Transparent Medical PlaycaseA swish white and red medical kit packed with apparatus including stethoscope, thermometer, otoscope and syringe.£9.95 from John Lewis.Tel: 08456 049 049; www.johnlewis.com

It may not offer the same sugar rush as a Cadburys Creme Egg, but this little cracker is sure to fire the imagination. Famed for their cute collection of play figures, Playmobil has launched these fun primary-coloured Easter eggs – each one

is dressing up as an occasional part of play,” she says. “In fact, this kind of role play is actually a normal and healthy part of growing up and helps your child develop his sense of self.” Felix is not alone in his penchant for wanting to occasionally switch

Hi, me hearties. 'Tis me, Pirate Joe.So why the bed-head hairdo, you might ask? Well, 'tis because I am a ghostly deathly pirate come back from the dead to spook ye out for Hallowe'en. Nah, actually, it's cos I ran away when my mummy tried to brush my hair, but personally I think...

piano, child-size electric guitar and – not for the faint-hearted – a drum set.There was also a delightful array of pretend play toys and games to inspire your child's imagination, including make-your-own jewellery sets, a mini pink sewing machine, a

run riot if his playtimeisn’t stage-managed, structured or rule-bound. To encourage imaginary play, choose simple toys that can be whatever your child wants them to be, such as a set of building blocks. Pretend tea sets and cooking equipment, or a

SuperchildWhat is that running down your street? Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's your four-year-old pretending to be BatmanThose Were the DaysTousled hair, tie askew, a missing tooth and a wayward fringe – it must be time for the annual school

. Count each complete jump or chant ‘jump, jump, thump’. Then do the same with hopping.2. Outline the shape  Use straws and string to outline circles and squares, then talk about curves and lines. Hold your child’s hand and make a pretend circle in the air

Photographer Rankin and some of his playful M&S 'Do Your Thing' campaign imagesBest known by his surname alone, photographer John Rankin is at the top of his game. Spending his days shooting celebrities from supermodel Kate Moss, superstar Kylie

films and dramas would play 'Victorians' with my friends, dressing up and pretending we lived in another time. At what age and how did you start to notice fashion?I have always been interested in clothing and fashion. I loved creating outfits for my