One of the most fulfilling aspects of being a kid is how incredibly exciting every new adventure seems. From loading groceries onto the checkout counter at the supermarket to getting their first library card, kids are overwhelmingly thrilled by life’s most mundane activity. It is this sense of cheerful innocence and profound discovery that warms the hearts of parents everywhere. The smile that graces a child’s face when he or she discovers a new facet of this expansive world is what consistently motivates parents to push and guide their children through life.

No doubt one of the most exciting firsts for any child is spending the night away from home. The first sleepover is an important milestone, indicating that one is both old and mature enough to stay out late and go to sleep without mom or dad tucking one in. Of course it can also be a terrifying experience sleeping over someone else’s house: the silhouette of nearby furniture is unfamiliar, the shadows move differently across the walls, and foreign sounds can be heard from the street and yard. For those brave souls who make it through this first night, however, fond memories are formed and bonds forged between friends. Equally exciting is the family’s first big vacation. Maybe it involves a long car ride with pillows, great tunes, and a favorite book or perhaps even a soaring plane ride complete with complementary snacks and a feature length film. Either way, the world suddenly becomes much bigger.

For these and many other adventures, Stephen Joseph has designed a roomy yet small duffel bag just for kids. For younger children, duffel bags are available with themed illustrations that include ladybugs, airplanes, ballet slippers, animals, flowers, trains, and sports memorabilia. These childlike bags come in a variety of colors, ranging from calm blues and purples to earthy browns and ochre. For older children or young ones who simply prefer plain, pared down items, Stephen Joseph offers personalized duffle bags in solid colors, camouflage, and seersucker, all of which can be customized with personalized embroidery. Each bag is made from durable cotton. The themed bags are delightfully quilted for a comforting look and feel, while the more modest bags boast a sleek, smooth shell. Each bag includes on zippered closure along the top and two sturdy handles that can be easily slung over the shoulder or worn across the body. Each duffle measures 15” x 9”. For a complete luggage set or great gift, pair these classy duffels with a quilted toddler backpack or matching lunch box.

Leilani of Kansas was impressed with how much her son loved his duffel. “I ordered it more for me than for him,” she admits, “he kept forgetting his duffel at practice and getting it mixed up at sleepovers. I bought him the navy blue one personalized with with his name written on it so that it would never get lost again. I honestly thought he wouldn’t take more than one good look at it, but he actually loves it. He uses it almost exclusively now.” Tom writes from Georgia; “I took my eight year old on a weekend vacation to Florida while her mother was on a business trip. She wanted to bring everything in her closet, but I convinced her to bring only what could fit in her duffel. The size was perfect and allowed her to carry everything she needed. It also meant I had to carry a whole lot less in the car.” For family trips, sleep away camp, sports practice, or sleepovers, the Stephen Joseph duffel is definitely one gift that keeps on giving.