So many parties, so little time! If you find yourself trawling the aisles of toy shops or surfing for that perfect gift – look no further – we’ve rounded up our top gift ideas for under £10 – kid tested and approved!
What: Noise Maker from Scootrix
Perfect for: 3+ who want to make some noise
Why: Featuring four awesome sound effects, kids can now announce their imminent arrival with a Horn, a Laser Zap, a Turbo Boost and a Police Siren. Each button has an on/off function so that accidental noises can quickly be muted
Cost: £9.95
More info: www.handpickedcollection.com
What: Pocket Kite
Perfect for: Keen kite flyers – old and young
Why: We recently stopped at the National Trust HQ at Heelis where we stumbled upon these fab pocket kites. En route to Somerset these were brilliant for windy days out on the beach and they really do fit in your pocket
Cost: £4.99
More info: www.houseofmarbles.com
What: Handlebar Heroes
Perfect for: 3 + scooter riders who want to stand out
Why: Handlebar Heroes animal head masks transform bikes and scooters into horses, magical unicorns, medieval steeds or anything your imagination will ride to! They come in two sizes and there are loads of cool characters to collect. Simply fold, snap together and clip onto your handlebars. My three year old’s gets loads of envious stares at her nursery. Guaranteed pester power.
Cost: £9.95
More info: www.handlebarheroes.co.uk
What: Hangman
Perfect for: Boys and Girls, 6 +
Why: Who doesn’t like a game of Hangman – the perfect game for the whole family and encourages spelling
Cost: £9.99
More info: www.10littlebirds.com
What: Pocket Etch-A-Sketch
Perfect for: 4+ fidgeters
Why: Most children will have owned an Etch-A-Sketch in their lifetime, but this one is a smaller, compact version of the original. Better for smaller fingers and ideal for popping into the car or in your handbag for long car journeys. Beats a computer game hands down
Cost: £9.95
More info: www.johnlewis.com
What: Pocket Microscope
Perfect for: Budding scientists – any age
Why: My six year old daughter spends hours examining everything under one of these. You can view small objects in detail with a brightness and clarity that impressed even Natural History Museum scientists. The microscope has a magnification range of 20 to 40 times and is ideal for all young nature investigators.
Cost: £10
Buy it: www.nhmshop.co.uk
What: Sound Machine
Perfect for: 8+ comedians & jokers
Why: Do your kids like putting on plays, telling jokes or generally making mischief? Then this is the gadget for them. This sound effects machine allows you to release gales of canned laughter or a slick cymbal sound after every joke, it’s also perfect for stand-up comedy and the filmmaker on a budget
Cost: £10
Buy it: www.sciencemuseumshop.co.uk
What: Beanie Boos
Perfect for: Cuddly toy lovers – all ages.
Why: Love ‘em or hate ‘em, Beanie Boos are up there on most children’s wish list. The aim it seems is to collect every single one available on the planet, and boy are there a lot to choose from. Some are cuter than others but the main thing is that they seem to keep little people entertained in imaginary games for hours on end. Which has got to be a good thing right?
Cost: from £4.79
Buy it: www.amazon.co.uk or most good toyshops
What: The Usborne Beginner’s Cookbook
Who for: 8+ Budding MasterChefs
Why: My twenty two year old niece had this book as a child and is now a brilliant cook so I bought it for my eight year old daughter. It teaches the basics in a clear concise way and empowers children to feel they can cook by themselves from a young age.
Cost: £8.50
Buy it: www.amazon.co.uk
What: What’s Rubbish?
Perfect for: Mini Eco warriors aged 5-10
Why: In keeping with Orchard Toys ethos of ‘learning made fun’, this colourful game is both fun and educational. It teaches your youngster about items which can be recycled. Travel around the board collecting cans, bottles, clothes and newspapers to put into the recycling bin. Then decide what rubbish can be posted into the rubbish bin.
Cost: Currently on offer £8.00 Kew Gardens gift shop.
Buy it: www.shop.kew.org
