FromBumptoGrump:ToysReviews

Successful internet shopping relies on you reading an honest write up as you can not physically 'see' or 'touch' the product you wish to buy. The internet has also become a valuable resource tool to research products before hitting the shops. Here on our Product Review page, you will get the same honesty so you know you are spending those hard earned pennies wisely! All our testers are from the appropriate age ranges with the parents opinion added for good measure where appropriate.

If you would like to suggest a product for review or are a manufacturer who would like us to consider your product for this page, don't hesitate to email us at: letstalk@frombumptogrump.co.uk

Would you like a toy that keeps them happy for hours and lets them make as much mess as they like whillst keeping you happy too? Too good to be true? No - true! Moon Sand is a genius invention. They can mould, make, invent and let their imaginations run riot, and as the sand never goes dry, it is very easy to clean up - we were dumbstruck at just how easy it was! Our testers LOVED it, making an impressive scene and thoroughly enjoying the process. And when finished, it packs away neatly into a portable carry case. This is a winner!

Looking like a Rubik's Cube, The Revo is a very different toy indeed. Firstly, it's electronic, and flashing lights and voice prompts make this very 21st century. Each coloured side is a game in itself, so there are 6 games here, each pretty much based around flashing lights and patterns. Of course it's very addictive and as it is challenging, isn't something you will get bored of easily, if ever. Each game is as good as the last, and as it's easy to carry around, it's superb for journeys, holidays and taking to friends. Our teen tester quickly became absorbed and has repeatedly used it since the initial review. And we even went to the lower age range, and our 5 year old was equally impressed. This is a toy that defys age limits, as adults can get the same fun and stimulation from it too.

The programme is hugely popular, so we immediately applaud the introduction of the game. Board games, whether based on TV or not, are a great way of families spending fun time together, and this game is big on the fun factor. As you would imagine, be prepared to perform, make a fool of yourself, whatever, as all players are in the same boat. There are props included to help you devise a talent but you can do whatever you like. With challenges on cards and points to be scored, the mixture of traditional board game, and electronic timer and scorer, keep the action flowing and hold the attention. Our reviewers were in the teen age range and eager to perform and impress - they had a ball, and the laughter echoed around the room. That's enjoyment for you!

We have to say, reviewing Tomy games is a real pleasure. In an era of some lesser quality games in comparison to the games of our childhood, these are all well made and built to last. Quack Shot is great value for money and hits the very top notes of enjoyment. Imagine the classic arcade shooting gallery adapted for younger children and you have the idea, but nothing can prepare you for the enjoyment and laughter that comes from the kids. Lots of action, loads of fun, and a fantastic game!

Now 'Pop up Pirates' has to be one of the best children's games ever, so with a new version hitting the waves, do we feel it can reach the same dizzy heights? This is not the same game, so there is no rip off factor here. Game play is more prolonged than the original, but that same tension exisits as you try to find the right key to unlock the chest. The wrong key results in the Pop up Pirate magic we all love with the head popping olut of the chest. Our 5 year old tester LOVED this and it was a game the whole family could enjoy. Can you replace the original format? No, but there is certainly space for 2 classics of equal measure!

It’s a huge WOW! You will never go back to another seesaw after this. First, the quality is outstanding – robust parts that fit together well and give you confidence in the product. Secondly safety – the three support legs distribute weight and make it incredibly stable. Third design – this is ultra funky and exudes fun with the big ball seat feature. Last, but no means least, enjoyment – incredible fun! Not only can you go up and down, but round and round too! Our two 5 year old girl testers had faces full of joy with the sound of laughter bouncing off the walls – that is childhood personified to us.

With childhood memories made by this puzzle when it was first introduced, we are thrilled that it still exists. Is it as good? In fact, whilst the enjoyment factor and quality remain as high, the arrival of the internet has improved the Rubik’s Cube. With websites to help solve if necessary, communities to chat to and loads of differing challenges to complete, just solving it is only the beginning. We also love the fact that it now comes with a mini stand – we think it makes a fab retro ornament in its own right!

