Toys and Gifts Review

Talking Tots 2009 Awards

Our Mums' Network helped out with the Talking Tots 2009 Toys awards and you can now visit their website to find out who the winners are and why!

All the winners support key development for your children and we hope this will help you with your Christmas shopping this year!
 

ELC Wooden Toddle Truck 1-2 years £25 review by Georgina from St Albans

"My son loved this toddler truck.  Although he has been walking well for a long time he still had great fun pushing it round the house and repeatedly emptying all the bricks!  My 3-year-old daughter made great use if it as a shopping trolley and pushchair for dolls and teddies.  The bricks are an interesting mix of different shapes, colours and patterns so are fun to build with.  For younger children, who are using this as an aid to walking, the non-slip wheels ensure it doesn’t speed away from them on a smooth floor."   Visit www.elc.co.uk

April's Pond by I.J. Lyons (£5.99)

We haven't reviewed this books as it was only published two weeks ago but we have already fallen in love with it so wanted to include on this page and we think it would make a lovely gift.

"This is the tale of a small hedgehog named Milton who is struggling to survive and find happiness. His adventures take him to April’s Pond where he meets a friendly ladybird, squirrel, and house martin. However, his fate is far from certain, hidden danger lurks in the shadows, watching his every move, and not everything at the pond is quite as it seems.

Peppa Pig personalised story from Pen Wizard reviewed by Susan from Surry in November 2009

"Have received the book –it’s fab! The book is based around a story of Jasper’s first day at playgroup with Peppa Pig showing him around and being his little friend. The story is one of his favourite episodes on DVD and so naturally he loves it. When buying the book you are given the choice of hair,skin and eye colour to make the book personal and lifelike. The book is beautifully drawn and the image of Jasper is so good that when Jasper in the story is asked a question he answers for him! All in all I was extremely satisfied with the website, their processing and quality of product.  I now know where to shop for Xmas!"

Visit www.penwizard.co.uk to buy, £14.99 delivered in 7 days

It's Your Story Fairy Girl personalised Book reviewed by Trudy from Kent in November 2009

"My daughter loves anything fairy or princess so really enjoyed this book.  We only had a sample with another little girl pictured but I can see how if it was her in the book she would have been very excited about it.  It's a lovely keepsake too as it's so personalised through out."

Visit www.itsyourstory.co.uk

ELC Rock Star Guitar 3-6 years reviewed by Jane from Oxfordshire in November 2009

"My little girl is 4 and loved this.  The neck of the guitar has button that play guitar tunes and the body also has more buttons.  It also comes with a microphone headset that actually works!! Amy is just getting into Hannah Montana so thought the guitar made her look like her.  I wish it had a volume control!"  Visit www.elc.co.uk

BabyBoomBoom Baby Band Bag and Junior Band Bag reviewed by Helen from Leicester in October 2009

"Such cute little kits with a good selection of quality instruments and a CD, we had the French one.  My baby loved the instrument noises and the songs although I don't think she realised they were in French.  My little boy loved having his own special kit with different instruments and joined in with us.  I tried to explain that the songs were in French and it certainly refreshed my own "school girl" French!  This is a very good quality, well thought through toy."

Visit www.babyboomboom.com

Pudsey Annual for Children In Need reviewed by Kelly from Cornwall in October 2009

"A fabulous old-fashioned annual that reminded me of the ones my Nan used to give me for Christmas!  And in a very good cause too, £6 goes to the charity.  The pages are full of activities, stories, games and ideas for children of all ages, I would say from 4+.   Something for every rainy day or I'm bored moment and I really enjoyed doing some of the activities with my children." 

