My 10 Random Favourite Kids’ Items
With all the Back To School messaging going around lately, I thought it was worthwhile to share my favourite, random items for kids (my guys are almost 10 and 7, for context) at the moment.
I’m always on the hunt for the most reliable version of any item that gets used a lot in our household — lunchboxes, drink bottles, sneakers, games, hats — and after almost a decade of parenting I feel pretty well-versed in which brands are worthy of a mention.
Being out of the baby and toddler stage for a while now, when I shop for new kids things I’m always looking for quality, hand-me-down-ability, ease of use and designs that won’t horrify my opinionated tweens. It’s a fine line, let me tell you, but I maintain that my finger is always firmly on the pulse of what’s cool and what isn’t (I just have to keep reminding my children of this!).
Anyway, here’s what I’m vibing and rating for the little people in our lives right now.
Yumbox Lunchboxes
We bought our first Yumbox almost 10 years ago and it’s still going strong! Needless to say I don’t bother with any other brand now. I’ve got a few different sizes, but the most used for school are the Tapas and Presto styles — they’re the biggest. My pro tip for these is to buy an extra insert for them, so you can have one washed and ready to go on rotation — handy for school days as they do take a while to dry because of all the nooks and crannies.
The stainless steel Presto style is heavier than the plastic but this hasn’t been an issue for my kids (aged 9 and 7). An investment for sure but worth it, don’t bother with the imitations.
2. Hey Clay
My good friend Jess put me onto this and my kids are both obsessed. I usually steer clear of anything that requires an app, but the way this works is actually super impressive. The clay is light as a feather, doesn’t stick to household objects, and the app makes creating gorgeous creatures so easy and fun. Highly recommend this as a gift for kids up to 10 years old.
3. Owala FreeSip Drink Bottle
Ok so full disclosure, I don’t own this yet, but as someone who has all the “viral” drink bottles going around at the moment, I can assure you they are not worth the hype. I actually hate water bottles with straws so this new sipping mechanism appeals to me a lot. I’m going to try it with my son who is notoriously destructive and chews plastic straws to bits. Bonus points for all the fab colours and sleek design.
4. Gro-To Two-in-Fun
If you live near a beach, have a pool or generally spend a lot of time in water during summer, you’ll know how annoying the hair washing ritual is with kids. I now have this on hand in my bathroom for days where I don’t want to do a full-on shampoo and conditioner wash with my daughter and son but still want their hair freshened up.
It smells really good and definitely detangles! The consistency is thicker than normal shampoo so I always check they’ve rinsed it properly — it does take a little extra time. Super handy for post-pool showers.
5. Birkenstocks
I’ve never scrimped on kids’ footwear and both my guys have graduated from Saltwater Sandals to Birkenstocks in recent years. I love that they come in different widths, colours, and that there’s a waterproof version for the beach.
I’ve found as kids get older, they don’t want to bother with sandal straps and fussy shoes, so the fact that these are lightweight, comfortable and slip-on is a huge win. My daughter is now in the same size as me so if you’re still in the kidswear size-stage, relish in the affordability for as long as you can!
6. Bostik Blu Tack Colour
A strange one, but hear me out. We’ve never resorted to screens when out to dinner (this is not a flex, trust me it’s often as painful as it sounds) but I do have a packet of these in my handbag at all times to keep the kids occupied between meals.
You can use it the same way as Play Doh but in a much handier packet and way less messy. The kids love it and have competitions to guess the creation. This, plus small scrapbooks and pencils are always part of my restaurant survival kit (and a large glass of wine).
7. Speedo Logo Deck Coat
If your kids do swimming lessons you’ll know how annoying the getting changed rigmarole is, but not with these. I invested in these deck coats during winter and they made the entire process so much simpler. They are made from waterproof parka material on the outside, with a fleecy lining inside, so they are excellent for wearing to and from lessons. They also have a double zip so make getting dressed discreetly really simple. A super handy investment (I sized up generously so we get a few years’ wear out of them).
8. Basics from Arket
To be honest, I only buy kids clothes from a handful of retailers now, and I definitely do not spend big money anymore. Target, Zara, Rebel, The Iconic and Arket are my go-to stores for boys and girls and I love that they make quality basics at an affordable price point.
9. Girls Briefs, Uniqlo
I’ve mentioned these before but they are worthy of a reminder. The best kids underwear you can get, hands down. I find most girls’ undies ride up but these definitely do not. They’re super soft cotton, comfortable and wash really well. I’ll be super bummed when my daughter grows out of their size range as I really love how innocent these are.
10. Nike Unstructured Featherlight Cap
Isn’t this just a cap, I‘m sure you’re asking? Well, no. Just as the name states, it is featherlight in weight, moisture-wicking (excellent for sweaty heads!), can be machine washed easily without being distorted, and super comfortable for little heads. My son won’t wear anything else and I don’t blame him. It’s all about the material and fit here — an excellent all-rounder that can also be packed in a suitcase easily. A very excellent hat for kids.