s Films from Around the World
What: Free movies from as far as Latvia and Taiwan keep them entertained during break (ages 3 and up).
Why: It’s enough to get him off his Disney kick.
When: Dec. 28 & 29, 2-4 p.m.
Where: The Seattle Public Library, Central Library, Microsoft Auditorium, 1000 Fourth Ave., lvl. 1 (206-386-4636).

TWINKLE
West Seattle Lights
What: Tune your car radio to 101.9 FM and watch illuminated displays flicker to holiday music.
Why: Take nonperishable food items for the West Seattle Food Bank or kick a few bucks to local charities.
When: Thru Dec. 31. Mon.-Thurs. & Sun., 5-9 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 5-10 p.m. (Christmas Eve, Christmas Day & New Year’s Eve, 4 p.m.-midnight).
Where: 3908 SW Charlestown St. Free.

Photo: Courtesy of Innobaby