If you’re stocking up on little joys for May Half Term, let us introduce you to one of our favourite “keep-them-busy” brands: OOLY. Think bright colours, clever designs, and art supplies that feel like a treat; the kind of things kids reach for again and again (and that you’ll actually be happy to have in your bag).
OOLY is a women-owned creative brand based in Carlsbad, California, founded by Carol Pankiw. After years of bringing a design-forward approach to stationery, Carol re-focused the business on arts and crafts in 2017 and that’s when OOLY was born. Their mission is simple and similar to ours: to spark imagination, inspire self-expression, and help kids (and grown-ups!) “Create Your Happy.”
Why we love OOLY (and why it’s perfect for Half Term)
Half Term is brilliant… and also a lot. Whether you’re trying to fill a rainy afternoon at home, keep little hands busy while you cook, or survive a long car journey without a chorus of “are we there yet?”, OOLY is made to help make those moments easier.
What makes it work so well:
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Instant set-up: open the pack and you’re off.
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Portable by design: lots of their kits are tidy, compact, and travel-friendly.
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Creative confidence: the tools are easy to use, even for kids who “don’t like drawing.”
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Screen-free calm: perfect for quiet time, cafés, and post-lunch wind-downs.
Browse Our OOLY Collection Here!
Our OOLY picks for May Half Term (from what we have in stock)
Here are a few favourites from our current OOLY collection; all ideal for popping in a backpack, keeping in the car, or pulling out when you need a quick, happy activity.
1) Let’s Go Activity & Coloring Kits (travel-friendly fun)
If you want one thing that covers colouring + activities in a neat format, these are it.
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Only Let’s Go! Activity & Coloring Kit – Unicorn Candy Town
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OOLY Let’s Go – Robo Dinos
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OOLY Let’s Go – Kitty In The City
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Half Term tip: Keep one “special” kit hidden for the moment energy dips — long drive, restaurant wait, or the 4pm slump.
2) Chunkies Paint Sticks (big colour, less fuss)
OOLY Chunkies Paint Sticks – Classic Pack (Set of 6) are a go-to for bold, satisfying colour without the usual paint set-up.
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Half Term tip: Pair with a pad of paper and make a simple challenge: “Can you paint a rainbow robot / a jungle scene / your dream ice cream?”
3) Triangular Crayons (easy grip, loads of colouring)
OOLY Color Together: Triangular Crayons (Set of 18) are great for little hands, the triangular shape helps with grip and control.
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Half Term tip: Print a few simple outlines (or draw quick shapes yourself) and let them “colour code” them: warm colours only, cool colours only, rainbow order, etc.
4) OOLY x Peanuts (a little nostalgia, a lot of fun)
We’re obsessed with the OOLY x Peanuts range, it’s cheerful, giftable, and perfect for kids who love a character moment.
In our collection you’ll find:
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Snoopy School Coloring Travel Kit (9 Crayons & 48 Coloring Pages)
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Activity Travel Kit & 4 Double-Ended Markers
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Scratch Art Kit (13 PC Set)
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D.I.Y. Shrink Art Kit & 6 Mini Paint Markers
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Double-Ended Brush & Stamp Markers (Set of 6 / 12 Colors)
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Black Ink Retractable Gel Pens (Set of 4)
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Gel Pen & Mechanical Pencil (Set of 2)
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3 Color Erasable Gel Pen (1 PC)
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Half Term tip: The travel kits are brilliant for hand luggage and day trips, and the shrink art kit is a lovely “make it, keep it” activity for a slower day at home.
5) Body + Hair Doodlers (for playful, silly afternoons)
For kids who love dressing up, role play, or just being delightfully silly:
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OOLY Body Doodlers Face & Body Crayons (Set of 12 Colors)
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OOLY Hair Doodlers Hair Crayons (Set of 6 Colors)
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Half Term tip: Make it a “creative studio” moment, set out a mirror, a few accessories, and let them design a character (then take a quick photo before bath time!).
Easy Half Term ideas (no prep, no pressure)
If you want a few simple ways to get more mileage out of your supplies:
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The 10-minute challenge: set a timer and ask them to create “as many silly faces as possible.”
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Postcard art: fold paper into quarters and make mini “postcards” for grandparents.
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Road trip art prompts: “Draw what you can see out the window” or “Invent a creature that lives in the clouds.”
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Quiet-time kit: keep a small pouch ready with a travel kit + pens for cafés, trains, and waiting rooms.
Shop OOLY at Edith & Blanche
If you’re planning your Half Term survival kit (or just want a little creative treat), you can browse everything we currently have from OOLY here!
And if you’re curious about the story behind the brand, you can read more about OOLY here!