Little Princess is one a really loveable character, and we can see children craving these toys, especially as quality toys are back! The Nessie horse is like the hobby horse of yester yes, with the addition of wheels, sound and a super plush head. We were amazed at the cost, as it looks handcrafted, and it was great to see our reviewer full of enjoyment. Of course, space hoppers are huge at the moment, with retro being everywhere, but finding a children’s version is not so easy. This themed hopper again was tops for quality, and the ideal toy for the garden, although expect then to want it inside too!

This is an incredibly clever item which represents great value for money. Even better, our reviewer just loved it! The Hannah Montana pictured pillow zips open to reveal a pull out, washable diary where they can write all their secrets and details of best friends etc. Don’t forget to padlock it so no one else can take a peek!. Should the information change, simply detach by Velcro, wash and then return blank! There’s also space for photos, but are absolute favourite has to be its MP3 feature. Simply plug in your music player, then you can fall asleep listening to your favourite tunes through the pillow. Genius!

You just can’t beat quality at the end of the day and this scooter certainly Is that. Brightly coloured in blue or pink, this has two wheels at the front giving the security you need in the pre school age group. That, of course, increases their confidence and enjoyment too. The handles were easy to grip – far better than the character themed scooters we have personally encountered. In fact, we simply can’t fault it.

This is something we are pretty sure you won’t have seen before. It looks like it shouldn’t work, but believe us it does! Our just 4 year old tester thought she was the coolest kid on the block riding a bike, especially one that others looked at wherever she went. This is a great investment in their future bike riding years, as they will know how to balance and hopefully lose the fear early.

What a joy of a product! If you want a toy that is fun, educational, and can combine a multitude of different ages in sustained play, Klimba is ideal. Our testers were aged 5 and 14, and worked together to build what is quite simply a masterpiece. The idea of Klimba is that it is a well made wooden marble run which can also play musical notes! By building different tracks, the marble makes different melodies on its journey downward. This is a talking piece, ideal for quality play and dinner party talk alike!

Fireman Sam Action puzzle
RRP £7.99

Manufacturer: Galt

Everybody’s favourite fireman is now a 24 piece puzzle along with the rest of the team, as well as Jupiter the engine. The pieces are large and sturdy to ensure a perfect fit and the whole puzzle bright and colourful. Jigsaws help children in lots of ways and should be an essential part of any toy cupboard.

Horrible Science
Savage Spiders/Disgusting Digestion
RRP £4.99/£14.99

Manufacturer: Galt

Kids love creepy crawlies, gore and all the things that make adults cringe. Galt have turned this fascination into a learning tool with the ‘Horrible Science’ range, based on the range of books with the same name. In ‘Savage Spiders’, you can make your own web and find all about these tiny insects that we are so afraid of. In ‘Disgusting Digestion’, you find out how you’re your digestive system works in a very vivid way indeed – it will literally make your tummy turn over!

Knitting is now back in fashion, with even Hollywood A-listers grabbing the needles. When we were young, an egg cosy was an achievement but with this kit, you can easily make a wearable bag. The needles are nice and chunky for young hands and the rainbow coloured wool lovely and thick. This is the perfect introduction to knitting with the minimum of fuss.

Do you want your toys to ooze quality, last for generations, and give hour upon hour of proper fun, and all that without a battery in sight? The ‘Weykick’ had us all excited. The concept is simple but the finish outstanding. This is basically a table football game (hockey players available too) where the players are moved by magnets underneath. With everything so well made, the movement and ease of use make it addictive stuff for all ages. We especially liked the fact that it was so nice to look at, it is one toy you are proud not to tidy away, meaning the kids (and adults) were always looking at an excuse to play. As the saying goes, you get what you pay for, and this justifies the outlay for more than just one generation.

This is one of those toys you will be proud to buy for your child. Not only does it look fantastic, well made and as sturdy as it gets, but also there is years worth of enjoyment for one outlay. As soon as they are old enough, they can be bouncing and rocking with sound effects and music to add to the cowboy atmosphere. Don’t worry that they will be in danger – the level of movement is very well suited for the pre-school age group so you will feel assured of its safety. Ideal for any child, Dora fan or not, it’s like having your very own fairground ride at home!

Does a child you know dream of pop super stardom? Do they like to perform at every opportunity? Help them on their way with Idol Dream Stage. Aged from 5+, we think the whole concept is up a level from 'Be an Idol', making it suitable for a lot older. Apart from a light up mat, this also has the facility to plug in an MP3 player so you can perform to exactly what you want, either on your own or in front of others. If you want to find out if you’re going to make it famous, press the judge button for a selection of random phrases.

