is allowed one treat on shopping trip, respect her decision to have a novelty mug from a cards r us rather than a lovely new doll from a luxury toy shop. As a parent your job is to offer wisdom and guidance, but when it comes to headstrong children the old

Many Households have one one – an extra special soft toy that is adored above all others. A constant companion who is trailed around everywhere, is a fixture on every family outing, played with and cuddled until its fur becomes raggedy

over what can and cannot go in. Gently suggesting that Santa may not be able to carry more than three toys is infinitely preferable to loudly exclaiming that you will not be splashing out your hard-earned money on the entire Lego Star Wars collection.3

many echoes of its precursor (which won one of Heartland’s Truly Moving Picture Awards). In terms of plot, it struggles a little to feel original, and as sequels go it’s more akin to the Shrek films than the Toy Story trilogy. Still, it’s a winter heart-warmer.

playground at the Museum Of London Docklands where young children can try out some old-fashioned games and make a toy to take home.Mansfield Museum Dickens FestivalFebruary 13–17Nottingham’s Mansfield Museum is laying on a plethora of crafty dickens

participants can cut out and colour in a toy gymnast, add special weights and watch her balance on a beam just like the real thing. 

mash they’ve ever tasted might not necessarily excite every child (though you may find you have to up your game when presenting bangers and mash at home), the table tantalisingly laid with family board games and toys is sure to delight. The food is a

. His own little pats will gradually become big, lusty splashes – to his immense delight. Introduce him to tipping and pouring with bath toys or plastic cups and beakers in a washing-up bowl. ToddlersDo the washing up! A shallow bowl of water and a

the favourite things you remember from the adventure. If you visited Paris, you might print out a picture of the Eiffel Tower, some beautiful flowers (from the Jardins), a collective of umbrellas (if it was raining most of the time), boats (you bought a toy boat

Zoo Train, Android, iPhone and iPad from 62pWhat could be more appealing to a preschooler than a coterie of friendly-faced, vividly animated animals? How about sticking them on a train? The Bright sparks at Busy Bee Studios have combined locomotives with lions, tigers and bears, ...