Classic must-have toys for kids
Mula Stacking Rings, £5.99, www.Ikea.co.uk
It's hard to beat Ikea when it comes to cheap and cheerful and toys are no exception. These colourful stacking rings are simple but will bring hours of fun to a baby or toddler – they'll roll them along the floor, stack them in different ways to build towers....and then knock them down. Suitable from 12months.
Classic must-have toys for kids
Pixie and Fluff Infant Rocker, £74.95, www.littlebirdtoldme.co.uk
A gorgeous vintage print rocking horse that's suitable from nine months - although at that age they'll probably need holding so they don't topple off. Because it's not too high up, they'll soon manage to climb on themselves for horsey rides without help. More unisex designs are available too.
Classic must-have toys for kids
Toddler truck with bricks, £14.99, www.argos.co.uk
Once they're starting to get up on their feet, toddlers will happily traipse round the living room pushing and leaning on this. Plus when it's time for a sit down to rest their weary little legs, they can put their construction skills to the test or check out the numbers and letters on the blocks included in the tray.
Classic must-have toys for kids
Whoozit Activity Spiral, £16.50, www.manhattantoy.com
This might not have the nostalgia factor of some of the more traditional toys here, but Whoozits are a modern baby classic. Perfect for the stage where they want something to play with but aren't yet mobile, the funky spiral can be attached to a car seat, cot bars or pushchair or held by hand. With plenty of different features, from squeakers to rattles, and assorted textures, it's a dead cert winner for younger ones.
Classic must-have toys for kids
Wheelybug, £55 (small), £65 (large), www.hippychick.com
Toddlers will scoot around for ages, indoors or out on these super-cute ride-on toys. Babies who are just starting to walk like leaning on and pushing them too. Available in two sizes – small for one to 2.5 year olds and larger for two to five-year-olds, and in several different adorable animal designs.
Classic must-have toys for kids
Classic must-have toys for kids
Duktig Mini Kitchen, £65, www.ikea.co.uk
Cooking role play is a favourite among preschoolers, and budding little chefs will appreciate this oven/ hob/ sink combo (as will parents who'd prefer something nice and neutral in their own kitchen rather than the garish plastic of some versions). There's space to store kiddy cookery kit such as play crockery, pretend food and the like and the option of adding a top section with microwave and hooks for pots and pans for £26.
Classic must-have toys for kids
Town and Country Train set, £49.99, www.brightminds.co.uk
More than a train set really, this mammoth 101 piece set comes with a huge assortment of town paraphernalia – people, trees, cars, trains, a boat and track galore – mean hours of play value and potentially years of use as it's all fairly indestructible.
Compatible with Brio and most other train set - if this is a hit, you can add more!
Classic must-have toys for kids
Plan Toys Wooden Terrace Doll's House, £89.99, www.farawaytree.co.uk
This three-storey house skips the pink and girly so it's more likely to appeal to boys as well as girls, and the flexible layout will fuel creative play. Bring out the interior designer in your child by encouraging them to make their own accessories or furniture.
Alternatively: it's not quite the same as a proper doll's house but you could come over all Blue Peter and make your own. If you're short on cash but have plenty of time, enthusiasm and a few spare cardboard boxes, check this guide out: www.artsandcraftsforkids.co.uk