Who wouldn’t want one of these, child or adult? The Simpsons are entertainment personified and fit the bowling theme well. Your very own bowling alley is brightly coloured and with a lot of features similar to the real thing that you wouldn’t expect in a home version – we are talking automatic scoring, the pins being reset and even the ball coming back. These take this game out of the ordinary and into the extraordinary level. It is great for groups of friends and families and when you hear those arcade sounds, they’ll be just as happy as being at a real alley.

Whilst some like their bubbles big, others like loads of them constantly filling the air. Our 4 and 5 year old testers had lots of fun and giggles running after each other and showering each other with zillions of bubbles. The trigger was easy to use and best results were got by keeping the mechanism upright. The unit itself is sturdy and bright, making it of great appeal to all.

The popularity of the X Factor shows no signs of lessening with all ages enjoying the highs and lows. This toy brings together children’s love of performing in front of the family with the show format. Simply stand on the mat, sing into the echo microphone and wait for the verdict, obtained by pressing a button on the sound module box. It’s simple, it’s effective and ideally suited for the younger X Factor fan!

Make their bedroom into more than a place to sleep with this indoor basketball set. The Simpsons appeal to any age, inclusive of teens, and Basketball is a winner whether you love your sport or not. The backboard can go onto the wall or simply hang on the door. Complete with two appropriately sized basketballs, simply shoot, and the electronic score board will keep count. The safety net ensures nothing broken, minimal noise and makes the balls easy to get back. Our tester is age twelve and has spent, quite literally, hours perfecting his aim. And when they’re out of the way, it’s a great adult stress reliever too!

Bubbles are the best fun at any age, but we’ve all had bubble blowers that don’t exactly do as they promise. With this Lunar Jim themed machine, you pull the trigger and a fan makes your bubbles huge. We found that the best results were achieved by ensuring the machine was held and used in a certain way and would recommend you teaching your child to do this so they get maximum enjoyment. Our testers even heard a ‘wow’ from another house as a humungous bubble floated over the fences!

WOW by name and definitely WOW by nature, this range of toys will restore your faith in quality. The toys are bright, chunky and durable and best of all, they don’t need batteries! Each set comes complete with friction powered vehicle and the kind of play figures that never get lost. Their imaginations can run riot, as our testers did! We especially loved Sam’s Safari Adventure – a great vehicle with rocking motion and more! There are lots of different sets to suit all with different price ranges also. Recommended for pre-school children, we reckon they’ll be using them a whole lot longer!

These are truly adorable, and whilst ideal from 18 months, are also irresistible at any age, including teenagers and adults! Baby Stella is super soft and cuddly with the cutest of faces, fingers and toes. She has removable clothes (you can buy different outfits) and we loved the magnetic dummy! The Sleep and snuggle set has a wonderful, pastel blanket and wrist rattle and another dummy - so now it really feels like cuddling a real baby when you hold baby Stella close. Our reviewer thinks this is as good as it gets.

Do your kids like to laugh lots? They will with this! This is the game based on the classic sticker on the forehead ‘Who am I?’ The picture card goes into a sturdy plastic headband which the child puts on. They then ask questions to try and guess what they are wearing and everybody else can only say yes or no. The good news is it’s educational but the better news is that it’s supreme fun!

We LOVE this game! Charades is always a popular format that people are willing to join in with and this game takes it a step further. In a bag, are loads of cards with famous peoples names on – the idea is to help your team identify that person without mentioning the actual name. We especially like the blank cards which mean you can add your own names, be it friends, family, whoever!

The Brain Trainer phenomenon continues to grow, in both popularity and game play. This latest version is truly awesome, giving players of all ages a real brain workout. The Advanced is very contemporary in style and comes complete with stylus. The tests themselves have become more and more relevant to day to day life – in a new game, ‘Phone Number’, you have to memorise phone numbers then ‘dialling’ them. There are true benefits with this game, so if you want to keep as sharp as a brand new pin, grab yourself a Brain Trainer Advanced!

