A 12-year-old boy, twice banned by his father from using Facebook, has created his own social network designed exclusively for children.
GromSocial was created by Zach Marks of Melbourne Beach, Florida, after asking his mother for permission to build a ‘safe’ site for his friends and siblings to use, and borrowing $2,500 from his older brother to fund its development.
After four months, Zach’s work so impressed his father that the whole family pitched in to get the word out.
“After seeing Zach interacting on Facebook, with older kids and adults that were using language unsuitable for any child, I wanted to take control of the situation and eliminate my children’s exposure to unprotected social platforms. Amazed by what Zach put together we began contacting schools in the area and passed out material promoting the GromSocial network and getting about 500 members overnight,” said Zach’s father Darren Marks.
“Parental approval is an integral part of the site and is required before a child can begin experiencing the many wonders of the site. We built an environment that not only gives parents continued control but encourages safety and allows kids to be themselves. We have anti-bullying, anti-drug and anti-smoking sections. Educational videos are available in the Grom tutorial section for grades 1-10, in addition to places where kids can comment on current events and of course games and entertainment. We wanted to create a safe and secure place that benefits kids’ lives and we are hearing back from parents that it is doing just that.”
The site now gets over 25,000 daily visitors from as far afield as China, India, Indonesia, Australia, Russia and Europe as well as the United States.
Visitors are quickly converted into “Gromers” a term coined on the site by kids after a few short visits. The word Grom is an Australian slang term for a young surfer which Zach translated into “a promising young kid, who is quick to learn”.
1. Aerobie
Aerobie
Frisbees are a lot of fun for families to play with, but a few years ago Aerobie burst (flew) onto the scene. It’s a supercharged frisbee that will have you doing more incredible mid-air stunts and manoeuvres than you thought possible.
Its super aerodynamic design means it flies fast and far, yet is relatively easy to catch (if you’re in its flight path) without the pain associated with a solid plastic disc if you catch it wrong.
Ideal for use in large open spaces such as parks and beaches.
2. Air Hockey
Air Hockey
Many parents will think of air hockey with a happy nostalgic sigh, while kids will love the simple, addictive concept. It’s now possible to buy mini air hockey sets and recreate the excitement of slamming that disc into your opponent’s goal.
3. Articulate
Articulate
Great family fun as you have to describe a myriad of words to your team without using particular words printed on the cards, “rhymes with” or “sounds like”.
Some of the words and phrases might not work with younger children, but you could always adapt the game to allow a parent to help youngsters or allow them to pass words they don’t know.
4. Backgammon
Backgammon
Backgammon is one of those games that everyone knows about but not everyone knows how to play. Maybe it’s a bit like Marmite — you either love it or hate it — but it’s definitely worth learning how to play. It’s quite simple to understand but has a good mix of strategy and luck.
5. Battleships
Battleships
Whether you play with paper and pencils or decide to buy one of the modern versions, Battleships is a classic game that’s definitely worth introducing to your kids.
6. Beat The Black Ball
Beat the Black Ball
Sadly this game doesn’t seem to be manufactured any more. Picture a plastic cross with a huge funnel sticking out from the centre. One player sets a large black ball spinning in the funnel, then four players attempt to be the last person to release their marble before the black ball drops through the funnel’s spout and into the chute below.
It’s a very simple game but strangely addictive.
7. Blokus
Blokus
A great strategy game that’s easy to learn but hard to master. Players take turns placing pieces on their board, each starting from their corner. Each new piece must touch at least one other piece of the same color, but only at the corners. The goal is to get rid of all your pieces. The game ends when all players are blocked from laying down any more of their pieces, then the player with least number of squares wins.
8. Blow Football
Blow Football
Popular in the UK, blow football tends to be an impromptu game using drinking straws, ping pong balls and something to represent goals, but various boxed versions are also available. It can be played with two people — one on each side — or by multiple people.
9. Boggle
Boggle
Boggle is a classic wordsearch style game. It consists of 16 cubes with various letters printed on them, which are then shaken up and allowed to fall in a random formation on a 4×4 grid. Players then seek to find the most words in a given time. It’s a great educational game and remains a challenge for the whole family.
10. Bop It
Bop It
Bop It, and its successors, are popular, noisy handheld toys which encourage hand-eye coordination and are a lot of fun to play. They can be played solo or in various ‘pass it’ modes allowing two or more people to join in. The concept — to correctly follow spoken or sound effect instructions by pulling, twisting or otherwise manipulating the “Bop It” — sounds simple but can be surprisingly fiendish.
Your kids are bound to have given you (or Santa) their Christmas wish lists already, but if you’re looking for a little inspiration for stocking fillers, take a look at our list.
Here are a range of action, creative, discovery and musical toys, games and crafts, plus cute clothing ideas, so we hope there’s something you like here. Even if these aren’t exactly what your children want, they may serve to stir up ideas. Follow the links and you’ll also be able to see a range of related products.
(OK, we cheated a little – some of the products are a little over £20, but they were just too cute or cool to leave out).
Action
WOW Toys The Turbo Twins Friction Powered Racing Car Team – £10.99
2 x Friction-powered racing cars called the Turbo Twins, 2 x Boy and girl drivers called Simon and Vicki.
Science Museum My Mystery Mid Air Floating UFO – £10.99
My Mystery UFO lets you amaze your friends–their jaws will drop in disbelief and shock. Throw the Magic UFO like a flying disc, spin it like a top, and make it hover and float. There are no batteries or radio controls and it’s completely silent. The amazing effect sets up in under 15 seconds. Suitable for children over eight years old.
Great Gizmos Brush Robot – £12.99
Build a robot that scuttles along on a brush. Powered by rapid vibrations of its motor. Educational and fun. Requires two “AA” batteries (not included). For ages 8 and up (not suitable for children under 3).
Marbultopia Marble Run Build & Learn – £12.25
Create amazing marble towers and runs and have endless hours of fun. Teaches basic construction skills.
Dragster – £9.90
Four-wheel fiends will love the Dragster kits, guaranteed to show off some serious speed and antics and make fabulous gifts for children of all ages this Christmas.
Mookie Lunar Hero Radio Controlled Car – £19.99
A strong, fast stunt vehicle able to do 360 degree spins and fully controllable up to 10 metres away with the wireless remote control unit.
Xploderz X Stormer 575 – £20
Pump action character gun fires ammo up to 75 feet.
KRE-O Transformers Megatron Toy – £17.49
Build the ultimate Decepticon villain, Megatron, in vehicle or robot mode with this 2-in-1 set of 310 KRE-O construction pieces. Includes 4 Kreon figures: Megatron, Shockwave, Specialist and Police Officer. 2-in-1 KRE-O construction set lets you build Megatron as a robot figure or as a truck. In vehicle mode, up to 2 of your Kreon figures can ride inside the cab of the truck.
Mega Bloks Dump Truck – £9.99
Offers little builders’ hours of vehicle play fun. Combines cool, sturdy freewheeling dump truck with simple building. Comes with fun role-play construction worker figurine and Maxi bricks. Building preschoolers’ imagination.
Books
BEABA Kid Cook Book – £9.90
Featuring 25 original recipes created especially for children by mum-of-three Virginie Michelin, the Kid Cook Book makes it easy to introduce children to nutritious and tasty meals that they will love.
Available from BEABA.com
Characters
Bob the Builder Wooden Playtray – £7.99
This 8 piece wooden playtray is a fantastic introduction to the world of puzzles for young ones aged 2 and older. This high quality, hand crafted wooden lift out playtray is an ideal puzzle for pre-school children. Each of the large, sturdy wooden pieces is fitted with a colourful knob for easy lifting, and the high quality materials ensure the playtray is durable and safe for your child. Our playtrays are a fun way to help develop the following pre-school skills; Character identification, Manual dexterity, Shape matching and Concentration.
Octonauts 3 in a Box Jigsaw Puzzles – £6.99
Young Octonauts fans will enjoy this set of 3 sturdy jigsaw puzzles. Each puzzle shows a different Octonauts design and features favourite characters from the hugely popular TV show. Characters are shown in some of the locations featured in the TV show, including inside and outside the Octopod, and out and about exploring in the Gup-A. Each of the designs has been created to ensure that each jigsaw delivers enough of a challenge and plenty of satisfaction when completed! Each puzzle is cut to a different number of pieces – 25, 36 or 49 pieces and is made in strong recycled board. The puzzles have a linen finish to help stop glare on the puzzle picture. Each puzzle measures 18 x 18cm when complete A great gift for Octonauts fans and those keen to develop their puzzle building skills. This would also be a good buy for someone with several children or a playgroup needing graded puzzles for different levels of puzzle-building skill.
Fireman Sam Training Tower Playset – £19.99
Help Sam to train aspiring fire fighters with the training tower playset. Beat the door down with the battering ram then use the ladders and water buckets to extinguish any fires! With Fireman Sam figure the set also includes 3 ladders, training dummy and stretcher. With smoke tunnel and real fire features!
Winnie The Pooh interactive Friend
This interactive cuddly toy is a child’s best friend, allowing them to role play by mirroring their own routines throughout the day with Pooh. With easy set up, adjustable to your own routines, Pooh will switch modes throughout the day and talk to your child with over 50 phrases including prompts to get him dressed, feed him and settle him down at bed-time. In play mode Pooh includes a hide and seek game and Pooh comes with his own Honey pot and spoon to feed with.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Colourfelt Play Board – £9.99
Children can bring the story of The Very Hungry Caterpillar to life with their own hands as they build engaging scenes from the much-loved children’s book by Eric Carle. Watch the little caterpillar turn into a beautiful butterfly as he munches his way through all the food he finds on his big adventure. The soft felt pieces cling to the felt play board and can be used again and again for endless fun. The large 37 by 31 cm soft touch board comes with 31 Very Hungry Caterpillar felt pieces that Stick Like Magic. It all comes in a portable clear carry case so you can take it anywhere and tidy it all together when play time is over.
Clumsy Smurf Figure – £3.25
To mark the new Smurf film coming out in summer 2012.
The Gruffalo Magnetic Adventures – £8.99
Magnetic play set featuring all the characters from the much-loved story of The Gruffalo, stimulating creativity and imagination. Ages 3+.
Doctor Who Character Building the Time of Angels Mini Construction Playset
The Weeping Angels are back! Recreate scenes from Series 5 Episode 4 with this Time of Angels playset…the Doctor and Amy along with River Song went hunting for a solitary Angel but discovered an army of angels waiting for them! Highly detailed construction playset including a fully articulated Weeping Angel micro-figure. Suitable For Ages 5+.
Thomas and Friends Take-n-Play James – £6.99
James is a durable diecast TakenPlay engine that can connect to other TakenPlay engines and vehicles with easy connect magnets that connect either way.
Sylvanian Families Chocolate Labrador Family – £16.99
You’ll have to be an early riser to keep up with the Sylvanian Families Chocolate Labrador Family . Come rain or shine these hardworking pups are up at six every morning to tend to the crops on their farm. They’re the perfect team to take care of Highfields Farm, sold separately, and if they need an extra pair of paws to help there’s also the Sylvanian Families Chocolate Labrador Twins to collect.
Clothing
2in1 Cosy Foot Muffs – £28.99
The Minene Innovative Cosy Foot Muff is designed to be used as a warm and snuggly foot muff and blanket in the Winter, the fleece blanket can then be zipped off and it can be used as a pushchair liner in the Summer.
It fits all standard pushchairs and is machine washable.
Available in 6 designs from minene.co.uk.
Mini Superheroes – from £16
Available in a range of designs for your 0-10 year-olds. Available from www.fabricflavours.com
Creative
Hama Night Life Glow Beads Gift Box – £10
A kit in a class of its own; brand new from Hama Beads in 2008, this kit showcases the new glow in the dark blue hama beads, alongside the established red and green glow beads. Teamed with the two most popular pegboards in the range, this is a fantastic first kit and perfect for a present or gift. Contains 2000 mixed glow beads, butterfly board, flower board, designs, instructions and ironing paper.
