Toy Cars

Let’s start with toy cars. In general this term can refer to any representation of an automobile as previously stated, but it also suggests that the focus is more on enjoyment. This means the car is likely to be of a somewhat different shape and size as normal cars, to maximise the usability for the age group it is aimed at.

Model Cars

Model cars, as compared to toy cars, tend to be a highly realistic portrayal of an actual car (and other similar vehicles), albeit in a scaled down form in terms of size. This usually includes minute details like proper looking trimmings and even realistic looking licence plates and branding.

There are train sets suitable for almost every age; ranging from LEGO Duplo sets for younger children to functional train sets for older kids and continuing all the way up to scaled model kits for adult hobbyists.

Toddlers

For toddlers there are the aforementioned Duplo sets and also large, wooden novelty trains.

Children

For slightly older children (5+ years) there are commercial train products that feature fully working train tracks. These may be general trains sets or themed ones like Thomas the Tank Engine.

Hobbyists

For the more serious followers of the industry, there are train model sets, which often featured scaled down versions of real life trains and tracks.

Stickle Bricks come in a wide variety of colours and shapes. Each piece features numerous small plastic ’stickles’ (cylindrical protrusions) on each of its sides. These stickles can then be joined with one another to combine the pieces and create structures.

The designs of Stickle Bricks vary from simple shapes (squares, rectangles, etc.) to more complex and meaningful shapes (animals, letters, etc.).

You can usually find tubs and sets of Stickle Bricks for around £20-30 and they are suitable for toddlers.

The Slinky is probably most famously known for it’s ability to ‘walk’ down stairs autonomously once given an initial nudge. There’s something mesmerising about the effects you can make simply by moving and stretching a Slinky between your hands.

Despite being a simple spring that was devised around 70 years ago, you can still buy Slinkys (and similar alternatives) to this day.

However, did you know these facts about skateboards:

• They came about as an alternative to surfing in the 1960s for when the surf wasn’t ideal so surfers could practice on-land
• If you ride with your left foot at the front it’s called ‘regular’; the right foot forward is referred to as ‘goofy’
• The US military trialled using skateboards in urban warfare exercises in the 90s

There have been many incarnations of the Optimus Prime transformers toy ever since, with models in 1988 called Powermaster Optimus Prime and in 1990 called Action Master Optimus Prime some of the memorable versions.

Fabric playhouses

Fabric playhouses are usually relatively cheap. Because of this they are not very sturdy and are affected by strong gusts of wind. They are usually erected on the day of play and taken down again at the end of the day.

Plastic playhouses

A more permanent solution than fabric is plastic. These are also slightly bigger then fabric playhouses too, and come in a range of gaudy colours. They will withstand rain, but if you leave them out through the winter be prepared for mould growth.

Wooden playhouses

These playhouses are a more permanent solution. The playhouse can be just about any size and can even be built on stilts. They can range from about £100 to over £1,000. Bespoke wooden playhouses can cost tens of thousands of pounds.

Rainbow Aquadoodle uses water as the drawing material, yes water. The pens you get with the Aquadoodle are filled with water and when your little one draws on the included mat their artistic skills are recreated. It’s as simple as that. Because water is the drawing method, there is no mess and you can create as many images as you want. When the mat dries the images disappear leaving you with a blank canvas the next time the mat is used.

All-in-all a great product. The only downside is the price, which at £25 is a little on the steep side.

The 3-in-1 in the trike name refers to the stages at which the trike can be used. For young babies there’s a plastic frame surrounding the seat, so your little one won’t fall out when your pushing them along. When they get a bit older this can be removed.

At the next stage the clutch on the pedals can be activated meaning your little one can learn to pedal along when they want, but you’ll still have control which direction they head in.

The last stage involves the removal of the steering bar and letting them loose on the world. This might not be a good idea for the more cautious parent (especially when out and about) but overall the trike is a good buy at a great price.

Our little ones are still too small for the electric stuff so in the meantime we took a look at the other options available.

The Lillabo train set from Ikea is the cheapest wooden train set we could find. You start with a 20 piece set which includes a bridge, so you can make a figure of eight, and can then buy accessories and extra track including more bridge pieces, tunnels and even intersections so you can park a train in a siding. The track can be used with most other wooden track manufacturer’s parts and the price is so cheap we bought two – It’s currently on sale at just over £7.00.