It’s amazing how much kids take in as they grow.  You only have to look at your own child to see how much he or she learns on an average day and how much this impacts the values they adopt and behaviours they show.

Since kids like to play – as we all do deep down – educational toys provide a good way to help kids in their development while having fun.

There have been a lot of educational toys over the years – but what are kids into and what are the must-haves for your toy collection?

Here are some ideas to help put a little fun in your child’s learning –

You don’t need to break the bank…

….especially when they are starting out.  If you have an infant or toddler, some of the best educational toys are those that get back to basics.

For example, a toy like the abacus, magnetic letters or an alphabet frame  all bring some of the basics to the forefront for a child but don’t cost a lot either.

Having these essentials around from an early age helps kids learn basic skills like counting and reading.  Whoever said you needed something exotic to teach kids these fundamentals in this day and age?

Around the world

With shows like Dora the Explorer, kids are bound to start to ask questions about geography.  Toys that teach kids about the world around them provide a great environment for them to be excited about what’s out there as well as learn a thing or two.

One toy that is quite fun for the artistic child is the Your World Giant Colouring Map.  They can learn all about the different places around the globe while they colour their world.  Watch out Dora the Explorer – she won’t know what hit her!

Get with the times

There are a number of electronic toys on the market.  Not only do these games, programs and consoles help your child learn about various subjects they also get them used to using electronics – something that is definitely important in our world today.

There are always mini-consoles with educational games like Nintendo DS but there are also programs like BrightMinds Online.  Tailored for kids aged 3-7, it provides a series of activities that are mapped to the National UK curriculum.  Fun and effective!

Know your maths

You don’t hear many kids saying how much they love maths but it’s important for them to learn early so they can grasp this skill.  You can always use the traditional route – testing booklets or flash cards.  It’s nice to add something different into the mix too.

One alternative are calculators like the See n’ Solve Fraction Calculator.  This gadget will add, divide, multiply and subtract fractions but, even better, it will teach your little one how to do it – bonus!  Now maths can actually be fun!

There are a multitude of educational toys out there so invest in some good options for your child and see their knowledge grow and prosper!

Related toys:

1. Music Snap Learn to read music Buy 3 snap packs get 4th...
2. Key Stage 3 Maths Rapid Revision for Maths Key Stage 3. Pack contains 6...
3. Stacking Ring Tower Wobbley ring tower with six colourful rings to stack on...

All the best beach toys for your sun-kissed toddler.

Summer’s here and it is one of the nicest times of the year to get outdoors with your little ones for some proper family fun.

For those of you who live close to the sea, the beach is a mainstay for any family this summer. If the sea is a bit further afield, hopefully you are planning a holiday to soak up some rays. Weather forecasts predict warmer temperatures for most parts of the northern hemisphere so it’s time to get those flip flops ready and hit the beach!

Playing in the sand has never been better for kids – the amount of choice out there for beach toys is tremendous and will make your little one smile with delight.

Here are some ideas to make your beach babe a happy one –

Get back to basics
We all remember how much fun it was to build sand castles on those hot sunny days. Times are no different now and playing in the sand while letting your child’s creative juices flow is where it’s at.

Get your child a mixed bucket set for hours of sandy entertainment at the beach. Part of the fun of being a child is letting your imagination run wild. After your little one has created their fortress, join in on the fun.

Go breezy
One of the nicest things about the beach is being out in the open air. Investing in a kite is a nice way for you to play along with your child and for you both to have some fun too. Make it easy on yourself and buy one that is ready to go without the need for assembly.

There are loads of kites out there right now for boys and girls, young and old – from Star Wars all the way to fairy princesses. The options are endless and so is the fun – so consider a kite today.

Splish splash
No day at the beach is complete without getting in the water. Taking some time with your child to splash around is always a nice way to spend a day in the sun.

Sets are available for youngsters that include swim rings, arm floats, swim goggles and beach balls. Make sure that all the proper safety precautions are taken as swimming, especially in the sea, is serious business.

Get your game on
Going to the beach often involves a lot of sitting around – you are there to relax and enjoy the time as a family. Over the past few years, a number of “beach friendly” games have been launched. You can now enjoy a bit of challenge or trivia and not have to worry about the sand wreaking havoc on your favourite board game.

One example of this is the Tic-Tac-Toe Beach Towel game – a game completely designed on a beach towel with 10 plastic game pieces included. It is a great way to keep your youngsters having fun and enjoying their day at the beach.

Be sporty
One of the best ways to have a fun day at the beach is to add sport into the mix. There are a number of toys out there that can help you get fit and have fun.

