Online and in the shops

From Dublin Zoo to the Shopkins gang, here’s our top pick for online and in the shops.

Going to the zoo, zoo, zoo: With more than 1m visitors a year, Dublin Zoo is one of Ireland’s most popular attractions and, for many people, seeing the elephants at the Kaziranga Forest Trail is one of the highlights.

If you are planning a family day out before the end of the summer holidays, next weekend on August 22 and 23, the Zoo is planning a triple birthday celebration for Asian elephant calves Kavi, Ashoka and Samiya to mark their first birthday.

The Kaziranga Forest Trail will be transformed into a birthday bash for the celebrations with music, face-painting, and fun family activities.

The elephant care team will also be on hand throughout the weekend for extra ‘Elephant Encounter’ keeper talks.

Another new attraction is the Sea Lion Cove, opened earlier this summer, a deep saltwater pool and glass viewing area, allowing visitors to observe the sea lions swimming underwater; www.dublinzoo.ie

Snack boxes:

These little Elephant Snack Boxes from Tyrell Katz are €10.95 for a set of three.

Handy for snacks on days out, all three will also easily fit into a lunch bag. They are also useful for separating sandwiches and snacks for school lunches.

Dishwasher safe, you can also use them in the freezer. There are different themes available suitable for both boys and girls, as well as co-ordinating lunch bags, backpacks etc; www.littleones.ie

Schoolbags:

If you are looking for a Minions pencil case, Frozen pencils or a Peppa Pig lunchbag for a little one starting school, check out the Character Shop range at Heatons.

There are also uniform essentials like Heaton’s two-pack grey shirts, from €8; stationery starting at €1.50; school shoes from €5; and a selection of schoolbags, including this pretty Princess Pre-School Bag, €5; www.heatonsstores.com

Shopkins party:

For fans of Lippy Lips, Frankfurter, Danii Danish and all the Shopkins gang, Hamleys is celebrating the release of Shopkins Series 3 with a party on August 29, at its Dundrum store from 12pm to 4pm.

Everyone who visits the store that day will have the chance to meet one of their favourite Shopkins characters, and take home free Shopkins foil bags, stickers, balloons and other gifts. You can also apply to be one of 80 Shopkins party room guests by visiting www.hamleys.com/explore