This is AWESOME! As enjoyable for adults as for kids, simply touch Shaun’s head and his head moves and you hear him bleat. It then gets even better with Shaun’s tail shaking too! We were in hysterics and loved him on the top. He is also ultra soft, substantial in stature and very, very cute…in fact he’s perfect! You’d be ba-aa-rr-my not to buy him.

It’s a phenomenon – Channel 4 and Noel Edmonds have made Deal or no Deal must have viewing and any game based on the formula is very much wanted! This electronic version is definitely better than previous game show versions as the realism element is pretty spot on – we had nerves playing for no monetary reward and you could feel the tension in the air! It is ultra simple to use and ideal for all ages. We are very impressed with the price – we would pay more for such a fabby game!!

We’ve seen many Thomas the Tank toys in our time so it’s refreshing to see new ideas still coming through. Thomas comes with his very own shed and when you pop the driver through the roof into the train, Thomas drives out and says a phrase – magic! Even better, when you take the driver out, Thomas tells you he needs to get back to the shed. There are another 3 of Thomas’s friends in the range and all sheds click together to make your very own engine shed.

John Crane Ltd is quite simply a master of their craft, making wooden toys to treasure. Any child would be ecstatic to own these construction toys and have a chance to role play a scenario that they commonly see. The toys themselves are exceptionally well made with generation’s worth of use in them; they are rough and tumble proof too. With many other items in the range also, they can have their very own building site guaranteeing many hours of quality play.

Toys are so clever these days, for whatever age they’re aimed at. This Noddy train will move forward and from side to side, just like a real train does, simply by dropping one of the 4 characters into the driver’s seat. Our tester was 20 months and could do this themselves as everything is perfectly shaped for little hands. They were rigid with excitement as they saw the train move and realised they had made it happen! There are also realistic sounds to make it even more special.

We firmly believe games are a great way of spending fun family time together and this is definitely tops on enjoyment! The game is, as the name suggests, built around challenges, to see who will win the “Best of the Best” trophy. It encourages competitiveness but in a way that will avoid youthful strops and show that not winning can be just as fun. The box suggests 8+ and we would say this is spot on. The game board is bright and cheery, as is the whole mood of the game, and it will be played regularly for many years.

For those who like their puzzles high quality and with maximum play, you won’t go wrong with Tantrix. We tested the ‘Tantrix Game Pack’, which contains numerous activities to suit all ages. Our older child tester thrives on such stimulation and needs to be sufficiently challenged. Tantrix went down a storm and weeks on, is still being used on a very regular basis. The colourful tiles are stored in a quality zip up bag complete with carry handle, so is ideal to take on the move too. This is a UK Good Toy Guide gold award winner and once you’ve experienced it yourself, you’ll understand why.

For your mini ballerina, here is a truly adorable doll that can be moved into a multitude of unbelievable positions. Based on ‘The Sleeping Beauty’ ballet, Lilya’s tutu can be taken off and out back on with ease, so she can practise before getting dressed for the performance. Lilya comes with a stand so you can always see how beautiful she is.

Hive is a puzzle based on exactly what the title says. The object is to surround the opponent’s queen bee with your creatures tiles. However, different creatures can only move in certain ways and so the challenge begins. This is manufactured to a high quality and is extremely addictive, especially as it is comparatively easy to pick up. Already an award winner, Hive is suitable for all ages and our child versus adult test resulted in no age advantage. Complete with a bag that will last and last, you can take this anywhere for instant brain stimulation.

This is the stuff little girl’s dreams are made of, and anybody lucky enough to get this at Christmas or anytime, will feel the luckiest girl alive! Make believe is an important part of children’s play, teaching them invaluable skills that will stay with them for life. This is a quality playhouse and comes with double sided fabric walls that are beautifully designed and amazingly realistic! There is even a cooker that opens and has switches that turn, very important for entertaining guests! We spent the most gorgeous afternoon watching children in their absolute element, utterly absorbed in role play – as good as it possibly gets!

We have wanted to experience ‘Rapidough’ for a long, long time, being one of the very few who have never played! After years of hearing rave reviews, we are delighted to report that this game is tops! The game had us in total hysterics and let’s be honest, games are meant to be fun! The basic idea is to model the word given to the player out of ‘dough’ and for the opposition to guess – what may seem a simple concept based on charades, takes it to another level and would be as much fun for families as it would be for adults on their own. Our only advice is buy it now – every home should have a Rapidough!

