Category: Gifts for children

CUKTECH 15 Power Bank Air

Birthday Gifts, camping, Children, Christmas, Father's Day, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Home, Home & Garden, Mother's Day, Stocking Fillers, Tech, travel

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

I love a gadget, and this power bank is perfect for a Father’s Day gift!  

The CUKTECH 15 Power Bank Air holds enough power to recharge your iPhone 17 by 1.6 times or a Samsung S25 Ultra about 2.2 times over. That’s only for phones, it can power laptops too with 65W Fast Charging, which is enough to power a Mac Book Air from zero to 48%. 

The slim design is deceptively heavy though! It’s enough to carry all that power but is about the size of a phone just fatter. It does mean that it fits into a pocket or hand luggage, and it would comfortably fit into a handbag too but it comes with a cosy bag to keep it in, along with the USB-C cable. The front of the power bank has a display which tells you the percentage charge already on the power bank, plus how long it will take to charge  fully or how much charge it has left through each of the ports. Speaking of which, you can charge to and from the CUKTECH 15 with a Type-C2, Type-C2 and USB-A1 ports. The screen goes dark when not in use but the button at the side lights it up again so you can see the stats as it charges. The three different ports mean you can power up to three appliances all at once too.

You can charge up the CUKTECH with the provided cable. To change the direction of charge, click the side button twice and the display changes. Keep clicking and it allows you to change the display and setting so that the screen stays on and it shows you which port is being used to charge in or out of the power bank, and how long it takes to charge and the percentage. You can even change the display to be upside down so that you use it on the go or if it’s in a pocket!

At around £50, it’s not a bad price for a power bank on the market, as there are a lot out there which aren’t as compact or as useful, and having the ability to charge 3 appliances at once is definitely a benefit.  The cable is a bit short though, especially if you have the charger in your pocket and you’re trying to walk and text at the same time, and you would have to source other cables for the other ports if your appliance didn’t already come with one, but they can all be poppled in the supplied bag so that you can carry them with you.  Although it’s heavy too, it’s not any heavier than other power banks, and that’s because of the nature of the battery it contains.

The CUKTECH 15 Power Bank is a really useful gift and a great surprise for Father’s Day as something that is actually helpful to everyday life. 

Available from £49.99 at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FNQK3VHZ?ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_P8ESV8CN44BP0FR26YKP&ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_P8ESV8CN44BP0FR26YKP&social_share=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_P8ESV8CN44BP0FR26YKP

Stabilo Pens

Birthday Gifts, Children, eco friendly, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Stationery, Sustainable

Disclaimer: we received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

We are heading into revision season and for many students (and parents) it can feel a bit overwhelming, so anything that brings a little spark of motivation is worth its weight in gold. When it comes to choosing stationery STABILIO is a name I trust and gravitate towards as they have such a fantastic selection of stationery in a rainbow of colours, which are perfect for making students feel in control of their revision.  

A set of highlighters is essential when revising and the STABILO Boss Original highlighters, which are available in bright, vibrant colours, make key points easy to spot. Their special anti-drying technology gives you up to four hours cap-off time, which is ideal for those slightly chaotic study sessions. The wedge tip gives you flexibility for both neat underlining and broader highlighting, and the fact they’re refillable is a great bonus for reducing waste. With 30 shades available, from neon to pastel to nature tones, there’s plenty of scope to colour-code your notes in a way that works for you.

Writing in different colours can help highlight information and help students remember information and the STABILO Point 88 pens with a 4mm tip are great for note taking, report writing, and even a spot of doodling! With a metal-enclosed tip and excellent dry-out protection these pens are a particular favourite of mine. They can be purchased in a variety of different sized packs from individual pens right up to a fantastic set of 65! The pens are the distinctive orange hexagonal design and have caps the colour of the ink for easy identification. The colours are bright and vibrant the ink flows very smoothly, they also dry really quickly so you don’t get any smudges on your work.

When you’ve a lot of writing to do then the STABILO 4 Pointball pen is the one to choose. With a rubberised grip they’re designed to be used for longer periods of time without your hand complaining! The pens are smooth to write with and are also eco friendly with the pen body made from 87 % ISCC PLUS-certified bio-based plastic (mass balance), reducing CO2 consumption compared with fossil-based plastic. Once the ink has run out it can be replaced with a STABILO Ballpoint Refill. There’s six different colours to choose from so you can make your notes stand out.

Whilst new stationery won’t do the revision for you, it will make the process feel more organised, more enjoyable, and a little less daunting. And with the right tools in hand, there’s every chance that all the hard work will have paid off when results day arrives!

Sponge Cake Cards & The Legends Brownie Box from Sponge

beauty, camping, eco friendly, Fashion, Fitness, Food & Drink, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Gluten Free, Mother's Day, Valentine's Day Gifts, Vegan, Vegetarian

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Cakes for all occasions! Sponge send cakes that are, “Brilliant cake. Bold flavour. A little bit cheeky” and we couldn’t agree more. Why send just a card when a piece of cake and a card will make them feel more special? If you’re anything like me, Father’s Day is an especially difficult day to buy for so Sponge make it easier!

Sponge.co.uk have a selection of cake pieces, whole cakes, brownies and cupcakes that can be delivered to your recipient’s door. All cakes come with a card which in some cases, are a little bit cheeky! You can customize each card to suit the receiver. We were sent The Legends Brownies box and a Sponge Cake Card which are both brilliant for Father’s Day. If you order before 2pm, it can be delivered the next day.

The Sponge Cake Cards are literally cards with pockets that house 2 slices of cake which you can choose from a range including chocolate, carrot, white chocolate & raspberry, Red Velvet and several of the same cakes but in vegan or gluten free versions. You also get to choose the design of the card and if you want to, you can upload a video too which can be viewed online. The card can be personalised with any greeting and then you can choose up to 2 extras, including items like tea bags, face mask, balloons or even a candle.  

Once you’ve made your choices, you can choose to have the Sponge Cake Card delivered or you can even pick up from their warehouse in Holt, Norfolk.  The same process works whether you’re sending a Cake Card or any of the other cakes and items which the company stocks.

As for the cakes…. The Sponge Cake Card came with a chocolate and a Victoria slice, both of which were obviously freshly made and not processed or frozen. They were light and fluffy with ample amounts of buttercream filling and a light topping, but not enough to make a sticky mess in the cellophane!  The brownies were obviously very densely made, with 8 pieces in total and all of them delicious. I haven’t worked my way through all of them yet, but there are 4 flavours in all and again, they were freshly made.

An interesting idea of having cake delivered as well as a card, Sponge.co.uk execute it very well and make it easy to send any type of celebration to a loved one.

Sponge Cake Cards from £9.99: https://www.sponge.co.uk/cake-card

The Legends Brownie Box from £18.99: https://www.sponge.co.uk/cakes/brownies/the-legends-brownie-box

Casdon Dyson Cordless Vacuum and Ooni Pizza Oven

Children, Family Life, Gifts for children, Learning, Toys

Disclaimer: We received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

We’re half way through the Easter holidays and the weather has been, well…..unpredicatable. Grey skies and rain have meant we’ve been spending more time indoors than I would like, so the arrival of a couple of new Casdon toys was a very welcome treat.