Great Gizmos – 4M Paint A Flower Pot – £7.99
Paint a terracotta pot and turn it into a piece of art! Grow your favourite flowers in it or make it as a gift for someone. Each kit contains two 8.75cm/3.5” terracotta pots along with paints and a paintbrush plus a colour mixing guide and painting ideas.
Gelarti – from £9.99
Winner of the Dream Toys Kids Choice Award, Gelarti lets girls create stickers with a difference. They can paint and decorate their own designs with glitter paint and sparkling gems to show off their individuality. The stickers are reusable again and again on any surface from notebooks to bedroom walls, so just paint, peel and decorate to express your style.
Charmies Magic Beader – £19.99
With the Charmies Magic Beader, £19.99, girls can thread beautiful designs in any combination of beads quickly and easily, like magic. Load the Magic Beader with the chosen Charmies, then simply twist to string pretty designs together.
Hello Kitty Cool Cardz – £19.99
Create high quality laminated cards with the safe and mess free cool laminating machine! This funky kit is great for invitations, club ID cards, secret messages, badges, and more! Cute Hello Kitty stamps and stickers are included to make cards look really funky and they can even be displayed in the Hello Kitty wallet.
Booster Cushion With Crayons – £22.99
These gorgeous booster cushions come with attached crayons & a coloring book to keep your toddler occupied. They are lightweight & compact making them ideal for home, eating out or traveling.
The cushion is designed for toddlers that can sit unaided at the table and comes with safety straps that fit most standard dining chairs.
The cover is easily removable and machine washable.
Available in 4 designs from minene.co.uk.
Letter Press Cookie Cutters – £12.95
These cookie cutters will help you bake cookies that really make a statement. Double sided, punch out the shape then turn them over to stamp the letter. The cookies look great either plain or iced.
The set contains all 26 letters plus an ampersand and an exclamation mark and is made from strong, durable food-safe plastic.
The cookie cutters are packed on reusable plastic storage trays and are supplied in an attractive full colour gift box.
Available from FollyHome.co.uk.
Meccano Set 1 Easy Construction Box – £17.99
100 parts in this Meccano construction starter kit, with tools and instructions included.
Geomag Colour Set – £19.99
Magnetic construction system. Colourful Red and Orange Rods. Chrome spheres. Instruction Booklet. Create and construct funky shapes with the 66 piece set.
Great Gizmos Zoob 55
A brilliant construction kit. Make thirteen ZOOB models which are interactive with the other ZOOB kits. Includes 55 ZOOB pieces. Budding engineers will no doubt come up with more ideas too! Suitable for children aged six and over
Cuddly Toys
Happy Feet 2 Huggable Boadicea Soft Toy – £12.99
Happy Feet 2 huggable plush. Soft and cuddly Boadicea. 5 huggable buddies to collect. For ages 4+.
Vtech Kidiminiz Interactive Pet Puppy – £14.99
Cute interactive pets! Show the puppy its favourite food and it will follow it around, or clap your hands to make it sing and dance. You can also play great mini games. When one Kidiminiz pet meets another, they will talk, sing and dance with each other. Choose different eyes, noses and mouths to change its facial expressions. Can also be used as an alarm clock: set the time and wake up to jolly music. Recommended For Ages 3 years plus.
Animagic My Tender Care Twin Puppies – £19.99
Max and Mitzi are a pair of cute cuddly newborn twins who need all your love and care! Just like real twins they love being together but Mitzi whimpers foe her brother when they are apart. Check they are healthy by listening to their heartbeats with the stethoscope. When they are fit and well feed them with their bottle to hear them slurp happily! Ages 4+.
Moshi Monsters Talking Plush Katsuma Soft Toy – £13.50
Squeeze Moshi Monster’s tummy to hear him talk.
miYim Organic Toys
miYim are more than just playthings – they aim to teach values and environmental responsibility, all while touching the hearts of children through imagination. The beautiful range of organic toys are not only completely safe for your little one they will become their new best friend.
From the plush and knitted dolls to the animals and pram toys all the toys are made and filled with natural unprocessed, untreated, and unbleached cotton and are coloured with their PureWaterWash process using only plants and minerals, making them a safe alternative to toys made with environmentally damaging processes.
Available from www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk.
Discovery
Balloon World balloon modelling kit – £5.49
Create your very own colourful balloon world, by inflating and twisting the modelling balloons. Once created decorate your models with eye stickers and ribbons to really bring them to life. Each kit contains a selection of balloons, a pump, eye stickers, ribbon and instructions. This is an ideal rainy day solo activity for children, or an innovative and fun way for you to enjoy spending time together. Suitable for children aged five years old and over. 4M specialise in quality arts and crafts kits, that encourage children to explore and enjoy traditional skills, whilst being creative and using their imaginations to have fun.
LeapFrog My Own Leaptop – £19.99
Personalise pretend computer play with My Own Leaptop. Choose and download songs for a custom playlist (Internet connection required). Choose from 8 email messages and personalise for your child to enjoy (Internet connection required). Explore the alphabet, pretend play, music, animals and computer literacy with 6 learning activity stations.
Vtech Disney Cars 2 Lightning McQueen Atlas Educational Electronic Toy – £17.99
Race map with membrane keyboard. Big McQueen button for fun phrases. 30 touch points to learn countries and cultures. 10 light-up LEDs on the World Grand Prix countries. 6 adventure activities including geography and languages.
Fact Finders 50cm Diameter Inflatable Mega Globe – £8.69
Fact Finders Inflatable Globe. 50cm inflatable political globe. Shows longitude and latitude lines. Includes fun educational game ideas for home and school. Perfect for learning whilst playing on the beach or in the garden.
LeapFrog Leapster Explorer Camera and Video Accessory – £14.99
Turn your Leapster Explorer handheld into a digital camera and video! Take pictures, record videos and edit your creations whilst learning all about reading, mathematics and science. You can also distort, add funny stamps and borders to your photos and then transport them into games or music videos! Features include: Camera/video – take pictures or shoot videos Video maestro – select a song and create your own music video Photo albums – create your very own photo gallery Fun lab – fun games and activities to play and you can even feature your photos in the games! Funimatic – tools, stamps, distortion effects and more to edit your photos Card creator – cut out photos and make your own postcards Story creator – create your very own story with the photos you take Appropriate for children ages 4 to 9 years. Only for use with the Leapster Explorer handheld.
Science Museum Hologram Chamber – £5.99
Drop in a penny piece or other object and watch in amazement as it magically appears to float above the surface of the chamber.
Science Museum Green Science – Dynamo Torch – £9.99
Turn a simple toy motor into a generator that converts hand motion into electrical energy. Powers a light bulb. No battery, no pollution, just amazement. The generator could be used as an awesome emergency torch. From the Science Museum range of products.
Kidz Labs – Solar System Planetarium Model – £10
Build your own glow in the dark solar system planetarium model of 30cm span. Assemble, paint and highlight it with glow effects. Watch it glow in the dark as in real Space. It’s an inspiring science craft. Suitable for children aged eight and over.
Science Museum – Dinorobot – Robot Making Kit – £9.99
Create Your Very Own Mechanical Moving Robot. Fun to Build. Easy to Assemble!It Roars when it Runs! It’s a cool scientific project!
Science Museum – Buzz Wire Kit – £9.99
Construct your own Buzz Wire and learn how to complete an electric circuit. Challenge your friends with the exciting Buzz Wire game. Move the wand along the Buzz Wire from one end to another. If the wand touches the wire the circuit is closed causing the buzzer to sound and the player is out of the game.
3D Solar System – £10.19
3D Solar System Glow in the Dark. 9 Snap together Planets& 200 Adhesive stars. Hang all 9 Planets from your Ceiling. Watch the Universe in the comfort of your own room.
Natural History Museum Pocket Monocular – £6.99
Like binoculars, but just one lens, so it’s compact enough to slip in a pocket or wear on wrist. It features spherical lens for high magnification (5x) and no image distortion and comes protected in tough casing. Easy-to-hold wrist strap. Measures just 4.1 x 3.5 x 2.8cm and comes with cleaning cloth.
Pampering Boutique – £24.99
Girls who have already experienced the award- winning Wild Science range from Interplay, including Perfume Laboratory, Luxury Soap Science and Bath Bomb Factory, will be eager to experiment with the new Wild Science for Girls kits this Christmas, such as the Pampering Boutique and Moisturising Laboratory which reveal the secrets of the science behind their favourite cosmetics.
Slime Laboratory – £14.45
Weird Slime Laboratory will have boys creating ‘rat gizzards in tadpole soup’, fake fish eggs and slimy snot to freak out their friends! This kit does exactly what it says on the box with tons of experiments to make ghastly effects and super slimes.
Wild Science Superball Factory – £12.99
Promotes a pratical knowledge of the science behind elastic collisions. Supports the National Curriculum Science levels 2.1.2a,2.1.2c,2.1.2l,2.2a,2.2f.
Volcano Making Kit – £10
Make a solid volcano with the mould and plaster provided. Put baking soda and vinegar into the “crater” and watch the amazing eruption. Your volcano will erupt with bubbly, fizzy lava. The eruption can be performed repeatedly. Age 8+.
Spy Gear Lie Detector Kit – £14.99
Find out who’s telling the truth and who’s not. Give them a Lie Detector Test. LED lights up when someone isn’t telling the truth. Finger-tip sensors – LED response lights. Includes Illustrated lie detector handbook
Music
Bontempi Saxophone
The Silver Toy Saxophone is the perfect gift for the aspiring musician in your family. Your child will love learning to play on this easy to use instrument. The Sax is silver plastic with brightly coloured keys to make learning easier. The keys are each a different colour to help your child learn to play. This is the perfect way to introduce your child to music. Silver Plastic Toy Saxophone 16.5″ made by Bontempi in Italy.
Bontempi Wind Instruments – Trumpet – £9.99
This toy trumpet by Bontempi has four keys that can play four different notes. The keys are colour coded so children can play songs found on the back of the box. The toy trumpet is plastic and has a shiny silver finish. Size: 37cm. long. Suitable for children aged three and over
School
Goodbyn Lunch Boxes – from £16.95
Available in 2 sizes and in a choice of modern colours these lunch boxes have individual compartments making it easy to pack different foods without the need for fiddly cling film and foil and without fruit ending up tasting of meat or cheese.
Each lunch box is supplied with a drinks bottle and a range of sticker sheets so that they can be personalised. The stickers are dishwasher proof and include allergy labels, letters, numbers and pictures.
The large lunch box has 5 food compartments, while the small version has 3 and in both the drinks bottle is stored in the middle, keeping it away from food.
Available from quirkybags.co.uk.
It’s that time of year again when the Toy Retailers Association shows off the toys and games it believes will be hits this Christmas.
As well as an overall dozen top toys and games, there are (controversially) categories for boys and girls, as well as pre-school, games, creative, construction and “cool and hot”.
Dream Toys 2011 – Top 12
Doggy Doo
Doggie Doo – possibly the most disgusting toy Christmas present ever but will be on every child’s wish list!
Players throw the dice to determine how often they squeeze the dachshund’s lead. Each squeeze pushes the plasticine poop nearer to fruition and when the deed is done, players scoop the poop.
Fijit Friends
A Fijit Friend is an electronic BFF with a squishy body who loves to chat and make you laugh!
Fijit Friends are set to be the country’s most sought after toy in the run up to the festive season, with retailers already selecting them as top of this year’s Christmas list. With clever voice recognition built in, Fijit Friends respond to you with loads of movements, phrases and jokes. Beat sensors mean you can dance along as she rocks, twirls, and bounces!
Fireman Sam – Pontypandy Multi Rescue Set
Sam needs some rescue help in this ‘multi disaster’ playset!
Sam needs some rescue help in this ‘multi disaster’ playset! Open the playset and help put out the building fires with the hose, save naughty Norman when he traps his head in the railings, help Sam get the cat down from the tree! There’s never a dull moment – be careful of the collapsing roof & floor! Includes; Sam figure, Norman figure, cat figure, tree, railings, hose reel, ladder, fire bucket & cones.