Wow! We were over the moon to test this product and lucky enough to have 2 testers – a child tester, and a ‘grown-up’ tester whose favourite childhood toy was …Evel Knievel! The same fun and excitement is there – nothing has been compromised from the original and both testers were in their absolute element. Evel Knievel really moves like lightning! And this isn’t just for the boys – our child tester was a girl who loved it so much she took Evel Knievel everywhere with her for over a week! This is retro at it’s very best and guaranteed good times – get it now!!!

This is a great toy, ideal for those starting out on their school journey. We can’t believe the detail crammed into one soft toy with 3 school rooms (classroom, dining hall and playground) cleverly following on from each other. Extra little touches such as lesson and menu cards, desks, play figures and a playground slide make it well though through and highly interactive. But what we love more than anything is the way it all neatly folds into a soft carry case that looks like a school bag, complete with name label – how clever is that? Our tester only had to take the one toy on holiday and it was light, bright, fun and packed easily into a suitcase. We love this toy and know you will too!

We are often amazed at what fantastic creations can be made from child craft type kits and this is no exception. What we especially like with this kit is the way it’s designed to pack away easily – no loose beads, mixed colours etc which means it is easy to use again and again. The template designs are varied and happy and as they show you exactly where to place the bead, great results are guaranteed without any interim boredom. We were amazed at the way the product developed with a simple spray of water and our tester was excited showing everyone her creations. And don’t worry, there was no mess after either!

I can remember that as a child, I loved to have toys where you made things – photo frames, ornaments, pom poms etc. Now children still love to make things, but with a greater variety. Our testers had a ball making brain soap and even more fun giving it to their Dad as a gift (with lots more left to make too!). Our testers were both aged 11 and as the kit is aged at 10 years plus, we would say the age recommendation is spot on. This is more than your standard making kit and it is definitely a must have for those with a scientific bent due to the amazing procedures you go through to get the end result. Everything is clearly explained and directions are easy to follow. This is as much fun as you can have with a chemistry kit at this age and if they are having fun, they are easily absorbing knowledge too!

Shaker Maker was my number one favourite childhood toy so I was thrilled to introduce it to my own kids! It’s easier to use than ever and simply by adding the special powder to water, shaking well in the special container and then drying, you have a figure ready to paint (yes, paints are included too!). Our first success was a Dalek – Dr Who is hugely popular and any fan would love to make their own Tardis and Dalek. There are lots more characters in the Shaker Maker range including Disney Princess, Scooby Doo and many more so there really is something for everyone.

How more simple can great fun be than with bubbles?! The Gazillion Bubbles range have brought a whole new dimension to bubble blowing with machines that will astound and amaze but most of all, guarantee hoots of laughter. We tested the Gazillion Gazooka, a gun type machine that fires out zillions of awesome coloured bubbles that last for ages. Superb for all ages, people will watch as they float high into the sky unless you’ve had fabby popping fun first. Every home needs a bubble machine and Gazillion Bubbles gives extraordinary results!

Whatever the reason, children love bugs, insects, creepy crawlies and the rest! Learning about these creatures encourages a love of other wildlife and the general outdoors so is beneficial in many ways. Being designed by an expert, the kit gives lots of opportunity for children to see bugs close up and learn all about them and their role in nature. The equipment makes it easy to catch the bugs and magnifiers help to really see their fascinating capture. Notes and guidance help educate and nurture an enthusiasm in nature. Our testers were occupied for a whole morning testing the kit with no sign of disinterest and with so many other bugs to discover, the future possibilities are endless!

Hands up who loves Plasticine!! This childhood favourite is as fun, colourful and as versatile as ever and continues to represent great value for money. Our kit had lots of different coloured Plasticine,each in its own resealable tub, ensuring no waste, mess or mixing of colours. The tools that came inside meant our tester could make lots of animals easily and with the use of a scalpel tool, even the very young can achieve impressive results that they will be proud to show others. With no drying out, this kit can be used whenever and for however long they choose!

