The summer holidays are just beginning and whilst we imagine most parents are looking forward to a break from early morning school runs, packed lunch preparation and homework, it’s also going to be a long, hot summer of planning exciting activities to keep the little ones entertained, whether you are travelling or not. So why not get ahead of the game and prepare for the new school term with plenty of time to peruse the latest essentials to ensure your little one is the talk of the school, for all the right reasons! With on-trend lunchboxes fit for a king or queen and backpacks galore, your children will be the talk of the nursery or school; and for all the right reasons!

Top Picks

Skip Hop

The Skip Hop Range is filled with wonderfully animated-looking products, perfect for your children’s return to school. Enjoy the entire range with over 20 animal designs to choose from.From backpacks and lunchboxes to water bottles and snack cups, there is something for everyone!

Skip Hop – Zoo Big Backpack – AED 145

These new backpacks by Skip Hop fit all the essentials your toddler needs (up to an A4 size folder) for the classroom and beyond. A wide, easy-access opening plus a clear front pocket make it a cinch to pack and grab necessities, while the mesh bottle pocket keeps drinks handy. Available in Koala, Pug, and Butterfly.

Skip Hop – Koala and Pug Lunch Bag: AED 59 each

With friendly ZOO® faces, these insulated kids’ lunch bags by family favourite Skip Hop keep food and snacks fresh on-the-go. With an easy flap closure, this is a toddler must-have for school, camps and picnics. The Koala and Pug designs are also a new design this year, with a host of other children’s favourite animals available too!

Skip Hop – Pug Snack Cup: AED 49

Perfect for carrying tasty munchies, this cute cup encourages independent snacking without the mess. The easy-grip handle is sized just right for little hands, and the snap top lid ensures food stays fresh. The flexible inside opening keeps snacks from spilling out. The Koala and Pug designs are also a new design this year, with a host of other children’s favourite animals available too!

Citron

Local, homegrown brand Citron offers a wide range of products appropriate for both children and adults, including lunch boxes with wonderful illustrations and stainless-steel water bottles perfect for keeping the environment safe and healthy.

Citron – Princess and Car Lunchbox: AED 189 each

The award-winning Bento Style Kids Lunchbox from Citron is perfect for both children and adults! You can pack wet foods such as yogurt and any yummy dips or sauces without worry, keeping everything nicely contained. These lunchboxes are extremely safe and are 100% BPA and phthalates free. The 4 handy compartments are perfect for kids that like sandwiches or can eat bigger portions (including a round compartment in the middle designed for yoghurt/dip/sauce). They also come in a large variety of designs to suit all!

Citron – Car Food Jar: AED 109 each Many mothers’ equests have come true, producing the highest possible quality food jar that will keep your little one’s food cold for up to 12 hours or warm for up to 6 hours. This triple insulated food jar comes with a capacity of 300ml. Most jars are double insulated, however this one is triple insulated with an added copper layer between the 2 stainless steel layers to make the food inside stay cold/hot for longer than most available options.

Citron – Stainless Steel Bottle (500ml) – AED 119 eachTheCitron Stainless Steel Water Bottle keeps drinks cool for 24 hours, even in the desert heat! It has been tested with many different drinks and is guaranteed to not retain or transfer flavour or colour.

Childhome

The Childhome range includes two perfect backpacks for your children, whether they are only starting their first days of school or need a bigger backpack for their extra books and stationery. With a range of colours, children are bound to be happy with what Childhome has to offer.

Childhome – My First Bag: AED 189 This first backpack for your little one is cute and practical in equal proportions! The largest compartment is big enough to fit a lunch box and water bottle and the small compartment can be used for all your child’s favourite possessions.

Childhome – ABC School Backpack: AED 269Little ones need a small, compact and easy to carry and to open school bag. This cool ABC school backpack not only looks trendy and cheerful, it is also very practical and large enough for all your children’s daily essentials. With a reflector keyring attached to provide better visibility in the dark, this backpack is both fun and practical.

Skip Hop products can be purchased from: Mumzworld, Carters, MOM Store, Borders, Virgin, First Cry, Bumble Bee, Just Kidding and Five Little Ducks.

Citron products can be purchased on their e-storeCitron.ae, Mumzworld, First Cry, Virgin, Lifestyle, MOM Store, Bumble Bee, Just Kidding and Magrudy’s.

Childhome products are available from Mumzworld, First Cry, MOM Store, Crate&Barrel Kids, Five Little Ducks, Bumble Bee and Elli Junior.