Kidizoom Twist
Kidizoom just got better! 2 megapixel camera with twisting lens, 4x digital zoom, flash, colour screen and 5 games. Edit and enhance photos or record voice and add effects.
Get snapping with this 2 megapixel camera using the twisting lens: take pictures and movies of your friends then take fantastic self portraits. The camera features a 4x digital zoom, built-in flash, colour screen, 5 great games and dual view finders. Edit and enhance your photos with a variety of frames, stamps and wacky effects. There’s a great voice recording function with 5 different voice changing effects: pitch up, pitch down, slow, robot and echo.
LeapPad Explorer
The first learning tablet created for children with a built-in camera, video recorder and microphone. 100+ games and apps, including e-books, videos and more!
100+ learning games, book apps, videos, and more! LeapPad features a built-in camera (take over 30,000 pictures), a video recorder, microphone, art and photo studios. With the interactive e-books you can listen or read along to the story, sound out words, play fun activities and record your own story. Bring characters to life with the animation studio and create over 27,000 story combinations featuring you in the story studio app! Teaches mathematics, reading, science, music, geography and more.
Let’s Rock Elmo
Rock out with the new Let’s Rock Elmo! Dressed in a concert style t-shirt, Elmo takes the stage singing and making music!
Elmo comes with his very own microphone and two instruments – a tambourine and a drum set. Preschoolers can choose which Elmo plays, and he magically recognises which one you give him. Kids can also play along on Elmo’s instruments. For even more rockin’ fun, Elmo also interacts with other Let’s Rock instruments, all sold separately. He knows when you’re playing the Let’s Rock Guitar, Keyboard or Microphone and plays along with you! The Let’s Rock Elmo toy sings rockin’ songs, s grab an instrument and join Elmo’s band!
Milky the Bunny
Milky the Bunny is a gorgeous interactive plush toy that give little girls a cute, cuddly and true-to-life companion to look after and care for.
Milky, an adorable snow white bunny, that is sure to be popular with his moving eyes, nose, ears and ticklish feet! Milky will call for you to play and waits for your cuddles. Hear his belly grumble when he is hungry and feed him with a juicy carrot. Milky will make an adorable companion for little girls. he is just the right size, small enough to be carried but large enough for really big cuddles. Also with a random play function, you never know what he will do next!
Monster High Lagoona’s Hydration Station
After a long week at school, even monsters are in need of a little rest and relaxation. So, Lagoona uses her hydration station to re-moisturize at night!
Lagoona Blue is the daughter of the infamous sea monster so she loves nothing more than time in the water. After a long week at school, even monsters like Lagoona get dead tired. This fun playset is also a cool bedroom accessory, including Lagoona and her hydration station, her pet neptuna with eye mask plus cute accessories.
Moshing Treehouse
Moshi Monsters™ madness continues with new additions to the toy range, including the perfect place to store your collection of Moshlings!
Moshlings like to run and play but also need a place to stay…! The ‘Moshling Treehouse’ is the perfect abode for your Moshlings, with lots of cool hideaway places and even a basket lift for them to play on! It’s tree-mendous! What’s more, with every ‘Moshling Treehouse’ purchase you’ll get an exclusive Moshling called Roxy.
Nerf Vortex Nitron Blaster
The Vortex Nitron blaster takes Nerf blasters t the next level!
The first fully automatic, clip fed disc blaster in the Nerf Vortex line, Featuring a removable clip that can hold up to 20 discs, an Electronic Targeting Scope accessory, a front handle to help steady your shots, and the Tactical Rail System compatible with most Vortex and Nerf N-Strike Mission Kit accessories (each sold separately), the Vortex Nitron blaster embodies the ultimate in innovation and technology within the Vortex series.
Ninjago Fire Temple LEGO
LEGO Ninjago in a spin with the all-new Fire Temple
Battle for control of the four Spinjitzu weapons has begun. Sensei Wu, Kai, Zane and Nya need help to keep Lord Garmadon and his evil skeleton army from taking the ultimate Spinjitzu weapon – the Dragon Sword of Fire. As the temple splits into two, the fearsome Fire Dragon emerges to protect the sword by spitting fire at Lord Garmadon.
Star Wars Ultimate Force Tech Lightsaber Assortment
Arriving from a galaxy far, far away in summer 2011: the all-new Ultimate FX Lightsaber will provide one of the most authentic Jedi experiences ever for kids! The toy features a progressive light-up blade with vibrant LED lighting, allowing kids to experience the Force in a whole new way. Available in Anakin Skywalker and Darth Vader models.
Dream Toys 2011 – Boys
Bakugan Dragonoid Colossus
The ultimate Bakugan monster containing exclusive new Battle Gear! Combine them together and watch the ultimate auto transformation. Prepare to be amazed!
Create the ultimate Bakugan Warrior with 1 exclusive Bakugan and 4 exclusive Battle Gear. Combine them together around the core hub to unleash the power and watch the amazing auto transformation! Also comes with 1 metal Gate Card and 4 Ability Cards
Ben 10 Ultimate Alien – Ultimate Ultimatrix
Just like the Ultimatrix Ben uses in the Ben 10 Ultimate Alien series, this detailed Ultimatrix features 6 cool light and sound combinations.
Cars 2 Secret Spy Attack Finn McMissile
From smash hit movie Cars 2, Finn McMissile comes fully loaded with top secret spy weapons, firing missiles, sound effects, fun phrases and thrilling transformations.
From the smash hit summer movie Cars 2. Mater embarks on an exciting international espionage adventure under the wing of master British super spy Finn McMissile, voiced by legendary British actor Sir Michael Caine. Enjoy your own daring missions with the Cars 2 Secret Spy Attack™ Finn McMissile, which comes fully loaded with top secret spy weapons, firing missiles, sound effects, fun phrases and thrilling transformations.
Doctor Who Personalise your own Sonic Screwdriver Set
The ultimate Sonic device – Over 80 possible combinations each with light and multiple sound effects.Requires 3x L1154 Batteries.
Combine the sections from each of the three Sonic Screwdrivers in different ways to create your own version. With over 80 possible combinations each with light and multiple sound effects this really is the ultimate sonic screwdriver set. Requires 3x L1154 Batteries. For ages 5 years and over.
Hot Wheels Wall Tracks
Build amazing Hot Wheels tracks on your bedroom wall using clever and safe sticky 3M Command strips. No more mess on the floor.
New Hot Wheels Wall Tracks let you build your own amazing stunt track on your bedroom wall! Create the coolest car crash circuits and stick them to the wall using clever sticky 3M Command strips. Now your favourite Hot Wheels cars can take on the most extreme tracks ever seen – as they plummet from ceiling to floor in serious style. You can even connect Wall Tracks to your other Hot Wheels sets on the floor.
Nerf N-Strike Barricade RV-10 Blaster
Nerf N-Strike Barricade RV-10 blaster
Introducing the Nerf N-Strike Barricade RV-10 blaster, a motorised, semi-auto Nerf blaster with a revolving dart barrel that will unleash an unrelenting stream of darts. The Nerf N-Strike Barricade RV-10 is able to hold up to 10 whistle darts and is compatible with the Tactical Rail System and alternate N-Strike stocks.
Nerf Vortex Nitron Blaster
The Vortex Nitron blaster takes Nerf blasters t the next level!
The first fully automatic, clip fed disc blaster in the Nerf Vortex line, Featuring a removable clip that can hold up to 20 discs, an Electronic Targeting Scope accessory, a front handle to help steady your shots, and the Tactical Rail System compatible with most Vortex and Nerf N-Strike Mission Kit accessories (each sold separately), the Vortex Nitron blaster embodies the ultimate in innovation and technology within the Vortex series.
Star Wars Ultimate Force Tech Lightsaber Assortment
Arriving from a galaxy far, far away in summer 2011: the all-new Ultimate FX Lightsaber
Arriving from a galaxy far, far away in summer 2011: the all-new Ultimate FX Lightsaber will provide one of the most authentic Jedi experiences ever for kids! The toy features a progressive light-up blade with vibrant LED lighting, allowing kids to experience the Force in a whole new way. Available in Anakin Skywalker and Darth Vader models.
Toy Story Turbo Glo Buzz Lightyear
Large action figure with three touch-activated glow zones, a light-up chest plate, retractable helmet and anti-gravity belt. Buzz really talks with fun phrases and sounds.
Buzz is back in a brand new intergalactic adventure. Toy Story’s heroic space ranger action figure is on a daring and dangerous mission in outer space. Light up Buzz for lift off with three cool glow zones that can be activated at the touch of a button. With a light up chest plate, a retractable helmet and an anti-gravity belt, Toy Story Turbo Glo Buzz Lightyear really talks with fun phrases and observations as he updates his mission log.
Transformers Ultimate Optimus Prime
Ultimate Optimus Prime drives into battle with his weapon trailer!
This trailer now converts into Mech Suit that powers up Optimus Prime! Try me packaging with lights and sounds! Optimus Prime has several ports to armour up with MechTech weapons from other characters.
Dream Toys 2011 – Girls
Barbie Puppy Water Park
Barbie Puppy Water Park combines pet and water play like never before!
This playset offers hours of fun, with loads of features for girls to enjoy with Barbie and her two adorable puppies.
Disney Tangled Sing and Glow Rapunzel
Recreate the magic of the hit movie Tangled with this amazing doll.
At the push of a button, her hair magically glows while she sings her favourite lullaby, ‘I See the Light’, just like in the movie.
Flufflings
Giggly, Jiggly Puffs of Fluff! It must be the Flufflings!
Flufflings are unique, interactive plush pets who have individual personalities ready for you to discover and nurture! Flufflings react in different ways, depending on their personality. They thrive on attention and affection, responding differently to being cuddled, patted, stroked or rolled. Each Fluffling has over 10 different emotions, which they will display through sounds, movements and vibrations! Don’t leave them alone too long, or they will become sad and physically deflate! Choose from Mindy, Okki and Loco.
FurReal Cookie
New from FurReal Cookie My Playful Pup, the most huggable dog to join the FurReal family
Cookie My Playful Pup, the newest, softest, most huggable dog to join the FurReal Friends family. Kids will love to interact with the adorable pint-sized golden retriever – through voice recognition technology, this loveable pup will respond when spoken to by moving her head, blinking, and barking, just like a “real” dog! Age: 4 years+ Batteries included
Lalaloopsy Silly Hair Doll
Lalaloopsy with wacky, wild hair that really bends! Hair allows you to curl, twist, and straighten
Milky the Bunny
Milky the Bunny is a gorgeous interactive plush toy that give little girls a cute, cuddly and true-to-life companion to look after and care for.
Milky, an adorable snow white bunny, that is sure to be popular with his moving eyes, nose, ears and ticklish feet! Milky will call for you to play and waits for your cuddles. Hear his belly grumble when he is hungry and feed him with a juicy carrot. Milky will make an adorable companion for little girls. he is just the right size, small enough to be carried but large enough for really big cuddles. Also with a random play function, you never know what he will do next!
Monster High Lagoona’s Hydration Station
After a long week at school, even monsters are in need of a little rest and relaxation. So, Lagoona uses her hydration station to re-moisturize at night!
Lagoona Blue is the daughter of the infamous sea monster so she loves nothing more than time in the water. After a long week at school, even monsters like Lagoona get dead tired. This fun playset is also a cool bedroom accessory, including Lagoona and her hydration station, her pet neptuna with eye mask plus cute accessories.
My First Baby Annabell
My First Baby Annabell is very tired and wants to go to sleep.
Help her go to sleep by putting her pillow back, and touch under her arms and she will wriggle as she settles down to sleep
Sylvanian Families – Berry Grove School
School Days in Sylvania -Berry Grove School is a wonderful place to learn. From music lessons to drama classes all the children love going to school.
What a wonderful school Berry Grove is. It has two levels and a staircase, a very well equipped paint area with colouring books and paint pots and a small library, whilst downstairs there’s a busy mathematics class being prepared. There is also a working clock in the clock tower and lots more school accessories.
Zoobles Mama & Zoobling Nursery Playset
Help Mama Zooble raise her twin baby Zooblings! Includes swing, highchair, playpen, slide, nappy changing area and pushchair.
