LittleLife Gruffalo Backpack Review

Gruffalo

Okay, okay… I’ll admit from the off that we’re yet to read The Gruffalo with the children. I think perhaps we’re the only household in the country with kids under 5 who haven’t. This isn’t because we’re seriously shoddy parents who have a copy yet can’t be bothered to pick it up - it’s because we’re seriously frazzled parents who keep forgetting to buy it when we’re mooching around in Waterstones.

However, the kids are familiar with him. This Christmas we recorded the tv adaption of The Gruffalo’s Child featuring the voices of James Corden, Helena Bonham Carter & Robbie Coltrane, and it’s hardly surprising that the kids love it. Donaldson’s mouse and monster fables have captured the hearts of both children and parents the world over, and it’s among the most requested recording on our TiVo box.

GruffaloDex

So when LittleLife recently got in touch asking if I might like to review something from their award-winning range of children’s outdoor and safety accessories, their new Gruffalo range instantly stood out & I plumped for this adorable backpack. He looked great with “his terrible tusks… and terrible claws… and terrible teeth in his terrible jaws” and very true to Axel Scheffler’s interpretation of the fearsome brute.

When it arrived I was instantly struck by how well made it was. The seams are all really strong, the material is soft yet hard-wearing, and much of the detailing (eyes, nose, eyebrows) is embroidered rather than glued-on plastic. Even the horns and tusks are double stitched onto the bag so can’t be pulled off. I can see straightaway that this is bag that will easily cope with the heavy demands of a young child - being thrown into car-boots, overstuffed and slung into cupboards.

Gruffalo2

Because of the way the outer seams are stitched together, the bag takes on bucket-like proportions. This means it can stand up on its own, and it’s easier for a child to pack and empty at the start and end of each day. This is supported by its top zip entry rather than the traditional left to right zip entry - a minor point, but a welcome feature all the same.

With a 4 litre capacity it’s fairly roomy with space for a drink, a few toys, a change of clothes and a snack (dimensions are 18 x 22 x 27cm should you want to double check it’ll hold school books etc). The inside is also fully lined with tough polyester lining that can withstand a few leaky lunchboxes. There’s also a handy non-peel name and address label inside. He’s handwash only owing to his fur, but I wouldn’t ever put a bag through a wash cycle in the machine anyway so this is fine with me.

GruffaloStraps

The shoulder straps are fully adjustable with an additional chest strap to ensure the weight of the bag is evenly distributed across Dexter’s back. I’m a big fan of chest straps as some younger children don’t have broad enough shoulders for backpacks and so the straps will slip down - especially when they have bulky coats on. The top grab handle is also welcome as it’s easier for me to grab when we leave the house. This also loops nicely over pushchair handles if, like me, you have an even diddier person in tow (when she’s not wearing it of course!).

HeidiGruffalo

Any grumbles from me? Well no, it’s exceptionally well made and very practical for Dexter. I can see him using this for a few years to come throughout his primary career. He’s definitely quite the envy of his mates at nursery with his LittleLife Gruffalo Backpack.

LittleLife’s backpacks are just one of a number of accessories on the site. They also have fully adjustable mini character backpacks with reins for littler children, bright and vibrant character towel ponchos and fun pint-sized wheelie suitcases for mini jetsetters. Their child carriers have also won praise from many a hiking parent. The site is well worth a look if you’re kitting your child out for school, are due to travel, or simply love the outdoors.