Visit http://www.penguin.co.uk/nf/Book/BookDisplay/0,,9781405905800,00.html

Cardboard Toys from the ECOutlet reviewed by Maria from Manchester in October 2009

"These are such an amazing idea!  It's a cardboard model, we had the police car and horse and carriage, that you put together and then can colour in.   The kit comes with easy instructions but Mummy or Daddy will need to help, and a set of non-toxic, washable pens for the colouring-in bit.  My children absolutely loved them.  And once they've been played with they can be recycled as they are just made of cardboard.  Best of all they are only £3.99 although I did look on the website and you can get play houses and forts that are £30+."  Visit http://www.ecoutlet.co.uk/stationery-crafts-and-toys/cardboard-toys-and-furniture.html

Boots Hungry Caterpillar Book and soft toy reviewed by Leeandra from Frome, October 2009

"The set includes a board book of the original The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle packed with a 30cm developmental caterpillar toy, which has different textures, sounds and teethers!  My daughter loved both items at first she played with the plush separately and enjoyed feeling all the different textures.  The items is also very colourful and eye catching.  She enjoyed the book as it was easy for her to turn the pages as they were a board material and the pictures were very colourful.  The book was good for me as well as it is wipe able as she cannot rip the pages.   This is an absolute classic book and I remember loving it as a child. We also recreated the story by using the book with the plush, which my daughter thoroughly enjoyed. 

The set is £15 from Boots which I think is a reasonable price plus you can buy it under the 3 for 2 mix and match."  Visit www.boots.com

Bookaboo DVD reviewed by Erica from Hampshire in November 2009

"My 5 year old girl and I got to review the new Bookaboo DVD from the hit CITV show about the Rock Puppy and his love of books and reading.  The rock drumming puppy gets to share a story with his celebrity friends including Alesha Dixon, Meat Loaf , Fern Britton and Ben Shephard.  This is a highly entertaining DVD with 7 episodes enjoyed immensely by my daughter ….and myself.  Stories include ‘The Lamb Who Came For Dinner’, Splat the Cat’ and “Pooh is that you Bertie!” The DVD which is over 70 mins aims to encourage adults and children to share a story as Bookaboo ‘just can’t play without a story a day!’. Really great fun and an excellent present the  ‘Bookaboo’ DVD is available to buy at www.bookaboo.co.uk."

My Blue Nose Friends ....

....reviewed by Sherrie from Kent, Cath from Preston & Sam from Hampshire in October 2009 - £5

"Patch is a cute blue nose friend. Patch is gorgeously soft with beans in his bottom so that he can sit and pose. He's the perfect gift for children of any age. The happy dog...a loyal friend indeed...and always there for you."

"Really cute and well made, any child would love to receive this from Santa!  Very good price too!"

"My son who is 4 was really excited when we opened the parcel and he discovered Patch – A Blue Nose Toy. He has a few toy dogs and Patch was a welcome addition to the family!

Patch is a lovely toy; he is well made and most importantly is nice and soft with a really cute face, perfect for cuddling!. He has beans in his paws and bottom which help him sit up nicely and my son fell in love with him straight away.

This is the sort of toy that would appeal to both boys and girls."

Visit www.mybluenosefriends.co.uk

JojoMamanBebe Toys reviewed by Oona from Hampshire in October 2009

"Rubbabu Fire Engine: A really gorgeously coloured toy with a velvety texture and rubbery feel. The rubber feel is a nice idea but unfortunately its key feature also appears to be its downfall. The toy is labelled unsuitable for teething children and under twos, presumably because that age group is most likely to chew bits off. Older children may find the toy a little simple and lose interest quickly."  Visit www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk for more details

Also reviewed by Katrina from Hampshire in October 2009

"New Classic Toys Musical instruments: Good, easy to keep together in the plastic bag, easy for little hands to hold but quite heavy for the younger ones, not sure how one of the instruments work but apart from that one the rest a great.
 
Dolly Harriet: Is ok but there are better dolls. Not good for young children because of the long hair, which has bits falling out.
 
Janod: My first magnetic rocket. Wooden, lovely colours, quite delicate, not an every day toy, more for sitting on the shelf. A couple of small parts for the little ones to be careful of."

