As a busy London mum, planning a summer getaway can be both exciting and daunting. You want to ensure your family is prepared for adventure while staying stylish and comfortable. That’s where our curated list of summer travel essentials comes in. From eco-friendly swimwear and skincare to innovative gadgets for the kids, we’ve got everything you need to make your 2024 summer holiday unforgettable. Dive into our guide and get ready to pack your bags with the best picks for a fun-filled family trip!
Beachwear and Swimwear
Kai Men’s Recycled Graphic Rash Vest
Price: £19.99 (Mountain Warehouse)
Ensure superior protection and style with the Animal Men’s Kai Recycled Graphic Rash Vest. Made from recycled polyester, this vest offers lightweight comfort and UPF 50+ sun protection. Its quick-drying, stretchy fabric is both chlorine and saltwater resistant, making it perfect for all your water sports adventures.
- Sun Protection: UPF 50+
- Material: 100% Recycled Polyester
- Quick Drying: Stays dry and comfortable
- Durable: Resistant to chlorine and saltwater
Iona Women’s Halter Printed Bikini Top
Price: £22.99 (Mountain Warehouse)
Whether lounging by the pool or playing beach volleyball, the Animal Iona Women’s Halter Printed Bikini Top has you covered. Made from durable recycled materials, it features an adjustable halter neck and soft cups for comfortable coverage.
- Eco-Friendly: Made with REPREVE® fabric
- Durable: Chlorine and saltwater resistant
- Comfortable Fit: Adjustable and supportive
Bags and Accessories
Waterhouse Deep Blue Recycled Canvas Backpack
Price: £79.95 (ROKA London & Natural History Museum)
For those outdoor adventures or daily commutes, the Waterhouse Field Bag is a must-have. Made from recycled plastic bottles, this waterproof, roll-top backpack combines style with sustainability.
- Size: H 41cm × W 32cm × D 12.5cm
- Capacity: 16.4 litres
- Features: Weather-resistant, vegan-friendly, spacious storage
Skincare and Sun Protection
Stria Lab Stretch Mark Cream
To get your skin summer-ready, this cream firms and smooths the appearance of stretch marks.
Naydaya Scar Saviour
This cream smooths C-section scars with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant natural ingredients like turmeric and marshmallow root.
The Green People Sun Creams
- Organic Children SPF 30: Scent-free, eczema-friendly sun cream.
- Edelweiss SPF 15: Ideal for sensitive, menopausal skin, water repellent.
- Facial SPF 30: Non-greasy, antioxidant-rich sun cream, perfect for sensitive skin.
Delph Sun Care – Affordable Protection for the Whole Family
As London Mums, we’re always on the lookout for effective and budget-friendly sun care products for our families. Delph, a trusted vegan brand, impressed us with its upgraded formulas and stylish new look. Offering robust protection from both UVA and UVB rays, Delph’s sun care range is a must-have. We tested both the SPF30 and SPF50, which respectively block 97% and 98% of UVB rays.
We found Delph SPF30+ and SPF50+ to be extremely water-resistant and gentle on sensitive skin, even for those with skin conditions. No prickly heat here! Delph’s products are perfect for all family members, delivering high protection at an affordable price. The 150ml SPF30 is priced at just £6.49, and the SPF50 at £7.65, while the After Sun Lotion is only £1.99.
We followed the NHS recommendation to apply two tablespoons for the body and two teaspoons for the face, and we were pleased with the generous, effective coverage. Delph sun care products are available at www.weldricks.co.uk and www.amazon.co.uk, making it easy to stock up for summer adventures. Our verdict: Delph is a fantastic, purse-friendly choice for sun protection.
Baby Care
AVEENO® Baby Daily Care
For your little ones, the AVEENO® Baby Daily Care 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner and Hair & Body Wash are mild and perfect for delicate skin.
Gadgets and Tech for Kids
Studio Creator 360 Video Maker Kit
Price: £39.99 (Available on Amazon, Smyths, Argos & Very)
Perfect for young innovators, the Studio Creator 360 Video Maker Kit helps create professional-quality digital content. Equipped with a 25cm LED ring light and a green screen, this kit ensures optimal lighting and versatility for all your creative projects.
- Features: LED ring light, green screen, and tripod
- User-Friendly: Easy setup with a dedicated app
- Versatile: Suitable for videos, live streaming, and more
Photo Creator Instant Pocket Printer
Price: £34.99 (Smyths Toys)
This compact, no-ink printer allows you to print photos directly from your phone. Sync via Bluetooth and personalise your prints with fun stickers and markers.
- Easy Sync: Connects effortlessly with your phone
- Compact & Portable: Perfect for travel
Groov-e Kidz Digital Instant Print Camera
Price: £49.99 (Groov-e)
Let your kids capture and print their summer memories instantly with this fun, user-friendly camera. With features like photo frames, games, and digital filters, it’s perfect for budding photographers.
- Features: 12MP lens, 1080P HD video recording, thermal printing
- Fun & Interactive: Includes games and creative photo options
myFirst CareBuds: Earbuds Designed for Kids
Price: £49.90 (myFirst UK)
These earbuds are designed with safety in mind, featuring Smart Transparency Mode, volume limiting to 85dB, and Environmental Noise Cancellation. Ideal for young listeners, they’re water-resistant and come with a variety of ear tips for a perfect fit.
Useful Travel Gadgets
Loop Equinox Ear Plugs
Perfect for uninterrupted sleep amidst summer buzz, these ear plugs are colourful and funky, designed for the whole family.
Faith in Nature Soap Bar
A natural, liquid-free travel companion that’s kind to your skin, this soap bar is perfect for both body and face.