Mama and her baby Zoobling twins love to have fun! This is the perfect place to raise and nuture them. Sit them in the baby swing as Mama sways them, keep them clean and well fed with the highchair and nappy changing area. See them roll down the slide into their playpen and watch them jump as Mama comes near and teach them to fly in their flight school pushchair.
Dream Toys 2011 – Pre School
Dance Star Mickey
New from Fisher-Price, Dance Star Mickey comes to life in front of your eyes as he walks, talks, and dances to four different songs.
A state-side star has hit the UK! Dance Star Mickey comes to life in front of your eyes as he walks, talks, and dances to four different songs including Techno, Mambo, Shake Your Groove Thing and ‘M’ to the ‘I’…he even does the Moonwalk! With two interactive settings, including songs and games, preschoolers and adults alike will have hours of entertainment as Mickey gets them moving!
Elefun Busy Ball Popper
Our favourite Elefun character joins the unpredictable ball popping fun from the popular Busy Ball Popper toy!
Drop the five colourful balls into the adorable Elefun character’s ears, and they could pop out the trunk or roll into the belly for a giggling good time. The elephant’s trunk rotates 360 degrees so mum can control the ball popping action. Features ten poppin’ droppin’ tunes.
Fireman Sam – Pontypandy Multi Rescue Set
Sam needs some rescue help in this ‘multi disaster’ playset!
Sam needs some rescue help in this ‘multi disaster’ playset! Open the playset and help put out the building fires with the hose, save naughty Norman when he traps his head in the railings, help Sam get the cat down from the tree! There’s never a dull moment – be careful of the collapsing roof & floor! Includes; Sam figure, Norman figure, cat figure, tree, railings, hose reel, ladder, fire bucket & cones.
Imaginext Batcave
Part of the Imaginext world, this playset comes with activation points which preschoolers can twist to get the action going.
The perfect hide-out for a caped crusader, the Imaginext Batcave comes with five cool activation points. Twist them to reveal a secret entrance and a working claw to fix the Batmobile after crazy Gotham adventures. Access all levels of the Batcave by turning another activation disk to raise the lift. Includes Batman, Robin and Batcycle.
Kidizoom Twist
Kidizoom just got better! 2 megapixel camera with twisting lens, 4x digital zoom, flash, colour screen and 5 games. Edit and enhance photos or record voice and add effects.
Get snapping with this 2 megapixel camera using the twisting lens: take pictures and movies of your friends then take fantastic self portraits. The camera features a 4x digital zoom, built-in flash, colour screen, 5 great games and dual view finders. Edit and enhance your photos with a variety of frames, stamps and wacky effects. There’s a great voice recording function with 5 different voice changing effects: pitch up, pitch down, slow, robot and echo.
Let’s Rock Elmo
Rock out with the new Let’s Rock Elmo! Dressed in a concert style t-shirt, Elmo takes the stage singing and making music!
Elmo comes with his very own microphone and two instruments – a tambourine and a drum set. Preschoolers can choose which Elmo plays, and he magically recognises which one you give him. Kids can also play along on Elmo’s instruments. For even more rockin’ fun, Elmo also interacts with other Let’s Rock instruments, all sold separately. He knows when you’re playing the Let’s Rock Guitar, Keyboard or Microphone and plays along with you! The Let’s Rock Elmo toy sings rockin’ songs, s grab an instrument and join Elmo’s band!
Octonauts Octopod Playset
The Octopod Playset allows Octonauts fans to recreate undersea adventures. Including figures and sea creatures.
There’s always something exciting to do on the Octopod as little ones help the Octonauts to explore the incredible undersea world. This colourful playset comes with two Octonaut figures and two sea creatures to rescue. Shoot down the Octopod slide from the mini-pods and lower the rescue tools to save the day and guide the creatures to safety.
Peppa’s World of Playsets
Peppa’s World 6 in 1 playset with carry handle. Includes; Peppa House & Vets Surgery(with hinged doors), a Café, Toy Shop, Den, Dolls House & Peppa Pig figure.
Create your own Peppa’s World with this stacked 6 in 1 playset. The Peppa House and Vets Surgery have hinged sides which open out and there is a Café, Toy Shop, Den & Dolls House. Detailed stickers on the playsets. Also includes Peppa Pig figure. Pack the playsets inside one another and carry away with the handle! Playset is scaled to match Funtime World Little Characters figures & vehicles.
Thomas & Friends – Follow Me Thomas
Children can point and shine the lantern to guide Thomas forwards, sideways, backwards and in circles.
Preschoolers can become train engineers as they point and shine the light-up lantern on the floor and direct Thomas as he follows along. The longer tots play with the lantern remote the more adventurous they can be with their journeys as they direct Thomas to follow the light to move forward, sideways, backwards and in circles. Or they can send Thomas round in a circle, looping a figure 8 or in a zigzag. A variety of engine sounds and phrases play as Thomas steams along!
Toot-Toot Drivers Garage
Interactive garage with fun features including lift, turn-table, ramp, car wash, petrol station and magic hotspot that recognises the tow truck. Includes sound effects and phrases.
This interactive garage includes a cute tow-truck vehicle that you can zoom around, drive up and down in the lift, spin on the turntable or whiz down the winding ramp! Drive the truck through the car wash, fill-up at the petrol station and be rewarded with lots of sound effects and phrases. Also includes exit gate featuring a magic sensor that recognises the vehicle. Introduces numbers and music. Garage recognises all Toot-Toot Drivers vehicle range.
Dream Toys 2011 – Games
Angry Birds
Angry Birds phenomenon comes to life in a new 3D skill and action game. Use a slingshot to fling birds at your opponent’s tower.
Bringing the world’s best-selling app Angry Birds to life in a new 3D skill and action game, players pick a mission card and their neighbour builds the structure shown. Then it’s a flinging frenzy as the player attempts to destroy it using a slingshot to launch angry birds at the tower. The first player to reach 1,000 points wins. With games flying off shelves in the US, this wacky board game looks set to be a must-have.
Bop-It! XT
As a follow up to the global phenomenon of Bop-It!, this active, think-fast on-your-feet game is back and better than ever for Autumn 2011.
Bop-It! XT is Bop-It! to the max with six commands including “Bop it”, “Spin it”, “Flick it”, “Pull it”, “Twist it” and the new “Shake it”. The game features play modes including Single Player, Pass It, One-on-One and Party, and four levels of play for ranging abilities. A headphone jack is also included in the Bop-It! XT unit to allow kids to fine tune their skills quietly, or hook up to speakers for group play. Secure the highest score and become the envy of all your friends at school.
Connect 4 Launchers
All new Connect 4: Launchers Edition
This classic game of four-in-a-row takes on a frenetic pace in the new Connect 4: Launchers Edition. Players take part in head-to-head action as they try to aim, launch and connect their way to victory with a new, horizontal game unit that catches the launched checkers.
Dino Bite
Brilliant new Dinosaur action game (4+), bursting with fearsome,spine-tingling fun! Little adventurers take on the ultimate T-Rex tyrant, to rescue the stolen Dino Babies
A thrilling game for 2-4 young players, who take on the wrath of the T-Rex as they try to pluck out the multi-coloured Dino Babies from right under his ferocious, gaping jaws. Each player carefully lifts the leaf protecting the babies – then grasps one with the special tweasers provided… If the Dino knows they’re there, he’ll roar out loud and lunge terrifyingly towards them, stopping them in their tracks. And that means the player is OUT!
Doggie Doo
Doggie Doo – possibly the most disgusting toy Christmas present ever but will be on every child’s wish list!
Players throw the dice to determine how often they squeeze the dachshund’s lead. Each squeeze pushes the plasticine poop nearer to fruition and when the deed is done, players scoop the poop.
Game Of Life: Adventures Edition
Experience the journey of a lifetime where adventures are without bounds in the new The Game of Life: Adventures Edition!
A new, rotating game board can change the game with a simple twist of the spinner so just as life changes so does the board!
Million Pound Drop
The Million Pound Drop family team game (age 12+)gives you the opportunity to recreate the excruciating and nail-biting gameplay of Channel 4′s smash hit big money game show.
Can you hold your nerve and beat The Million Pound Drop? You, your friends and family can take to the Million Pound Drop table, complete with fiendish trap doors and bundles of ‘pretend’ money – to play this thrilling and unique game. Experience the excitement of working out the right multiple-choice answer – and the fall-down frustration of watching your cash disappear if you pick the wrong one!
Monopoly Electronic Banking
Monopoly Electronic Banking Edition: It’s all about flash, not cash, in this ultra-modern version of Monopoly.
Wave goodbye to bills and say hello to a new Monopoly bank card! Scoop up property with a swipe of plastic. But that‘s not the only change for the new Electronic Banking edition. The board features all new property locations with Kensington Palace Gardens replacing Mayfair in the iconic dark blue space reflecting the real life shift in the capital’s property prices. Plus modernised tokens and higher property values – you now get $2m for passing go
Play-Doh Smashed Potatoes
Race your potatoes to escape the “Mash Machines” Scissor Slicer, French Fryer, Crinkle Cutter & Chip Chopper!!
The object of the game is to help your Play-Doh spud make it home to the farm in one piece. Can YOU save Mr Potato Head when the chips are down?
Where’s Moshi? Game
Are you Fluffy?…No. Are you Stripey?… Yes! Go Moshi-mad with the all new ‘Where’s Moshi?’ game.
Can you be the first to guess your opponent’s Moshling and find the mystery Moshling?! A great gift for any Moshi fan!
Dream Toys 2011 – Creative
Badge It!
Badge It! has got quick, simple, no-mess badge making all buttoned up! Make cool, unique, high quality metal badges in seconds and wear them and share them!
Take a picture of anything that looks cool and badge it! Make unique, high quality badges of your favourite pop star, footballer, friend or pet. The award winning design makes creativity simple as there’s no glue, no mess and no fuss. Badge It! is every child’s personal badge making machine and they can use photos, pictures from magazines or their own drawings to make the badges they want. They can adorn t-shirts, hats, jackets and bags and they look really professional. Each Badge It! includes one machine and 15 x 3cm badges.
Bizu Style Studio
Mix and match the 40 beads to create fashionable bracelets that ALSO twist and transform into characters!
Bizu lets girls magically transform jewellery into hot collectibles! Mix and match the 40 different beads to create fashionable bracelets that twist and transform into characters! With 15,000+ combinations use the Style Studio to store and organise your Bizu collection. Start with Glam, Rock, Wild, or Funky styles, or mix ’n’ match to make your own combinations. Create 4 stylish bracelets, link 3 together to make a necklace, or start a trend with the two key-chain attachments.
Charmies Magic Beader
Charmies; an innovative jewellery making concept with a magical twist. Create jewellery, danglers and more with the Magic Beader unit and shaped ‘Charmies’ beads.
With the Charmies Magic Beader girls can thread beautiful designs with any combination of beads quickly and easily; like magic. Load the Magic Beader with your chosen Charmies, then simply twist to string your pretty designs together. With so many different types of beads your creations are guaranteed to be cute and quirky, so girls can express the things they love with their beautiful hand-made jewellery
Crayola Story Studio – Disney Princess
Be The Star Of Your Story With Crayola! If you’ve ever dreamed of being a Disney Princess in your own fairytale, now you can with Story Studio!
With a selection of creative contents, the Story Studio allows children to use their imagination and create their own fantastic tales! Story Studio comes with a unique code to unlock the Fairy Tale Builder online, which enables kids to upload their photo and create a cartoon version of themselves using special face recognition technology. Kids can then place themselves into their story, and once the story is created online, they can just print it out and colour it in!
Fab Effex Variety Pack
Create & decorate with Fab Effex™, the fabulous fabric that is mouldable, reusable and magically sticks!
Shape it, wrap it, stick it – Fab Effex™ holds its shape. Get creative ideas from the ideas book or use the tools to glam-up,and beautify all your creations. Show off your designs with the wear and share accessories or personalise your own belongings – from iPods to shoes! No glue,no mess! Includes 140 pre cut shapes,8 full sheets , 3 shapers, bunny mould, a ring and a key ring, a greetings card, and accessories
Gelarti Designer Studio
Decorate your world with Gelarti! Create and store your stickers in the portable design studio, that includes paints, sticker sheets and glitters and gems too!
