Trunki Review

Trunki have become hugely successful since they were refused investment on Dragons Den. Having coveted one for a while, I bought Tiny Toy Reviewer #2 a Gruffalo Trunki for his fourth birthday, and this is why we love it!

What is Trunki?

Trunki is a colourful and eye catching children's suitcase that is sure to earn your child envious glances wherever they take it. It has four wheels and two 'horns' so that your child can sit on it and push themselves along, just like a proper ride on toy. A range of different characters are available so that your child can find the perfect one to suit them. The Trunkisaurus Rox and Rex suitcases are the latest editions and would appeal to any dinosaur loving child, but there is also Tipu the Tiger, Penelope the Princess, Harley the Ladybug and whole host of other lovable designs.

The manufacturer's recommended age is 3 to 6, (it's not practical or particularly safe for children over this age to ride on them!).

What are the advantages of a Trunki?

Focusing first on the suitcase aspect of Trunki, there are several good reasons for getting one. The design is appealing so your child will most likely be eager to carry their own luggage, and the suitcase is light enough that they will be able to pull it along after themselves very easily (or push themselves along on it). If you are waiting around in a station or airport it will provide some entertainment as they can make use of the ride on aspect, and when they start complaining they are tired they can either use their Trunki as seating or you can pull them along on it using the strap. If you do end up carrying the Trunki there is a short carry handle as well as a shoulder strap.

It is the perfect size for either a night away or for packing toys, snacks and a blanket for a long journey. Most airlines will accept a Trunki as hand luggage, (but it is best to check with your airline ahead of time if checking it in would be an issue).

A Trunki is also a lovely item to have around the home, and Tiny Toy Reviewer #2 plays with his Gruffalo Trunki regularly. As a ride on toy it feels quite sturdy and your child can hold on tightly by clutching the Trunki's horns. I was a bit worried that since the wheels don't pivot that it would just tip over going around corners but this hasn't been a problem and in any case, they can always steady themselves with their feet if you take you pull them round a bend a bit too sharply. Mostly though, he likes to pull it around (since our swing cars are the popular ride on toy in this household) and hide his treasured toys in it - it's actually great as a cute storage option. The catches are very secure and can be locked using the 'key' at the end of the carry strap, but they are easy enough that a 4 year old can do it themselves with a bit of practise.

The Trunki is made from the same durable plastic that an adult's suitcase would be made from and it does feel very robust and well made. I'd expect it to last long after my son is too big for it or has decided that he's too grown up for a Gruffalo suitcase.

Are there any negatives?

It should be emphasised that as a suitcase, it is really only going to hold enough children's clothes for a weekend away and no more than that. Although for longer trips I personally still think it is useful for a few essentials and for use as a travelling toy box (and for the seating/ride on function at airports).

Verdict

If you are going on holiday or your child ever stays with relatives then a Trunki could be a valuable addition to your family. It is so much more practical and fun than a regular suitcase and will get plenty of play time when at home as well. Prices start at around £20 (price taken from Amazon).