If you can get past the hefty price tag (we’re thinking maybe ask everyone you know to club together for a christening or birthday gift), these quirky alphabet blocks make a gorgeous heirloom toy/learning aid/room decoration. Made by Korean company Oioiooi, the block set consists of 60 solid beech and walnut blocks portraying the letters of the alphabet and corresponding characters/objects that fit with the letters (some contain safely concealed magnets).

The characters are super-cute – I particularly love the volcano, UFO and octopus – and come with a story book and storage bag, lending themselves to pretend play. £175 (!), Oioiooi at Moon Picnic.