With Gelarti, kids can create, decorate and accessorise their own stickers, then peel and place the reusable stickers anywhere they like! The Gelarti Designer Studio extends the fun even further by making the activity portable and mess free!
Harumika Bridal Collection
Budding fashionistas can design their very own wedding dress and use the beautiful pieces of fabric to create a bridesmaid outfit too with the stunning Harumika Bridal Collection.
Young girls dream of being a bridesmaid and one day a bride, and with the gorgeous Harumika Bridal Collection set they are able to design what their dress might look like. It comes with 2 dress forms on pretty stands, a selection of beautiful lace and satin fabrics, a veil, flower and lace accessories as well as pearl and gem stickers to decorate their dresses. Once complete, they can display their designs in front of the fold out dressing room scene. The design possibilities are endless!
Hello Kitty Cool Cardz
Everyones favourite cat is added to a favourite card making concept in Hello Kitty Cool Cardz. Now girls can make retro style laminated calling cards for all their friends.
Everyones favourite kitty is added to a favourite girls card making conceptin Hello Kitty Cool Cardz. Now girls can make retro style laminated calling cards for all their friends. Just style your card and pass it through the cool laminating device and you have a fabulous gift or club card to be proud of!
Moon Sand Bake Shop
Moon Sand – A fun world of Sweet Delights!
Mould your flour, butter and eggs and then mix up all your ingredients in the working cake mixer. Pour your mixture into a choice of fun cake and cookie moulds, then decorate them for the perfect sweet treat! includes mixer, moulds, spoons, plates, cake knife, themed sand box for play and storage and 3 colours of Moon Sand.
Play-Doh Twirl ‘N Top Pizza Playset
New from Play-Doh the Twirl and Top Pizza Shop. “Cook” up some fun with this Play-Doh pizza parlour playset!
Create the perfect Play-Doh compound pizza crust in the “brick oven,” crank out realistic looking grated “cheese,” add favourite toppings like pretend “pepperoni”, mushrooms and peppers, and then use the handy tools to cut and serve to friends. Kids will be clamouring for a Play-Doh pizza play date! Set includes one 5-ounce can and three 2-ounce cans of Play-Doh compound.
Dream Toys 2011 – Construction
City Harbour LEGO
LEGO CITY Makes A Splash
LEGO CITY Harbour is a hub of activity! Use the powerful crane to offload the cargo from the cargo ship, place it onto the conveyor and load it onto the truck. There’s no time to waste, as the next ship is already arriving! Packed with loads of goodies including walkie talkies, broom, fishing rod and fish, choose to take on the roles of fisherman, worker, crane driver, and chief officer.
City Police Boat LEGO
LEGO CITY Takes to the Seas…
Take to the seas to patrol and protect the waterways of LEGO CITY with the awesome new Police Boat! The robber is fleeing on his powerjet – fire up the high speed police boat, put him in handcuffs and take him to the city jail! This fab power vessel even floats and boasts life vests and walkie-talkies!
City Police Station LEGO
IT’S A FAIR COP WITH LEGO CITY
At the hub of all the activity is the imposing Police Station. This new version is bigger and better than ever with state-of-the-art police equipment and technology for the smooth running of this most important of emergency services. Packed full of cool LEGO goodies including six minifigures a police car, van, bike, prison cell and handcuffs. There’s even wanted posters and a crowbar to help the jailbird escape down the drainpipe to carry out his dastardly deeds!
Doctor Who Dalek Factory set
Dalek factory set including one Dalek Drone and one Dalek Scientist micro-figure.
The Daleks are building their armies ready to return to Earth to battle the Doctor and reign supreme! Highly detailed Dalek construction playset featuring swivelling Dalek factory machine arm, moveable conveyor belt, control panels and rejected parts bin! Set includes one Dalek Drone and one Dalek Scientist micro-figure
Geomag 66pc Colour Set
The leading brand in magnetic construction since it’s launch in 1995, Geomag has yet another hit it the 66pc colour set.
Geomag the original Swiss made magnetic construction system has a host of magnetic play appeal and with Geomag the construction possibilities are endless using the traditional magnetic rods and chrome spheres that connect together. The Awesome magnetic power of this kid’s toy is a great gift for anyone, even as a novelty toy to distract adults with!
Halo EVA’s Last Stand
The Halo Authentic Collectors Series by Mega Bloks allows you to recreate epic battles of the Halo universe. Build your army collection with new figures, vehicles and battle sites.
Establish your army, build and expand your units with the Halo EVA’s Last Stand by Mega Bloks! On authentic war torn battle terrain, a green EVA Spartan is the last UNSC soldier in his unit. On the run from 2 Covenant Hunters, he finds an old damaged Warthog and makes one last heroic stand using its mounted M41 LAAG. Includes 1 Green EVA Spartan and 2 Covenant Hunters with weapons.
Ninjago Fire Temple LEGO
LEGO Ninjago in a spin with the all-new Fire Temple
Battle for control of the four Spinjitzu weapons has begun. Sensei Wu, Kai, Zane and Nya need help to keep Lord Garmadon and his evil skeleton army from taking the ultimate Spinjitzu weapon – the Dragon Sword of Fire. As the temple splits into two, the fearsome Fire Dragon emerges to protect the sword by spitting fire at Lord Garmadon.
Real Construction Deluxe Workshop
A new creative building set which encourages kids to get active.Teaching practical & life-long skills such as creative problem solving,craftsmanship & hand-eye coordination.
Real Construction Deluxe WorkShop comes with 125+ multiple tools & fixings – including a Large Hammer, Large Saw, Square Angle, Screw Driver & Hole Cutter. Including 19 pieces of Kid Wood and Project book inside for 8 ideas, build 2. For ages 6 and above. There is an extended range of wood refills, tool expansion packs and themed build sets.
Star Wars Millenium Falcon LEGO
The force is strong with the New LEGO Star Wars Millenium Falcon
Straight from the Death Star escape scene of Episode IV: A New Hope, the all-new LEGO Millennium Falcon features stunning details, like hull plates that open to reveal a detailed interior, twin flick missiles, rotating quad laser cannons and detachable cockpit cover. Featuring Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, Chewbacca, Ben Kenobi, Princess Leia Organa and Darth Vader, can you rewrite history and help Ben Kenobi defeat his evil nemesis from the dark side?
Top Agents Super Racer
The Playmobil Top Agents Super Racer is the perfect vehicle for Agent P in his fight against the evil Robo Gang!
The Playmobil Top Agents Super Racer floats on water and has wings and fins that pop out of the body work at the flick of a switch. There are firing cannons on the front of the car and includes one Playmobil Secret Agent.
Dream Toys 2011 – Cool and Hot
Air Hogs Vectron Wave
Air Hogs Vectron Wave. The UFO you can control with the palm of your hand!
Air Hogs Vectron Wave. The UFO you can control with the palm of your hand! The Vectron has clever obstacle sensors to detect the proximity to the ground allowing it to hover in the air. Control altitude by simply placing your hand under the Vectron or play with a friend by swinging the Vectron back and forth between you using the catching stick.
Fijit Friends
A Fijit Friend is an electronic BFF with a squishy body who loves to chat and make you laugh!
Fijit Friends are set to be the country’s most sought after toy in the run up to the festive season, with retailers already selecting them as top of this year’s Christmas list. With clever voice recognition built in, Fijit Friends respond to you with loads of movements, phrases and jokes. Beat sensors mean you can dance along as she rocks, twirls, and bounces!
GX Buggy
Tomy speed in with GX Buggy – the high performance miniature stunt vehicle leaving all other micro RC cars in the dust!
Weighing just 42 grams, the flyweight GX Buggy has an unbeatable top speed of 22 kph, equivalent to a staggering scale speed of 770kph. The GX Buggy back flips, soldier flips, spins and launches up to 85cm into the air with ease. Don’t worry about crashing and flipping over; its unique roll wing feature means the buggy never gets stuck – it just flips back round and carries on. And because it uses professional standard 2.4 ghz control, up to10 buggies can race at once without remote controls conflicting.
Hexbug Habitat Set
The HEXBUG Nano Habitat is a collection of simple-to-connect pieces that allow users hours of fun in making a-maze-ing homes for the small but mighty HEXBUG Nano.
HEXBUG uniquely combines science and technology with kids’ innate love for bugs resulting in hours of imaginative play. The HEXBUG Nano is a collectible, micro robotic creature that uses the physics of vibration to explore its environment. Nano owners can create a customisable playground for the industrious critters using the HEXBUG Nano Habitat. Each set contains two rare Nanos, four easy connect curved pieces, three straight and three hexagon pieces, offering users a variety of configurations.
InnoTab: The Learning App Tablet
Multi-media handheld combining educational games, creative activities and e-books on a multi-functional touch-screen tablet. Teaches reading, spelling, maths, creativity and more.
InnoTab is a multi-media learning handheld combining educational games, creative activities and e-books on a multi-functional touch-screen tablet. Teaches reading, spelling, maths, logic and creativity with the many included activities such as an e-reader, art studio, interactive globe, video player and photo viewer. Plus parents can download additional games and learning apps from their computer. Features a 5” LCD touch screen and g-sensor for fun game play, InnoTab is also compatible with the Kidizoom Range.
LeapPad Explorer
The first learning tablet created for children with a built-in camera, video recorder and microphone. 100+ games and apps, including e-books, videos and more!
100+ learning games, book apps, videos, and more! LeapPad features a built-in camera (take over 30,000 pictures), a video recorder, microphone, art and photo studios. With the interactive e-books you can listen or read along to the story, sound out words, play fun activities and record your own story. Bring characters to life with the animation studio and create over 27,000 story combinations featuring you in the story studio app! Teaches mathematics, reading, science, music, geography and more.
Moshling Treehouse
Moshi Monsters™ madness continues with new additions to the toy range, including the perfect place to store your collection of Moshlings!
Moshlings like to run and play but also need a place to stay…! The ‘Moshling Treehouse’ is the perfect abode for your Moshlings, with lots of cool hideaway places and even a basket lift for them to play on! It’s tree-mendous! What’s more, with every ‘Moshling Treehouse’ purchase you’ll get an exclusive Moshling called Roxy.
Scalextric Velodrome Cycling Set
The first and only Team GB Velodrome Cycling Set
The Scalextric set follows the traditional slot racing format, but instead of using cars, there are two miniature cyclists dressed in GB kits. The set features a banked oval track, with two challenging chicanes to test your nerve. Official Product of Team GB. Track Length 272cm, space required 105 x 61cm. Suitable for ages four years and above. TV advert – http://www.youtube.com/user/OfficialScalextric
Spy Net Video Watch
Real gadgets for kids. The ultimate toys for surveillance, with the technology hidden in everyday objects. Backed up with a dedicated web site to upload and download missions.
Record and store Video, photo’s or audio with the secret camera & microphone! Download missions & games! Playback on colour screen then upload to SpyNet HQ to store your evidence! Functions as normal watch. Cable and 1 x Rechargeable Lipo Battery (Included).
Talking Moshi Monster
Everyone’s talking about these Moshi Monsters! From one of the fastest growing kids brands come the Talking Monsters!
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1. Play “Taste the Rainbow”. Blindfold your partner and feed them fruity sweets. See if they can guess each flavour. Next, put the candy in your mouth and then give them a kiss. See if they can guess that.
2. Tell them how you feel in a game of Hangman, use phrases like “I Love You” or words like “Kisses”.
3. Play the alphabet game! One person starts with the letter “A” and has to kiss a body part on the other person beginning with that letter. The other person starts with “B” and so on and so on.
4. Get a pack of 3×5 index cards and write different things on them (i.e. slave for a day, back/foot massage, bubble bath) and fold them once. Put all the index cards in a shoebox and give your love the box, whatever they pull out you have to do.