Baby's First Christmas Bauble from Past Times reviews by Angela from Coatbridge in October 2009

"The packaging is very traditional and very Past Times. With this being a baby gift I feel that the packaging is a bit old age. Believe that it would be better covered in something like Santas, snowmen etc something a bit more appealing.  The bauble itself is very nice.  The gold writing is well done and very eye catching.  Just wondering if you can also get baby's name on it?  If not thats something that would improve the product.  Overall very nice and price seems suitable."  Visit www.pasttimes.com

Nubie Storage Bags reviewed by Helen from Birmingham in October 2009

"The cube was flat when it arrived of course and wasn't very inspiring but on closer inspection was very good quality with sturdy zips, big zip pulls and quite thick material.  We used it for games and jigsaws and it soon filled up and looked quite cool.  You can't really stack them because they don't have any strength themselves but if you're looking for some flexible and good looking storage these do fit the bill and would cover the overflow after Christmas nicely!" Visit www.nubie.co.uk

Bike and Scooter Accessories from Micro Scooters reviewed by Sam from Hampshire in September 2009

"I love this brilliant but affordable "extras" for bikes or scooters.  My fave is the Breo Roam watch which is like a rubber bracelet with a watch in it.  According to the blurb it's made of Tourmaline which is supposed to make you calm, can't say I can report that but Alice didn't get a look in and now Mummy is wearing the pink Breo!  They come in 25 colours and are only £9.99 so a cool gift for children and Mummys!  Alice has got the BBB Quick Release Bell, Frog light by knog and the red coloured brake to replace the old one on her mini micro scooter!  And she'll loving whizzing around with the light on and bell going.  But seriously, these will be make me feel a bit happier if she is using her scooter on the path on the greyer days of autumn and winter."  All these items available from www.micro-scooters.co.uk.

Tomy Discovery Magical Melody Maker reviewed by Sarah from Hamilton, Scotland in September 2009

"The Tomy Discovery Magical Melody Maker is a fantastic toy for any toddler.  My 21 month old son has been enjoying this toy for a month now and always comes back to it.   It is a very cleverly and innovatively designed toy for little ones.  The toy has a very clever storage system which will help to develop colour awareness in little ones.  It can also be used to play a matching game as each storage pocket has a matching character on it.  Along with this it helps to develop hand eye coordination with the cleverly designed musical instruments.   The toy has been designed in such away that each of the 5 musical instruments makes a different sound.  These can either be place on the top of the toy individually to hear one sound or together to create and orchestra.   The pieces are all a perfect size for little hands and my son loves to play with on and off the base unit.   I would highly recommend this as a fun and educational toy."  For more information visit www.tomy.co.uk


Spotty Gift Boxes Cookery Set reviewed by Jana from London in September 2009

"I like Spotty Boxes Mixing Bowl and Spoon for many reasons. When we received the Mixing Bowl and Spoon, my 11 and half months old daughter had a good giggle at the faces painted on both of the items. The face on the spoon was especially good as you can play endless games of peekaboo with it. (Needless to say, the spoon is carried around with us a lot.) Using the bowl and spoon for its intended purpose has also been great fun. My daughter liked the fact that she has her own cooking set and now prefers it to taking over mine. Even though my daughter is still small, she can manage to mix things together in it (at the moment pieces of fruit or pasta and vegetables for her lunch). The design seems very good and when I need to I am sure I will be borrowing hers as it has everything a grown-up set has (spout and handle). And that is another good thing about this set – it will grow with us for years to come."  Visit www.spottygiftboxes.co.uk for more details.

Joanna from Basingstoke has reviewed the following two Hauck toys for us:

Winnie The Pooh Prema Tricycle

"As with other models, this tricycle has a removable handle for Mummy and Daddy to push and steer with until such time as your child can peddle alone and it comes with a basket for all those toys your little one wants to take for a ride.  However, on this particular tricycle, Mummy and Daddy especially liked the padded handle and that the front wheel/steering column was lockable to override Annabel's occasional wayward steering.  We also appreciated the very secure, padded 5-point harness for younger children, like our 9 month old son, which can be transformed to a basic lap-strap for older children.  Annabel also loved this tricycle and found the sturdy pedals much easier to use and more effective than on the tricycle she already has.  She also appreciated the comfortable back cushion."  

