Summer Sorted! My Favourite Picks from the Rex London Sale 2025

Guest blog by Jemma Loi

You know that feeling when the sun comes out and suddenly everything feels like a good idea? A picnic? Yes! A summer tea party? Obviously. With the school holidays nearly here and a patchwork forecast of sunshine, sprinkles and sibling squabbles ahead, I turned to the Rex Summer Sale to help me get prepped for whatever the season throws at us.

Whether you’re planning lazy lunches in the garden, rainy-day boredom busters, or a full-blown teddy bear tea party (guilty), there are so many brilliant and budget-friendly finds right now. Here’s what we’ve been loving – and a few bits you might want to snap up before they’re gone.

Wonder of Nature colouring pencils (set of 36). Was £12.95, now £4.95

Flamingo erasers. Was £2.95, now £1

What am I? game. Was £6.95, now £4.95

Picnic like a pro - for less than £12!

First up, the amélie basket. Officially waterproof, unofficially my new best friend. It’s sturdy enough to load with snacks, drinks, and a rogue cuddly toy or two – everything you need for an impromptu picnic in the park.

The sale is packed with colourful lunch boxes, bento boxes, and snack tubs that made packing up homemade goodies super satisfying. Add in a few water bottles and you’re set. We also grabbed a dinosaur ball (a roaring success with the boys!) and a funky pair of sunglasses.

Best in Show bento box. Was £5.95, now £2

Wild Flowers mini snack pot. Was £2.95, now £1

Prehistoric Land play ball. Was £12.95, now £2.95

Boredom busters for less-than-sunny days

Let’s be honest – British summer doesn’t always deliver on the sunshine front. That’s where the boredom busters come in. The Wonders of Nature pencil tin and scratch art kit brought us some rare peace and quiet. For almost 15 whole minutes.

The kids were completely fascinated by the hatching dinosaur egg. The ‘What Am I?’ game also became a fast favourite – compact, chaos-inducing, and perfect for road trips or rainy mornings when you can’t face another episode of anything.

Rainbow scratch art kit (12 sheets). Was £7.95, now £3.95

Hatch your own dinosaur egg. Was £3.95, now £2.95

Grow something great – gardening with kids

Who knew cress could be so exciting? The grow your own cress garden set was such a hit – first the construction challenge, then the thrill of watching the little green shoots pop up just days later (we checked hourly. The drama!).

We also picked up forget-me-not gardening seeds and a sweet metal watering can that made the kids feel like proper little gardeners. It’s been so lovely to introduce them to planting and growing – even if I suspect they’re mostly in it for the mud.

Grow your own cress garden - Flower Shop. Was £19.95, now £12.95

Ladybird children's watering can. Was £12.95, now £4.95

Host a summer tea party (just because)

This might be my favourite idea of the lot. No occasion required – just a sunny afternoon and an excuse to bake! We pulled out the Wild Wonders cupcake cases, laid the table with matching plates, napkins, and cups, and added the Ziggy the Tiger candles for flair. The jam jar tealight holders and tissue paper bunting made everything look like a Pinterest board that had come to life.

It was the kind of afternoon that felt like a little core memory in the making. Sticky fingers, icing everywhere, and lots of giggles.

Orange jam jar tealight holder. Was £4.95, now £1

Wild Wonders paper cups (pack of 8). Was £1.95, now 50p

Ziggy the Tigger party candles (set of 6). Was £3.95, now 50p

Make the most of the Summer Sale

Your Garden pack of flower seeds. Was £1.95, now £1

From picnic essentials to crafty kits and party pieces, the Rex Summer Sale really does have something for everyone – especially if you’re after screen-free, memory-making moments with the kids this summer.

So whether the forecast brings sun, showers, or a mix of both, I hope this gives you some inspiration to dive in and make the most of those long, light-filled days ahead.

Shop the full children's sale.