5. Make a pair of dice, one for you and one for your significant other. Put different things on each face like ‘kiss’, ‘hug’, ‘massage’. Then start rolling.
6. Surprise your mate with twenty-six gifts from A to Z that begin with each of the letters of the alphabet.
7. Write a long love letter, then seal it with a kiss and mail it.
8. Write a love letter and put it in a glass bottle. Place the bottle somewhere that you know your love will find it.
9. Find out their favourite colours and make a blanket, preferably fleece, and on one side using felt letters write something like “Cover you in kisses” or “I Love you” or “Wrapping you in my love”.
10. Give your love a letter opener on a Wednesday and on Friday (or Saturday) give them four envelopes (not all at once). The first one is where you are going for dinner, the second has a CD with love songs, the third has movie tickets to the movie they have been dying to see, and the fourth has a letter that says “I Love You”.
11. Buy a dozen or so love cards and a box of stationery. Keep a few cards and/or sheets in your car, purse, briefcase, etc. Whenever you are stuck waiting somewhere, take a few moments and write a love letter.
12. Send a loving e-mail, poem or letter to your loved one.
13. Write down the 26 letters of the alphabet (placed in vertical order on the paper) and write down a description of your partner that starts with that letter. Example: A — Ambitious; B — Breathtaking; C — Cuddly; D — Delicious; E — Exciting; F — Friendly; G — Good kisser; H — Handsome; I — Ingenious; J — Jock; K — Kind; L — Lover; M — Masculine; N — Neat; O — Outstanding; — And so on. It helps if you have a thesaurus at hand to look up words that describe them.
14. On a special occasion put a little confetti or tiny heart cutouts (not a whole lot though) on top of the visor in their car. When they bring down the visor to block the sun the confetti will sprinkle down on them. You could also put a love letter or love-note there.
15. Hand write love letters and leave them under their pillow. Be sure to use romantic stationery, avoid clichés, and tell them how you really feel.
16. Write them a letter using the letters of their name to start each line.
17. Get a deck of cards and give them one every week of the year with a love letter on it.
18. Buy a candle and send it to your special someone. Include a letter that says, “Whenever you want me to be with you and I can’t be there light this candle.”
19. If you have a projector and an empty white or light coloured wall, write your letter in dark ink on a piece of paper and project it on the wall for them to find.
20. Leave several post it notes with loving comments or compliments so that they will be found eventually.
21. Take an empty aspirin bottle, and gave it a label like “Romance medicine: take as needed”. Then write out 50 or so love notes and sexy ideas that could be taken anytime that a cure was needed!
22. Leave a love note when and where your partner will least expect it.
23. Before you go to bed, place a little chocolate cupid on his or her pillow with a little love note.
24. During the day, pick up a book or magazine you know your partner would love, and put love notes in between random pages.
25. Base a romantic idea on a favourite show. Eat and drink the kinds of foods the main characters do, perhaps involve some role play or play acting.
26. Fill a glass jar with pretty love notes. Spray the inside of the jar with a perfume or cologne. This is great if you’ll be separated for a period of time — your partner can open the jar and read a note each day.
27. Carve a pumpkin with “I Love You” or another short message instead of the traditional face.
28. Make a CD with favourite or meaningful music on. Associate it with a particular period of time (e.g. 12 Days of Christmas).
29. Create a photo and quotations book full of pictures and memories of you as a couple.
30. Set up the bathroom really nicely with candles, flower petals, a hot bubble bath, relaxing music playing… whatever creates a special ambience. Then have a romantic bath together. Don’t rush.
31. Create romantic “business cards” and hide them around the house. They can have love quotes or acronyms which describe the other person. Your partner will have great fun finding them.
32. Send a romantic gift to your partner’s work place (make sure it’s suitable for where they work). Do it on any date, not just expected ones like their birthday or Valentine’s Day.
33. Make a little loving gesture every day for one full year.
34. Create a journal of your life together over the course of a year and present it to your partner on their birthday, at Christmas or New Year.
35. Cuddle on the sofa and watch a movie together.
36. Walk on the beach in the moonlight.
37. Put a single red rose on the seat of your lover’s car before they go to work.
38. Send your lover a virtual postcard at least once a week.
39. Get every book ever written by your loved one’s favourite author.
40. Get every movie starring your lover’s favourite actor.
41. Keep twenty pounds of your lovers favourite sweets to hand.
42. Compose a list: “101 Reasons Why You’re the Greatest”. Write each reason on a separate square of paper. Wrap them in a fancy gift box.
43. Sprinkle perfume on to light bulb. When light is turned on the scent of the perfume will fill the room.
44. Keep a journal of your romantic fantasies. Share it with your soul mate.
45. Take a picture of yourself in the most sexy outfit possible. Hide in a secret spot in your house and leave him or her clues on how to get there. Watch the sparks fly!
46. Put a blindfold on your lover and drive them to a place where you have a blanket, candles, strawberries, sparkling drinks, and a rose. Park the car and take off the blindfold while you read a poem you have written for them.
47. While your lover is in the shower, or bath, put their bath towel in a hot dryer for a few minutes. Greet them when they get out of the shower with the toasty towel.
48. Pull the bag out of your lover’s breakfast cereal box and slit a small hole in it. Insert a love note. Tape up the bag and return it to the box. What a way to start the day!
49. Unplug the TV set. Put a note on the screen saying, “Turn Me on Instead”.
50. Play “hide-and-seek” in the rain. It’s fun and VERY sensual!
51. Build your lover a web page telling them why you love them so much. Mention special moments and add some images and cool links to topics that interest them. Surf the web with them one day and just “stumble upon it”. Or have someone send them an anonymous email with the link inviting them to the page.
52. Fill bathtub with warm water sprinkled with rose petals.
53. Send your love a letter with confetti hearts inside of the letter so they pour out everywhere when your sweetheart opens it.
54. While your love takes a shower, write the words “I love you” in the condensation on the bathroom mirror.
55. Leave a trail of “Hershey’s chocolate kisses” from the front door to the bedroom, right up to the bed. On the bed leave a note that reads ‘I kiss the ground you walk on.’ Make sure you’re not home when s/he gets in!
56. Carve “His” and “Her” jack-o-lanterns at Halloween.
57. Buy a set of matching silk pyjamas and take turns modelling them for each other.
58. Go through revolving doors with your lover.
59. Camp out in a tent with your lover and picnic in a tree house.
60. Spend one solid hour exploring various kissing techniques.
61. Turn your “bedroom” into a “boudoir”. Use soft colours and fabrics, fresh cut flowers on your nightstand, mirrors everywhere, etc. Hang your lovers favourite art on your walls.
62. Make a list of the special days on the calendar that you celebrate together, such as the day you met, your yearly anniversary, or even the anniversary of your first kiss. On these days make a point to spend some quality time together. Cook a special meal (or pick one up on the way home from work). Buy a card or write a short letter, and let them know that you didn’t forget.
63. Toast each other when you sit down to dinner. It doesn’t need to be over bubbly or wine, but even a glass of water or iced tea. Tell them something you love about them and then drink to it!
64. Use the power of touch to make a lasting impression throughout the day. There is no such thing as not having time for a kiss goodbye in the morning or again upon reuniting at the end of the day. And an inviting warm hug or back rub at the end of a stressful day is always appreciated.
65. Take pictures often; don’t save the camera for holidays and special occasions. Create a visual scrapbook of your everyday life together. Better still, set the timer and pose together. You will both appreciate the warmth of the moment when you see these snapshots in an album down the road.
66. Do something thoughtful for them every day. Whether it’s making them a cup of coffee in the morning, sticking a surprise note in their bag, or leaving them a chocolate “kiss” on the pillow before bedtime, everyone loves a romantic surprise.
67. Let them see you at your best. It’s ironic that we dress up to meet total strangers but let ourselves go around our nearest and dearest.
68. Be honest if you are feeling stressed or under the weather. Your partner will appreciate your honesty and will know not to take it personally when you come home in a bad mood.
69. Sit down together when you get home and relate your daily experiences. The best thing about spending time apart is that it makes you appreciate each other more.
70. If your partner is going away for a few days, say that you are worried about them so you have organised a bodyguard to look after them. Give them a small teddy bear.
71. Buy a packet of glow in the dark stars and stick the stars on the roof above your bed to spell out a message such as “I Love You”. When the lights godown, your message will be revealed!
72. Buy a stylish hand mirror and give it to your partner as a gift. Include a card in the box saying, “In this mirror you will see the image of the most beautiful person in the world.”
73. Take a book that your partner is reading and using a pencil, underline letters in a section of the book they’ve yet to read to spell out a love letter. The underlined letters will make your partner curious and with a bit of luck they’ll write them down. Spend time to encode a proper message.
74. Pick a smooth stone and have a jeweller engrave it with a romantic message.
75. Drive into the country, find a grassy hill and lie with your partner and look up at the clouds. Play the kids’ game of looking for shapes in the cloud formations.
76. Learn one of Shakespeare’s love sonnets and recite it to your partner in a romantic setting.
77. If your partner has to work late, take a lunch box and fill it with some of their favourite things such as chocolates, herbal tea, cookies, a small teddy bear. Next, get a piece of paper and write “[Name] Late Night Survival Pack” Draw a big red cross below this and stick the paper to the top of the box. Tell your partner to open the box when things get really tough.
78. If you are walking by a park, visit the swings and give your partner a ride. This will often bring back happy memories from their childhood.
79. Buy a small decorated cardboard box, a sheet of coloured tissue paper, some massage oil and a blank card. Line the box with the tissue paper. Place the massage oil in the box and write the following message on the card: I know a great Masseur. For an appointment ring: (Your Phone Number)
80. Go for a walk on the beach. Trace out the shape of a large love heart in the sand. Sit inside the heart and cuddle your partner as you watch the sun go down.
81. Organise a professional photo shoot to obtain a portrait of the two of you as a couple. Frame the picture and put it somewhere prominent. Remember to make sure you give your partner plenty of notice so that they can get ready.
82. When you and your partner are in a shopping centre or airport, stop at one of those booths that allow you to take an instant photo and print them out as stickers. Choose a romantic background and kiss your partner while the photo is being taken.
83. Always listen for things that your partner reminisces about and jot them down somewhere. For example, perhaps they talk about the ice cream from a particular shop when they were a child. When a special occasion comes along, check your list of things that your partner talks about and try to recreate one of them, for example, visit the shop and buy a tub of ice cream making sure that the name of the shop is on the container.
84. Buy an ornately carved wooden box which is lined with green or red felt. Find an old fashioned key and place it in the box. Next, get a small gold plaque and have it engraved with the words “The Key To My Heart”. Fix the plaque to the inside of the top of the box so that it can be read when the box is opened.
85. Create a love montage by collecting some photographs of you and your partner, some ticket stubs of places you have visited and any other small odds and ends that have special meaning to you both. Take these items and get them professionally framed in a three dimensional montage. Alternatively, buy a frame and create a simple montage yourself.
86. Buy a tree with your partner and plant it in a special spot. Each year on your anniversary, have a glass of champagne next to your tree and talk about how your love and the tree has grown.
87. Name a star after your lover.
88. Find a comic strip that relates to something that you and your partner have shared together. For example perhaps you both work in the same office and you find a Dilbert cartoon that relates to the politics at your workplace. Enlarge the cartoon using a photocopier and use white-out to cover the cartoon text. Type up your own text that relates to you and your partner and paste it in the appropriate places and then photocopy the cartoon again so that it looks like your text was the actual text of the cartoon. For an added touch, get your customised cartoon laminated before giving it to your partner.
89. When you and your partner are enjoying a restful time away, organise to wakeup early one morning and go to a scenic spot to watch the sun rise. This may seem difficult but it is something which is definitely worth doing at least once. Seeing a new day being born is something really special to share with your partner.
90. When you have access to a spa, create a romantic atmosphere by placing some candles around the tub and some rose petals floating on the surface of the water. As your partner enjoys the water, serve champagne and chocolate covered strawberries before joining her.