Casdon are a family run business and the number one manufacturer of role play toys in the UK and Dyson, Ooni, Morphy Richards, Kenwood and Joseph Joseph are just some of the many brands that they make miniature versions of. They kindly sent us two of their popular toys, the Dyson Cordless Vacuum and the Ooni Pizza Oven to try out with our mini reviewers and we’ve all been enjoying playing with them (me included!!)  

The Dyson Cordless Vacuum (RRP £25) was extremely easy to set up, it was simply a matter of putting in 3 x AA batteries (not included) and then clicking the pieces together. It comes with a long orange extension tube and two cleaning heads that attach and detach with the push of a button and once clicked in stay firmly in place.  

The toy vacuum cleaner is extremely lifelike with all the features that that a real Dyson cordless vacuum cleaner has. It even has working suction that picks up small bits from the floor. There’s an easy to empty dust box, quick release attachments and a fantastic  “whizzing cyclone effect with colourful bits of plastic spinning around to replicate dust and dirt.  

Our mini reviewers have had so much fun zooming around the house with it, it’s the perfect  height for little ones (68cm) and light enough for them to carry about the house. The really enjoy using it when I am vacuuming and they have started to follow me about ‘helping’ with their toy Dyson.

Next it was time to cook up some fun with the Ooni Pizza Oven (RRP £20), this was just as easy to assemble by slotting the legs into the base. The legs are also easy to remove for storage which is good. The oven takes 3 x AAA batteries (not included) which power the flames in the oven that look very realistic and add to the authenticity of the toy.

The set includes six pizza slices that slot together to form a full pizza. We found that they don’t stay fixed together very well, so it was much easier to assemble them on the pizza paddle before sliding them into the oven. The pizza toppings clip easily onto the base, with a tomato base to start, followed by pepperoni slices, mozzarella and basil leaves.  

Once prepared, the pizza goes into the oven to “cook.” When it’s ready, the little chefs can slice it up with the pizza cutter and serve their tasty creation. We did find that making the same pizzas can become a little predictable so the Pizza Topping Station available on the Casdon website would be a good addition to extend the interest of the toy.   

These toys have been a very welcome addition to our playroom and whilst whizzing around with the vacuum and baking pretend pizzas, our mini reviewers have been busy learning, playing and having fun.

Suite Spaces Modular Dolls House Sets

Birthday Gifts, Children, Christmas, Gifts for children, Learning, Toys

Disclaimer: We received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

The moment December arrives, parents across the land descend into a familiar state of mild panic. There’s a list, it’s long and of course it’s non-negotiable. And somehow, you’re expected to source everything whilst juggling work, life and the madness of Christmas itself. So, if you’re currently hunting for a dolls house and furniture, allow me to save you some time by pointing you in the right direction.

The Suite Spaces Modular Dolls House Sets are designed for 8 to 10cm dolls. There’s five different rooms available, a Deluxe Bedroom, Living Room, Kitchen, Bathroom and Game Room set plus the Style Surprises Blind Boxes which contains five surprise décor pieces to help children style and personalise their Suite Spaces rooms.

The clever bit is the flexibility, each room can easily be joined to the others to form one large house but as each room is modular you’re not locked into a single layout. When boredom inevitably strikes, the whole thing can be pulled apart and rebuilt in a completely different configuration. It might be kitchen on top one day with the bathroom at the bottom and on the next day it’s been swapped around – the layout is entirely up to the child’s imagination. Even the wallpaper and flooring are reversible, allowing for yet more rearranging and redesigning.

The attention to detail is just brilliant and it’s easy to see that a lot of thought has gone into every room. In the bathroom there’s soap, sponges and candles and the game room has a very modern feel complete with selfie light! The living room comes with a vase of flowers and candles, and the kitchen even has its own little fried egg for the frying pan.

I was also very impressed by the quality, the oven opens, the computer chair swivels, and when the rooms are stacked together they feel sturdy and well made. These are definitely built to stand up to the kind of enthusiastic play a child aged six and over will give them. This is not a flimsy, fall-apart-by-New Year sort of toy.

The smaller sets include 20 accessories and the larger ones come with 30, so there’s no shortage of home accessories to ignite budding designers imaginations. The sets encourage storytelling, creativity and hours of happy play, with endless scenarios to act out.

The Suite Spaces sets would make a wonderful Christmas present for any child who loves playing with dolls houses. We absolutely loved everything about them and I’ve no doubt they’ll be a big hit under the tree this year.

Standard rooms RRP £15 & Deluxe Bedroom set RRP £20

Blind box RRP £6 Avaiable from The Entertainer

Original Squishmallows Micromallows Plush 10 Pack

Birthday Gifts, Children, Christmas, Gifts for children, Stocking Fillers, Toys

Disclaimer: We received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

If you have young children you are bound to have heard of Squishmallows. These super cute stuffed egg-shaped cuddly toys are available in a wide selection of characters and have a habit of quietly taking over bedrooms and sofas. Fortunately, they’re nice and soft so when you accidently sit on them it doesn’t matter!

Micromallows are a smaller version of  Squishmallows and have all the softness and charm of the originals, but are much smaller and a lot more portable, meaning they can be stuffed into pockets, bags, and glove boxes and taken on lots more adventures. Designed for collecting, displaying, and imaginative play, Micromallows allow children to construct entire plush-based worlds without needing an extension on the house!

The Micromallows plush 10-pack contains a selection of favourite characters including Hans the Hedgehog with his cute green bobble hat, Natnat the Alien who brings a touch of intergalactic fun to playtime while Puff the Penguin looks prepared for either a polar expedition or a well deserved nap. Malcolm the Mushroom, a Squishmallows celebrity is there too.

Compatible with all Micromallows Accessory and Storage Display sets, these tiny plush characters are easy to display, carry, or include in elaborate imaginary scenarios. They fit neatly into display cases, backpacks, or play scenes dreamed up by collectors of all ages.

The set makes a lovely gift, but you can also split it into stocking fillers or why not use them as a cute name place holders at the Christmas table?

Whilst officially aimed at children aged three to ten, they are also adored by older children and teenagers.

RRP £19.99 and available from Smyths Toys where they are currently available for £12.99

Beauty & the Beast – The Grand Theatre Blackpool

Children, Christmas, Days Out, Family Life, Gifts for children, Theatre

It’s December and the panto season is in full swing and there’s nowhere better to soak up this Christmas tradition than in Blackpool. Nothing says festive fun quite like a good old-fashioned pantomime, and in Blackpool, where the humour is gloriously cheeky and the double entendres glide in quicker than a seagull after chips – it’s family entertainment at its finest.

Betty Legs Diamond, the original Funny Girl herself, strides on as Dame Polly La Plonk, resplendent, outrageous and armed with a wicked glint that suggests she could reduce a grown man to helpless giggles with nothing more than a raised eyebrow.

Belle, played by Kitty Harris is exactly how a fairytale princess should be. She’s beautiful and kind and you can easily see that she sees past the horns, fur and claws to spot the prince within.