Some toys are of equal appeal to children and adults and this is a perfect example. The end result is so pleasing that an adult craft enthusiast but be just as proud as a 10 year old child. Of course, the kit is fun to use and our testers were left aghast at the smells and colours experienced during the process. The instructions were easy to follow and there was enough difficulty to keep them intensely occupied. The kit is designed to help experience scientific processes but those without a great interest in science would get the same enjoyment. There was no mess after, just the smell of incense in the air. This range of kits gives the perfect balance of education of fun, with the added advantage of something to show for their efforts.

In our experience, reward charts are a highly successful way of teaching and encouraging children to do things in a certain way, behave and learn. With the importance of a good, varied diet widely publicised, there’s no better time to teach good habits than during childhood. This magnetic reward chart is easy to use for both parent and child and has highly visual pieces to show what the child has eaten. Simply choose a suitable weekly reward for the child to aim at, fill your plate with 5 items of fruit and veg a day for the whole 7 days and you not only a happy child but a healthy one too!

Roary the Racing Car is the new sensation in Children's TV, having that extra special talent to appeal to children and adults alike. This is in no small amount due to the voice of Peter Kay, and this Roary friction car comes with several of Roary's favourite phrases which are easily recognisable from the show. The car is bright and sturdy, ideal for small hands to hold and play with. Use the friction to watch Roary zoom off or, like our tester, push Roary around the room to create a lap of the track!

This is the sort of toy that boys dreams are made of and Christmas morning memories built around. There’s a lot packed in to one wrist sized marvel with sound and light effects that make transforming into an alien superhero serious business! There are 10 aliens to choose from by turning the dial and their silhouettes can be clearly seen. We witnessed our tester watching Ben 10 on TV with the Omnitrix F/X on and it was just superb watching an enthusiastic young imagination in full swing!

Unbelievable but true, here's a bike that will see them through from 10 months to age 3 and beyond! Surely that makes it tops for value for money! The bright colours suit either girl or boy and the detachable sun roof is a great thoughtful extra. The storage at the back is vital for transporting all your other toy friends whilst on the go. We think one of the best things
is the adjustable handle that enables even older siblings to have a push. They often feel left out on family walks etc and this makes it not only fun for them too but they will love the responsibility. It's an immensely well thought through product and as it's from Mookie, the quality is guaranteed.

Pre schoolers adore this brother sister duo, probably as it’s reflective of their own sibling relationships. The dolls, therefore, are perfect for role play and with a fun phrase a piece, there’s added imagination fodder. The posability factor is much appreciated – a lot of character toys seem to do nothing other than rely on their name and appearance for sales so it is great to see value for money and enjoyability taken into account. The clothes can be taken on and off too!

Noddy is timeless and his popularity will simply never ever fade. Infact, the same can be said of this style of play set. Bright, sturdy, colourful blocks that build up to be Noddy’s house and garage use all the skills you want your child to develop. With lots of other accessories included, their imaginations can run wild as they create and recreate numerous Toyland adventures. This toy has years worth of value and will see you through all your children and their children and so on!

Our 4 year old tester just LOVES this. It makes her laugh and smile but also makes her feel special. The majority of children will know Nev from CBBC’s ‘Smile’ on a Sunday morning – he is trendy, quirky, cheeky and FUN! His phrases are different than the norm and make his appeal pretty ageless. We think it’s the way he moves his head as he talks that makes him extra special – he really will become their best friend.

This award winning toy will literally keep you amused for ever! Designed for ages 6 and above, each and every family member will find their brain exercised to the max. The puzzle is based on a coloured checkerboard and your mission is to create a multitude of challenging patterns – a bit like ‘Tetris’ for real. There is also ‘EnKounter’, a game for 2-3 players based on point scoring – a bit like colourful ‘Scrabble’ without letters. However, the whole concept is unique, mind stretching, addictive and above all, fun! Once played, never forgotten, this is one toy that has a lifetime of possibilities within one box.

Fantastic FUN! It may seem the simplest of ideas and easiest of games to play, but the enjoyment factor is immense! Fill the Wet Head Hat (similar to a builder’s hard hat) with water, put it on and get a player to pull a pin. Either get drenched or pass it on. When the inevitable happens, the results are not only very refreshing in warmer weather, but truly hilarious. Great for all the family, teen gatherings and adult get togethers, its appeal is massive. Drown yourself in water and laughter – great!

