Zoom Through Your Studies
Need a reasonably priced but reliable laptop to aid your child’s learning? Lenovo’s ideapad Slim 1-11AST-05 laptop is a compact device, ideal for web browsing and word processing when completing homework. This year’s cohort will no doubt be used to online studying by now, but it might be the ideal time to help them harness those newly honed independent learning skills with a tool that can truly support them in a new term.
£199 (includes one-year Microsoft Office 365 subscription)
Johnlewis.com
Let’s Face It
Many parents will think it prudent that their children wear a face mask while travelling to school, especially if they have to use public transport. While there’s certainly no harm in being cautious, remember that kids may want to choose a mask that suits their style or latest obsession, especially if it means they’ll be more likely to actually wear it!
Disney (pack of 4): £20
Manchester City (pack of 3): £15
Shopdisney.co.uk
Shop.mancity.com
Don’t Be Alarmed
While we know they haven’t exactly been lazing around for months on end, getting up and out of the door on time for school come September is still going to be a painful transition for many families. We love this innovative alarm clock which you simply turn over to the ‘ON’ position to set the alarm and then turn back over to ‘OFF’ when waking up. A sleek and stylish gadget for the bedside table, it’s another tactic in helping them use their devices a little less too!
£43.91
Thedesigngiftshop.com
It’s obviously important to stay hydrated, especially at school, but to prevent mix-ups and potential cross-contamination, a personalised reusable water bottle is a great way to help those who are a little wary about starting at school again to create a sense of ownership over their possessions, as well as be mindful of the school’s new hygiene rules.
£7.50
Andsotoshop.com
Straight to Uni(ball)
It’s almost become a bit of a tradition to get some fancy new pens or a pencil case for the new term, and who doesn’t love a new pack of snazzy pens for feeling mighty organised when school starts? One of the world’s favourite rollerballs for more than 20 years, Uni Ball’s Eye Fine unique ‘uni-flow’ system is said to ensure a consistent and continuous ink flow right to the last drop so you don’t have to worry about the pen jamming or ink running out. It is the perfect everyday, neat-writing pen for both school and higher education.
Find the Middle Ground
While there’ll be a tendency to feel like there’s a whole lot of catching up to do, it is important to remind the young people in your household that it is important that they still spend their free time wisely, with time still invested in extra-curricular hobbies.
With swimming pools and many other activities still curtailed, why not instead pick up a book for your adventurous nine to 12-year-old? We’ve selected the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2020 shortlisted ‘The Middler’ by Kirsty Applebaum. This gripping dystopian story of forbidden friendship, loyalty and betrayal is perfect for fans of Malorie Blackman, Meg Rosoff and Frances Hardinge…
11-year-old Maggie lives in Fennis Wick, enclosed and protected from the outside world by a boundary, beyond which the Quiet War rages and the dirty, dangerous wanderers roam. Her brother Jed is eldest, revered and special. A hero. Her younger brother is Trig – everyone loves Trig. But Maggie’s just a middler; invisible and left behind. Then, one hot September day, she meets Una, a hungry wanderer girl in need of help, and everything Maggie has ever known gets turned on its head.
£6.99
Waterstones.com