Leading the all-star cast is Coronation Street baddie Marc Baylis as Hugo Pompidou. He strides across the stage with the perfect mix of danger, drama and irresistible charm, making it impossible not to boo the moment he appears.

Photo credit © Blackpool Grand Theatre | Photography Martin Bostock

But the real heart of a Grand Theatre panto is, as ever, Steve Royle. Having earned the title of the UK Pantomime Awards’ Best Comic, he bounds onto the stage like a child who’s had too many fizzy drinks. His energy, perfectly timed slapstick and razor-sharp adlibs had the audience in stitches from the moment he appeared on stage.  

Photo credit © Blackpool Grand Theatre | Photography Martin Bostock

The costumes this year are an explosion of colour, big, bold and bursting with personality. The Beast’s costume is particularly impressive and with his swishing cloak he cuts quite the imposing figure. The transformations from prince to beast and back again are especially impressive, they are so quick that you half expect to find Doctor Who lurking in the wings with a malfunctioning time vortex! Maybe one to include next year!!  Elsewhere, the French theme justifies a profusion of red, white and blue. The dancers seem to have a new outfit for every scene, while Dame Polly’s costumes… well, let’s just say they’re that little bit more daring. Would we expect anything less?

The show is peppered with brilliant scenes, from classics like the Ghostbusters routine to wonderfully funny adlibs when the balloon scene went deliciously off-script.

Photo credit © Blackpool Grand Theatre | Photography Martin Bostock

Choreographed by Katie Hill, the talented dancers from The Barbara Jackson’s Theatre Arts Centre were excellent, wowing the audience with a variety of different dance styles. We especially enjoyed the Can Can which added a typical French flourish to the show.

Beauty and the Beast runs until Sunday 4th January, giving you plenty of time to catch this magical, laugh-out-loud production. If you love pantomime – and honestly, who doesn’t at Christmas? – this is one you absolutely won’t want to miss.

Tickets start from £15 and are available from The Grand Theatre here

Photo credit © Blackpool Grand Theatre | Photography Martin Bostock

Emerald Storm at the Emerald Theatre, London

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Days Out, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, Theatre

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Hailed as the 21st Century’s answer to Riverdance, the Emerald Storm production by Adam Garcia returns to the West End again, and this time at the Emerald Theatre.

A fusion of Irish dancing, tap dance and urban street dance, the story is brought to audiences by The Boss, played by Tom Ball. A singer in a cabaret show, The Boss punctuates the story as Irish dancers take the stage, The Boss sings, and the immersive theatre happens around you. Watch out for the Mop Boy at this point… then the dancers blend away as tap dancers take the stage and finally singers take on the harmonies as they all take it in turn to bring the dance experience to you.

Every song in this musical extravaganza is accompanied by dance.  The theatre is a cabaret-style, two tier theatre with cocktail tables, several bars and sofa seating to sit back and relax. There are actors walking around before and after the show, who then appear on stage as part of the story.  Not only does Tom Ball need a shout-out for his talent, but principal dancers Olivia Graydon (Irish dancing) Bayley. Graham (tap) and Matt Walker (Mop Boy) also feature heavily in the dancing as well as the interactivity. There’s lots of stomping, clapping, audience echoing and the main show is book-ended with a house band to open, and audience tap dancing on stage afterwards.

There’s a fabulous energy to the show and lots of smiles – genuine smiles between the performers who all hail from performing schools across the country.  The mix of different dance styles is really engaging and is heightened by some fabulous singers and cheeky to-and-fro between the cast and the floor.

It’s an energetic night out with lots of uplifting dance and music, close up and in a cocktail evening style that you don’t get in many places across London nowadays. Magnificent! 

https://www.emeraldstorm.net

Brick Like This! LEGO Card Game from Asmodee 

Birthday Gifts, Children, Christmas, Family Life, Games, Gifts for children, Gifts for teachers, Learning, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Toys

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

This Christmas, Lego have a genius card game for after dinner or Boxing Day, or as a great gift for families who love constructing with LEGO.

The game is usually played in pairs where one person is the builder and the other a communicator. The communicator takes a card with a diagram of an abstract Lego design and has to describe it to their partner. The game is timed, so the team who build the LEGO model quickest gains the most points!

There are 92 models to build and 20 challenge cards to make the game more interesting, like having to communicate without speaking or building with just one hand! 

The game includes 48 LEGO pieces which pertain to the designs on the cards, and the pieces are full sized LEGO pieces. It can be played with 4-8 players and is aged from 7 years upwards but you do need a stopwatch or time keeper of some kind. The small parts are not suitable for younger children either.

This is a really fun and easy to understand game for everyone. There’s nothing complicated about it and you don’t have lots of rules to memorize before you can play. The scoring is easy, but the actual building of the models is more difficult than you think so it’s really eye-opening to see how people cope with having to describe an abstract shape.  The timing element of the game makes it more urgent and therefore more fun, especially at Christmas time when everyone is more jovial anyway! I loved this game and the whole concept of building with LEGO and can see us playing this as a family throughout the year.

Available from £18 at: https://www.argos.co.uk/product/7716074?deeplink=true&gclsrc=aw.ds&&_$ja=tsid:11675|acid:169-582-1252|cid:10199914028|agid:102806174795|tid:dsa-44200048968|crid:763987808626|nw:g|rnd:5883392337404542790|dvc:c|adp:|mt:|loc:9045872&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=10199914028&utm_term=&utm_content=text&utm_custom1=102806174795&utm_custom2=169-582-1252&cmpid=GG05X&GPDP=true&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=10199914028&gbraid=0AAAAAD9II9kL59fDoEw9wHarGCcZoHXlj&gclid=CjwKCAiAraXJBhBJEiwAjz7MZb-m_opPTTM2pjGuiQLV7uW6JAwZmTizGM7ZYBHPIeqkEaf3t-U8lxoCkYsQAvD_BwE

Tower Slushie Fusion – 5-in-1 Frozen Drinks Maker

Birthday Gifts, Children, Christmas, Gifts for children, Home, kitchen appliances

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Getting ready for a cocktail this evening? Planning a drinks party this Christmas? Then Tower’s newest frozen drinks maker may be for you, especially if you are a fan of a frozen margherita or daiquiri. Or do you have children who are always bothering you for a slushie when you’re out?

How does it work? Is it easy to use? Yes – add your mix, select what you want from the digital control panel, put a glass or container underneath the spout, press a button and your water mix magically turns into an iced rink before your eyes.

This appliance comes in a very large box and is heavy. This is because it’s effectively an ice machine and crusher in one. No putting cartons of water in the freezer and hammering away with an ice pick to get that perfect snowy crushed ice. You just add flavoured water, press the buttons and fluffy magical crushed ice is deposited into a glass. This machine does it all for you and more.

Unboxed it is also very large and if you are thinking of buying one you may need to check where you’ll put it. It didn’t fit under any cupboards in the kitchen and even at the front of the worktop you couldn’t fit the drip tray underneath. It would have to take up a large space on an open worktop or one a table. But once installed it’s very easy to use and comes with a comprehensive instructions booklet that also has QR links on cleaning and a QR code on the machine for recipes.

