Wow! Just back and fully recovered from a tremendous long weekend at Camp Bestival.  My six year old summed it up when asked what was her best bit and she said “Oh everything! Can we come back when I am 7? And 8? And 9? And 10? And 11? And 12? And 13?”

Where else can you witness Howard Marks and Keith Allen sat together, not drinking, not smoking (anything) but reading kids bedtime stories?

Prior to that, Radio 1’s Sara Cox had us in stitches over her ‘Helen Daniels from Neighbours’ Mummy Tummy, and that was after a wood oven cooked bacon sarnie from the River Cafe Canteen.

But the best thing about Camp Bestival has to be the fact that everyone, young and old, seemed to be thoroughly enjoying every minute of it. Whether it was milling around in the baby and toddler zone, complete with toddler soft play and baby chill out zone, to the fancy dress parade and Zing Zillas in the big top, or thousands of kids and their grown-ups singing “Valerieeeeee” at the top of their voices as Mark Ronson completed what he himself called his best ever UK gig, despite a week that had been bad (well he said a word beginning with ‘s’) for anyone who loved music.

Kids Go Wild For Mark Ronson Set!

Lessons Learned for Next Year…

Packing – Wipes for washing,  potty (no late night tramping to the loo!), loo roll, sun lotion, dry shampoo, bin bags, extra blankets (sunny days meant cold clear nights), steriliser bags, ear plugs, and cart. Parents who’d transformed carts into fairy bowers,  with cushions, blankets, lights and canopies, for little ones to be towed around in and snooze in, got to stay up late and soak up the electric atmosphere whilst headline acts played. Also, don’t forget snacks and drinks for little ones as food stalls are far from cheap. Although, download the Camp Bestival App for free kids meals vouchers.

Arriving/Departing – The only less than glorious moments were arriving and departing with heavy gear, two little kids and an uphill trudge to find a camp spot. Next year, at the very least, we will park in the car park with trolley and sherpa hire, or if we are feeling flush, go the ready-made route with boutique camping , and if we feel really rich, hire a campervan with shower…. heaven!

More info: www.campbestival.net

If you’ve ever experienced one of those truly awful, heart-stopping moments when you think you may have lost your child, you will love the Me Finder™

BFB is delighted to have five to giveaway to its readers!

Invented by a mum of three, Me Finder™ is a new digital wristband that helps your child find you when they get lost.  It stores up to 5 mobile phone numbers – mummy, daddy, grandma … Set the number for whoever is out with your child.  Teach your child to Show & Tell. If they get lost, they Show the band to a ‘safe adult’ i.e. policeman etc (more ’safe adult’ examples at www.kidsshowandtell.com) & Tell them to phone mummy, or whoever’s number is displayed

Win One!

To Win one of 5 we have to giveaway, simply add a comment about the Me Finder™ below. We’ll select the 5 best comments made before December 17 and arrange to send you one!

Designed especially for kids the Me Finder™ has:

• Super-lightweight; curved edges

• “Child-proof” safety-catch on wristband

• Little animations, your phone number set as default (so your contact number’s displayed even if your child plays with the buttons)

• High quality, adjustable shorter strap that’s very soft & comfortable

Invented by a mum of three small children, to help her own family, Me Finder™ is proving a big hit with kids as well as parents. As one happy mum said “The problem isn’t getting her to wear it, it’s getting her to take it off!”

Choose from three funky designs – Monkey, Green Techno, Miss Pink.

Buy online (£14.99, free P&P) at www.kidsshowandtell.com

Daddies are having a pretty good month with the World Cup and now a day of treats this Sunday for Father’s Day.  Take a look at BFB’s round-up of original and stylish Father’s Day gifts.

Daddy Rules Crown Print

This ‘Daddy Rules’ print by designer Rebecca Winter would brighten up any man’s office space. Each print comes framed from Rockett St George, £49 (pictured above).

Union Jack Weekend Bag

This traditional, large men’s weekend bag is the perfect size for a mini-break. Made from recycled army tents and lined inside with vintage union jack flag it’s a design classic in the making. Available from Graham & Green, £175.00

Vintage Eames Chair

Every man needs a chair of his own. For a splash out gift get Daddy an iconic 1960s Eames chair.  This design classic is available from Rockett St George in a range of colours including this deep  Forest Green. £260.00.

Oh Deer Print

This quirky screen print is a two-dimensional take on the traditional stag’s head. Comes unframed. Keep Calm Gallery, £16.
 

USB Negative Scanner

This geekish gizmo is a brilliant way of delving into the past and reacquainting yourself with old photos. Anyone who ever owned a 35mm camera will have bags of negatives stashed away. With this gadget, at the touch of the button it scans 35mm negatives or slides and converts trapped images into digital pics. From Firebox, £49.99.

Gentlemen’s Tonic

Treat Dad to a luxurious shave, haircut or even a facial at Gentlemen’s Tonic, Selfridges in London. Whilst Dad’s getting groomed, Mums and kids can enjoy a spot of shopping and lunch in the child-friendly Food Garden Café.