Must Have’s for your Independent Little Traveller! And My Doodles Giveaway!

I love this time of year!

The long summer days are full of beautiful bright, warm sunshine, which makes it all the more tempting, and easy, for us to want to nip out on the odd day trip or two.  With the school holidays only just around the corner now, you can smell the air of excitement as families plan their forthcoming trips.

If you’ve seen a previous post of mine, it lists some absolutely ideal travel essentials for your little ones, but, what about when they start to grow up a little?

My eldest daughter is only four, and will be starting school in September.

She’s already proved to us that she’s up for a challenge and as determined as ever, and there’s nothing she loves more than fending for herself and acting all grown up.  Especially of course, when you’re in a rush to get out of the door but she has to do everything herself!

With this in mind I’ve come up with a little list of my top picks for those kids who want to feel a little bit more independent on those much treasured outings, day trips and getaways.

Of course, they’re not at all big enough to be totally self-reliant, (plus I’m afraid I’m one of those mum’s who’s going to cling on to the fact that they are small and in need of my care for a fair few years yet!), but why not let them feel a little bit grown up every now and then, just for those few hours at least…

They could look after their own spending money for the day (10p is the norm nowadays right??) 1.  Personalised Building Brick Inspired Purse 2.  Rockahula Jersey Stripe Clasp Purse, Pink

And of course they need to be able to keep their spending money nice and safe in a fun and super cute backpack… 3.  My Doodles Children’s Character Robot Rucksack*

Oh, and it’s essential that they travel in luxury and style…. so this neck cushion is ideal for the job at hand 4.  My Doodles Fun Novelty Children’s Character Travel Pillow Cushion – Bee*

How about giving them the responsibility also of picking a few snacks for the journey/outing.  These are fab little lunch boxes and snack pots which would fit perfectly into those backpacks…

5.  Very Hungry Caterpillar Snack Boxes

6.  Forest Lunch Box

7.  And, if they’re going to be sat chatting to their friends over their sandwiches, naturally they’ll need somewhere dry to sit, but let’s keep it fun with a bright picnic rug like this Clouds Waterproof one at Cath Kidston

8.  Perhaps they’re old enough to tell the time too. Mine isn’t quite yet, but she does absolutely love to try and tell the time. So, if you tell them they can eat when the hands are both at the top – ta-dah – they can let you know it’s time for lunch!

My Doodles Children’s Novelty Character Snap-On Wrist Watch – Pink Owl*

My Doodles Children’s Novelty Character Snap-On Wrist Watch – Alien*

Just in case they’ve packed themselves a yummy jelly or yoghurt, how about some really fun character cutlery to help it down…

9.  4pc Children’s Cutlery Set – Smile

And, if it’s an exciting sleepover somewhere, of course they’ll need their very own wash bag & toiletries sets!

10.  Princess Lillifee Washbag Travel Set  &  Captain Sharky Washbag Travel Set

And then, something I particularly love to do which gets my girls feeling really grown up, and giving them the height of responsibility – their very own camera and scrapbooks or journals in which to jot down notes, stick in their favourite moments and photos, and keep hold of any treasures they find….

11.  Little Monster Macy Scrapbook & Little Monster Mara Scrapbook

12.  VTech Kidizoom Twist Plus Camera

13.  Children’s Travel Journal

As you can see from these photos below of a recent day out to the fab Marwell Zoo, Holly and Mollie absolutely loved them! I had to enlist poor Mollie at the last minute (as a stand in for Ella who still couldn’t walk after her accident), but she was delighted to be running around wearing the same matching bag as her bestie!!

My Doodles Giveaway…

The lovely people at MyDoodles, have these two super cute snap on watches up for grabs.  I absolutely love these – bright, fun and easy to wear with no fiddly fixings, making them perfect for little ones to put them on themselves.  Plus, I adore how even my little Ella can wear them too, as the ‘snap-on’ feature makes them fit any size wrist perfectly.

All you need to do is enter below for your chance to get your hands on them.  Once the competition is closed, a winner will be selected at random. Easy huh! Your little ones will love you!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The competition will close on Friday 17th July at midnight, so be sure to get your entries in by then. The winner will then be selected at random and contacted via email. Unfortunately this is open to UK residents only.

*Disclaimer: I was sent these items for the purposes of this review and giveaway, but all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.