The drinks ‘drum’ has a minimum of 0.5l and a maximum of 1.9l fill, so a large capacity to make plenty of slushie mix or iced cocktails at once. However, where I think the machine does fall down slightly, you have to put sugared water in the drum to make the crushed ice mix. It specifically says that low calorie or sugar free slushies can’t be made. To use these mixes you would need to add lemon juice, salt and a low calorie sweetener called erythritol! Probably no low calorie for children then. However, as alcohol does contain sugar, frozen cocktails and other alcoholic drinks would be fine and very enjoyable in the summer. The Tower Slushie Fusion Maker doesn’t just do children’s drinks and cocktails, it can also make frappes and milkshakes. These too would have to contain some kind of sweet sauce or sweetener.e appliance doesn’t come with any recipes but going online to Tower’s website there’s a very detailed recipes book. Browsing through it becomes clear that many of your favourite drinks can have the Slushie Fusion treatment – Espresso Martini, Boozy Cherry Cola or Creamy Pina Colada Slushie! And the other sections were equally exciting – the Vegan Mocha or Matcha Latte Frappe compete with an Apple and Cinnamon Kombucha Slushie.

Worried about the cleaning if you use sugary syrups and milk? Not a bother at all – most parts that get dirty can be dish washed. There’s even a video, via that QR code, to help you out.

Would I buy the Tower Slushie Fusion? For a lover of cocktails or children and friends who love sugary drinks and smoothies then yes. If you were having a large get together or celebration party, it would be worth the investment. There’s a certain novelty to freezing your drinks and it would certainly cause a buzz amongst guests.

Currently available for £179.99 at: https://www.towerhousewares.co.uk/kitchen/26-litre-5-in-1-frozen-drinks-maker-black-t19058

A Fairytale for Christmas at the Dominion Theatre, London

Children, Christmas, Days Out, Family Life, Gifts for children, Theatre, Winter

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Kick start Christmas with an Irish-themed song and dance spectacular in London’s West End! We were lucky enough to see the show live and experience the entertainment of Irish dancing, Christmas classics, live music and a few Christmas jokes in between! 

Starting the show with an Irish band of banjo, violin and guitar, we are introduced to the 6 Irish dancers who accompany the 130 minute long show.  Shane is our main compere and brings us to the show, starting in New York with a lean towards an Irish Christmas tale. We meet the six Irish dancers early on and are treated to a Riverdance-style performance with songs such as Santa Claus is Comin’ To Town, Step Into Christmas and some traditional songs such as Oh Danny Boy, O Holy Night and old-fashioned Irish songs like The Galway Girl, The Irish Rover and Dirty Old Town.

The band are phenomenal and take on the title of ‘house band’ with pride as we’re treated to great live music thanks to Shane Morgan (vocals), Oliver Cave (vocals and guitar), Peet Jackson (banjo), Molly Farmer (vocals) and Caitlin Forbes (Violin).  The show finishes with some chart hits of yesterday such as the famous Fairytale of New York by The Pogues. The show ends with an Irish St Patrick’s Day party where everyone is on their feet, singing and dancing to the songs of A Fairytale for Christmas. A fabulous show for the whole family.

Mighty Wheels

Birthday Gifts, Children, Christmas, Gifts for children, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Toys

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

It’s time to get MIGHTY!

Mighty Wheels is based on the cartoon series of the same name and contains a world of all sorts of trucks as toys as part of their range. Not just any trucks though, an assortment of dump trucks, tow trucks, cranes, tractors and even fire engines. The best part is that they’re made of steel and hardy plastic so they’re super hard wearing and can take about as much tough love as the real things! We were sent the “Super” Dump Truck and the Mighty Man Deluxe Figure as part of the extensive range available this Christmas.

The ”Super” Dump Truck is definitely super. It’s 16” in length and certainly lives up to its name of being “Super” thanks to the massive size of it. The yellow tipper is made of steel whereas the wheels and body are made of tough plastic. The tipper literally tips up and the wheels rotate making it easier to manoeuvre.  This is a beast of a dump truck and it has to be seen to be believed so make sure you have enough room for it at home! It’s great for playing with scenarios where you can actually carry something worthwhile like if you’re on the beach or in the garden.  

In addition to the “Super” Dump Truck, the Mighty Man figure is also from the cartoon show. It doesn’t fit the truck though, so don’t think you can use it as part of the role play. Instead, this is a toy in itself with batteries and accessories. Press the button on the belt and it has three phrases, “It’s time to get Mighty!” and “What do you think team? Can we do it?” as well as, “I got my Mighty Tools, my Mighty Hat and my team of Mighty Wheels!” He wears his famous hat, plus has a toolbelt with a detachable hammer. This is actually a really cool toy that I enjoyed playing with the phrases!

Just a word to watch out though – these toys have small parts that aren’t suitable for children under 3 so be careful with babies. They’re fabulous toys as part of a range of equally collectable and useable toys that children will love and can interact with in different ways depending on their age.

RRP £14.99: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mighty-wheels-Man-Action-Figure/dp/B0CD2X7P85/ref=sr_1_1?crid=MLUQZDPMLNUZ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.AcmO13USZGfmDnJ8yarwmW7ipqvRmafkRRrDZXYfBqZCwK0Wu5wrcxl6YtMB900x81odkIPfHYc-W5Yl5wul5DxQvsWb2rDrfaTYPufzu2QBMvPfOSlPMpuHcNQ_eKdHWAZ_WTeaeK3aOoOLFynptqrJ9mo9CcKBq834ivLA_C5PBkOcoTtxPlyILKJGvzdlNID5PyJCa5EUei_iiuZX1eRB7naMEuUdJMvqBN8Qgsg.MxC1YZdwFbUTS24z3XXimeBaIji5BDb6xz8BtUH1GTU&dib_tag=se&keywords=mighty%2Bman&qid=1763402210&sprefix=mighty%2Bman%2Caps%2C120&sr=8-1&th=1

Super Dump Truck £21.99: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mighty-Wheels-Construction-Movable-Free-Wheeling/dp/B07YMBMFB1/ref=sr_1_2?crid=BZ5T5UM08W7D&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.I-SB0Jw8B7mzg_Ro4YXHCLZGs425oQAFiu59UV8W939DuPYp-mtii3hCTK25LUxBIGAGE2OxsOMi4YeC6FeMBDJAA996DZWr7m-JJRZllsUwp5YMGu2oPQhTQoXgEpumIjFdtwtujYH-tBPY8Hn9d7sb_uR-SpM_YQjN6tbcNezD08C3HPC8vbSxu3nzy4nu0-uZyDnrKCWfXdZM-vAM56tmA0JMqNOW0w9TOqyZFDFdKqSg0n7I81NQ8QJX_pTEPdxRjPlaqQAv57vdjDSCG-E5uZ2__DUvC_8f_alqAHk.9GEJtBit0MDDFNUJC3vKYGpR-AZcak8X_5aeBi87YbI&dib_tag=se&keywords=mighty%2Btruck%2Bsuper&qid=1763402249&sprefix=mighty%2Btruck%2Bsuper%2Caps%2C91&sr=8-2&th=1

Original Source Crisp Apple Shower Gel

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Vegan, Women

Disclaimer: we received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Every family has its Christmas traditions, and in our house the stockings always have certain gifts stuffed in them. Yes, there’s the expected chocolate, socks, and underwear  but every year, without fail, Father Christmas tucks in a bottle of shower gel. And more often than not, it’s Original Source. They slip neatly into a stocking, for one thing, and their bright, uplifting scents mean there’s a bottle to suit absolutely everyone.