Play Gym Baby Walker

"My son, Rory, enjoyed this underwater themed play gym with its 7 different toys that include a mirror, tooting horn and light/sound panel. The playgym is aimed at 6-12 month olds but, I would suggest that, at nearly 10 months, Rory is almost outgrowing it from an interest point of view.  It was extremely easy to construct, is solid and well-made, has a high backrest and generally looks smart.  There are 3 different height positions so the gym grows with your baby and, usefully, the activity tray can be removed to leave your baby with a large playtray to put toys or snacks on.  My only criticism would be that the playgym was relatively difficult for Rory to maneouvre on our carpet although I am sure this could be seen as a positive and save too much furniture bashing!" Rory is pictured right in the Hauck Play Gym Baby Walker.

For more information and stockists please visit www.hauckuk.com

Freya Design Keepsake Boxes reviewed by Sam from Hampshire in July 2009

"Beautifully made little boxes that form a set to store hospital id bracelet, first curl and first tooth - any new Mum would love this as a present!  They are very chunky ,made out of wood, with a little well inside lined with felt.  Blue or pink designs."  Visit http://www.freyadesign.co.uk/baby-keepsake-boxes.html


That's Not My Polar Bear (available in August 2009) reviewed by Hannah from Staines in July 2009

"I reviewed a book called That's Not My Polar Bear with my son who is 3 yrs old and my daughter who has just turned 4 months. They both enjoyed the book so did I. The book was coloufull, very clear illistrations and wording, very simple to understand and very realistic with the touch and feel pages. The touch and feel pages give the children an understand of what different materials feel like and where they would find them. I would recommend anyone to purchase this book for the group ages of 4 months upwards. I also think that the price £5.99 was reasonable for this type of book."  Visit www.usbornebooksathome.co.uk

Personalised Story Books reviewed by Sarah from Solihull in July 2009

“Now Lexi is Two....a personalised story book featuring your child’s name, address, friends name’s, and photo!  I love this book – it is so sweet, the cartoons sketches that features Lexi’s picture as the head are really bright and fun.  The book is well made, nice thick pages that will withstand a lot of reading, and I think slightly wipe-clean too! Nice short and clear sentences on each page that Lexi will be able to help read eventually, and the activities in the book are true to what a child of 2 would be doing; painting, building blocks and playing at the park with their friends. I’m sure she is going to love this book – it’s a great, unusual present that they can treasure for years." 

"Lexi opened the present, and with nervous anticipation, I waited to see her response...."IT'S MEEEE!" she shouted, delighted by the image of herself on the front cover!  She relished seeing herself in an actual book, and the story was just right, not too long or repetitive, and she really enjoys seeing herself do all the activities she does throughout the week.  Her favourite page is the one where she's eating dinner "spaghetti bolognaise" or "bogbognaiseeee" as she calls it.  A huge success!"

Visit www.itsyourstory.co.uk for all the details.

For the paddling pool or the swimming pool

We loved these new Seal Flips from Zoggs and our little testers would chase them round and round the swimming pool!  Our Mums commented that they were just the right size for little hands to grab easily and could be used in the bath plus would be easily packed to take on holiday. These are part of Zoggs’ new Stages of Development programme helps boost water confidence and make swimming fun.  Visit www.zoggs.com to find out more.

And why not use bath toys in the paddling pool or in the swimming pool (not a public one!) to keep you little one interested and gain their confidence.  Jasper (20 months) loved the squirting and whistling sounds from Tomy's Water Whistler available in pink or blue for only £4.99 and even Alice (aged 4) wasn't too young to enjoy her pink Water Whistler! 

And for piece of mind in the pool our testers used Huggies Little Swimmers.  Our Mums found them very easy to use, they don't swell like normal nappies and easily rip off for quick changing.  They also come in cute Tigger or Nemo designs that our little testers loved too.  Just £4.99 for a pack and found in the nappy aisle of most major supermarkets.


Our Mums loved the chorine resistant sun suits from KoolSun as they provide UV protection of 50+ and won't perish after repeated use.  Available from www.koolsun.co.uk in one piece (sizes 0, 1 & 2) and two piece (sizes 3, 4, 6 & 8) with matching hats (sizes XS, S & L). £24.99 for swimsuits & £9.99 for hats.  Our Mum said that the suit was easier to get off and dried really quickly!

