19mth old: what to pack for week in villa, Tuscany, in Aug.

[Jacksmybaby]

Any good tips for what to pack to keep him a) amused and b) safe? Need to think of toys that are light/small, plus stuff for e.g. keeping him out of cupboards containing bleach bottles/electric sockets, etc, in the villa.

So far:
toys = pack of balloons, blow-up beach ball, bubbles. toy mobile.

safety = insect repllent, sun cream, masking tape (hopefully will work for taping over sockets + keeping kitchen cupboards shut).

Have you thought about one of those Trunkies? I hear they are great fun and really keep the kids amused! Depends on how old he is?

Hair bobbles are great for fastening round 2 cupboard door handles to keep shut!

Toys - DD loved plastic animals at this stage. Also plastic people like ELC Happyland.

DS has his own little backpack for toys snacks when we go away. On a recent trip this contained:

• ceebeebies magazine
• plastic animals
• matchbox cars

Take toys that you don't mind losing (hence the mag) as things will go astray. Also bear in mind that just staying in a different place will provide plenty of entertainment. DS (2) spent a recent trip to friends throwing their bolster cushions around (they are childless but luckily understanding!)

Packet of pencils & sticker colouring book, few small story books, any of his favourite little toys that will fit in a lunchbox-size box (Monsoon last year £8), then that can be his holiday bag.
Plug-in night time insect rupelant thingy & a tonne of cartridges - we went a few years ago & were so glad of this as we wanted to leave windows open for cool air but ended up filing room with midgies. Calpol as ?can you get in Italy? Calomine cream as DS always gets heat rash even if out of sun, ?travel stair gate (or will villa supply?...bit heavy...)

Ooh yes, Ikea finger puppets (sealife & jungle ones) - fab!