I’m not what you’d call a natural morning person so I need something brisk and cheering to get me going which means my shower gel has to work hard to wake me gently but firmly. I’m a big fan of Original Source’s Zesty Lemon & Tea Tree, but this year I’ve tried their Crisp Apple Shower Gel which is fresh and crisp and is exactly the thing to nudge me into the land of the living. From the very first use my skin felt refreshed, hydrated, and – dare I say it – almost enthusiastic about the day ahead.

It’s vegan, made in the UK, and fragranced with 100% natural ingredients. The bottle itself is made entirely from recycled plastic and can go straight back into the recycling when you’re done.

A 250ml bottle is currently just £1 at Superdrug and Morrisons so at that price, it’s worth stocking up to guarantee a zingy start to Christmas morning and beyond.

Baker Ross Christmas Crafts and Gifts

Children, Christmas, Gifts for children, Learning, Stocking Fillers, Toys, Winter

Disclaimer: We received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

December can be such a busy month so it’s nice to slow down every now and again, enjoy some quiet crafting time and make a few special decorations or gifts for family members. Having used Baker Ross kits before with my Cub pack, I know how good they are so I was really pleased to try out a selection of their Christmas craft kits with our mini reviewers. Their ready-made kits take all the stress out of crafting with everything you need included in the sets. This week we tried three of the sets – the Reindeer “Christmas Lights” Bead Threading Kits, the Christmas Tree Kits and the Santa Chocolate Holder Decorations.

Our little ones love rolling up their sleeves and creating something magical, and these kits kept them entertained for a good couple of hours. The Santa Chocolate Holder Decorations (£5.95) were definitely the favourite  – although the excitement may have had something to do with the chocolate “nose”! Each kit includes a Santa template, foam decorations, ribbon and simple instructions and as there’s no glue required, it’s completely mess-free. Available in packs of 8 or 32, these Santas are brilliant as gift tags, party treats or table gifts. Just assemble, decorate with the self-adhesive pieces and pop in a chocolate (Lindt truffles fit perfectly).

The Reindeer “Christmas Lights” Bead Threading Kits (£5.95) took a little longer to do, but they all enjoyed making them. With five assorted designs, the children enjoyed choosing their beads, threading them onto the black cord and wrapping them around the reindeer antlers to create the look of twinkling lights. Each one has a ribbon hanger so they can be used as a gift tag or Christmas tree decoration.

Finally, the 3D Christmas Tree Kit (£6.95) which contains foam pieces which slot together to form an 18cm tree, ready to be decorated with self-adhesive baubles, candy canes, snowflakes and stars. There’s four trees in the set and it kept our little ones busy for a good while.

As well as their brilliant craft kits, Baker Ross also offer a wonderful range of stocking fillers and party bag treats. Once our little ones had finished their decorations, they were more than ready to dive into a few extra festive goodies.

The Penguin Touchable Bubbles (currently £4.95 for a pack of 10 were an instant hit. These colourful little tubes create magical bubbles that you can actually touch without them popping. The children loved blowing the bubbles and trying to catch them as they floated down. They’re ideal for stockings, party bags or simply adding a bit of fun to a cold, winter afternoon.

The Snowman Pull-Back Racers (currently £4.50 for a pack of 6) were great fun to play with. Each snowman wears a brightly coloured scarf making it easy to spot the winner if you race them. They are ideal for Christmas Day races and are just as entertaining for the adults as they are for children.

It isn’t Christmas in our house without some building blocks and it’s nice to include some festive ones like the Penguin & Snowman Building Bricks in the Christmas stockings (£3.95). Each kit is individually bagged and includes easy-to-follow instructions and once assembled, the figures stand around 6.5cm tall and are perfect for festive play.

We’ll definitely be heading back to the Baker Ross website to stock up on more crafting treats for the Christmas holidays, and I’d happily recommend them to any family looking for easy, creative festive fun.

Customisable Advent Calendars from Vistaprint

advent calendar, Children, chocolate, Christmas, Family Life, Gifts for children, Toys

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Choose your own design for a Vistaprint Advent Calendar this year or use one of their themes to send a surprise to someone you love.

Vistaprint are known for being able to print anything, with a website that allows you to upload your photos and print posters, tote bags, promo products and this year you can create your very own advent calendars, and that includes chocolate advent calendars!

With a range available from Lindt LINDOR Truffles to Toblerone, Mars Miniatures, Milka® Favourites, Kinder® Chocolate Minis or a non-branded chocolate, you can create a personalised advent calendar and have it sent directly to someone.  We chose a photo of our beloved cat Sophia, but you can upload photos, artwork or even promotional images.  Vistaprint then create the advent calendar from the photo and fill it with whichever chocolate you choose and send it off for you!

The Vistaprint Customisable Advent Calendars are great for family who are overseas, especially for sending to (or from!) grandparents.  If you’re looking for something to send out as corporate gifts, then Vistaprint have you covered. You can use the Personalised Advent Calendar service to upload product photos or a logo.  The chocolate is authentic to the brands claimed and the variety available makes it all the more fun to be able to choose!  If you’re worried about waste this Christmas too, then the inside of the box is cardboard with the outer packaging being paper.

The cost isn’t too bad either given that it’s personalised and can replace another gift at Christmas. There’s not many gifts which are truly personable and last as long as advent like the Vistaprint Customisable Advent Calendar can, so you can be certain that it will be well received!

Available from £31.99 (plus postage and packaging) at: https://www.vistaprint.co.uk/photo-gifts/calendars/advent-calendars

Stabilo Pens

Birthday Gifts, Children, Christmas, eco friendly, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Toys

Disclaimer: we received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Have you started shopping for Christmas yet? If not don’t panic as we’ve some great ideas for creative minds of all ages. Stabilo pens make great stocking fillers for both children and adults and whether for school, work, or creative projects there’s such a wide variety of pens that it’s easy to find a set for everyone. Also you can add a colouring book or sketch pad to make a lovely gift for an artistic friend or relative.

With STABILO’S instantly recognisable striped pattern on the pens the pointMax Arty range is perfect for creating masterpieces.  The robust nylon 0.8mm tip was designed for high volume use and makes crisp, smooth lines that glide effortlessly over paper. The bright colours are striking, and the pens are perfect for writing, doodling or colouring. The lid clicks nicely on the end when you are using it so it’s far less likely to end up on the floor. Available in over 40 brilliant colours and in multipacks of 15, 18, 24, 32 or 42 pens which will keep everyone busy over the Christmas period and beyond.

RRP from £15.90

The STABILO Cappi Arty felt tip range have clever caps with a small ring at the top which means they can be threaded onto to a ring to keep them together. You can clip them onto a bag with a carabiner which is ideal for keeping them all in one place, especially when you’re out and about. It also means no lost lids too! The triangular shape is comfy to hold and it stops them rolling about on the table too. The slighter larger 1mm fibre tip gives bold, vibrant colour and the ink holds well on different thicknesses of paper and card. These pens are great for children as they can be left uncapped for up to 24 hours without drying out. Available in packs of 12 or 18 colours.

