Take Five: Use Your Precious Free Minutes To Shop These Amazing Buys Of The Week (For You And Your Kids)

Denim dresses are big news (again) as we move into autumn and none do it quite as well as ALIGNE. This midi has a great shape – you can start wearing it right now as we go through another mini heatwave and then, when it turns colder, layer crisp white shirts underneath or throw a cardigan on top.

If you're looking for something easy to wear for the end of summer but don't want to invest in anything too expensive, this is the answer. Lightweight, chic and comfortable, this dress is less than £40 and will never go out of style.

Nobody's Child's Nova dress has been so popular, it keeps selling out in various colours and prints. This green version is the perfect end-of-summer purchase, as it will work just as well in colder months, too – just layer a lightweight polo neck underneath and add boots when the time comes. Be quick, though, it's already selling very quickly.

Leopard print has been huge this summer and it will only become more popular as we head into autumn. This dress has a flattering shape and is the sort of thing that will make you look – and feel – as though you've made an effort, even if you had seven seconds to get ready.

The sort of dress you'll reach for time and again because it makes you feel that great, this maxi could be worn with trainers, sandals or even dressed up with heels for a wedding.

If you haven't heard of For The Creators, it's nothing short of a miracle for mums. Launched during lockdown in 2020 by Lyndsay Mason, who had just become a mother for the first time, it started as a place where you could rent maternity and feeding-friendly clothes but has now become the one-stop shop for anything you might need in the early days (including hospital bag essentials, nappy caddies and even maternity sportswear). You can still rent clothing or buy pieces that you love and there is a great selection of stylish tops and dresses which allow you to breastfeed with ease. This gingham midi features concealed press studs so you can feed your baby without fuss.

Next always delivers lovely children's clothes at affordable prices and this set is just £15. Perfect for holidays or just running around in the garden, it's made from pure cotton and the shorts have an elasticated waistband for extra comfort.

My friend, who has just had a baby, says she's living in these trousers at the moment. She told me they're super comfortable but make her feel as though she's made a bit of an effort, without her having to even think about it. The quality of the linen is also glorious and perfect for current temperatures.

This sweet beach set will keep your kids occupied on the beach while you (try to) relax in peace. It's not too bulky, either, so you can take it away with you without having to sacrifice too much space in your suitcase.

A pair of fabulous sunglasses is always a good idea and the shape of this style from GUESS will flatter all face shapes. Ideal for the current weather we're having, sure, but also very handy for concealing sleepless nights.

Le Monde Beryl's velvet Mary Jane shoes have become such a hit among stylish adults that they regularly sell out online. Now, the brand has extended its range to includes styles for well-dressed kids, too. These comfortable, soft shoes are available in five lovely colours – and there's a slipper version, too, if you prefer them to the buckled pair.

In case you missed it, M&S is currently selling a midi which looks a lot like Ganni's sell-out leopard dress – but for less than £40. Even better is that this one is the perfect length – it hits just above the ankle which is more flattering than most midis – and you could wear it for everything from weekend BBQs in your friend's garden to sunny lunches al fresco on holiday.

Move over Aperol, this is about to become your new favourite summer drink. Just mix this with tonic for the perfect (and most delicious) spritz, or try one of the brand's easy cocktail recipes. Either way, Lillet's rosé just got even more stylish thanks to a partnership with Emily in Paris. Ahead of season three starting soon, Lillet has launched this limited edition bottle in collaboration with the show. Just the ticket when you've put the kids to bed.

Looking for ways to keep the kids entertained during the (seemingly interminable) summer holidays? Zara's toy pirate ship will provide hours of fun inside or out, tapping into their imagination and allowing them to play safely while you (maybe) sit down for five minutes, at least. There are also some pretty sweet toys which could go with it, like this adorable treasure chest.

In three zesty shades – bubblegum, lime and orange – Smythson's limited-edition notebooks have been created to celebrate swimwear label Hunza G's 40th anniversary. Renowned as the brand which creates stylish, no-faff swimwear (it has a one-size-fits-all approach), Hunza G has been wore by everyone from Rosie Huntington-Whiteley to Kim Kardashian and this latest collab is the perfect gift to give someone you love or yourself. After all, what could be better than taking ten minutes for yourself and jotting down your thoughts and ideas? Well, a woman can dream...

I've heard so many parents extolling the virtues of these Puddle Jumper vests for their kids. They'll give you peace of mind but still let children feel like they have a sense of independence in the water, so it's not a safety device which will limit their fun. If you're going on holiday, it's a very useful thing to throw in your suitcase, especially if you know your child will be running around near a pool.

Arket has a really great sale on at the moment, full of pieces perfect for the rest of summer (and beyond). This midi is ideal for the good weather ahead, plus you could layer it under slouchy knits come autumn. In even better news, there's 50% off.

If your kids suffer in hot weather or if you're going away somewhere with soaring temperatures, this is a very useful gadget indeed. Small enough to fit in your pocket, this foldable fan is rechargeable and even features a mist spray function to cool you down whenever you need it. The cute design is obviously great for children but, given how good this is, you'll probably want one for yourself, too.

I am the sort of traveller who leaves packing to the last minute, only to decant my entire wardrobe into a suitcase and wonder why it won't zip-up. For that reason, I can't imagine how difficult it must be to pack for a whole family, especially if you have babies or young children who need a whole lot of stuff. So, trust me when I say that, without exaggeration, these packing cubes changed my life. They give you so much space while allowing you to organise your stuff, so packing will no longer feel like a chore.

Uniqlo's £34.90 take on the trending 'horseshoe' jean is subtle, smart enough for work thanks to a navy wash and, as already mentioned, well under £50.

SEA NY has just delivered the collab to end all collabs with Zara. With patchwork denim, crocheted bandanas, faded florals and the cutest beach co-ords, the only problem is that you'll wish it came in adult sizes.

Worried about what to do with the kids this weekend in the heat? Allow me to solve all your problems with this souped-up paddling pool, which brings a mini water park experience to your garden. I bought one of these for my niece and nephew and it was a game-changer for my sister – she blows this up, lets the kids play freely and watches over them with her feet up. I'm now her favourite person. It's currently on sale and, if you have Prime, you can have this by tomorrow.