We have a whole section on our website for toys under £5, you can browse the whole range here. Although here are my best picks for toys for under £5.

1. Lacing Beetle - available in 4 colours £3.50 each

With Christmas being the most expensive time of year, with presents, food, decorations and alot lot more to buy finding great presents within budget can sometimes be a tricky task. You dont have to spen a fortune to get some great gifts. Here are my top 10 presents under £10.

1. Wooden Transformbot

One of our most popular toys, entertains children from age 3 up to age 10. Children have such imagination and I have seen this robot turn into many different things. Its only £5.99 and comes in Red and Blue. You can also add a Gift Bag for £1 and the wrapping is all sorted.

A Baby's first Christmas is a really special time. You might have an 11 month old, walking around and ready for activity toys, or you may not have even had your baby yet but due before Christmas. Either way I am sure you are wondering what to buy.

Here are the top 5 toys recommended for a Baby's First Christmas

Childrens' birthday parties can be a stressfull time, hoping your child will have the best party and all of their friends will enjoy it. You maybe worried about the spiralling costs which so easily can get out of hand and how you can compete with other parties. Well before you decide what to go for, why not consider these top tips to make it the best party your child could wish for.......

Think about the invite list

The type of party you have may be dependant on who you invite, does your child have a small group of friends, or is it typical to invite the whole class? What will your child feel most comfortable with and enjoy, do they really want 30 children running around or would they enjoy a smaller party with close friends? The best parties are not always with the most people, so think about what your child would enjoy most and stick with that.

Details

Set a specific start and finish time, if parents are leaving their children make sure you have their phone numbers and that they know what time to collect them. It sounds obvious but it can be stressfull being responsible for children that you may or may not know that well.

The Activities 

There are so many options now for actvities. Entertainers doing everything from magic to sports to animals. Hiring an entertainer can be expensive, and there are so many things that you could organise yourself that would be much more cost effective and the enjoyment wouldn't suffer, try these options

- Crafting activities - You can organise Crafts stations where children can create a themed item, perhaps their own party hat, or a mask?

- Cup cake decorating - Pre make some cup cakes and provide them children with icing and sprinkles - they will love creating their own cakes to eat later on at the party.

- Pamper Party - A smaller party for older girls - get a few new nail varnish colours and mild face masks and cucumber over their eyes. Could easily be done yourself to reduce costs rather than getting a professional in.

- Sports day theme - If the weather is good you could organise a traditional sports day, sack race, egg and spoon. Do a leader board and have a winner, would need a fairly big garden but kids love being outside.

- Face painting - Do you know any friends or family that can do face painting. Perhaps limit them to a theme so there are not so many options for children to choose from.  

Cake

Number cakes can look great and maybe easier to make than themed cakes. If your child loves chocolate why not put chocolate fingers around the edge with mini eggs or malteasers in the middle for a real chocolatey treat.

You could make a tiered cake and buy figures and props to add to the cake.  

Food

Lunch Boxes are a great idea and can be prepared in advance, you can even ask for dietary requirements and put childrens' names on them so you dont have to worry about allergies. Depending on the time of the party may depend on what food you have, You cant beat some sandwiches, cheese straws or cheese pots, fruit, jelly, chocolate fingers and party rings.

Party Bags

Paper bags with tag, wooden toys, bundles

Here are my recommendations for Top 10 Travel Toys from The Wooden Play Den. Click onto the image to find further details about each toy. All of these toys are great for taking away, creating imaginative and educational play during the holidays! 

1. Fishing Port in a Tin

The summer holiday season is in full swing. You may be waiting until the school holidays for your family trip but now is a great time to get prepared.