RRP from £7.23

The moss green/oak STABILO GROWSingle pen is STABILO’s most sustainable ball pen with a shaft made from 100% FSC®-certified wood and an ergonomic grip zone made from almost 100 % renewable raw materials. It’s fully climate neutral, with all unavoidable CO₂ emissions offset through certified climate protection projects.

It’s refillable too, making it better from the environment and there are 6 different colours to choose from. The pen cap fits snugly and snapped into place with a satisfying click and it’s easy to swap the ink with the refill being easy to remove and replace. The medium weight pen is very comfortable to hold and is lovely to write with, It’s a great choice for friends and relatives that still write letters or who enjoy doing crosswords or puzzles.

RRP from £20.49

So, whether you’re shopping for a budding artist or a lifelong doodler, STABILO pens make a wonderful Christmas gift. They’re colourful, high-quality, and designed to last and will also fit nicely in a Christmas stocking.   

Available from Amazon

Psycho Killer Card Game

Birthday Gifts, Children, Christmas, Family Life, Games, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Stocking Fillers, Toys

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Can you survive?

Psycho Killer, the card game based on the horror movies of the 20th century, is for 2-6 players ages 16+, although I would say most teenagers would enjoy playing this game!

The deck of cards is divided into two piles and each player takes one card. There are 5 killers throughout the deck. Other cards display their weapons they use to attack. Each player draws one card from one of the divided packs. If a player draws a psycho killer, they must play it, prompting all players to play their weapon cards face up on the table. The number of weapon cards become your Injury Pile. Each killer card and weapon card have a number of points on them, and when they are added to your Injury Pile they become Injuries, or your ‘score’.

The game is over when the last Psycho Killer is drawn. The player with the lowest amount of injury points wins. 

The game is aimed at older teenagers, but it’s really not that gory so I think younger teens could enjoy it too. You don’t need to know about 90s horror movies to be able to play either.  The basic rules are easy enough, but when you get into the finer details, it can get a bit involved. Bearing in mind that this game is probably going to be played in the later evening and maybe after a few drinks, I think you can keep the rules to a minimum and the game won’t last unnaturally long either. There is a rules pamphlet included within the pack, along with 78 Psycho cards, 9 ‘Play by your own rules’ cards and 6 survival guides.

A fun game with a more grown-up subject that can be played seriously or with a witty outlook.  Let’s face it, you’re not really going to be killed by a psycho killer, are you!?

£19.99 at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Psycho-Killer-Card-Game-VHS-Style/dp/B0FSKYMZFM/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=3QDSM3J88Y4RV&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.myhyqofDamA1U6UqFmT122vUMYtkcQfCeUssJDZ3kb7Z3_LB-GkrdbIVILBHIUGB8b3UEI-9_DEt6HYVIPe_UTIEVrHdy156XpT5GpAwSo84Z73oDa1yrHnHkb3ygMw1EiHqOEukWujYXQF7PZpNxMzLW7xN_KiRoleJZGehnOTfY29BctnsSN42-sxK2JymSAvmV3oZqZDbqpECGt7OIgzQ29qfed3jRlzuvCvotbqYFO2wbgFGIi9qgJVQHSids85eM8UeURYgxSwR0bI1MlV5vdo0kahX2sXFPYHRuTU.aLN91xnVtv-GYlIFQ1e0YeZgbaFvupb0Wuno34lhH9Q&dib_tag=se&keywords=psycho%2Bkiller%2Bgame&qid=1762265404&sprefix=psycho%2Bkiller%2Bgame%2Caps%2C104&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1

Edifier ES60 Portable Speaker

Birthday Gifts, camping, Children, Christmas, Family Life, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Home, Stocking Fillers, Tech, travel

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

You would think that a portable speaker would just be for teens going to a summer festival, or your 20 something who is obsessed with having music on the beach but it turns out that portable speakers are everywhere and suitable for everyone. Edifier’s ES60 is the portable and affordable speaker that anyone can use, teenager, 20 something or even retired!

Using the speaker requires a Bluetooth compatible gadget, which usually means your smart phone, or it can be a laptop or Bluetooth enabled tablet as well. If you’re on the go though, it makes sense to connect it to your phone but it can be set up on multiple devices. To pair the devices, you just need to press the ‘on’ button and it immediately tries to find a Bluetooth enabled device. Using my iPhone, I went to Settings – Bluetooth and at the base of the window the ES60 was ‘discoverable’ and able to be linked to. Easy!

The speaker has all of the buttons you’d imagine on the top; play/pause, – and + for the volume and the on off switch. There’s also a 5-light display to show how much battery charge there is (and it can be charged using the cable provided for which is a USB-C cable. I also really like the additional button which is a light underneath! It makes it much easier to find the speaker if you’re camping, outside or just in a room at night and need to find it.  The light has two settings; warm and bright light. You can download the Edifier app too and connect to the ES60 speaker remotely to control it too.

The sound quality is excellent, with a 360 degree sound experience thanks to the multiple speakers and design of the device.  There are 9 hours of continuous play on a single charge but you can plug it in to play too. There’s an integrated microphone on the top of the speaker so you can connect it to your phone and be able to be heard, or use it to carry out Teams calls if you need the extra boost of a portable speaker to be able to talk to your colleagues! 

A proper all-in-one portable speaker with some nice added benefits such as the microphone and ambient light make this not only a great gift but an all-round must have item at home.

Available from £119.99: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Edifier-Bluetooth-Waterproof-Dustproof-360-degree/dp/B0F8J2SWGL/ref=sr_1_4?crid=10WT591Q4COF0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.F1207H9GgtkzrZT4zxgg469n2VQE_7bZCrLhE5iWVPImydl0K4JJkTZ0aDavWPCwRBigEIl4aVh2u8QV8qKY2RiFMowF7CPH_9QzQ2FkGmRcrqIet-aBHUjqBoLqHQ52mVMdB91r8rpeCT2uet4cPia_BFuoTDnyoT9LJBvUZwk-m5lT-EFUjeWM5Ka-7_IpMPu54WBN9q79_93Vm0sjGyFD5Q3Xrwf6N9-hAZRRU_w.1UeREBHv6fZuHfm_gAsN9vyWHSaE4TeztxwgRxA8laI&dib_tag=se&keywords=Edifier%2BES60&qid=1762366952&sprefix=edifier%2Bes60%2Caps%2C147&sr=8-4&th=1

Cadbury Dairy Milk Lotus Biscoff Chocolate Chunk Advent Calendar

advent calendar, Children, chocolate, Christmas, Food & Drink, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him

Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

These days advent calendars have lots of different goodies hiding behind the windows, including beauty products, alcohol and toys, but I much prefer the ones that contain chocolate – after all what other time of the year can you get away with chocolate for breakfast!! 

