MORE THAN PLAY

Have the kids been good this year? Reward them with toys that they can have fun and learn with.

Furreal Friends Cookie My Playful Pup
She barks, moves and wags her tail just like a real puppy when you pet her. And she loves playing with her squeaky toy bone, too. Cookie will give your child hours of role-playing fun. $129.90, from Toys “R” Us and leading department stores. For ages four and up.

Lego City Advent Calendar
Count down to Christmas with this year’s edition of the popular calendar by Lego. Build one figure a day for 24 days to get a complete scene – depicting a police-and-thief chase on snowmobiles and Santa going about his yearly duties. It’s a fun way for little fingers to learn motor skills. $59.90, from Bricks Empire and Bricks World. For ages five to 12.

Tomy Thomas & Friends Post Office Loader
Thomas, Percy and Harold work together to get the letters delivered. But they can’t do it before your child pieces the train tracks together, which encourages her to think logically. $49.95, from Toys “R” Us and major department stores. For ages three and up.

Voila Farmhouse Set
A little family lives on a farm that’s crafted from rubber wood. This eco-friendly, socially conscious toy will exercise your child’s imagination. Farmhouse, $170; Farm Accessories, $99.90; Tractor, $45.90; and Farmer’s Family Set, $37.80 from Kids Treasures. Part of the set also includes a barn and stable. For ages three and up.

Uno Roboto
Now you can customise your Uno game. Record players’ names in the robot and make up house rules, like doing a silly dance. It’s just like traditional Uno, but the robot will complicate matters by calling out a player and asking him to do random tasks, or even the house rules. Great for family bonding. $79.90, from Toys “R” Us. For ages seven and up.

(to be continued…)

Read the December 2011 issue of Young Parents for more expert advice and local tips to make you a better mum or dad.