Games & toys

The Fun-2-3 Instant Camera is a role-play camera that features five double-sided, colourful photo cards. Little ones can enjoy selecting a card to put into the camera, before pressing the blue ‘shutter’ button to learn about a variety of animals, numbers, shapes and colours. From counting the number of starfish in the sea, through to learning about a turtle’s natural habitat, little ones are sure to be occupied for hours with games, songs and phrases. Reviewed by Joanna Roberts.

Educational toys like Science Stem Technics 10 in 1 Led Space Vehicle encourage children to learn through play. 

Having played the original game of Pass the Pigs, Helen  Burrows and her family were happy to review the outdoor version of this fun family game. 

Build your own Marble run by Buildyourownkits.com is an innovative cardboard marble run, assembled using slot together techniques – no glue, no mess, no fuss. Everything you need is provided in the kit – follow the detailed instructions: press out the pre-cut parts, build and watch them go. Ben Cooper and his son tried, tested and review the game.

What a find! The V-Tech 3in1 Motorbike is an innovative, child-friendly approach to mobility, working at different levels as children develop. Initially it is a rocker and an early walker, allowing children to take those first steps with confidence. As the child grows it easily transforms into a 3-wheeler trike, with a good stable base. Then, amazingly it converts into a 2-wheeler balance bike – an incredibly versatile purchase writes Christine Mayle.

Fancy a detective game to stimulate those little grey cells? Then try Foul Play Card Game created by After Dark Murder Mystery Events and reviewed here by Anne Coates.

Lockdown brings it challenges – especially keeping children interested and happy so the discovery of a uniquely different (and tactile) indoor activity was met with both enthusiasm and excitement by the three children and grown-ups alike in our family, writes Christine Mayle.

Eldrador Creatures is a new title from Wild River Games which brings to life the mystical world created by Schleich. Harriet Coates reviews

Every year the Toy Retailers Association announces what they think will be the most sought after toys and consumers are advised to buy early to avoid disappointment. The DreamToys list is the UK’s most authoritative predictive list of what will be hot this Christmas. Selected by a panel of retailers and industry experts, the list is independent of toy manufacturers and makers. 

Geomag Mechanics 769 reviewed.

Another amazing success from Leapfrog! The Shapes and Sharing Picnic Basket arrived promptly and was enthusiastically opened by the children under adult supervision of course. No assembly required so the children went straight in – no hesitation or instructions needed writes Christine Mayle.

With the good weather we’ve been having this summer the prospect of reviewing the Leap Frog Smart Sizzling BBQ Grill was met with whoops of joy and excitement from the three children in our family. Since its arrival it has provided hours of engaging play and fun for all the children aged 4, 3 and 18 months. Christine Mayle reviews.

So Slime Tie & Dye is Canal Toys first venture into the fiercely competitive ready-made slime market. This new concept was inspired by the tie & dye fashion wear and allows for colourful spiralling effects unique to this style. Harriet was eager to try out the So Slime Tie & Dye Washing Machine 

No matter the personality of your little girl, you’ll want to find a unique and thoughtful gift. One that they will open and remember for a lifetime.

Holly Campling gives her seven top picks.

Christine Mayle had no hesitation when asked if she would review the new 2-in-1 Cart and Garden Wheelbarrow set from Little Tikes as they already have a number of their children’s toys and equipment which they are very happy with. She was not disappointed. 

Three additions to the So Slimelicious range include the Slimelicious Ice Cream Shop, reviewed by Harriet Coates.

Lunii has created a publishing house for children and it is unlike any other: paperless and screen-free. Available in nine languages, the start-up’s family favourite ‘My Fabulous Storyteller’ is available now in the United Kingdom and Ireland, stimulating children’s imagination and creativity and encouraging them away from screens. 

Play Call The Midwife is a bestselling game from Rachel Lowe. If you loved the BBC television series you'll be all set to play the game, writes Anne Coates.