For more than 200 years, Cadbury have been at the heart of British chocolate making, famous for its distinctive smooth, creamy taste and of course those instantly recognisable purple wrappers. This year they have teamed up with the popular biscuit brand Lotus, who make Biscoff, the delicious crunchy caramel biscuits, and have created the ultimate Christmas countdown. Having tasted one of the new Biscoff chocolate chunks I must admit, I was a little disappointed to discover there’s only 12 of these in the calendar – the remaining 12 days contain a classic Dairy Milk chunk. However, it does add a lovely element of surprise – you never quite know which one you’ll discover each morning!

The packaging is simple but elegant with a striking red and purple design mirroring the two well-known brand colours. Each window holds an individually wrapped chocolate and while I can never resist eating mine straight away, the wrapping does mean you can save it for later – that’s if you have better willpower than me!!

Whether you’re buying for a loved one or simply treating yourself, this advent calendar is a must-have for any chocolate lover this year.

RRP: £7.79

Available from the Cadbury website as well as supermarkets and independent retailers nationwide.

The Official 24 Day Ultimate Elf On A Shelf Ideas Kit

advent calendar, Children, Christmas, Family Life, Gifts for children, Home

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Advertised as ‘Santa-approved’ this Elf On a Shelf kit takes the stress out of December and the run-up to Christmas with a plethora of ideas and everything you need. 

The kit includes accessories for each of the 24 days running up to Christmas, with 24 corresponding ideas cards for you (ahem, I mean Santa) to create the scene every night. They’re all fabulous ideas from a Christmas baking set, train on a track and even sandcastle with bucket and spade. There’s over 70 small pieces in all with a table and a reversable Christmas tree included. There’s 3 double-sided backdrops to stage or take photos with and the combination of the different accessories means you can create your own new ideas or have more than one elf. For instance, there’s several sports, cooking or kitchen ideas that can be combines.

The first day and last day also has a letter to the family with a space to sign the name of the elf. It’s important to note though, that there is no elf included with the kit, so you have to buy him (or them) separately.  However, they are everywhere this time of year so that’s not a problem.

The pieces are also not suitable for children under 3 years old. They’re quite small and easily chewed.

This is a brilliant idea to keep things simple at Christmas, and you can use it year after year or even pass it on if your children become too old. The combination idea is great to keep children entertained and it all comes in a box which is big enough to store with your Christmas decorations.  The photos you can take with all of the scenarios are worth the price of the kit alone, keeping up the Christmas memories alive from year to year.

Available from £24.95: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Elf-Shelf-24-Day-Ultimate-Kit/dp/B0D2DV2GJ1/ref=sr_1_2?adgrpid=189242712711&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.z43QdnIkYC9Z4_Mzn2lLVbmq1soFw_PweR4zlLcuweZR7Zz0bUfKug0qCOgoP_c3-m411XIoMWFOlL6_rEfTWW6rgKRcWhZZkFxwT5O0Dso-JEA50Q18HSn6-YvtsqVRXEIMZ-caNgWZZs9JJOTu1ymlYnB7p0dLKg_LYcGKpyPDoFyZLSWXdbox-env9okq3vgS0GPk14Jtgpd6I0dqN-wjXdaAYSW5bzY-OhYw7XjcI8XxSUQeWvI1TULeKFu-tx4W9NCZu9pngbLeuykxM2BfukC_ZcCJVd1qdSPFujc.TGNH_w0vagkLzYzrKk5PXpQKQ5KkV6qt7nw7CytHQ6A&dib_tag=se&gad_source=1&hvadid=779246044974&hvdev=c&hvexpln=0&hvlocphy=9045872&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=14819389411957032071–&hvqmt=e&hvrand=14819389411957032071&hvtargid=kwd-2367840715418&hydadcr=16825_2198398_365668&keywords=24%2Bday%2Bultimate%2Belf%2Bkit&mcid=089c141e8d7b3a3ea52fd9375cf3c159&qid=1761997997&sr=8-2&th=1

Yoto Stories for Halloween  

Birthday Gifts, Books, Children, Family Life, Gifts for children, Halloween, Tech, Toys

Disclaimer: We received the Yoto Cards free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

As the nights start to draw in and pumpkins begin to appear on windowsills and doorsteps, there’s nothing nicer than curling up in front of a roaring fire with a good book – or better still, listening to one. As we’re almost at Halloween it’s the perfect time to listen to some spooky tales and Yoto have a fantastic selection for all ages. From famous witches to laugh-out-loud tales of mischievous goblins, these audio stories capture the enchantment of the season without ever tipping into nightmare territory. Whether they’re played on a long car journey, during a pumpkin-carving session, or at bedtime with the curtains drawn against the October chill, Yoto’s Halloween lineup has something for everyone – with just the right amount of shiver.

This week we’ve been listening to a spine-tingling selection: Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson, Tales of Tricks and Treats by Enid Blyton, The Worst Witch by Jill Murphy, and Roald Dahl’s The Witches – each one favourites of my childhood and I’m really enjoying a trip down memory lane whilst sharing these tales with our mini reviewers.

Julia Donaldson’s Room on the Broom (£7.99) is a favourite in our house – a fantastic rhyming tale of friendship, kindness, and teamwork with a few twists and turns along the way. The witch, far from being wicked, is generous and brave and the lovely story is perfect for little listeners.

I loved Enid Blyton’s books as a child so I’m not sure who enjoyed Tales of Tricks and Treats (£9.99) more – me or the children! There’s thirty short stories of wizards, fairies, and the occasional naughty goblin on this card with mischief afoot in every one – from games that go delightfully wrong to wishes that refuse to end.

Then there’s The Worst Witch (£9.99), Jill Murphy’s superbly silly, spellbinding classic. Lovable but accident-prone Mildred Hubble stumbles, crashes, and charms her way through Miss Cackle’s Academy for Witches – a boarding school where broomsticks, black cats, and chaos reign supreme. It’s impossible not to root for her.

Finally, The Witches (£9.99), Roald Dahl’s deliciously dark masterpiece, read here by the brilliant Lolly Adefope. Enhanced with fizzing sound effects and original music, it’s a fantastically immersive experience. These witches are real  – terrifyingly so – but in true Dahl fashion, the children (and the listeners) have the last laugh.

Four wickedly wonderful listens – perfect for a Halloween that’s full of giggles, gasps, and just a touch of goosebumps.

Colour Spin Bracelet Maker

Birthday Gifts, Children, Christmas, Family Life, Fashion, Gifts for children, Jewellery, Stocking Fillers, Toys

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

The Colour Spin Bracelet Maker from Fab Lab might just save your 6 year old’s sanity on these cold nights! A brilliant indoor craft, the Colour Spin Bracelet Maker includes instructions on how to create bracelets using the spinner machine and included tubes, pens and clasps to create fun bracelets which your child can wear.

The kit includes the spinner machine and full instructions and designs. For ages 6 and upwards they can use this on their own, otherwise with the supervision of an adult if they’re younger. Choose a template for the machine and add one of the included bracelet tubes. Press the button to spin and add the colour to the bracelet using the pens provided. You can make a bracelet without a template, part of the fun is making up your own design!  Once the bracelet tube is coloured in, you can add the clasps and wear straight away.

Fashion interested children as well as those interested in crafts will love this kit, which counts as quiet and creative play around the Christmas holidays.