A Frisbee is always an option – a beach classic and one that can involve the whole family. Not only is it an inexpensive activity, it also gets your heart pumping.

Other ideas can include playing football, beach tennis and even volleyball (especially if your child is a bit older). Whatever you decide, kids love playing sports – it works their minds and their bodies.

Whether you decide to get back to basics, go breezy, splish splash, get your game on or be sporty, it will make a great day of fun in the sun for the youngsters.

Remember, the beach is a place to have fun and enjoy quality time as a family. Toys can only help make a sunny day, brighter!

Related toys:

1. Air Bear Catch Air Bear as he parachutes to the ground Our...
2. Sky Bird Kite Quirky kite Quirky Kite that looks great in flight! Single...

Toys are a great way to develop the skills of all kids – including those with special needs.

Here are some top toys for kids who have Down’s syndrome, Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Cerebral Palsy.  They will not only help grow your child’s abilities but will also bring in a little fun too.

Down’s syndrome:

Kids with Down’s syndrome often have difficulty with motor skills.  Since this in the case, some of the best toys to get them are puzzles or games that have big and few pieces.  Another thing to consider is purchasing toys that can adapt alongside the development of your child.  This way as they learn more, at their own pace, you can increase the level of difficulty so it moves with your child and continues the learning process.

There are a number of games out there like Rush Hour, a game that asks a child to move cars to get them out of gridlock.  Children can move at their own pace in helping the cars out depending on their development stage.  Best thing is that it can evolve over time – just like your little one.

Autism:

Autistic children often like repetition in their toys.  One element that always helps them achieve this is toys that spin.  There are a number of toys out there that either spin or use gears to catch the attention of your growing boy or girl.

One toy that is sure to put a smile on their face is the Super Gears Set.  With 150 pieces, this set will provide them with hours of endless fun.  Once the gears are all together they can watch the gears spin in wonder.

Other toys to consider for your child are those that create a response following an action – kind of like “I push this button and the wheel spins”.  This helps develop the skills of autistic children as it makes them understand the idea of cause and effect relationship.  Many toys do this but some of the electronic toys on the market (like toy laptops and mobile phones) are some of the best options to hitting that point home.

Cerebral Palsy:

Children who have Cerebral Palsy often have involuntary spasms and may need to consider toys with limited movements.

Something like the Marble Run toy is a great idea for your child.  It provides development to dexterity, as kids have to construct the track.  It also gives your child the ability to let the marble loose on the track, helping them develop their concentration skills.

For all children, including those with Cerebral Palsy, Lego is always a great option.  Get a basic block bucket for the kids or even go for a Lego alarm clock radio that will add some music to their lives.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD):

ADHD is a disorder that affects many kids around the world.  The most important thing when selecting a toy for a child with ADHD is in its simplicity.  The toy needs to hold their attention but you don’t need to buy something complicated to do that.

Some of the best are costumes and puppets.  This can bring your little one hours of fun and can let their imagination run wild.

Kids with ADHD often have a great sense of curiosity and zest for life.  Why not get them in front of some blocks or Lego and let them create a kingdom of their own?  You can also let them express themselves by integrating art into playtime – buy some paint brushes, paint or crayons and let them work on their next masterpiece.  Any of these ideas hold their attention while harnessing the imagination and creativity you know that they have.

Kids with special needs are like all kids – they want to have fun.  With integrating some or all of these toys into their day-to-day activities, kids can develop the skills they need but also have a good time doing so.

Help them develop while having fun!!

Related toys:

1. Marble Run Super 102pc Manic Marbles Test the skill and ingenuity of your young...
2. Marble Run w Elevator Marble Run with Elevator Test the skill and ingenuity of...
3. Postman Pat Postman Pat SDS Post Bag Makes a Postman Pat Felt Post Bag and Name TagThis...

Introduce your child to music and let them explore all the possibilities

Introducing your kids to the world of music at an early age has been proven to be a positive for a child’s development, improving their spatial-temporal reasoning.  In addition to the benefits of listening to music at an early age, studies show that actively making music has strong effects on intelligence for youngsters.  It also helps to build a child’s social and emotional skills.

Musical toys are also a lot of fun for kids of all ages and will form a memorable part of their childhood.  Even if it just turns into a hobby they like to do for fun versus being a future contestant on the X-Factor, it is a healthy way to play for almost any child anywhere.

Here are some ideas of how to integrate music into the life of your child at the different stages of their development.

Start them early

When your baby is born, it is almost guaranteed that they will passively hear music around them at an early age.  Music is a part of the lives of many people in this day-and-age – it helps to recreate memories and is used in many celebrations.

