THE BEST TOYS
Looking for the most interesting, unusual and inspiring toys? Look no further. Here are the toys, gadgets and gizmos we think are the most exciting in 2021.
The LEGO Fish Tank (Ages 8+)
OOh a LEGO fish tank, how exciting! This is a LEGO® Creator 3in1 Fish Tank. The glassless tank contains 5 different fish: a clown fish, a regal blue tang, a yellow tang, a cardinal fish and an anthias fish, as well as a mini submarine, some coral and an aquatic plant. You can also build an easel with a parrot in a frame or you can build a treasure chest which opens and closes.
Available at: LEGO UK
OOh a LEGO fish tank, how exciting! This is a LEGO® Creator 3in1 Fish Tank. The glassless tank contains 5 different fish: a clown fish, a regal blue tang, a yellow tang, a cardinal fish and an anthias fish, as well as a mini submarine, some coral and an aquatic plant. You can also build an easel with a parrot in a frame or you can build a treasure chest which opens and closes.
Available at: LEGO UK
BALANCING PTERANODON
The Natural History Museum Balancing Pteranodon is a toy that is fun and easy to use. Balance this gravity-defying Pteranodon almost anywhere and amaze your friends with your magic-powers. How does it work? It's all about the centre of mass- The Pteranodon is weighted in the front of the wings so that the centre of mass is below the beak, meaning that it will stay balanced.
Availability: You can find them on Amazon and from the Natural History Museum Shop.
The Natural History Museum Balancing Pteranodon is a toy that is fun and easy to use. Balance this gravity-defying Pteranodon almost anywhere and amaze your friends with your magic-powers. How does it work? It's all about the centre of mass- The Pteranodon is weighted in the front of the wings so that the centre of mass is below the beak, meaning that it will stay balanced.
Availability: You can find them on Amazon and from the Natural History Museum Shop.
HEMATITE MAGNETS
We first came across these in the gift shop at Leeds City Museum. These are very strong magnets which are very tactile to the touch. You can build structures with them or use the opposite pole to make them flip over or even make them fly up in the air as they are attracted to the other magnets. Hours of simple fun: They are also available on Amazon.
We first came across these in the gift shop at Leeds City Museum. These are very strong magnets which are very tactile to the touch. You can build structures with them or use the opposite pole to make them flip over or even make them fly up in the air as they are attracted to the other magnets. Hours of simple fun: They are also available on Amazon.
LEGO STORAGE BAG
“Oh, I don’t think he has enough Lego,” said no parent of a young boy EVER. I would bet my bottom dollar on the fact that the households of most young boys are awash with Lego and I would also bet my bottom dollar on the fact that every parent has at some point in their life stepped on a small piece of Lego followed by extreme swearing and possibly also a little sobbing.
Well, this playmat / storage bag is a game changer. No more random pieces of Lego lying hidden just to trip you up when you least expect it – all the Lego bits can live safely in this drawstring bag which unfolds into a big 60inch diameter mat when undone. The Children can rummage through countless bits of Lego to their heart’s content, safe in the knowledge that no bits will get lost or hoovered up. The Dog also thinks it's most useful for hiding Bonios, but that's another story! Available in a variety of colours on Amazon
“Oh, I don’t think he has enough Lego,” said no parent of a young boy EVER. I would bet my bottom dollar on the fact that the households of most young boys are awash with Lego and I would also bet my bottom dollar on the fact that every parent has at some point in their life stepped on a small piece of Lego followed by extreme swearing and possibly also a little sobbing.
Well, this playmat / storage bag is a game changer. No more random pieces of Lego lying hidden just to trip you up when you least expect it – all the Lego bits can live safely in this drawstring bag which unfolds into a big 60inch diameter mat when undone. The Children can rummage through countless bits of Lego to their heart’s content, safe in the knowledge that no bits will get lost or hoovered up. The Dog also thinks it's most useful for hiding Bonios, but that's another story! Available in a variety of colours on Amazon
GRAVITRAX
We have been playing with this all year - it has been great. It is an interactive track system, where you construct the track, either following various patterns in the manual that comes with it or you can go freestyle. You then launch the ball-bearing which follows the track - like a build-it-yourself marble run. There are a variety of packs available - there is a starter pack which gives you the basics. If you go for the starter pack, I would recommend also getting the expansion pack as this will enable you to build much more interesting layouts. There is also an XXL starter pack which has many more component. It is made by Ravensburger, so it is good quality. There are also lots of add on bits like loop the loops and tunnels and trampolines that are a lot of fun. Our Gravitrax has stood the test of time this year and is a toy that the children keep going back to. We are looking forward to trying the new accessories which have been released this year!
Availability: The Gravitrax is available at most major toy retailers, including Amazon and Hamleys,
We have been playing with this all year - it has been great. It is an interactive track system, where you construct the track, either following various patterns in the manual that comes with it or you can go freestyle. You then launch the ball-bearing which follows the track - like a build-it-yourself marble run. There are a variety of packs available - there is a starter pack which gives you the basics. If you go for the starter pack, I would recommend also getting the expansion pack as this will enable you to build much more interesting layouts. There is also an XXL starter pack which has many more component. It is made by Ravensburger, so it is good quality. There are also lots of add on bits like loop the loops and tunnels and trampolines that are a lot of fun. Our Gravitrax has stood the test of time this year and is a toy that the children keep going back to. We are looking forward to trying the new accessories which have been released this year!
Availability: The Gravitrax is available at most major toy retailers, including Amazon and Hamleys,
HAMLEYS GLIDERS
A nostalgic favourite! Throw these at the right angle and they will do a loop and come back to you. You can see them being demonstrated in store...
Availability: At Hamleys
A nostalgic favourite! Throw these at the right angle and they will do a loop and come back to you. You can see them being demonstrated in store...
Availability: At Hamleys
MRS WORDSMITH
Spiralbound 'StoryTeller's Word A Day' - Learning good words but in a fun way! We have been very much enjoyed this book so far. This book is a flip book that you can stand up. Each word is illustrated in a child-friendly and humorous fashion. There are 20 words a month(one for each school day) and the book runs for the school year (September - May).
Availability: Amazon
Spiralbound 'StoryTeller's Word A Day' - Learning good words but in a fun way! We have been very much enjoyed this book so far. This book is a flip book that you can stand up. Each word is illustrated in a child-friendly and humorous fashion. There are 20 words a month(one for each school day) and the book runs for the school year (September - May).
Availability: Amazon
KINETIC WHEEL TOY
More science - without the children even knowing they are learning. A great stocking filler!
Availability: Amazon
More science - without the children even knowing they are learning. A great stocking filler!
Availability: Amazon
THE TRAIN BOOK
Calling all train enthusiasts - this is one of our most treasured books...Featuring pictures and information about all about a variety of trains, this is a beautiful hardcover book that will be looked at again and again.
Availability: Amazon
Calling all train enthusiasts - this is one of our most treasured books...Featuring pictures and information about all about a variety of trains, this is a beautiful hardcover book that will be looked at again and again.
Availability: Amazon