And it goes without saying that you must never leave a small child unattended in a paddling pool or swimming pool, even a few inches of water can be dangerous. 

In the garden

Our Mums were reminded of their own childhood when we gave them this First Thomas Swingball to try out!  The great thing about this swingball is that it can be played on any surface and taken anywhere as it has it's own base that doubles as a carry case and storage box.  Thomas and Percy move back and forth as the game is played which delighted out little testers.  £24.99 from 3 years and available from major toy retailers or see www.mookie-toys.co.uk for more details.

Many indoor toys come into their own when taken into the garden.  Dolls will love to be pushed around the garden in their prams and cars zoomed along the patio will go a lot further than they will indoors!  We asked our little testers to try out a few toys specifically outside.  

A favourite was the Tomy Thomas Seat-n-Ride, Jasper loved the ‘secret compartment’ in the seat and likes to put his favourite toys in there and push them around.  Mummy found a worm in there as well! The toy is very robust and works well in and out doors so can cope with the most enthuastic adventures and has a very cute peep-peep.  £29.99 from 12 months to 3 years.

We were also lucky enough to try out a new range of recycled and no battery toys from Sprig.  These toys intriged our Mums as much as their little ones as the designs are very striking and some have features such as lights powered by pumping rather than batteries.  We tried out some of the trucks and a helicopter playset which were perfect for the sand pit as it included a landing pad that was also a sand stamp, sand sifter!  And many mini adventures were acted out by our all our little testers, both boys and girls!  They also have a dinosaur adventure, tree house and bee and butterfly farm in this new range available from Spring/Summer 2010. From £11.99 see www.sprigtoys.com for more details and available from www.tesco.com

Further afield

The Smart Trike Steer-n-Grow was a hit with Alex (aged 20 months) who had never been on a trike before!  Mummy and Daddy loved it too as the steering was easy and Alex had stands to put her feet on until she grows to reach the peddles and a little belt to help her stay in her seat.  Alex also loved putting her favourite toys in the bucket at the back so they could enjoy the ride too!  Perfect for going to the park or for a walk in the fresh air.  The Smart Trike is £52.99 and will grow with your child from 10 months to 3 years.  Enter our competition to win your own Smart Trike or visit www.mookie-toys.co.uk to find out more about the Smart Trike range.

The finer weather means we can all get out more and nothing beats a family walk.  For buggy friendly walk visit our friends over at www.pushchairwalks.co.uk for walking routes across the UK.  

We gave a pair of Hi Tec walking boots and Hi Tec walking sandals to one of our little testers and they were tested on several family walks in a variety of conditions.  The boots were great for one very muddy walk and a good alternative to wellies as they provided more grip although several pairs of socks were needed, just like Daddy does with his walking boots.  The walking sandals were just like a summer sandal, a bit heavier, and made it on more walks as they could be worn with socks or without.  Our family hadn't even thought about proper walking shoes for their 4 year old but now would always buy these rather than rely on wellies or trainers. From £17.00 and visit www.hi-tecdirect.co.uk for stockists. 

Out and about anywhere

Our Mums loved the range of sunsuits from KoolSun especially as they don't have that synthetic feel of most UV suits.  Our little testers loved them as they had less sun cream put on them as the suits have a UV protection of 50+! Sunsuits come in 0-6 months, 6-12 months & 12-24 months and come in blue or pink. £24.99 for the sunsuits & £9.99 for the hats.  Available from www.koolsun.co.uk

Let your little one capture all these fantastic outdoor moments with a Kidizoom Multimedia Digital Camera.  Our little tester loved this chunky camera and quickly mastered the art of taking the photos.  Being digital the "missing head" shots can be deleted and it was also dropped several times and survived! Our Mum commented that it encouraged her daughter to explore the world around her.  £49.99 for 3+ years available from www.argos.co.uk.

Skibz bibs £7.99 from newborn to 3 years www.theoriginalskibz.com (photo centre)

My 15mnth old can be a real "dribbler" at times. She uses a dummy so particularly when she is teething or has a cold I need a bib on her all day. The Skibz is such a brilliant alternative to a bib. Its stylish, comfy and best of all matches her outfits!

