A package arrived. Excitement was high. One child almost fainted, such was her need to see what was in the big cardboard box.
“Relax,” I said, “It’s probably something boring for dad, or for me.” Secretly hoping it was for me.
I opened the box. Four heads peered in.
“It’s a bag!” one child shouted. “It’s pink!” said another. “It’s for us!” they all said together.
We took it out to examine it, everyone clustered around. Zips were unzipped, pockets assessed, contents pulled out.
“Mum, we love it! It’s amazing! But who is it for – which one of us?” asked the seven-year-old.
Now I was in trouble. They were admiring a YUU bag; the most amazing back-pack they’d ever seen, and but one into three doesn’t go. Well, if it’s cake, of course it does. But it’s not so easy with back-packs.
“It’s for me!” I said, failing to think of any other answer.
“But it looks more like something for kids?” the five-year-old said.
“Yes, it does, and that’s why I’m going to share it with you guys – you can all have turns using it, and we’ll bring it on holidays with us too – to carry all your stuff for the plane,” I said.
That seemed reasonable to them and they carried on oohing and ahhing over the bag. And indeed, there’s lots to admire.
YUU backpacks were designed by Gill and Kellie, both of whom are mothers, and successful Dragon’s Den contestants. They were tired of watching kids struggle with flimsy backpacks, and wanted to design something more structured, that was also good for little backs.
So YUU bags are ergonomically designed backpacks, made of compressed light-weight material, with adjustable straps, and a chest strap with a whistle to encourage children to wear the bag correctly. When you touch the bag, the outside is hard, but at the same time, it’s very light. When my kids put it on to try, I could see that it sits high on the upper back and holds its position well, unlike their current school-bags which tend to drag downwards.

Inside is the fun part. Anyone who likes compartments and zips and side-pockets will love the YUU bag. It has a detachable pencil case, sleeves for holding artwork, mesh pockets for phones, and velcro straps to keep things in place. The front panel zips down fully so that you can lay it out flat, and use it for a small desk or surface for games or drawing.
It also comes with a drawing pad, coloured pencils, a keyring, and a game of Snakes and Ladders.
We took the bag out for a test run:
And the verdict was “Mum, pleeeeeeease can we use your new bag more often, it’s soooo cool.”
I told them I’d let them use it from time to time, we’d definitely bring it on holidays to carry all their books and colouring bits and “important things”, and that they could have the game of Snakes and Ladders for keeps. I know, I’m a hero.
Overall, I was really impressed with the bag. When you compare it to a typical backpack like the ones my daughters take to school, there’s a huge difference. The structured element of the YUU bag is kind of addictive, and the girls’ school-bags are annoying me now, in comparison.
But I’m not brave enough to choose one child over another, so for now, the YUU bag is all mine.
** Competition is now closed**
Would you like to win your own BUUZ YUU bag worth £45?
To be in with a chance, just do one of the following (or more than one, for extra entries):
Either:
Enter via Facebook on the Office Mum Facebook page – comment below this review when it’s shared there
Or
Share this review on Twitter, follow @YUUWorldHQ and @Office_Mum
Or
Comment here, below this review
Competition closes Tuesday February 17th. Good luck!
- Disclaimer: I received a YUU backpack for review purposes but was not paid for this review – all opinions are mine.
- Part of this contest will be hosted on Facebook but is not associated with Facebook

May have the same problem as you!!! One into 4 doesn’t go so would have to keep it all for myself!!
Great review…great bag…would love it!
Looks great – I’d love one for myself!!! One suggestion… It comes in pink. And it comes in blue. Pink for boys and blue for girls? 😉 Non-gender colour options are always welcome. Makes it easier to pass on to the next sibling if they ever grow out of it. 🙂
Forget about the kids…this bag looks awesome…love all the zips and compartments…would love it! OK I’d share it with the kiddies too….
Would love it, yes please!
All done!! Would love it for my niece…… But which one!!!!?!!!
This looks like a great bag Andrea. With all those compartments, I have a feeling it would make a useful changing backpack too.
Lisa | Mama.ie recently posted…Pine Cone Lion Craft
Lovely bag, looks big enough size wise too
Great review. Great prize!
Oh, I love bags with lots of compartments. I’d have it all for myself! Please include me in the draw 🙂
Lucy recently posted…Don’t wish your life away
Wow, I’d love this bag!!
Sounds great, would love to win one!
As a lover of bags, compartments, zips etc.; as are my children; I’d love to be in with a chance to win one of these!
Emily recently posted…Judith (Art Doll)
Looks great..im pretty sure my kids would give it a good home. ..count me in the draw please!
D
It’s a gorgeous bag, would love it for me but looks super handy for toddler-accessories!!
Lisa recently posted…It’s okay to not be okay
What kid doesn’t like lots of places to hid their ‘important things’. Love the idea it straps across the chest too. Annoys me when I see kids with their bags hanging off their shoulders.
Kellie Kearney recently posted…She’s Gone VIRAL!!
Yes please. Brilliant idea!
Love the compartments! Right up my street.
Love!! Would be perfect for hols!!
Great – you are all in the hat! thanks for entering – draw in five minutes
The winner is Helen O’Keefe! Congratulations Helen, and thank you everyone else for entering. New comp coming soon!