Marbles is a game that should never go out of fashion, so this is a welcome toy for kids and adults like. Choose from traditional play or one of the new ideas suggested in the enclosed instructions. The Grab and Go series is based on affordability and portability so is not only a great pocket money choice, but also fantastic for taking on holiday, to friends etc. Our tester loved playing traditional marbles, almost as much as her parents enjoyed playing on of their playground favourites too!

Our tester is in Dora heaven, with her backpack of games being taken on every trip out, however short. The one thing that stands out for us is the quality – you might expect cardboard dominoes and paper thin bingo cards, but all pieces are just as you would expect to buy individually. There is a wide choice of games too – draughts, old maid card game, more than enough to keep them occupied time and time again. We especially like the see through back which means you don’t have to empty everything to find one game.

Welcome to a magic trick – take a plastic storage container (bright coloured and easy to store), and open. Be prepared to be amazed at the sheer volume of games that come out! Then repeat with a second container – the same again! There truly are so many games in this set that it is the only outdoor toy you need. Swingball, badminton, tetherball, volleyball, flying disc – phew! Mookie have provided all the fun you need for summer at a price that must be a magic trick in itself! And one more trick?...watch them disappear from the shelves.

Warmer days and cricket go together like strawberries and cream and kids are never too young to learn. This set from ‘Mookie’ comes in a handy storage case so can be taken on days out, holidays or to friend’s houses. As it’s suitable for any surface, the garden, beach or hard standing all make great pitches where family members of any age can come together and have fun times. And when the good times have to stop, simply put it back quickly and easily into the case until next time.

Traditional outdoor activities are back in fashion with the couch potato kid going out of style. When we received this item for review, we were ecstatic such an item existed! Fishing is great fun and a hobby learned as a child is a hobby for life. This is a fishing rod like no other. The hook is hidden until it enters the water making it a lot safer for kids. It is easy to use and just as effective as the traditional rod, if not more fun too! Our tester took this on holiday abroad for a week and had a ‘whale’ of a time!

Skipping is as popular as ever, with the health benefits being great for kids and adults alike. The ‘Rainbow Skipper’ makes it more even more appealing by creating a multicolour light show around you as you skip. Simply by pressing the easy to use controls on the handles, you can change the type of effect you can create too! As fun to watch as to use and with a surprising lack of weight, it’s a refreshingly light skip.

'Mighty World' from Mookie
Town Life – ‘Hangin’ Out’/Construction – ‘Construction Crew’

Do you want a toy that is really played with, not just picked up and left for a few months? Our tester is aged 4 and at the perfect age to play with the ‘Mighty World’ range. These are well thought through play sets, containing everything you can think of to do with the theme. If it’s not in one set, it’ll be in another! The ‘Hangin Out’ set would suit girl or boy and even had a laptop and magazine. The ‘Construction Crew’ was a huge hit and even came with scaffolding – our tester has spent hours being like Daddy who works in that field, and she’s a girl!

At last a toy that does exactly what it promises! Our tester had been busy making dens out of sofa cushions and magazines for a roof for months, so this was a very welcome item! And it has been such a success, that our tester has taken to sleeping in it! Mega easy and quick to put together and exactly the same to take down, it also stores easily back into a bag, keeping parents moods intact! This also makes it very portable. As for the kids, they will just love building, creating, playing and exploring – all the elements of a fab playtime in one toy! This is a winner for everyone and at a superb price!

We love testing Bandai products at FromBumptoGrump. However, there is one slight downfall – the tester’s love them so much they want more! This is certainly the case here. Our tester loved her berry scented doll equipped with scooter and cat that she has told her Mummy she wants every single one in the range – and has mentioned it every day. This is little girl’s heaven and can be taken everywhere and has been. If that isn’t the sign of a good toy, then we don’t know what it is!

Boys toys that transform have remained hugely popular for many years so the combination of that and the ever popular Power Rangers is a winning combination. Colourful, big on detail and ready for their imaginations to run wild with, the battle to keep them amused is one battle you will win whilst they have a lot of other battles to master.

This is a magical set for any little girl and one that would make a perfect gift! As well as two exquisite, poseable fairy characters, there is a colourful flower stand on which both characters can be displayed when not being played with. What makes the set extra special is the interactive DVD – little girls can find out what fairy they are like, read stories and much more! What little girl’s dreams are made of.