91. Next time it is raining really heavily, go for a walk with your partner. Forget the umbrellas and the raincoats. Run through the streets together, jump in puddles and get totally saturated. Pick her up, twirl her around and kiss her while the rain falls. Taste the water off her face and hold her close. When you get back home have a hot shower and then share a warm drink preferably in front of an open fire.
92. Organise a hot air ballooning trip as a special surprise. Most trips begin with a glass of champagne before you float over the countryside with your partner.
93. When your partner is sitting at a table or desk, come up behind him or her and give a back, shoulder and head massage. Finish with a gentle kiss on the cheek.
94. Buy a book that you and your partner are both interested in reading. Read one chapter each night in bed with each of you taking turns to read out loud. This can be a great alternative to television.
95. Buy a box of chocolates and very carefully open one side of the plastic wrap so that you can gently slide the box out. Open the box and place a love note inside. Then slide the box back into its plastic wrap and reseal it.
96. Rent a tandem bike and go for a ride with your partner. At the end of your ride have a picnic in the park.
97. Speak to your partner’s family and find out what their favourite book was when they were a child. Buy a copy of the book and read it to them in bed.
98. Buy a kite and on a windy day find a park and fly the kite with your partner. If you can afford it, buy a large kite that you control with two hand lines. These kites are great fun.
99. When your partner is sick at home, take a day off to look after them. Rent some videos, make some soup, wrap up in a blanket and just be with them.
100. When you are having dinner one night, ask your partner about the things they have always wanted to do. Later on, write these things down so you don’t forget them and over time try and help make them happen.
101. On a hot summer’s day, buy two large water pistols and take them to the beach with you. Pull them out and throw one to your partner and then have a huge water fight.
102. Share your food with your partner. When you go out for a meal, hold a forkful up to their mouth and say, “You’ve got to try this.” Sharing your food and even feeding each other is a great way to become closer as a couple.
103. Compliment your partner in public.
104. Arrange a special day off from work. Start with breakfast, go for a walk in the park, go shopping, have afternoon tea in a cosy cafe and finish off with a romantic dinner.
105. Even if you are just going down the road to buy some milk, act as though you are returning home after a major adventure. Say something like, “Well it was touch and go there for a while with the snow and the wolves but I made it!” and then give your partner a huge bear hug.
106. Give your partner a magic gift box. Every month, place a new small gift in the box for them to discover.
107. Research your partner’s favourite hobby and identify a gift that is really useful. The more specialised the gift the more impact it will have. Talk to friends and family and use the Net to find the information you need.
108. Create a loving nickname for your partner. This could be the name they were called when they were young or something that is special just for the two of you.
109. Write a love song for your partner. Produce a manuscript and a CD.
110. Have a really big pillow fight. Set up for it by buying two pillows that are filled with feathers. Put holes in the pillows so the feathers will start to fly and then attack your partner when you feel the time is right.
111. Get out into the great outdoors. After a day of hiking, build an open fire. Sit by the fire with your partner, toast marshmallows and watch as the embers of the fire climb into the night sky.
112. If you are in a secluded spot near a beach or lake and the weather is warm, go for an impromptu skinny dip with your partner.
113. The day before your partner’s birthday buy some helium balloons, streamers and flowers and hide them in a closet. When your partner has fallen asleep, string the streamers around the room and bring out the balloons and flowers. Place them around the bed so that your partner wakes up to a real birthday surprise.
114. Go bowling! This activity will keep your hearts pumping and your competitive spirits high. Place a sexy wager on it and ramp up the spice factor.
115. Spend the night listening to each other’s music collection. Swap CDs and share stories about what songs or bands mean the most to you and why.
116. Play Twister. Here is the ultimate low cost game that will get you sweating, touching, and laughing together.
117. Pretend you are having a blackout and have a sexy candlelit evening.
118. Go to the beach and hold a sand castle competition.
119. Hang out at the mall and then split up so that you can each go and buy a sexy small gift for each other.
120. Keep a diary or a journal of your special memories and dates together. One night when funds are tight, read them out loud to your partner.
121. Write a message on the refrigerator door with fun magnet words or letters.
122. Create a newspaper on your computer with a headline that declares your love.
123. Make a T-shirt for your partner celebrating a recent accomplishment.
124. Leave a trail of sexy text messages throughout the day with a series of hints on where they can find you. It will be in the bathtub with candles and a bottle of wine.
125. Make up a crossword with sexy clues and hints that define your relationship.
126. Go to the park and play Frisbee or catch. Working up a sweat now will give you plenty of ideas to relax later.
127. Make a pizza together with a kit from the grocery store. One half will be your toppings, the other half will be theirs.
128. Make a sexy digital picture of you and send it to their mobile phone. Even better, make the picture include only a part of your body. Ask them to guess what it is.
129. Play 20 questions with each other, allowing each other just that many questions. No rules on this one, answering questions will help you get to know each other better, and maybe even spark some sexy ideas for things to come following the game.
130. Change your appearance with a wig or a fun costume. Use accessories from the pound store. It doesn’t have to cost anything. Your partner will feel like they are coming home to a new mate leaving for some very naughty thoughts.
131. Call a radio station and have “your song” dedicated to them. Make sure they are around to hear your romantic message.
132. Go sledging together for an hour or two, then hurry back home to warm each other up.
133. Build a snowman together.
134. Stay in bed on a rainy Saturday and read to one another from a book of poetry.
135. Card games, board games, and colouring books — often picking up the games we enjoyed as kids is the best way to relax and enjoy one another.
136. Spend the afternoon at a coffee shop listening to live music.
137. Join an activity. It will give you guaranteed time together.
138. Do some research. Ask around for a little-known hot spot and surprise your lover with a date there.
139. Take a cooking class together.
140. Go to the orchestra. If classical music isn’t your thing, the person at the box office can probably recommend a performance that features more modern music.
141. Rent a limo and have it pick up your lover after work, then whisk them away for a tour of some of your city’s architectural and natural highlights.
142. Tell your lover how to dress for the occasion but don’t share your plans. It will keep them on their toes all day!
143. Go to a museum together. Share your opinions on what you see, and enjoy learning more about your lover.
144. Go to a theme park together and spend the day acting like kids.
145. Enjoy a walk together at the local arboretum when the flowering trees are blooming.
146. Visit the local zoo when all the baby animals have just arrived.
147. Let your partner teach you about the hobbies they enjoy.
148. Book a couple’s massage.
149. Make a list together of places in your area that you’ve always wanted to go. Make it your goal to cross one place off that list each month.
150. Let your date pick the movie for a change — even if blowing up zombies might not be your idea of romance.
151. Spend the night at a hotel. Hotel dates are romantic because they seem forbidden and a little taboo. If you’ve been dating or married a while, this will definitely bring the spark back. Kick it up a notch by role playing or pretending you are strangers.
152. Have a spa day. Nothing says romance like getting pampered.
153. Throw a cocktail party. Entertaining together will make you feel like a couple and renew or ignite a significant bonding experience.
154. Go to the beach. Even in the winter! Bundle up and walk by the seashore holding hands and enjoying the soft crash of the waves.
155. Go horseback riding.
156. Have a poker night for two. Gambling always raises the stakes and keeps things interesting. The bolder couple can go with strip poker here.
157. Plan a Theme Night. Pick a theme for one night and stick to it, arranging your entire night such as meals, movies, and post-date activity around this theme.
158. Cook a meal together.
159. Spend time at home with body paints.
160. Give each other back rubs.
161. Play a romantic board game with your sweetheart. Before starting the game, decide what the loser have to do for the winner, what the rewards and the punishments will be, etc.
162. Go out and watch shooting stars.
163. Create a romantic song together.
164. Make a video of you confessing your love to your partner and email it to them.
165. Make a lovely bookmark for your partner that reminds them of you and your love.
166. Make some love coupons which offer your partner free gifts such as a massage, a special meal or other pampering.
167. Buy your lover a cotton towel embroidered with their name or a romantic message.
168. Pick wildflowers on the way home and give them to your partner.
169. Revisit some of the places you went to when you were first dating.
170. Arrive separately at a party or venue and pretend to be strangers getting to know one another.
171. Fix something or fix up the house just to make your partner happy.
172. Take a nap together.
173. Make a list of everything you love about him or her.
174. Groom yourself, and try to look good for your partner.
175. Feed each other grapes.
176. Recreate your partner’s favourite romantic movie scene.
177. Create a little box with a bunch of your partner’s favourite things inside.
178. Try some sexy role-playing. Get dressed up, be daring, have fun.
179. Give a little token to your partner to wear, and say it’s to remind him or her all day that you love them.
180. Sing a favourite song to him or her. Only do this if you can sing fairly well.
181. Hold hands, and walk somewhere with lots of pretty lights.
182. Say I love you in a different way every day.
183. Blindfold your partner. Use a feather. Slowly.
184. Get your partner a wristwatch. Inscribe it with: “I always have time for you”.
185. Visit a karaoke bar and surprise your lover by getting up and singing “your song” to him/her.
186. Kidnap and blindfold them! Drive them around town until they’re thoroughly lost. Then reveal your destination: A favourite restaurant, or maybe a romantic inn.
187. Make a giant greeting card out of a big cardboard box (such as the type used to pack a refrigerator).
188. Spend the entire day watching romantic movies.
189. Buy a lottery ticket. Give it to your partner with a little note attached: “I hit the jackpot when I married you!”
190. When out together in public, wink at your partner from across the room.
191. Every once in a while, kiss her hand with a flourish. Note: The proper way to kiss a woman’s hand is to lower your lips to her hand. You don’t raise her hand to your lips.
192. Call your partner from work for no other reason than to say, “I love you.”
193. What could be more classic than a fine gold locket with your photo inside? (Maybe a photo of the two of you.)
194. Make your partner a special breakfast in bed.
195. Learn to create a beautiful origami sculpture and make it from quality paper or card. Write a romantic note on it and put a few drops of essential oils or perfume on it.
196. Hold her tight and tell her stories during a big thunderstorm.
197. Go sailing together.
198. Go out and tell people you are on honeymoon.
199. Write a story about your partner where they are the hero or heroine.
By Paul
May 18, 2011
P is for Passion [A-Z of Step-Parenting]
Passion, or more accurately the opportunities to follow my own passions, severely decline once a step family are joined together.
I don’t just mean the amorous kind of passion which is achieved between the freshly pressed bed sheets. Of course this is true and a stolen kiss becomes as exciting as a long weekend together once was.
The truth is the passion for hobbies and activities increase as the time to complete them decreases. In my situation the passion for golf, football and gardening has become so intense I’m becoming a bore on all three subjects and the opportunity to turn a conversation in that direction is taken at every opportunity.
However I have now become passionate about a hobby that I would never have dreamed of in the past. Skateboarding. I have no physical experience of the sport but I know almost everything there is to know about it.
As you have guessed my two lads are heavily into ‘skating’ and as a result so am I. I know the difference between an ‘ollie’ and a ‘tail grab’. I am able to distinguish between flexible and stiff ‘trucks’. I know it’s not cool to skate in designated skate parks unless it’s run by a ‘skater’ rather than the local council. If you can’t beat them you might as well join them.
I have become moderately annoyed by bus drivers who refuse to allow the boys and their pals on the bus simply because they are carrying a board. I have phoned local councillors and asked them to clarify whether it’s acceptable for people to skate certain areas. I have driven hundreds of miles to desperate towns in order to watch teenage boys jump from varying heights with a skateboard under them.
Why do I do this? Why do I know these mundane facts? Why do I care? Simple – because my degree of passion towards the lads experiencing something they enjoy increases with every obstacle that is placed in front of them.
I have to be careful though that passion doesn’t turn into obsession. Visiting every skate park in the country could not only be damaging to my health it could cause a cardiac arrest for my bank manager.
This is part sixteen of the “A-Z of Step-Parenting” series by Paul Nevitt, a 33-year-old male with plenty of experience of living with stepchildren. Visit his adoption blog too.
By Paul
May 11, 2011
O is for OMG! [A-Z of Step-Parenting]
I’m cool! I’m hip! I’m trendy! Merely uttering these phrases means I never have been nor will I ever be. The closest to cool I’ve ever been is an ill-fated skiing trip to France as a teenager.
