Very few children can resist a shiny new bag or a backpack. It's somewhere to store treats and treasures and an opportunity to take favourite toys on outdoor adventures. To us parents, they're often a milestone marked and a sign that our children are growing up - we buy our little ones bags of their own for holidays, special days out or the start of nursery, pre-school, or school itself.
If you haven't had a chance to flick through our latest catalogue or have a quick browse online, you might not know that we've recently added three backpacks to our collection: dinosaur, bunny hop and in the garden. They're made from sturdy, wipe-clean oilcloth and feature a zipped front pocket, an internal net pocket, adjustable shoulder straps, a hanging loop, and large, easy to pull zip tabs. We think you're going to love them ... and your children, too.
Over the past few weeks, some of the members of the GLTC testing team have been putting their backpacks to the test, taking them on walks, trips to the park, and days out. The response has been so positive - take a look at the photos below. We also asked the mums for their thoughts on getting out and about during the colder months, favourite autumn crafts, and the weird and wonderful things found in their children's backpacks. Have a read:
CHARLI - BLOGGER AT CANDIDLY RHUBARB AND MUM TO DAISY, RALPH AND RUFUS
How do you encourage your children to spend time outdoors now that the weather is getting slightly cooler?
Well, I force them to walk home from school, come rain or shine as I find it’s a good way for them to decompress after a busy day. Getting outdoors is also one of the main advantages to having a pet dog. No matter how much you might want to hibernate on the sofa for the day, we always have to get out for at least a bit of fresh air, to keep the pooch happy.
Do you have any favourites places in the local area to go to or to visit?
We are very fortunate to live a stone’s throw from some of the most beautiful parts of the country. A short drive into the Yorkshire Dales, Ilkley Moor, Knaresborough Castle (to name a few); or even just our stroll home from school, past fields full of wildlife. And with Leeds on our doorstep, we’re never short of options when it comes to city jaunts too. We just pack up a backpack with drinks, snacks and poobags (for the dog!) and the county is our oyster.
Autumn crafts? A lover or a hater? And why?
I’m definitely more or a summer gal, but there’s something really magical about autumn and we really do get into the spirit with pumpkin picking & carving, decking out the house for Halloween, making Bonfire Might treats... Not to mention getting my hook out and crocheting new winter hats for everyone! It’s probably the only time of year that we really do get into crafting. Especially because the kids love nothing more than filling their bags and pockets with conkers, acorns, crunchy leaves and any other bits of autumnal detritus that they find outside and glueing it all into various pictures and models as soon as they step through the door.
What's the strangest thing you've ever found in your children's pockets or backpacks?
We went to a “baby rave” once and when we got home, I discovered an M&S Chicken and Hummus sandwich in Ralph’s bag. He must’ve pilfered it from someone else’s bag at the rave. He doesn’t even like hummus!
RACHEL - BLOGGER AT THE ORDINARY LOVELY AND MUM TO JAMES AND MATTHEW
How do you encourage your children to spend time outdoors now that the weather is getting slightly cooler?
My eight year old, James, is sports mad so he needs little to no persuasion to head outdoors - it's trickier getting him back in again. It's a different story with my homely five year old, whose dream day involves staying in pyjamas and playing with Lego and marbles. We have a no outdoor time/no sweet treat rule which pretty much forces him outdoors on walks and to play. Once he's gotten over the shock of swapping his dressing gown for a coat and has been reunited with his bike, he thoroughly enjoys himself, though. We also give the boys a little bit of pocket money for helping in the garden - it gets them out in the fresh air and in turn, enhances their football card collection.
Do you have any favourites places in the local area to go to or to visit?
We're fortunate to live in the midst of the Welsh countryside but only a short drive from the coast. Erddig Hall and Bodnant Garden - both National Trust properties - are two places where we spend a lot of time, but you can't beat fish n chips on the seafront in Llandudno.
Autumn crafts? A lover or a hater? And why?
I love crafts all year round. I'm always conjuring up things for the home out of bits of paper and string. I'm like a wannabe Blue Peter presenter, really. That trait has rubbed off on the boys as they don't think twice about raiding the craft cupboard and sitting down and constructing weird and wonderful things. I love it because it's good for their imaginations and fine motor skills. Although, glitter and I are not firm friends. Too much mess!
What's the strangest thing you've ever found in your children's pockets or backpacks?
Matthew has a real obsession with sticks. He can't pass a fallen branch or twig without picking it up and wanting to take it home. I find them in his backpack, under his bed, around the house, by the backdoor, in the boot of the car, they really are everywhere. But you can make great toys out of them - have a look at this bow and arrows DIY.
TARYN - BLOGGER AT 3 LITTLE LADIES AND ME AND MUM TO ELLIE, PHOEBE AND LOTTIE
How do you encourage your children to spend time outdoors now that the weather is getting slightly cooler?
We wrap up warm and keep moving at the playground or on our bikes and scooters. The girls also really enjoy taking part in little trails and puddle jumping! There's always the lure of a nice warm hot chocolate to look forward to at the end of our adventure too!
Do you have any favourites places in the local area to go to or to visit?
We are National Trust members and love exploring their wonderful sites. Wimpole Hall and Belton House are favourites. Although we love the country we also love a visit to the city and the girls really enjoy catching the train to London or Cambridge.
Autumn crafts? A lover or a hater? And why?
Lover! There is so much room for creativity and lots of inspiration around with all the colour at this time of year and it's a great way to teach the girls about the world around them. Our favourites are leaf printing and making Halloween decorations. We also enjoy baking and making Autumn scented play dough.
What's the strangest thing you've ever found in your children's pockets or backpacks?
The girls love hoarding things and will fill their pockets and back packs with all sorts of treasures. Phoebe is like a little magpie and picks up anything sparkly she finds and squirrels it away. I often find sticks, shells, stones and coins in their bags - all such treasures to them! They love carrying around their toys and comforters in their backpacks too, I think it gives them a real sense of responsibility and also ownership of their belongings.