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Games & toys

Any toy or game reviewed in this section has been tried and tested by someone of an appropriate age from one of the PWT members' families. Any member can register their interest - and those of their children!

The opinions expressed in reviews are those of the author only.

Photo _Creator Instant Camera from Canal Toys

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

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

So Sensory Light-Up Unicorn World from Canal Toys

So Sensory Light-Up Unicorn World from Canal Toys was a great hit with Lesley Lodge and her granddaughter.

Monopoly: Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas

Monopoly: Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas – a welcome addition to our collection of family board games, writes Anne Coates.

So Bomb Bath Bomb Dispenser from Canal Toys

If you’re looking for an exciting and different Christmas or birthday present then my recommendation would be look no further than the So Bomb Bath Bomb Dispenser from Canal Toy. It fits that bill perfectly, writes Christine Mayle.

My First Swim Girl by BABY born®

My First Swim Girl by BABY born® – a doll that swims and brings lots of fun to bath-time and the paddling pool, writes Anne Coates.

Little BABY born® from Zapf Creations

There's something wonderful about giving a toddler their own "first baby" and the Little BABY born® dolls from Zapf Creations are perfect for this, writes Anne Coates.

Yerloa Pop-up Hammer Game

This Yerloa Pop-up Hammer Game was an instant success with nine month-old Lizzie and it's still one of her favourite toys nine months later, writes Anne Coates.

Finger Puppets from The Puppet Company

The moment 16 month old Lizzie set eyes on these finger puppets from The Puppet Company, her face lit up with a huge smile. She knew at once they were for her and couldn't wait to touch them, writes Anne Coates.

myFirst Camera 3

Fed up of sharing your camera or phone with a child? Christine Mayle found myFirst Camera 3 was perfect for her grandson.

DreamWorks Gabby's Dollhouse Mystery Cat Box: Clay

DreamWorks Gabby's Dollhouse Mystery Cat Box Clay proved to be a great hit with Christine Mayle's granddaughter.

Airbrush Art Activity Kit from Canal Toys

The Airbrush Art Activity Kit from Canal Toys proved to be an instant success with all four of Christine Mayle's grandchildren, aged three to eight years old as she says in her review

Casio Keyboard for Young Musicians

Casio is a name you can absolutely trust and Anne Coates was delighted to be able to review their Casio SA-50 Mini Keyboard, Which delights the latest addition to her family.

Gabby’s Dollhouse Cakey Cat’s Dough Kitchen

If, like us, you have Gabby Dollhouse fans in your family then the oven and set of baking tools available in the Gabby’s Dollhouse Cakey Cat’s Dough Kitchen from Canal Toys is a must have, writes Christine Mayle in her five heart review.

Connetix Pastel Creative Pack

We first reviewed the Connetix Pastel Creative Pack at the end of last year and this product is so good we had to review it twice! This time Christine Mayle and her family are won over by the magnetic tiles.

Pop Up Hammer Game

The Pop Up Hammer Game was an instant success! The green casing instantly drew my nine month old granddaughter's attention and she couldn't wait to play. She's a little younger than the recommended one to three years but she'd already been doing some of the activities on another toy, writes Anne Coates.

The Mole Toy from Charlie Mackesy

Since its publication in 2019, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse has brought joy to millions of readers adults and children – who fell in love with the four unlikely friends. In particular the Mole captivated hearts and imaginations and now there is a beautifully crafted mole for you to own, writes Anne Coates.

Christmas-Opoly

A variation on a well-known favourite, Christmas-Opoly from Cheatwell Games is a merry game to celebrate the season, writes Anne Coates.

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Latest Articles, News & Reviews

Mumgaroo Baby Sling

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!

Splat! Goes on Tour

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.

Three Fun and Exciting Chapter Books

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.

Exam Stress – How to Help

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.

Competition to win a complete set of The Chronicles of Narnia

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 Baby Event

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.

Unlimited Nacho Refills at Chiquito

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.

Fearless Characters – Two Perfect Picture Books

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.

Photo _Creator Instant Camera from Canal Toys

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

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

Look Out! Hungry Animals (2) by Paul Delaney

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.

Hot Cross Bun Pudding Recipe

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.

NETVUE Upgraded Baby Monitor

NETVUE Upgraded Baby Monitor offers peace of mind for parents and carers, writes Anne Coates.

Kids Eat Free at Côte Brasseries this Easter

This Easter holidays from 4 to 21 April, families dining at Côte can treat their children (aged 12 and under) to a delicious, high-quality meal for free when spending a minimum of £20.

Happy Mother's Day from The Crayons

Published by HarperCollins Children's Books, Happy Mother's Day from The Crayons, created by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers is a funny and beautiful celebration of mothers in all their shapes, sizes and and variations. Reviewed by Anne Coates

Li'l Davinci EZ Store & Display Art Cabinet

The Li'l Davinci EZ Store & Display Art Cabinet made by dynamicFRAMES® is a picture frame with attitude – it stores up to 50 A4 Pictures and is a boon for parents, grandparents and all recipients of children's art.

b.box sippy cup

b.box sippy cup is perfect for older babies and toddlers who like to hold their cups – without spills! Anne Coates reviews.

The Detective Dog on Tour

The award-winning children’s book The Detective Dog, written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Sara Oglivie, first published by Macmillan Children’s Books in 2016 is now brought to life by Tiny and Tall Productions and is currently on tour in theatres around the UK.

How Long Is That Dog? by John Bond

Award-winning author and illustrator, John Bond has produced a fabulous tale to delight youngsters from three plus: How Long Is That Dog? Review by Anne Coates.

We are like Birds by Laila Ekboir

We are like Birds by Laila Ekboir is a stunning new picture book about family, friendship, identity and resilience reviewed by Anne Coates.

Ring of Truth – YA Novel

Adult thriller writer, Joanne Sefton has turned her creative hand to writing for young adults with Ring of Truth, a compelling novel about truth and lies, reviewed by Anne Coates.

Murray and Bun! Murray the Pirate by Adam Stower

Published by HarperCollins Children's Books, Murray the Pirate is the third book in the Murray and Bun series, written and illustrated by Adam Stower. Reviewed by Anne Coates

Inkbound Meticulous Jones and the Skull Tattoo

Inkbound Meticulous Jones and the Skull Tattoo by Phillippa Leathley is the first in a brand new series that will captivate readers who love magic in their books, writes Anne Coates.