This inability to be up with trends has been exaggerated since I have become a lynch pin of a family unit with two lads who seem to be ahead of every trend and on some occasions even start their own.
A few years ago the lads got fed up of me borrowing their iPods. As a result they cobbled together enough cash from their mother’s purse to buy me one of my own. Great! However, they decided to set it up for me and loving named it the ‘Norris Pod’.
The nickname is an ode to the neurotic control freak ‘Norris’ who stalks the cobbled streets of Weatherfield in Coronation Street. This may well explain how uncool I really am, in their eyes anyway.
The level of ‘geek’ has increased with the invention of text speak and the speed in which it evolves. I had just mastered using the number 8 instead of ‘ate’ in words such as m8, deb8 and l8 then came along lol, rofl and pmsl.
After many weeks of pestering anyone under the age of eighteen what these acronyms meant along came a new breed led by the now very annoying OMG. I have to confess I got this one immediately and as a result I tried to increase my street cred by using it when a gaggle of giggling girls knocked on the door to see if the youngest ‘was coming out to play!’
Incredibly I was ahead of the game and this particular phrase hadn’t yet caught on and as a result of my use it never caught on in our house. On a cosy evening I asked the lads about why OMG wasn’t particularly cool. After much eye contact avoidance they eventually broke ranks and informed it was because I had used it!
Worse was to come. Everything that used any similar acronym was banded as hideous and the work of the anti-Christ. It only compounded my fears that my level of understanding of ‘yoof’ culture was out of touch.
I have transcended the point where my opinions have been sought and my knowledge of music is valuable to anyone under the age of twenty. OMG!
This is part fifteen of the “A-Z of Step-Parenting” series by Paul Nevitt, a 33-year-old male with plenty of experience of living with stepchildren. Visit his adoption blog too.
By Paul
May 4, 2011
N is for No Chance [A-Z of Step-Parenting]
The sooner this phrase becomes a part of your daily vocabulary the greater your life will be. In most homes the word ‘no’ will not suffice yet the above phrase appears to cut the mustard.
A simple ‘no’ will bring forth the regulation whinging from your wonderful step children regarding how they are living below the poverty line and that life is ‘not fair’. However, unleash with scant regard the, ‘no chance’ and it is obeyed almost instantaneously.
When I first became a regular in our household I was undeniably on my best behaviour and would never refuse the lads a lift anywhere. This led to its inevitable conclusion and I ended up regularly driving many miles (in the hundreds) while the lads and their friends frequented skate parks.
Whilst they were having fun I got cold and drank awful coffee at extortionate prices. I could have and should have put my foot down at this point, “No means No!” Yet apparently, “No means Maybe!” I wished I’d have known.
On perhaps the sixth summer in a row my stepsons were begging me to spend the day in Redcar bumbling around the wasteland while they pranced around a converted warehouse. I placed my head in my heads leant forward and desperately cried, ‘No chance!’
No further questioning occurred and they simply walked away accepting the decision. Eureka. Now please don’t question my intent on spending time with the lads. It is simply spending time with them skateboarding as I’m utterly redundant.
Once I had stumbled upon this wonderful phrase I was careful not to use it too often as it can have a shelf life. I did however use it to full effect.
Youngest: Would you mind if I borrow your coat?
Me: No chance. (It was brand new).
Eldest: Any chance of breakfast in bed?
Me: No chance (I was suffering from a self-inflicted headache).
Unfortunately the lads have picked up on the magic of the phrase now and use it in return with double the usage I have ever done.
Me: Please can you put the rubbish out?
Either: No chance.
Me: Any chance of leaving me alone so I can finish this piece?
Youngest: No Chance!
This is part fourteen of the “A-Z of Step-Parenting” series by Paul Nevitt, a 33-year-old male with plenty of experience of living with stepchildren. Visit his adoption blog too.
By Paul
Apr 27, 2011
M is for Mornings [A-Z of Step-Parenting]
I’m a morning person. I always have been. I probably always will be. I enjoy the peace and quiet of a Sunday morning. I like that I can get things done while others are in a deep sleep.
My wife is the opposite, she likes to turn over and get her money’s worth out of the pillows. The boys take after their Mum. They like to sleep. If it were a competitive sport my step sons would be the equivalent of Bobby and Jack Charlton.
It would be hard to work out how that then becomes an issue. Yet it can do. Take it as a given that every week day morning is fraught with the daily rigours of getting out to school, work, college on time with the correct apparel. The biggest issue is when we need to go somewhere as a family.
Recently, my wife and I were honoured to be asked to be god parents to a wonderful little girl. To top the day the boys said they would come with us to share in the festivities. The service wasn’t until midday, therefore, plenty of time to get where we needed and to take photos.
Why then did we scream into the car park on two wheels with lip sticks still being applied and ties still being tied? The answer is obvious — mornings! They seem to have a miraculous hold over my family.
I was up early as per normal. Breakfast had been made. Teas, coffees and breakfast sandwiches had been delivered to several bedrooms and the washing up completed. I had even made sure all shirts were ironed and shoes were shined.
On leaving the bathroom it was obvious the rest of the house was quieter than it should be. All were still asleep with the phrase, “Five more minutes” resonating around the landing. As a slight control freak my stress levels were now building.
Having learnt about my family over the last few years my head was telling me to pick up a cup of tea and the paper head out to the garden and allow the rest of the gang to revel in their own bedlam. Yet I also know that if I don’t nag the boys and my wife that the reality is we will be extremely late which, is something that is likely to send me over the edge.
This is where I as a ‘step dad’ come into my own. Mornings are mine. The house is mine. The stress levels of getting all up and going are mine.
As the youngest regularly reminds me, “The greater care I take care of him now the better the care home I’ll find myself in later in life!”
I know one thing for sure I’ll definitely not be receiving any morning visitors in that care home.
This is part thirteen of the “A-Z of Step-Parenting” series by Paul Nevitt, a 33-year-old male with plenty of experience of living with stepchildren. Visit his adoption blog too.
By Paul
Apr 20, 2011
L is for Last to Find Out [A-Z of Step-Parenting]
No matter how close you are to your step children or what wonderful things you do for them their default confidant will be their Mum (or Dad).
Take for example when they are young and learning to ride a bike. They fall off and scrape their little knee. As you watch the trickle of blood developing you hold your arms out to offer comfort. This is where biological default settings enter the equation.
A comforting cuddle from Mum is the only solution. It’s the only way the tears will dry up. Intellectually you tell yourself that it’s ok and it’s natural. Emotionally there is a little part of you that feels down that; on this occasion, you are not the first choice.
As your step children grow up this natural need to be close to Mum when comfort is needed doesn’t fade instead it morphs into ‘chats’ rather than cuddles.
I know that if I’m in the garden and one of the lads has taken the time to sit down with their Mum that I am to stay out of the way. I presume they do this because they might not like the answer I may give or it may be because they feel safer with their Mum.
I know that my wife will always come to me at some point and confide in me what the issue is. I am now experienced enough to accept the greater the delay in telling me the greater the consequence of the ‘chat’.
In our house the ‘chat’ is usually about cash. They are now at the age where cash seems to be their greatest need.
Recently my eldest step son wanted to pay a visit to pals down in the capital. I knew something was wrong as he and his girlfriend had ‘popped’ round one evening and actually brought drinks and nibbles with them. A couple of days later he popped round just to say ‘hello’.
Lovely to see him but it was all slightly suspicious (usually we have to pin him down to a date and time in order to spend some time with him). I was right. A cash loan was required in order for him to visit his friends and of course we were the first port of call.
It wasn’t a large amount and we were happy to oblige but the law of ‘last to find out’ applied again. A discrete conversation had occurred during one of his visits whilst I was outside entertaining.
I don’t mind being the last to find out – sometimes. When it comes to certain decisions it’s beneficial to be out of the loop and reduces my stress levels.
It’s strange though that I am never the last to find out about buying dinner; or acting as a taxi; or cleaning up after all their friends have been round for the evening!
This is part twelve of the “A-Z of Step-Parenting” series by Paul Nevitt, a 33-year-old male with plenty of experience of living with stepchildren. Visit his adoption blog too.
By Paul
Apr 13, 2011
K is for Kitchen [The A-Z of Step-Parenting]
The kitchen can be the hub of a home. It can provide a place of quiet when needed or the mainstay of mayhem depending on what activity is occurring.
In our house the kitchen has transformed as the boys have aged. It used to be a place where they would help me prepare vegetables on a Sunday morning. It is now an area where I am guaranteed quiet time on a Sunday morning.
Rising at a reasonable time I find myself having breakfast alone usually with my choice of radio station on. I can spend many an hour happily chopping carrots or peeling potatoes.
This is always ruined by either a yell down the stairs or, if they’re feeling particular lazy, a text message sent requesting breakfast in bed. Funnily enough I’m now happy to fulfil those requests with a cheery smile.
As teenagers grow up they fall into the trap of believing that they are the only people in the world and that everyone should fall to their demands. I’m sure if you have teenagers in your home you will be nodding in recognition.
The kitchen can provide the prime example of this phenomenon. Dishes being left, crumbs waiting to be swept, hurried lunches lay on the side and a variety of jars left open. I could get angry. I could spend many hours whinging about how much money is wasted. I could find the regular movement of utensils annoying yet I actually find it all quite enjoyable.
Picture the scene: we’ve had friends over, I have worked my way through the remaining dishes and I’m looking forward to sitting down for a nightcap. The youngest bumbles down the stairs with a mountain of unwashed dishes from his pit.
The dishes have been there for a week and are complete with crusted edges (local councils should use Weetabix to fill in potholes – nothing shifts that stuff).
There are two options here: ask him to spend the next hour chipping away at the varying cultures that now inhabit the mugs whilst I have that nightcap, or do it myself with the radio on.
In a previous life I would have asked him to do the dirty work. Yet now there is only one choice – do them myself, properly, in contented bliss. A small amount of time with only the noise I choose to be in my earshot is not to be wasted.
My wife believes that serving your children is one of the greatest things you can do. Me? I’m not so sure. I am sure, though, that if I’m in control of the kitchen I’m in control of the radio!
This is part eleven of the “A-Z of Step-Parenting” series by Paul Nevitt, a 33-year-old male with plenty of experience of living with stepchildren. Visit his adoption blog too.
By Paul
Apr 6, 2011
J is for Jobs [The A-Z of Step-Parenting]
The list is endless. Daily jobs, weekly jobs, jobs which need someone else to do them. There are jobs that are pipe dreams and jobs that are half finished. This, quite clearly, is not restricted to my household nor is it a by-product of being a step parent.
However, as a step parent, it can become a battle ground if not treated with the utmost respect. Jobs, or chores if you’re American, can seem reasonable to an adult but to a teenager they are second only to torture.
Me: Do I need to remind you to do the dishes this evening?
Youngest: No.
Me: Ace, so will they be done shortly?
Youngest: Erm no.
Me: Pardon?
Youngest: You don’t have to remind me to do them because it’s not my turn to do them.
Now there is no real answer to this. Respond by claiming it is their turn and an unholy stand-off begins. Ignore it and this tactic will be used on a regular basis.
My method here is to turn the table and say, ‘Ok so it must be your turn to clean the bathroom, then.’ I don’t need to point out the possible health and safety pitfalls of allowing a teenager to clean the bathroom.
There is an alternative. The job rota. A liberal use of highlighters, school pencils, a ruler and much pondering is needed for the rota to work. How long will the rota last though? How long before it’s defaced? The answer is, not long at all.
Me: So will it be the bathroom or the dishes?
Youngest: Dishes.
Me: Within the hour?
Youngest: Which hour?
You simply can’t win. So it’s how you deal with it that counts. You could raise your stress levels and spend most of your time nagging in order to get very little achieved. Or, you could do as my wife does. Job for job. No dishes? No school uniform. No laying of the table? No lift to a friend’s house. They soon learn.
This is part ten of the “A-Z of Step-Parenting” series by Paul Nevitt, a 33-year-old male with plenty of experience of living with stepchildren. Visit his adoption blog too.