Getting your toddler in on the fun is even better. Some ideas for getting them to be a part of creating music are by integrating toys like a Baby Xylophone or the Musical Bear (xylophone that is shaped like a bear). These toys help them come to grips with rhythm and get them in the groove.

Keep having fun…

As your kids get older and are exposed passively and actively to different types of music and instruments, they will most definitely want to continue to have fun with them.  There are a lot of musical options for them out there.  They can start to take up lessons with a specific instrument (see below) or they can choose to continue to play around with it.

If they just want to have music in their life for fun, there are a number of toys out there that can be a great fit for them.  Guitar Rockstar is a totally portable device that is just the neck and headstock of a guitar.  It gives your kid two modes of rocking action – strum or freeplay.  Have them rock away with delight!

Go pro…

If a few years down the road you see your little boy or girl is taking a keen interest in music, it may be time to get a bit more formal.  Taking up an instrument, like a guitar, drums or even violin can be quite the commitment but it is also fun too.

Take the time to identify a good teacher to spend time with your child and consult a few resources when purchasing the instrument.  On your child’s quest of learning more about the instrument, these two pieces of the music puzzle are pretty important.

When a child identifies a passion, it’s great to let them explore it – you never know they may turn out to be the next Cheryl Cole or Bono.

The most important thing about music is to let your child have fun with it and enjoy. Music brings light into the hearts of many – whether you are listening or playing.  Giving your child the chance to shine at an early age is one of the great ways to develop their minds as well as let their creativity develop.

Related toys:

1. Music Snap Learn to read music Buy 3 snap packs get 4th...
2. Steiff EAN 037160 Music Box Teddy Bear Squeeze me! This lovable Teddy Bear takes you to the...

The best summer sports for the whole family to enjoy

Days are getting hotter and temperatures are rising- throw out the figure skates and pull out the summer gear.  This summer, why not introduce your little one to a new sport?  It can make those long summer days and nights more enjoyable than they already are.

These days, there are a multitude of options from netball, cricket, volleyball, tennis, softball and (of course) football.  So what sport makes sense for your future Beckham?

Consider this:

Location –

Live near a beach? Volleyball is always a great option for kids to get deep into the sand while getting active.  It’s a team sport so it will teach them some sportsmanship along the way.

Surrounded by nature? Try some hiking trips with the family – not only is it a great way to spend time together it is also great exercise.

Want to teach them how to be a team player?

Many sports today add a team element – some of the best are sports like basketball, netball and football.  All involve working together as a team to score the goal or make that slam dunk.  Team sports offer good life lessons for your kids and will help with the mind and body.

Work on that Hand / Eye Coordination

All sports help kids develop this important aspect of life but racket sports and golf really can make the impact that you want.  They may seem a bit stuffy, but kids are taking to the courts and golf courses more and more nowadays.  You never know, you may soon have a young Andy Murray or Katie O’Brien on your hands.

Want them to get fit?

Keeping kids healthy and active is what sport is all about.  All sports in some way, shape or form work out muscles that may not be used during the normal course of the day.  Keeping an active lifestyle, especially while the weather is nice, makes getting them involved in sports an attractive place to put your kids’ energies.

For competition or just for fun?

A little competitive spirit never hurt anyone and sports definitely can fulfill that need for any kid.  Competition aside sports are fun – always remember to remind your kids that it is just a game after all!

Most importantly, get out and have fun.  Sports can offer a lot of benefits for those developing minds.  So grab that racket or kick that ball and get sporty!

Related toys:

1. Funday Racing A fantastic game incorporating a selection of School Sports Day...

Before you buy, during setup and while you jump away!

Who doesn’t love to give it a go on the trampoline?  It is great fun for the kids and a great way to get in some exercise!

Trampolines aren’t just any other toy though – play on them needs to be done with caution in order to reduce the chance of injuries or accidents to your little ones.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) announced in 2002 that approximately 11,500 people in the UK went to hospital after a trampoline-related accident.

This was an increase of over 50% in a five year period.  Most injuries are surrounding the head and neck as this is where the most impact goes while bouncing.

The message?  Safety first – always.

With these numbers on the rise, is investing in a trampoline still a good idea?  Of course it is –you just need to make sure the right steps are taken to make it safe for the whole family.  If you are thinking about investing in a garden trampoline, there is no better time to understand some basic safety tips to make sure you have jumping fun while staying safe.

Safety should be top of mind before you buy, when you set it up in your garden and while it’s in use.  All of these steps are important to ensuring a safe jumping experience.