Wee Gallery £10.00 from newborn to 4 month www.weegallery.co.uk (photo bottom right)

Really well thought out version of black and white pictures to stimulate a small baby.  Alfie couldn't take his eyes off them!

Tippitoes Wooden Rattle £5.99 from newborn www.tippitoes.com (photo centre)

A chunky, beautifully made wooden rattle that will stand a lot of play and teething!  Lovely gift for new baby too!

PlaySkool Busy Basics Elephant RRP £12.99 from 3 months PlaySkool website (photo top right)

This soft elephant toy is ideal for my young baby as the ears make a crinkly noise there is a dial on the foot for her to move around and a ball that whizzes around on its nose.  This works well when my baby is lying on her playgym or lying in her cot.

PlaySkool new design Gloworm RRP £7.99 from birth PlaySkool website(photo bottom right)

Lullaby gloworm is the perfect companion for bedtime, my baby is receptive to the soothing sounds of the lullabies and it is soft to the touch.  Ideal for holding whilst sitting up or lying down as it is not too big.

Graco Fun Rock and Giggles RRP £59.99 from 6 months www.graco.co.uk

My daughter can reach and grab easily now at 6 months but can't manage to turn herself around yet but this toy may well help her along in this department!  There are about 8 different toys one musical, a ball that rolls with noisy beads in, a mirror and soft Teddy's. The good thing about this activity toy is you can have them stable or can be rocked which for a young baby is a great idea, an ideal product for a growing baby to play safely!

My First Thomas (£3.99) and Talking Thomas (£8.99) from 12 months (photo top)

These chunky Thomas the Tank engine characters were easy for little hands to push along and the choo-choo from the Talking Thomas was a big hit!

Smart Builders Piano from Mega £29.99 from 12 months to 4 years

My daughter loves this, she plays with it at least once every day. She is 15 mnths old but I am sure even a just sitting baby would love the chunky blocks and big keys on the keyboard to bash away at. Great for keeping babies entertained while Mum is busy getting on with jobs.

PlaySkool Makka Pakka Bath Toy RRP tba (photo right)

Charlie and Lola Stick-on Felts (£8.99) and Memory Game (£4.99) from 3 years (photo middle)

The stick on felts are a great way for your Charlie and Lola fan to create their own stories just like the real thing!  And the familiar characters help make this classic card game more engaging.  Great stocking filler items!

Pingu and Friends Igloo and Playmat (£19.99) and Character Playset (£7.99) from 3 years

My little Pingu fan loved recreating her favourite programmes with these good-sized characters and all their assessories.  Really well made pieces and the igloo home is a carrycase/storage so you might even keep the set together!

Moccis Moccasins £15.00 from 6 months to 3 years www.moccis.co.uk

Lots of people commented on how cute and practical they are.  They are excellent for a bum shuffler who is big for her age and not about to walk in a hurry because the amount of soft shoes for over size 4 feet is minimal. They keep her warm and she has to work really really hard to pull them off, so that's also a bonus! overall they have my vote!

These are the best slippers I have ever had for my daughter. They are lovely and soft but have really durable soles so can be worn on hard tiled floors. I love that they never slip off but at the same time dont leave marks on my daughters chubby little legs.

GoGlow Bedtime Trainer £19.99 from 3 years available at Argos and Woolworths (photo top left)

Great idea - we have been looking for some way to stop our 4 year old shouting out to find out whether it is time to get up.  This clock is a simple way of showing a child who is not old enough to tell the time when it is "morning" time.  It has the added advantage that a usual alarm clock lacks, in that if the child miraculously happens to sleep in past the Wake Up time, no alarm goes off to wake them up!

Mini Micro Scooter RRP £39.99 from all good toy stores

Alice's eyes lit up as soon as she spotted the scooter and it had to be tested out straight away!  The scooter is very funky looking with clear plastic wheels and bright but not babyish colours.  It's also very light and the handle prop is very quickly removed and reinserted - must be one of the faster pre-schooler toys to assemble!  It also comes with picture instructions and safety guide so you can explain easily to a non-reader the dos and don'ts of scootering.  And there are some stickers included as well.  A well-built first scooter for any child!