Welcome to the BG Christmas Gift Guide 2011. Here is our selection of goodies for children aged two to three. Toddlers are arguably the most fun to buy for as they are just starting to experiment with so many things. At two, children really start to explore their creative sides, so love painting, musical instruments and role play.
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Role play is key for toddlers and a toy garage is a fab buy (played with every day in our house). I’m loving Grimms mobile garage which comes complete with car wash, petrol pump, a lift and tools. Ace for taking on your travels. £70, Little Acorns to Mighty Oaks.
Children of this age also adore music and a John Crane wooden guitar is definitely on Alfie’s wish list. A brilliant introduction to instruments. And a bargain £12.96, Why Wood Works.
Any parent who’s had the keys picked off their laptop (just me?) will be rushing to buy I-Wood: My First Laptop, Donkey Products’ folding blackboard. A great space saver, too. £45, Oliver Bonas.
Toddlers love playing shops and cafes – combine the two and bring a little piece of France into the house with this crepe shop play set from amazing Japanese ladies gg*. Includes hotplate, spreader, cloth crepes and toppings. Yum! £33, Sisters Guild.
Staying with the shop theme, how cool is this tin play till? Pressy buttons, a pop-out drawer and general retro gorgeousness. £40, Heal’s.
A magnetic fishing set is as traditional as it comes, and good for hand-eye coordination and dexterity. I love this contemporary chunky version with such quirky items, such as pants and a ring, in zingy colours, £15, Habitat.
Another bit of old-fashioned fun in the form of a bean bag throwing game from German company Handelshaus Legler. Play for points or just improve your aim. £14.95, Little Baby Company.
Crafty goodies are always a good buy for little ones. I love Glob’s natural paint kit featuring fruit, flower and vegetable derivatives with bamboo brushes and compostable jars. €17, Shak-Shuka. The big blue and yellow shop has a great range of arty bits, including scissors, paper, chalks, brushes and paints, all reasonably prices, but annoyingly not available online. If you can’t cope with the mess of paints, Djeco’s amazing gel pastels are the answer. £8, Letterbox. I’m also a big fan of Tate’s collage packs – great for making cards, £4.75.
Who doesn’t love dressing up? I certainly do. This Oeuf tiger mask and tail is a subtle enough costume for even the most reluctant fancy dresser. £36.62, Smallable.
Finally, hmm, what was it? Ah yes, a memory game. The toddlers I know love all matching games and this bright version by Skummis is cute and stylish. £11.99, Nordic Kids.
Look out for more gift guides, including books, stocking fillers, advent ideas, and of course our favourites for ‘big people’ over the coming days and weeks.
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