Kids Travel Part 2: Packin' a Punch

Stuffed animals, books, crayons, tiny plastic game pieces with no home, all somehow manage to make their way into little one’s packing. You simply cannot leave the house without “those” three blocks, they are essential! Packing with and for kids can be a maddening experience. As part of The Giggle Guide’s™ ongoing Travel Series, we are exploring kids’ backpacks — perfect for overnight trips, sleepovers, day outings, and weekends at Grandma’s! We have found some backpacks that should be front and center!

Dabbawalla: Packed for Pre-schoolers’ Fun

Dabbawalla, started by sisters Susan Givens and Carol Mack, is a backpack collection specifically designed for use by pre-schoolers. Simple and modern, child-friendly designs with bold colors these packs are perfect for real comfort and everyday use. Instead of using stiff and sometimes harmful fabrics found in some backpacks, the Dabawalla brand is made completely from neoprene, the same durable and flexible fabric used for wetsuits. Neoprene is safe for kids with, no lead or PVC, and is machine washable and stain-resistant.

Perfect for overnight stays or packing for a class field trip, the Dabbawalla backpack has a wide zippered opening with three interior pockets for tiny essentials. Straps adjust from the inside. eliminating hanging strings. A padded handle is perfect for adults too, and strap sadjust to eliminate dragging shoulder straps, if carried as a bag. Bags retail for $42.

For more information visit www.Dabbawalla.com.

Mimi the Sardine: Earth and Kid Friendly

Mimi the Sardine is a family-owned business based in California that has been emphasizing caring for one’s family and the Earth since 1989. Products are fun,with vibrant colors and joyful patterns. The Mimi on the Go backpacks feature a trendy rectangular design and all-kid designs, including Hybrid Cars, Flowers, the jungle, and Propellers, covered in helicopters.

All backpacks are durable, machine washable and dryer safe! Made from organic European fabrics, these backpacks pass all safety tests and are Oeko-Tex 100 Standard certified. The eco-coated cotton is soil and water-resistant. Fabrics are designed in Sweden, produced in Estonia and manufactured into bags in San Francisco, USA. Packs have adjustable straps with a large main compartment for all of those packing essentials. Mimi the Sardine packs suggested retail is about $37.

For more information visit www.MimiTheSardine.com

Dante Beatrix: More Style per Mile!

Dante Beatirx, a New York based line, brings new meaning to childhood-chic with their modern twist on childhood patterns. Bold colors and clean lines are the centerpiece of this line. Coordinating with its wheelie bags, featured in the Luggage addition of our Travel series, Dante Beatrix offers Big Kid Backpacks as well. These stylish packs are fit for kids ages 5-10.

Made of durable and easily-cleaned nylon, these backpacks are large enough to be functional. and cute enough for kids to love. The bag features two side pockets, one large front pocket, with an interior compartment in the oversized main space. Padded straps add comfort, with back panel name tag.

Styles are available in Percival the Dino, Deter the Monkey, Nigel the Shark, Esther the Bunny, and Fei-Fei the Panda. Bags retail for $52.

For more information visit www.DanteBeatrix.com.

Outside Baby:Get Out and Play!

For kids who camp, hike, or safari, Outside Baby has the pack for them! Based along the Hood River in Oregon, this outdoorsy company focuses on giving kids and parents the tools to “Get out and Play.” The Kid’s Day Pack is an oversized backpack with room to spare and compartments designed for rugged outdoor essentials. Products are windproof and water-resistant with specially designed fabric that stands up to nature. Packs are ergonomically designed and feature side zippered pockets and mesh compartment for water bottle.

The Outside Baby Kid’s Day Pack retails for $29.99 and is available in blue/khaki and red/orange.

For more information visit www.OutsideBaby.com.

Check out Part 1 of our Kid Travel Series here. Coming soon … entertaining kids on the go! Do you have a product made for family travel that packs a sales punch? Let The Giggle Guide™ know. New Comment, send them my way . Editorial Director David Gaunt,