Games & toys

Every family – especially those with babies and young children – needs a reliable thermometer  in their medicine cabinet/first aid box. Anne Coates reviews the  Ear Thermometer from Femometer Family which gives an accurate result in one second.

These Balance Stepping Stones from Maycoly are great fun for kids – and adults, as Anne Coates discovered with her two-year-old granddaughter, Lizzie, when they used them indoors and in the garden.

When I saw Nature by Mamon Bucciarelli, with its attractive illustrations showing the natural world, I thought it would be ideal for our nine-year-old grandson who loves finding out about interesting facts to explore and we were not disappointed, writes Christine Mayle.

Hydration is key to good health and is especially important when exercising or being out in the sun. Here's a great way to  to keep your water or drink ice-cool for 46 Hours – with the b.box 1 Litre Insulated Flip Top Bottle, writes Anne Coates.

Parents of 16 to 19 year olds who are staying in education or training need to extend their Child Benefit claim by 31 August or payments will automatically stop. Follow the advice from HMRC.

Banwood, the classic outdoor toy brand, has just launched a new Eco collection of scooters and helmets in fresh summer colours at half the price of their classic range.  Anne Coates  reviews and her granddaughter, Lizzie, is  delighted with her new mode of transport.

Christine Mayle's grandson fell in love with the Jay Franco Minecraft Fox Plush Pillow. And if Fox isn't your child's favourite Minecraft character, Tuxedo Cat, Creeper, My Hero Academia Deku, Buggy, Luffy, Purple Tiger and Bee are also available. 

Author and grandmother of three toddlers, Julie Newman, puts the b.box Roll+Go Mealtime Mat to the test for parents who look for convenience as well as functionality in their feeding accessories. Read her report here.

Anne Coates  reviews The Thrashers, a compelling YA thriller from bestselling author, playwright and actor, Julie Soto. After you read this, you might not want to be in with the elite crowd at school.

Anne Coates had been impressed by the quality of the Sofia Grainge Collection at Amazon Essentials. Here she reviews a two piece swimsuit with factor 50 sun protection.

With GCSEs and A levels imminent, families across the UK facing one of the most stressful times of year. Many parents of teenagers with ADHD feel at a loss when it comes to supporting their child during the revision phase. Here The ADHD Centre offers ten simple and effective ways to support your teen.

The Mumgaroo Baby Sling is lightweight and easy to wear making carrying a child a lot more comfortable and convenient than some other brands. Anne Coates and granddaughter Lizzie tried out the sling – and both are delighted with it!

Playful, vibrant and language-free children’s theatre show SPLAT! Is delighted to be hitting the road on a UK tour from May to August 2025. SPLAT! is a high-energy physical comedy about art, creativity and collaboration and it’s heading to 25 destinations across the country in 2025.

Anne Coates has chosen three fabulous new chapter books for confident readers or children who love to be read to: Small Fry by David Baddiel, The First Kid in Space by Tom Mitchell and The Kid Who Fell Through Time by Greg James & Chris Smith.

Between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025, Childline delivered 1,647 counselling sessions where the young person mentioned exam/revision stress. Here is some advice to pass on to your children and things you can do to help them.

To celebrate the 75^th anniversary of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, HarperCollins Children's Books have reissued the paperback editions of C.S. Lewis’ classic adventure series, The Chronicles of Narnia, with cover art from illustrator Owen Richardson. Parenting Without Tears has a complete set to be won in our latest competition.

Aldi is returning its popular Baby Event from 21 April, 2025 in its stores nationwide. Canny shoppers can snap up savings of up to 60 per cent off recommended retail prices while stocks last. Anne Coates went along to her nearest store to find out more.

The UK’s favourite Mexican restaurant Chiquito is offering unlimited standard nacho refills for 90 minutes, available every day from now until 30 April when you purchase two or more mains.

At Eastertide our thoughts turn to chocolate eggs – but picture books make great presents especially when they deal with eating – or being eaten! – by monsters. I'm Gonna Eat A Monster by Karl Tudor and Scott Wilson and A Good Night's Sleep by Emma Chichester Clark both offer a hilarious take on childhood fears, writes Anne Coates.

Christine Mayle says she always looks forward to reviewing Canal Toys and this Photo_Creator Instant Camera was no exception when asked to try it out with her seven year old grandson. 

BABY born Push Along Berta from Zapf Creations is perfect for toddlers who love their baby dolls, writes Anne Coates.

Following on from Look out! Hungry Lion and Look out! Hungry Snake comes the next two books in the Look Out! Hungry Animals series by Paul Delaney: Look Out! Hungry Spider and Look out! Hungry Shark. Review by Anne Coates.

Parker's Tavern, in the University Arms has just released its Easter Menu, which includes Easter Afternoon Tea available until  20 April as well as Good Friday and Easter Sunday specials. Chef Lee Clarke's shares his recipe for Hot Cross Bun Pudding.