Remember those toys you tuned upside down as kids, the ones when you righted them they let out a farmyard sound that sounded like a distressed animal? Well, here's the 21st century version of the same, battery powered these are activated with a shake, better still the faster you shke the higher pitched the said animals shreik becomes. £4.99 at Character
One of our favourite e-tailers have just announced their all new area aimed at kids, Firebox have shown us their wares over at Firetots and we love the lot. A mixture of classics from Fisher Price and spanking new stuff like Rainbow in My room and Baby Shhh - Start your tots in the gadget way early and they'll repay you in later life with gifts that you actually want.
Creative little hands will love Famosa’s new range of Disney projectors and light boxes which give your kids not one but three exciting features in one: projecting and lighting, lighting and tracing and projecting images on the wall. Aimed at boys and girls from the age of three, kids can choose from their favourite Disney characters such as Tigger and Pooh and Mickey Mouse and friends.
Get your child ready for what is hopefully going to be a great summer with Famosa’s Triciclo Baby Plus Music. A safe trike for youngsters aged 1+, the Baby Plus with Music has all the mod cons you and your child could want! As well as a rigid harness that restricts the handlebars for safe use, retractable footrests and an adjustable seat (three positions), the trike comes complete with a practical carry bag and features a waterproof adjustable sunshade and a lights and sound pack.
Remember the adorable and phenomenally successful Pound Puppies from the 80’s and briefly in the 90’s? Well they’re back and are being re-launched to once again find a place in every child’s heart. These classic pups are not ordinary soft toys; they need a loving girl or boy to adopt them and take care of them. The new Pound Puppy has all the same features as the original plus some great new extras to bring them up to date. Recently named as one of the ‘Top Twenty Toys of All Time’ in a poll, the Pound Puppies come in a variety of sizes and styles from collectable Backpack Pups to Jumbo Plush Puppies. We had the pleasure of meeting the creator at Toy Fair and he’s very excited – as are we - about the re-launch of the once famous Pound Puppies – complete with their very own birth certificate.
This mischievous and curious little boy is about to embark on an adventure and wants to take your little explorers with him. So join his friends Elly the Elephant, Pato the Duck and Loula the Dog as they go exploring the world, learning and most importantly having fun. The latest range of Pocoyo goodies are bright and bold interactive toys which are great for capturing inquisitive imaginations. Join Pocoyo in his Electronic Pedal Car and watch him bounce along or cuddle up to the Elly Musical Plush while she plays music or why not have some bath time fun with the 3 in 1 bath figures with water-squirting action. Out in October with prices ranging from £5.99 - £14.99.
Safe and eco-friendly toys are all the rage this year so we thought we’d point you in the direction of some really great products in the ‘going green’ category. Like anything else that is eco-friendly, these toys are made from natural, safe materials which do not harm the environment. Eco-friendly, or green toys as they are commonly known are not hard to find if you know where to look! Do the planet a big favour and pick up one of these green toys today.
White Cardboard Playhouse - £27 - lulasapphire.com
Renovation and refurbishment are important buying criteria for mini home owners, so thankfully this white playhouse is a blank canvas for creativity. Your mini designers can get to work straight away with stickers, paints, glitter, and an all-important number on the door.
A slight diversion Toyology readers but one well worth the wander. This simple fork based F16 could well be better than those cat like "miaows" you've tried to get a percentage of the 5 a day into an unwilling eater. No sign of a price as yet, perhaps this will inspire some to "pimp up" their cutlery? Thanks to Pocket-Lint.
New from the Roary the Racing Car range comes this fantastic remote control kit. Kids will love controlling Roary with their very own steering wheel – not a conventional remote control for this kind of toy but is what makes it so brilliant. It’s great for little hands to steer him backwards, forwards, left or right and they will love the sound effects and phrases. It’s a fun first remote controlled car and any kid would be excitable at the prospect of playing with it let alone actually owning one. Get yours from The Toy Shop for around £25.
For those who don’t speak French the title of this piece is ‘The Latest Trend’. We thought we’d stay within the theme for yet another great find for little girls from the Toy Fair – Les Trendies. These colourful and quirky dolls have long multicoloured stripy legs, brightly coloured hair with funky hairstyles and changeable dresses with cute designs. With their cheeky (and freakishly life-like) faces, and soft bodies they’ll be your little girl’s new best friend.
