The summer holidays are all about slowing down, being together, and creating memories as a family. Whether you're heading to the coast, the countryside, or simply enjoying staycation days in the garden, there’s something truly special about sharing time with your family that doesn’t involve screens.
In those little in-between moments – waiting for food at a restaurant, resting in the shade on a warm beach day, or winding down after a day of adventures – having a bag filled with creative tools can turn ordinary pauses into magical, mindful moments.
A small creative kit can spark their imagination, calm their minds, and give them a space to express all the experiences of the day. Here are our favourite things to pack for your child’s summer holiday “creative bag”:
Coloured pencils ✏️
Easy to pack and mess-free, coloured pencils are perfect for drawing what you see around you or illustrating your favourite memory from the day.
Pens and markers 🖊️
Add a variety of colours and types – fine liners, brush pens, maybe even a metallic one or two for that little extra sparkle.
Watercolours 🎨
A small travel set of watercolours is ideal for gentle painting sessions. Just add a little water and watch the magic unfold – perfect for breaks and mindful moments.
Paint brushes 🖌️
Bring a few different sizes. Round tips for details, flat tips for washes. Many come in compact travel versions.
Sketching pad 📒
A dedicated space for your summer creations – drawings, little notes, leaf rubbings, or travel journal entries. A sketchpad invites storytelling and creativity.
Small scissors ✂️
Kid-friendly scissors allow for cutting paper, leaves, or ticket you want to collect for your journal.
Stickers 🧡
A handful of fun stickers can decorate drawings, add personality for your creations, or be shared with new friends along the way.
Glue stick 🧴
For collages, scrapbooking, or sticking favourite finds into your sketchpad.
Mesh pouch or zip bag 🧳
A see-through pouch keeps everything together and makes it easy to grab when you're heading out for the day. No digging around the suitcase for lost pens!
Yatzy Game Pad 🎲
Tuck a Yatzy block and a few dice into the creative bag – it’s a simple, nostalgic game the whole family can enjoy together. Whether you're waiting for dinner at a café or winding down after a long beach day, a quick round of Yatzy invites laughter, connection, and a bit of friendly competition.
Creating this kind of little bag can become a lovely ritual before the holidays begin – something your child helps pack and looks forward to using.
It’s not just about keeping them entertained – it’s about giving them tools to express themselves, slow down, and be truly present. And you might just find yourself reaching for the sketchpad too.