At the shop –

It is important to look closely at the different models that are available.  Make sure that the trampoline passes the accepted safety standard in your country.  In the UK, a commercial model should meet BS EN 13219:2001 Trampolines.

One important point is finding a trampoline that covers any sharp edges that could injure your little one when they are bouncing away.  Safety pads are ideal – or ensure that you buy safety pads to put over any springs, hooks or frames.  Netting is also a good safety feature as it protects your child from falling off – these can also be purchased separately.

Setting it up –

Now that you’ve got your trampoline, figure out where you’re going to put it.  Surface needs to be a major consideration – something flat in order to avoid any wobbling and uneasiness when you start bouncing.  The surface should be able to absorb some of the energy the bounce is going to create – grass or sand is ideal.  Ensure that surrounding areas are clear from any fencing, washing lines or anything else that can get in the way.  You need to create an area of about 2 ½ metres as a fall zone – try to add cushioning here if you can and keep any other toys from this area.

While they’re jumping –

Every time you start using the trampoline, it is a good idea to check it for holes or tears.  Anything like that can cause a lot of issues and is an accident waiting to happen.  Keep the kids informed on the steps you’ve taken when picking out and setting up the trampoline.  They need to understand that this isn’t a toy and safety is serious business.

Normal safety precautions should apply – no jewellery, no horseplay and keep capacity to one at a time.  Make sure that the kids know that they should be careful when getting on and off the trampoline as exiting the trampoline by bouncing off is a bad idea and could cause them to get hurt.

Safety should always be first when bouncing on that trampoline but remember to let them have fun too.  And maybe sneak in a turn or two for yourself – you’re a big kid at heart anyway!

Bounce away!

Related toys:

1. Springfree SF40 – 8ft Trampoline System Springfree™ Trampoline offers all-in-one design with maximum safety. We sell...

It’s all the rage nowadays – even with toys!

We all know that going green is in right now – the benefits of buying food that is pesticide free and wearing clothes that have no synthetics are numerous.

Now the craze has taken to toys and kids are enjoying the green toys available out there.

Why go organic with toys? To be honest, after some research, there are a lot of reasons why this makes a whole lot of sense.

There are the obvious environmental reasons.  Toys create a lot of mass production – use of plastics, synthetics and chemicals.  Toys also go in and out of style with the youngsters so is buying these types of toys really worth all of the upset to the environment?  Probably not.

More importantly think of how our kids interact with the toys they currently have.  How many times have you seen your child with that favourite doll in his or her mouth?  How many times have you noticed a rash of some kind after your child opened up a new toy?  Speaking from experience, I know that I’ve had this happen to me and my child a few times.

I can’t say for certain how a toy that is made commercially may impact a child but, if there are options out there that are free of these it worth giving them a try.

So what’s hot in organic toys?

Organic soft toys –

All children love soft toys and there are loads of organic options out there for your kids delight.  Cotton soft toys are available by a number of manufacturers at varying prices.  They are often made with the finest blends and are so soft to the touch your little one will be in heaven.

Wool is another option for soft toys and there are a variety of wool organic toys on offer at many shops and websites – they will definitely keep the little one warm once the winter hits.

Wooden toys –

Untreated wood is natural and makes a great option for childhood fun.  There are a variety of wooden toys on the market including rattles, puzzles, wooden castles and even figurine sets.  All of these toys help your child to do their own little bit for the environment and themselves but also provides a great source of fun everyday!

Other than wood, cotton and wool there are other organic products that are being launched all the time.

In addition to organics, going green can also mean toys made from recycled plastic to even playing dough that is non-toxic.  For toys, the lists of products that are starting to go green are endless.

Make the investment in organic and green toys and reap those rewards for your little ones!

Related toys:

1. Steiff EAN 038532 Rabbit in Basket made of high quality alpaca and finest felt, mottled brown,...
2. Knitting Mushroom Wooden knitting mushroom complete with a wooden needle and thread...
3. Stacking Ring Tower Wobbley ring tower with six colourful rings to stack on...

Hurrah – the summer weather has begun!  Aim to make the most of it by getting out in your garden now, cut that long winter grass, and then buy/find/repair a trampoline, and get ready to bounce!

Trampolining is an excellent, physical, outdoor activity that kids (and grown ups ) enjoy, and it’s a great trick for exhausting children so they sleep well!

SuperTramp Direct have a great range of quality trampolines and trampoline accessories in stock right now. Grab yourself a bargain with this 5% OFF Everything Voucher Code + FREE Delivery – only available until the end of May.