Available online from £16.99: https://www.johnlewis.com/vivid-colour-spin-bracelet-maker/p113997640?s_ppc=2dx_mixed_fashion_BAU&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20151162654&gbraid=0AAAAAD2el1z-28A_cfDh0iaEzNMNRgJww&gclid=CjwKCAjwx-zHBhBhEiwA7Kjq6wc8Adaoj1Dnta3oqiJFUPoAPC-9y_pm7wSZfPFRMIAnu_KriNoSKBoCg8MQAvD_BwE

Jelly Blox Shepherd Set & Farmer Set

Birthday Gifts, Children, Christmas, Games, Gifts for children, Stocking Fillers, Toys

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Carrying on from our Jelly Blox review, these character sets from Jelly Blox make excellent additions to the starter sets, or just as small toys on their own.  Each of the sets (Farmer and Shepherd) contains a character, a dog and a squishy cow or sheep! The sheep has white pom-poms inside whilst the cow has black and white pom-poms.

If you’re not familiar with Jelly Blox, they are building blocks that are twisty, stretch and smooshy and can be played with on their own (think: imagination play) or you can create big sets of them which allows children to create their own play whether it be a make-believe town, re-creating a family holiday or just building a structure that they can knock down!

The parts are large enough that small children can’t swallow them, and these sets are aimed at age 2+. Older children will probably find them fun to play with in a different way though; making up stories or testing gravity. The textures of the blox make them appealing even to adults!

Jelly Blox Shepherd £4.99: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Jelly-Blox-Character-Ouch-Free-Imaginative/dp/B0F6YX24MD

Jelly Blox Farmer £4.99: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Jelly-Blox-Character-Ouch-Free-Imaginative/dp/B0F6Z8W36W/ref=sr_1_1?crid=AY0XXYVYMVM3&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.U-TSSJq4oECjin-vof1hxjNesNXOzbPUvuM9TNM0Tt-nOOMxL31EDP-MRLutr4RUfHpa-cpY3q6t6mKeclhyzrsNuFD1JZ4IvCnx3xxzl5OMpnRW45_yFKRl8HLzDQbaX0XW4UbYvoVhb6GDQ6ykFA.GTda7o0xYLugSWZS8ZgepQRWQCqCXKK3IpqDMJzbIVs&dib_tag=se&keywords=jelly+blox+farmer&qid=1761315460&s=kids&sprefix=jelly+blox+farmer%2Ctoys%2C92&sr=1-1

Swizzel Sweets for Halloween

Autumn, Children, Family Life, Food & Drink, Gifts for children, Halloween, snacks, Stocking Fillers, Women

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

There aren’t many times in the year when you can legitimately purchase a huge box of sweets like the Swizzel Sweet Shop Favourites, but Halloween is one of them!  Swizzels have all you need for Halloween Trick Or Treating, and they sent us a huge selection of what’s on offer. Did we sample them? Yes we did. Did we get fed up of so many tubs, pouches and boxes of sweets? No, not yet!

The tub is the largest of the packets in the range at 650 grams. This also doubles up nicely as the bowl that you dish out the sweets from, so we’re going to use this to start with and then fill it up with the rest of the packets! The box is probably the next easiest to use on Halloween and is 324 grams. The pouch is great for filling up your bowl and is 375 grams net.

The Swizzels Sweet Shop Favourites contain Love Hearts, Drumstick, Refreshers, Double Lollies, Fruity Pops, Parma Violets, Fizzers and Drumstick Squashies. Each one of them reminds you of your childhood (my favourites are Refreshers and Love Hearts) and they’re the perfect size for little hands to help themselves on Halloween Night. 

From £12.99: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Favourites-Delicious-Twisty-Birthday-Christmas/dp/B0DK1NN3F4/ref=asc_df_B0DK1NN3F4?mcid=3862be2c2578395b84946a83b61d7e3a&hvocijid=13748858106778312890-B0DK1NN3F4-&hvexpln=74&tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=696285193871&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13748858106778312890&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1006886&hvtargid=pla-2281435176618&psc=1&gad_source=1

Jelly Blox Toys 

Children, Christmas, Family Life, Gifts for children, Learning, Stocking Fillers

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Jelly Blox Creative Kit

A brilliant starter kit to the Jelly Blox empire is the Jelly Blox Creative Kit. Aimed at children aged 2 years plus, the jelly blox are squeezable, squishy coloured blocks which can be used to buld models or make creative play. They’re brightly coloured, and some of them have sand, glitter or shapes inside of them.  

The Jelly Blox Creative Kit has 20 pieces of brightly coloured blocks which can stretch and bend but don’t break. They stack or build with ease and because they’re so soft to handle, they don’t hurt when trodden on or dare I say it, thrown!  The kit contains blocks with shapes inside such as stars and foam beads, and they come in different sizes so that children can build with them. The texture is slightly sticky too so that they stay together, but so that they also give children some sensory play.

Jelly Blox Tractor Vehicle Set & Newbie Kit

Once you’ve started with the Jelly Blox Creative Kit, build on their collection with the Tractor Vehicle Set and the Newbie Kit. The Newbie Kit has 11 pieces of more fun, with shames that include sand or mini bricks. The texture of the bricks and sand inside the Blox gives an added dimension to their play.  The generic shapes make it easy for them to build their own toys or create imaginative worlds.

The Jelly Blox Tractor Vehicle Set is slightly different because it has shaped pieces and a blue person! The Blox fit together to create a tractor with wheels and crates on the back that contain mini apples! Think of the different role playing scenarios that could lead to? The 12 piece Tractor Vehicle Set adds a different dimension to your child’s overall Jelly Blox set.

If you’re starting with Jelly Blox, the Jelly Blox Creative Kit is a great place to begin and you can add to the collection to make even bigger play by adding the Newbie Kit and then something like the Jelly Blox Tractor Vehicle Set.  Once you add all the pieces together from all 3 sets, you will have 43 Jelly Blox to play with. Perhaps start creating your own farm?

Jelly Blox Creative Kit £19.99: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Jelly-Blox-Creative-Ouch-Free-Imaginative/dp/B0D1GG2PHB/ref=sr_1_4?crid=X52MBT8HNDN8&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.fO8SddsCUjb1s4Q-TrWttfM-RTc_3qCPH9EqOTbwk4br4dMKkJr6XcsKI_v0pjN1WmnVtD76i67r8pkLCTsuO1dc3pIa2pAVjxOMIjyJB0RXDvLU70WTk2I9QKaofWkFb6XeHe6d4D1FwMhJrD0r9iTkCsLFSsT38S4_mOosXT59L9VZ2JPz1NZs-EP7GBGPsVBZWwQEUPjR4d0z7zF_hwtafA-3sjcqaV8BhWYcYWtZ-3skpN4YgzLFPrJL1nu-AdJxuKxMg6LMyx8vDH52yVlFd0Cp7PX08rIb4-nxdKU.KxgdDRoO2JeUokfcGWwHXfYK0wYfu1bzFDQvll4qfZU&dib_tag=se&keywords=jelly+blox&qid=1760875819&sprefix=jelly+blox%2Caps%2C115&sr=8-4