HOLIDAY PACKING GUIDE: THE KIDS

Words: Lindsay Samson | Styling: Chris Viljoen | Images: Jacobus Snyman 

PSA: School’s almost out. Although a time of carefree frivolity for your kids, the holidays can be maddening as parents, what with having the little ones home full time, planning end-of-year celebrations (while attending work ones) and working your way through Christmas gift wishlists. Keen to whisk everyone away for a much-needed family breather? Terrific. Get to planning and booking all the activities to keep them busy, while we relieve some of the what-to-pack pressure. From local camping visits to beach-filled days and everything in between, we’ve got some pointers to make packing for the kids a breeze.

Here’s a top-five summer holiday destination for your kids to let loose, run free and splash about. If you’re heading to the coast for a few days, one swimsuit is plenty to pack. Just make sure to rinse and hang out to dry after every salt-water swim. Pack your kids’ backpacks for them to carry their own sunhat, child-friendly sunscreen and some fresh sandwiches and healthy snacks for when their tummies start to grumble. Plus, don’t forget a bucket and spade for building sandcastles or burying each other in the sand, a bouncy beach ball for some beach soccer or volleyball – and more than one pair of flip-flops, just in case one gets lost in the surf.

What’s more adventurous than pitching a tent in the great outdoors? Pay extra consideration to the shoes you pack for this trip. Depending on the environment, sneakers will protect their feet from the thorns and thistles that come with long walks to the site. If the terrain is less rough, pack a pair of comfortable sandals. Fun games for the kids to play together (and with you!) will always go down a treat: Snakes and Ladders, Junior 30 Seconds, Uno and a deck of cards. Water bottles will keep your kids hydrated during gentle hikes and torches and lanterns come in handy as soon as the sun sets. Give them their own mini toiletry bag with a mini toothbrush, toothpaste and face cloth: they might be on holiday, but that doesn’t mean their hygiene routines are. For the cooler nights, they'll need snug hoodies and sweatshirts, plus a brightly coloured POP CANDY rain jacket for any unexpected summer showers.

You’ve likely already mentally prepared for the innumerable times they ask, “Are we there yet?” We suggest having a few items ready to keep them entertained, such as a tablet to watch movies and play games in the backseat (along with headphones if things get too noisy) or their favourite interactive books. Plus, a neck pillow is always a good idea for naptime. To avoid hyperactive kids on a sugar high, perhaps skip the endless supply of milkshakes and gummy sweets. Keep nutritious, non-messy snacks on hand – think apple slices, baby carrots, nuts and blocks of cheese. Since you’ll be in the car for a while, opt for clothing that's breathable and easy to wear like cotton shorts and skirts, so they'll stay suitably comfy and cool.

Headed to the big city these holidays? Pack the comfiest shoes possible, since you’ll likely spend most of your time walking around while sightseeing or going on city strolls and museum, zoo or restaurant visits. Keep a bag packed with a spare change of clothes along with disinfectant wipes, tissues and sunscreen. Think of this as your emergency kit to keep them fresh and clean after all the touching, tasting, spilling and exploring they’ll be doing. Add an adorable pair of sunnies to protect their eyes from the sun while strolling and lend their look a cool city vibe. And think about getting your kids an Instax camera so they can capture their own city memories.