The Eatsleepdoodle Doodle World Map Pillowcase is far more than just a surface for sleeping—it’s also a coloring project that will encourage kids to explore the world. As its name implies, the pillowcase has a black-and-white world map where kids can color and doodle to their heart’s desire. The product comes with a set of fabric markers that are double-tipped and washable, allowing kids to color the pillowcase, wash it, and color it again for nearly endless creativity. Read on to find out how this cool product was received by our 10-year-old daughter.
Design: Busy, but easy to color
This pillowcase is pretty simple. It’s a standard pillowcase measuring 30 x 20 inches, meaning it will fit most regular bed pillows. It’s made from 100-percent cotton, so it’s soft enough for sleeping, and the map has a hand-drawn feel and includes wild animals, landmarks, and tidbits of information included alongside the geography. The illustration is fairly busy, which provides plenty of opportunities for coloring. However, we found that the design also makes it somewhat difficult to see the boundary lines of the continents. While Wonders of the World like Machu Picchu and the Taj Mahal are labeled, the continents and countries are not labeled individually. However, this could be considered a benefit, as kids can practice pinpointing the places they’re learning about in school. The selling point of the Doodle World Map Pillowcase is the washable fabric markers included in the kit, as they allow children to color the pillowcase and enjoy their design for as long as they want. When the mood for something new strikes, they can wash the pillowcase and start over again with a clean slate. The product ships with ten colored markers, which is plenty for this type of project. Each marker is double-tipped, providing a thin point and a blunt point. We found that it was easy to doodle with these markers, and the ink washed out easily. However, kids should be careful with the blunt points, as they tended to bleed through to the other side of the pillowcase.
Entertainment Value: Coloring fun that can be repeated
Our 10-year-old daughter enjoyed coloring the pillowcase, especially since the markers are washable, so she didn’t feel pressure to “get it right” the first time and was free to experiment. If she didn’t like how she colored, she could just wash the pillowcase and start again! Plus, the tidbits of information on the map often stimulated learning—when she colored something she didn’t know about, like an animal or location, she was eager to look it up online to learn more.
Age Range: Ideal for older children and tweens
The Eatsleepdoodle Doodle World Map Pillowcase is perfect for the 6- to 12-year-old crowd. The map has smaller details that require a steady hand, so younger children may not have the dexterity to stay between the lines.
Ease of Cleaning: No mess, easy to clean
The set uses washable markers, so the mess is minimal. Depending on the age of your child, you might not want to give them free rein with the markers, but even if they accidentally color the tablecloth or their clothes, you can just wash it out. Stains on upholstery or hard surfaces, like the wall, are harder to remove but not impossible. We saw the best results when washing the pillowcase in warm water and using a pre-soak or longer wash cycle. On a regular cycle, there was some residual staining from colors that were applied heavily. However, a second wash in warm water removed any leftover colors. The markers won’t transfer to the skin, so kids can even sleep on their masterpiece. The only time we had any issues was when our daughter drooled while sleeping, and the ink in that area ran, staining her hand and cheek slightly.
Price: Affordable fun
This pillowcase provides lots of fun for a budget-friendly price. As long as the markers are closed for storage, you can expect them to last for several months, and once they lose their ink, you can replace them inexpensively (just look for washable fabric markers). Plus, the pillowcase washes well and could likely last for years as long as it’s cared for properly.
Competition: Washable is the winner
Washable markers make the Eatsleepdoodle Doodle World Map Pillowcase a winner in our book. There’s no shortage of coloring pillowcases out there, but most of them use permanent markers—meaning you’re stuck with one design, and you also can’t fix any mistakes. With this option, you can start fresh at any point. Want to take a look at some other options? See our guide to the best gifts for 10-year-old girls. You can’t go wrong with the Eatsleepdoodle Doodle World Map Pillowcase, as it’s a comfortable and functional pillowcase that offers hours of creative fun. Kids who enjoy coloring will be kept busy by all the details on the map, and they’ll love being able to add personal flair to something they can actually use. When they want to change their creation, it’s easy to do so with a cycle through the laundry.
