The heatwave has arrived, and so has the chaos of keeping everyone cool, entertained, and comfortable. From scorching playgrounds to sticky car journeys, we asked our team of London Mums testers to put this summer’s essential buys through their paces. Here is what they really thought.
Stay Cool Without Breaking the Bank
When the mercury rises, a good fan is non?negotiable. Our testers tried two budget?friendly options from B&M and were genuinely impressed.
The Blaupunkt Mini Handheld Fan (was £5, now £4) became an instant favourite. “I popped this in my changing bag and it was a lifesaver during the school run,” said one mum. “It’s tiny, surprisingly powerful, and the kids kept stealing it.” Another tester loved that it runs on batteries, meaning no hunting for a charging cable when you are already melting.
For hands?free cooling, the Blaupunkt Cordless Neck Fan (£10) was a game-changer. “I’ve been wearing this while gardening and prepping dinner during the hot days: it blows air right up towards your face and neck, and it’s so quiet I forgot I had it on,” our reviewer Carolina told us. “It looks a bit daft, but honestly, I do not care when I am this cool.”
Both fans are excellent value and a solid reminder that you do not need to spend a fortune to beat the heat.
Laundry Day Just Got Easier
The Daisy Peg Airer (£3) might be small, but our testers were united in their praise. “I use this for drying delicates, swimsuits, and all those tiny socks that seem to multiply in the wash,” said one mum. “It folds flat, stores anywhere, and saves me hunting for pegs in the garden.” Another tester added: “It is flimsy if you overload it, but for lightweight items, it is brilliant. And at three quid, I bought two.”
Summer Style for the Whole Family
Our fashion testers put several pieces through their paces, from beachwear to city strolls.
The Shark Slide in Red divided opinions. “They are bold, unapologetically bright, and my teenager absolutely loves them,” said one mum. “Comfortable (although not the lightest) and perfect for poolside or beach.” Another tester was less convinced: “They are a statement piece, not for everyone. But if you like a bit of fun on your feet, go for it.”
For the dads and lads, the Big Jumper Swim Shorts were a hit. “My husband wore these on our Cornwall trip and they dried in minutes,” one reviewer reported. “The fit is true to size, the material feels quality, and they have proper pockets, which is apparently a big deal.”
Carry?On Luggage – Gold Floral Remix with fabulous matching backpack – our testers fell for the cheerful print. “It is lightweight, zips smoothly, and the floral design makes it easy to spot on the carousel,” said one travelling mum. “Perfect for a weekend away.” The matching handbag was equally popular: “It fits my phone, purse, and a small water bottle and it looks so much more expensive than it was.”
The Shoe Edit: What our London Mums will wear all summer
We tested various summer shoe styles and the verdict is in.
Elastic Ankle Strap Espadrille Wedge Sandals (£41.83) from DREAM PAIRS – “These are my new favourites,” said one tester. “The wedge gives me height without killing my feet, and the memory foam insole means I can wear them all day. I wore them to a garden party and danced for hours.”
Raffia Espadrille Wedges with Crisscross Straps from DREAM PAIRS (£35.60) – “Holiday in a shoe,” another mum declared. “The raffia detailing is so on?trend, and they are genuinely comfortable. I walked along the beach, then straight to lunch, and my feet did not complain once.” “Effortless summer style,” one tester summed up. “The 2.25?inch heel is just right, and the anti?slip soles are a godsend on cobbled streets. I wore these to a wedding and got so many compliments.”
Also tested: Linzi Carolina Ivory shoes (£39.99). “These are so pretty and versatile,” said our reviewer. “I wore them with a black dress at a function and got stopped twice by strangers asking where they were from. Comfortable enough for a full day out. I want them to lat forever as they can be paired with any clothes both smart and casual”.
The Sherpa Edit: Adventure Gear with Heart
Our testers fell hard for Sherpa Adventure Gear – not just for the quality, but for the brand’s mission to fund education in Nepal.
The Neha Skort in Evergreen Indreni was a universal favourite. “I was sceptical about a skort, but this is amazing,” one mum admitted. “The fabric is so soft, the pockets are actually useful, and the print is gorgeous. I wore it hiking, then to the pub, and felt comfortable and stylish the whole time.
The matching Neha V?Neck Tank Top completed the look. “This top is ridiculously soft and drapes beautifully,” said a tester. “The little ‘endless knot’ coin on the back is a lovely touch. It washes well, dries fast, and packs down to nothing.”
The Tarcho Roll Top Backpack (Cream) became the go-to for family outings. “I can fit everything in here – snacks, layers, a picnic blanket – and the roll-top means I can adjust the size,” one mum explained. “It is tough, comfortable, and looks great.” I am also using to do the grocery shopping as it has a good back support.
The Tarcho Side Bag (Peetho/Cream) was equally popular. “This little bag is surprisingly spacious,” said a reviewer. “Secure pockets for my phone and cards, and it keeps my hands free for holding a toddler. Perfect for festivals and city days.”
Bling2o Rose Quartz Vibrancy Swim Goggles
Reviewed by Monica. Verdict: “Finally, goggles that match my ‘I haven’t slept but I still look fabulous’ energy.”
“Swimming as a mum is less ‘elegant dolphin’ and more ‘desperate attempt to exercise while the kids are at nursery before the school run.’ But these goggles? They make me feel like an Olympic athlete who also happens to own a yacht. The Rose Quartz colour is gorgeous. Like, actually too pretty to shove in a sweaty gym bag. Luckily, they come with a hard carry case and a microfibre bag – fancy! – so my fancy pink goggles stay fancy. No more digging them out from under Leo’s soggy towel. The lenses offer maximum UV protection and anti-fog coating, which means I can actually see where I’m going. Revolutionary. And the 100% silicone straps are adjustable and comfortable – no more raccoon eyes or that ‘my face is being squeezed by a angry octopus’ feeling. At £23, they’re a proper treat. The 12+ age recommendation is spot on – these are proper adult goggles, not flimsy kiddie stuff. All mine.”
Beauty and Wellness: Summer Skin Saviours
Saltyface Road Trip Set (£88, value £120) – Our testers were impressed. “This set has everything for a summer getaway,” one reviewer said. “The Everywhere Bag is huge and stylish, the Tanning Moisturiser keeps my glow going, and the Freckle Paint is so fun, I have been adding freckles all summer. The coconut air freshener and playing cards are such cute extras.”
Puressentiel – London Mums tested the full range and were unanimous. “The Bite & Sting Repellent Spray works – we did not get a single bite on our camping trip,” one mum reported. “The Soothing Roll?On is a lifesaver for when they do get through, and the Baby Spray is gentle enough for my toddler. The Purifying Air Spray freshened up our stuffy car, and the Fabric Spray kept our soft furnishings feeling clean. This is the only brand I trust now.”
Monica Costa founded London Mums in September 2006 after her son Diego’s birth together with a group of mothers who felt the need of meeting up regularly to share the challenges and joys of motherhood in metropolitan and multicultural London. London Mums is the FREE and independent peer support group for mums and mumpreneurs based in London https://www.londonmumsmagazine.com and you can connect on Twitter @londonmums
