Games & toys

The Surprise Box doubles as a vending machine, adding to the excitement for slime enthusiasts. Natasha Da Souza's two daughters, loved discovering what was contained in each of the 20 golfball sized containers. 

Puzzles, matching and recognising shapes are a precursor to learning to read and these lovely wooden animals offer a fun and educational way to begin recognising the alphabet for toddlers and young children. Review by Anne Coates.

Play is vital for fostering creativity, physical development, social skills, and emotional wellbeing. But sometimes, even exciting games can become less engaging. Here are simple ways from TP Toys to every game more enjoyable for everyone.

This set of 12 mini colouring books from Vibe Better range in subjects varying from food and holidays to aliens and cats in hats – all of them engaging and fun as well as aiding concentration, writes Anne Coates. 

In summertime, a family's thoughts turn to  paddling pools and here's one which doesn't have to be inflated, won't be be punctured by animal claws, is made from slip-proof material  and has eco friendly drainage – well done Peteast.

My toddler granddaughter loves music and singing so I saved this set of wooden musical instruments from Lehoo Castle for a time when were were all together as a family for hilarious renditions of nursery songs with us all singing and playing, writes Anne Coates.

These Balance Stepping Stones from Maycoly are great fun for kids – and adults, as Anne Coates discovered with her two-year-old granddaughter, Lizzie, when they used them indoors and in the garden.

Banwood, the classic outdoor toy brand, has just launched a new Eco collection of scooters and helmets in fresh summer colours at half the price of their classic range.  Anne Coates  reviews and her granddaughter, Lizzie, is  delighted with her new mode of transport.

Christine Mayle's grandson fell in love with the Jay Franco Minecraft Fox Plush Pillow. And if Fox isn't your child's favourite Minecraft character, Tuxedo Cat, Creeper, My Hero Academia Deku, Buggy, Luffy, Purple Tiger and Bee are also available. 

Christine Mayle says she always looks forward to reviewing Canal Toys and this Photo_Creator Instant Camera was no exception when asked to try it out with her seven year old grandson. 

BABY born Push Along Berta from Zapf Creations is perfect for toddlers who love their baby dolls, writes Anne Coates.

So Sensory Light-Up Unicorn World from Canal Toys was a great hit with Lesley Lodge and her granddaughter.

In my opinion children can never get too much of Canal Toys Gabby’s Dollhouse and Gabby’s Dough House Playset is proving no exception, writes Christine Mayle.

Monopoly: Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas – a welcome addition to our collection of family board games, writes Anne Coates.

If you’re looking for an exciting and different Christmas or birthday present then my recommendation would be look no further than the So Bomb Bath Bomb Dispenser from Canal Toy. It fits that bill perfectly, writes Christine Mayle.

My First Swim Girl by BABY born® – a doll that swims and brings lots of fun to bath-time and the paddling pool, writes Anne Coates.

There's something wonderful about giving a toddler their own "first baby" and the Little BABY born® dolls from Zapf Creations are perfect for this, writes Anne Coates.

This Yerloa Pop-up Hammer Game was an instant success with nine month-old Lizzie and it's still one of her favourite toys nine months later, writes Anne Coates.