21 Buys To Keep The Kids Occupied (And Parents Sane) This Half Term

Let's try and get them off those screens... for some time at least.
Ghislain & Marie David de Lossy via Getty Images

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Yes it’s half term… again.

Feels like only last week my kids were ‘bored’ battling their way through the Easter holidays. If, like me, you’ve been in denial, half term’s probably crept up on you rather suddenly.

I know that feeling of dread ahead of any school holiday. The questions of: what am I going to do with them? How can I keep them busy? What can I do to limit their screen time? And that doesn’t even take the weather into account.

I’ve tried everything to keep my high-maintenance, boisterous kids who never sit still entertained and there are a few life-savers that work for us. Below are some of the things that will either buy you some ‘me’ time or give you back some much-needed sanity. All while keeping the kids occupied.

Remember. You got this.

Manage screen time without the tears and tantrums
Whether it’s the TV, computers or consoles, these novel, award-winning cards will give you the collateral and the kids some incentive to earn time on their tablets. You're the boss!
Be ready for when there’s no charge
This is my go-to charger and the kids' lifeline to their battery-drained tablets! The double USB charge ports mean no one misses out and because it’s robust, everyone has to stay seated to use it. *wink*
Scoop up the mess in seconds with this toy mat
Whether it’s cars, bricks, barbies or toy town, with this mat the kids can have fun and you don’t have to stress about the aftermath of mess.
Invest in a gliding football for everyone to kick around
This furniture-friendly football lights up so the kids can have fun using it into the evening. It hovers on a cushion of air, and will glide smoothly on wood floors, tiles, short pile carpets and even outside.
Drown the noise out with these earpods
These waterproof and sweatproof earpods will give you over six hours playtime. That's most of the day while the kids are awake. Yes!
Get your budding scientist experimenting
With 65 science experiments, there's hours to be occupied with this kit. It include all the tools you need, a step by step manual and online videos to guide your kids through.
Treat yourself to these heart studs
Treat yourself to these rose gold plated earrings so when you look in the mirror, despite the sheer exhaustion, you can also see something beautiful.
Inspire a future engineer or builder
There’s over 35 different colours in this creative Lego box. And enough (well, 500) model ideas in the Lego book to inspire your darlings for hours.
Lugging everyone's crap around? Get yourself a new bag
You might as well. When you're dumped on and carrying everyone’s stuff, you might not feel so much of a packhorse with this stylish versatile daypack bag.
Mindfulness in colour for when you need some calm
This is packed full of satisfying mindfulness colouring pages that can work miracles on stress levels. It’s amazing what quirky patterns, whimsical animals, sublime waves and lines can do.
Grab a bubble kit for the big (and small) kids
Create bubbles so huge with this kit that even the older kids will be blowing and get involved.
Enjoy chocolate that’s kind to your tummy
This probiotic (yakult-type) chocolate is not only friendly to your gut, it’s low cal, low carb, nut free and gluten-free. And it comes in four different flavours.
Get your little acrobats into the air
This hammock swing is designed with an extra spring which allows for bouncing up and down in addition to swinging. We just wish they made an adult version!
This beginner’s grow your own kit has the works
Along with the 30 varieties of seeds, you get peat pots, plant markers, gardening gloves and instructions (obvs). Grow, grow, grow.
Possibilities are endless with this air dry clay
My kids love this colourful clay. It’s easy to shape and soft to touch for modelling. And within 24 hours their creations are totally hardened and complete.
A mud kitchen to cook up a storm outside
There’s plenty of room for two children to play with this two-station kitchen which includes a hob, removeable splash tub, stainless steel pans and a mixing whisk.
Drinks dispenser to stop them bothering you
“Can I have a drink?” is the never-ending ask along with snacks! So fill this dispenser up with their fave drink and satisfyingly reply, “help yourself!”
And at night top it up with your own choice of beverage! *wink*
Play this giant tower game for hours
With its smart carry case, you can take it anywhere and play this tower game indoors or outdoors.
A light up drone to show off some skills
This bright blue green LED drone looks fantastic night and day. The kids will spend mucho time getting to grips with their drone and learning the three different lighting modes to show off and surprise everyone.
Keep them fit with a punch bag
When it all gets too much get the gloves out. This adjustable punch bag can be used for kids and adults so everyone gets to keep fit and use up that excess energy.
"Alexa, play Guess The Song?
We regularly play quizzes and games featured on our Echo Dot. There’s thousands to choose from and download.
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