Back To School or Nursery – Are You Ready?

We know the summer holidays are in full swing, so you’re probably wondering why on earth we’re trying to frighten you with a headline like the above.

But we also know that the summer months fly by, and we want to help make sure you’re as prepared as you can be when it comes to supplies for the new term.

For some children, the thought of going to school or a new daycare setting can cause anxiety.

Reaching new milestones can be tough on parents, too, but making sure you don’t leave preparations until the last minute can help ease the transition.

Even before they start the next chapter, using special gifts can gently enthuse children about what’s around the corner.

So whether they’re going to nursery, reception, or simply starting a new term in a new school year, we’ve got some gorgeous, practical items to send them on their way.

Zoo-faced friends that have your little one’s back

Think ‘back to school’ and most of us instantly think of the staple school backpack.

Chirpy children’s brand Skip Hop Zoo has an utterly gorgeous selection of personality-filled backpacks that will mean your child has a constant companion close at hand.

Choose from a range of quirky creatures including a fox, dino, llama, bat, bee, monkey, unicorn, giraffe or butterfly.

Easy to clean, with comfy padded straps and an insulated pouch for snacks, these backpacks mix easy-to-clean functionality with adorable design.

Reach the end of your tether – in a good way!

For littler ones – from 12m to 4 years - Skip Hop Zoo’s Safety Harnesses are mini versions of the backpacks, with detachable tethers to keep the smallest travellers at a safe distance.

With the same friendly zoo faces and adjustable pack straps, your little one will feel like a grownup, while you can keep them firmly in sight on the school run or in crowded spaces.  

Loveable lunching

Unfamiliar settings can play havoc with little ones’ appetites – but you can help make mealtimes something to look forward to with a Skip Hop Zoo Little Kid Lunch Kit.

These ‘big kid’ lunchbox and snack containers encourage independent eating and feature easy-open clips in fun shapes.

What’s more, they come in a selection of loveable creatures including a bee, butterfly or giraffe.

Introducing one of these before your child begins a new routine will help create familiarity in an new environment.

Mess-free snacking

Ensure that snack time is a less messy affair with a Skip Hop Zoo Snack Cup.

The easy grip handle is perfect for the tiniest of hands, and the double lid design keeps snacks from spilling out, even when tipped over.

Keep those slippery bananas neatly contained and say ‘hooray’ for crumb-free snacking.

Singing in the rain

The start of the autumn term generally means it’s one step closer to brolly season - not that you need a dedicated time of year to guarantee rain in Wales, of course.

Keep your child sheltered from the elements with these beautifully illustrated Djeco umbrellas, with a range of endearing illustrations including froglets, butterflies or dogs.

Or, shop the beautiful Skip Hop Zoobrella range and let Darby Dog and Blossom Butterfly brighten up a rainy day.

Standout hairware

If fabulous hairware is your daughter’s thing, then this Rockahula My School Hair Set, available in three colours, comes complete with its own satchel-style gift box to help you keep them together.

With 16 assorted items, whether your little girl is crazy about glitter or gingham, this set will help make sure there isn’t a hair out of place when she enters the school gates in September. 

Snug as a bug in a (recycled plastic) rug

Stylish, quilted and lightweight, these Frugi Toasty Trail Jackets are perfect for those showery schooldays.

What’s more, they’re made from 100% recycled plastic and pack away easily into their own matching lightweight bags.

Arts and crafts

The perfect addition to any arts and craft kit, the Djeco 10 Magic Felt Tip Pens set contains nine markers which can be transformed to another colour when coloured over with the special white pen.

If your child likes putting pen to paper, then this A5 Jellycat Glad to be Me Pink Notebook has a soft cover and will capture your little one’s musings beautifully.

For the budding bookworm

For budding little bookworms, these Orange Tree Puppy Bookends will help keep their school books together.

Stock up for September at Maple 

Whether you're passing one of out stores, want to click and collect, or simple order online and have all your school essentials delivered to your door - we have all you need in from bright and colourful backpacks, to lunchboxes that deliver. Shop our 'Back to School' collection today.