GudYu Toothpaste Tablets: Your Sustainable Brushing Solution
GudYu offers two eco-friendly, vegan toothpaste tablet flavors designed for precise fluoride dosing and no water waste. The Remineralising & Whitening tablets are for ages 6+ with 1450 ppm fluoride and a fresh mint flavor. The Buttermint tablets are for children aged 3-8 with 1000 ppm fluoride and a creamy mint flavor. To use, simply chew a tablet, brush for two minutes, and spit without rinsing. GudYu is available on a subscription model for £5 per month or as a one-time purchase for £6.50 per month, excluding postage. Founded by dentist Dr. Avinash Sachdev, GudYu aims to eliminate single-use plastics and water waste. Packaged in reusable aluminium tins with compostable refills, GudYu ensures a clean, fresh, and sustainable brushing experience.
Toys
Plus-Plus Tubes
RRP: £6.99 (100pc), £11.99 (240pc)
Stockists: Available from amazon.co.uk and other good toy and gift stores
Plus-Plus HEXEL®
RRP: £12.99
Stockists: Available from amazon.co.uk and other good toy and gift stores
Plus-Plus Learn To Build
RRP: £15.99
Stockists: Available from amazon.co.uk and other good toy and gift stores
Farplace Games
RRP: £5 each
Stockists: Available at farplacegames.com
Anger Smash
RRP: £14.99
Stockists: Available from amazon.co.uk
A Weekend Trip
RRP: £11.99
Stockists: Available from good booksellers. For stockists visit prestel.com
Elmer Puppets
The Puppet Company debuts Elmer the Patchwork Elephant puppets, based on David McKee’s beloved book. The collection includes a glove puppet (£9.99) and a finger puppet (£6.99), available at thepuppetcompany.com.
Miss Nella Kids Makeup
As a mum, navigating the world of children’s products is always an adventure. Finding safe, fun, and engaging items for my kids can be a challenge, so I was eager to try out Miss Nella Kids Makeup. Here’s my honest review of the pros and cons based on our experience.
Pros:
- Safe Ingredients: Miss Nella makeup is free from harmful chemicals, which is crucial for my kids’ sensitive skin. Knowing that the products don’t contain any nasty ingredients gives me peace of mind.
- Creative and Fun: The makeup sets come in vibrant colours that are perfect for playtime and special occasions. They really stimulate my children’s imagination and creativity. My daughter particularly loves the peel-off nail varnish, which she finds easy to apply and remove.
- Appealing Design: The packaging is cute and appealing, with delightful designs that my children adore. The tattoos, nail stickers, and nail file are fun additions that make the sets feel special.
- Mess-Free: The makeup is designed to be mess-free, which is a huge plus. The peel-off nail varnish doesn’t leave any residue, and the makeup is easy to clean off, making it convenient for busy mums.
- Promotes Independence: The products encourage my kids to express themselves and make their own choices. The peel-off nail varnish, in particular, is great for promoting independence as my children can apply and remove it on their own.
Cons:
- Price: The products are a bit pricey compared to other children’s makeup brands. While the quality justifies the cost, it may not be affordable for all families.
- Limited Availability: Miss Nella products are not as widely available in stores as I would like. This can make it challenging to purchase them without ordering online.
- Limited Range for Older Kids: While perfect for younger children, the makeup range might not appeal as much to older kids who may be looking for more sophisticated options.
As a mum, I appreciate the thoughtfulness that has gone into creating Miss Nella’s makeup range. The products are safe, fun, and designed with children in mind. My kids love using the makeup, and I love that it allows them to explore their creativity in a safe way. The price point is a consideration, but for the peace of mind and joy it brings to my children, it’s a worthwhile investment.
Miss Nella has created a wonderful world for children aged 3-12, filled with safe, imaginative, and enjoyable makeup products. Whether it’s the enchanting Mermaid Blue nail varnish that reminds me of my own childhood love for light blue, or the playful tattoos and nail stickers, there’s something magical about this brand that truly stands out.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a children’s makeup brand that prioritises safety, creativity, and fun, Miss Nella is a fantastic choice. Just be prepared for the slightly higher price tag and the occasional need to order online. Happy makeup adventures!
Embrace the summer of 2024 with these essentials, ensuring you and your family have a stylish, fun, and safe holiday season!
Multifunctional Pic Nic bag
Red Waterproof Tote Bag (33L) – Obsidian Black
The Red Waterproof Tote Bag (33L) offers a practical and durable solution for those in need of a reliable carry-all. Designed for versatility, this tote is ideal for various activities, from shopping trips and beach outings to countryside excursions.
Constructed from reinforced recycled nylon with a double-sided TPU coating, the bag is both waterproof and highly resistant to wear and tear. Its self-supporting structure and solid base ensure it stands upright independently, providing ease of access to its spacious 33-litre capacity. The open-top design, secured with a magnetic clip strap, allows for quick and convenient packing, while water-resistant zipped pockets offer a safe place for smaller valuables.
A key feature of this tote is its eco-conscious design. Made from recycled post-consumer plastic, such as PET bottles, and coated with biodegradable, recyclable TPU, the bag is both tough and environmentally friendly. Unlike PVC, TPU is non-toxic and resistant to oil and mould, ensuring long-term durability and easy maintenance with a simple wipe-clean surface.
As a certified B Corp, Red Equipment prioritises sustainability, crafting products with longevity in mind to minimise waste. The Waterproof Tote Bag exemplifies this commitment, offering a stylish yet hard wearing solution for everyday use.
Retailing at £114.95, the Red Waterproof Tote Bag (Obsidian Black) is a premium choice for those seeking a rugged, waterproof, and eco-friendly holdall.
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