Website: Super Tramp Direct

Voucher Code: STD0505X

Voucher Details: 5% OFF Everything + FREE Delivery

Voucher Expiry Date: 31-05-10

Toy Story 3 arrives in the UK, on 23rd July 2010, fifteen years after the initial Toy Story Pixar film when thousands of Buzz Lightyear toys flew off the shelves and landed in childrens’ bedrooms worldwide. It was the number 1 toy in the UK that Christmas and incredibly difficult to get hold of a Buzz, as the demand was massively underestimated.

A revamped Buzz, Woody and the rest of the gang – including some new characters, are about to hit the toy shop shelves again for the upcoming film release. Will the Buzz Lightyear craze return to the new generation of children? Just in case, both Toys R Us and Mail Order Express are offering a pre-order service of their Toy Story 3 Range. You can view the Toys R Us Range Here, the Mail Order Express Range here, or compare prices as usual on Toy Finder, at Toy Story Toys . Either way, with a pre-order, you can guarantee your little one’s face will light up with glee on release day when Buzz lands in their bedroom!

And if you are wondering what on earth the fuss is all about, have a peak of the trailer at http://disney.go.com/toystory/

Related toys:

1. Toy Story Buzz Lightyear Lcd Game Emperor Zurg has attacked the Galactic Alliance and only Buzz...
2. Buzz Wire Making Kit Construct your very own Buzz Wire and learn how an...

Sand equipment ranges are now fairly comprehensive and they span a broad range of price brackets, so before the first truly warm and dry day of spring arrives, it’s worth considering what a child really needs from a sandpit, before committing the funds.

Families with lots of garden space might decide to stump up the funds for a timber picnic table style of sand equipment. However, a family with an only child or one where the youngest child is approaching the waning of the sandpit years may not find expensive picnic table sand equipment cost-effective.

Other drawbacks may overshadow the ‘lasting appeal’ tick box of picnic table sand equipment too. When considering the play interest of sand toys, it is worth remembering that these short years fly by! Toddlers may be unable to access picnic table sandpits safely, alone, until they are older – and after all it is the toddler years when sand is at its most fun and messy!

Picnic table sand equipment may be unsuitable and unsafe for toddlers as the littlest ones may need to be lifted onto the benches in order to reach the sandpit in the middle. Their reach might not be adequate for accessing the sand safely from a sitting position thus tempting them to stand or, worse, totter on the seats. From here it is all too likely that clambering around the sand table might prove a more exciting diversion for little pirates than learning about the pouring properties of sand. ‘Shiver-me-timbers’ role-play could take on a whole new meaning -  not a good idea bearing in mind the gaps between bench, table and sand box!

Some of these timber sand tables are marketed with so-called added attractions, such as a dual-purpose functionality. However, when families really analyse the functions they require, they might decide that, in reality, lifting a grimy sand box (leaves, lolly sticks and all) out of the equipment in order to use it as a picnic table is not really that practical. Who wants to do that every time they want to set out the tea-things?

These drawbacks – not to mention the hefty price tag and the self-assembly – might encourage families towards a cheaper, simpler option – one which may actually better suit the needs of children. That has to be good news for the family purse.

Budget ground-level sandpits can offer safe, perfectly adequate provision for one or two toddlers. If all they want is some clean soft sand, a few educational sand toys and a bucket for building sandcastles there are lots of inexpensive plastic sandpits on the market.  A little forward thinking might be in order however, when making all-important colourway choices. A pink plastic sandpit might be sweet for a little mermaid, but not quite so appealing two years later when a pirate brother arrives!

Low level sand tables are also great, although they are a little more expensive. Designed to provide the optimum height for preschoolers to work at, a sand table can provide several friends with enough space to move freely around the sand, and with enough working space to make good use of several educational sand toys at once. Again, they can also be multi-functional – some can double as water play tables. The problem remains however, of removing and storing the sand in the meantime. Others have dividers so that water and sand can be used side by side.

A compromise might provide the best value of all –perhaps a sand play table with removable legs? These can be used at ground level by toddlers, and then raised with the addition of the legs when children reach pre-school age.

Just make sure the legs are sturdy enough to withstand buckling under the weight of sand, water or excited preschoolers – especially indoors!

Related toys:

1. Gate Lodge Playhouse Play centre Largest of the play centres, this unit was...
2. Whoozit Water Mat Whoozit water mat made by Manhattan Toys. It’s easy to...
3. Spacesaver e Outdoor Table Tennis Table – inc FREE Bat Set Packing away to a depth of just 7cm – this...