Certain toys make you crave to be young again – this is very definitely one of those, but with the added advantage that you can join in. The ingenious station means only one person is needed to turn the rope, whilst others can just skip the day away or play all those skipping games that kids just love. You can easily adjust the height and rope length to accommodate all ages and abilities and the signature Swingball carry-base means not only can you take it anywhere, but play it anywhere too. Ultra cute in design, its appeal will ensure they are outside exercising and not inside vegetating without you ever having to moan!

Skipping is great – great fun and great exercise. Mookie’s range of skipping toys make it even more fun than ever before with the Skipmate no exception. Put on the up to date webbing belt, attach the pedometer style counter, grab the glittery rope and off you go! Firstly, it will count the skips – great for getting them to push themselves a little bit further and getting a sense of achievement. Secondly, press one of the song buttons for lots more skipping games and extra enjoyment. Funky, fabby, fun!

They will believe Pocoyo is real with this deluxe plush from 'Bandai'. At a huge 25cm tall, there is nothing little about this Pocoyo. With moveable ear flaps, being super soft to touch and with the cutest of faces, he will not only warm your child's heart but yours also.He is also surface washable, so no need to worry about those baby spillages! Suitable from birth, this is destined to be one of those toys they will find constant comfort from. Super cute and super value!
For stockists details please call 01489 790944 or visit www.bandai.co.uk

What a joy to find a toy with so many different play possibilities for toddlers! The blocks connect both up and sideways with lots of other exciting activities to explore also. Watch them play peek-a-boo with their favourite characters, use the phone dial, take a picture and move the clock hands. Our personal favourite are the holographic characters - you simply won't believe your eyes! Your money will be very well spent - well done Bandai!
For stockists details please call 01489 790944 or visit www.bandai.co.uk

The coolest fashion accessory of the year has been perfectly adapted for the younger, but just as image conscious consumer. Where pocket money can't stretch, this one off investment delivers plentiful bagged charms to add to oh so many items. And when your friends ask you where you bought it from, how cool is it to say you made it yourself?

Ideally sized for even the tiniest of hands, these lovable mini plushes can be taken anywhere. Small enough to fit in Mummy's handbag but big enough to not get lost, Pocoyo's bright, happy features and Pato's quirky charm will be sure to capture their full attention. Ideal for baby's pram or cot, toddlers too will love to take their favourite TV character with them where ever they go!

Here's the most irrestistable yet simple toy EVER. If you fall in love within 30 seconds of meeting someone, the same will apply to Unazukin. You will be fascinated, addicted and in awe - and that's before the kids get it! Ask her a question and she will reply with a single or double nod (definitely!) for yes and similar shakes for no! Our tester has not been seperated from hers since, the gauge of a true collector's piece of the future. Bandai - we want one in every colour - a whole family of Unazukins! Simply fab!

Fun, Fun, FUN! Water squirting creates guaranteed enjoyment and laughter, bringing generations together. This is family fun at its best and the box will be opened time and time again. You truly need your wits about you in this fast pace game. We puffed out flames to stop the fire, we got wet, we laughed, we bonded, we truly hooted out loud. Fabby, fab. FAB!

Remember when toys were really well made and let a child's imagination run riot? Thank goodness for the 'Mighty World' range as those days still exist. With loads of everyday themes to choose from, the movable characters and realistic accessories mean hours of contented free play, either on their own or with others. Welcome to the real world - welcome to 'Mighty World'.

EVERYBODY loves bubbles and these fantastic 'Little Tikes Bubble Bellies' from 'Mookie' make the experience better still. Imagine an easy to use machine, perfect for smaller hands and with no spills. Think of a fun and funky looking machine where you can actually see the bubbles being created. Yes, this is reality! With 4 different characters to collect, Bubblesaurus, Bubble Pup, Clara Bellie Cow and Polly the Pig, and at a truly great price, this is loads of fun guaranteed.

Just when you thought all modes of transport had been exhausted, welcome to what is sure to be a HUGELY popular theme for pre school children.The range of toys available from Halsall are all undoubtedly winners with a mega playset, pull back trains, figures and even board games. You will have happy children for hours on end!