Festive fun times.
The kids might have already stuck a post-it note to your
face with the name of what they want for Christmas, but once the big present is
sorted, what about the stocking fillers? Those extra few presents make all the
difference when filling up that yawning space below the tree, and that is why
we've gathered together a bunch of fun stuff for kids to make their Yule-time
smiles even bigger.
PLATMOBIL Fi?ures Series 7
Perfect for that extra bit of something, these foiled
wrapped bags contain one figure and accessories but, just like that other famous Minifigure collection, the contents are a mystery. There are two ranges, one
for boys and one for girls (denoted by the colouring of the bag) with the boy
packs containing typical boy things like knights and pirates, and the girls
packs with princesses and equestrian stuff.
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£1.99
Visit www.playmobil.co.uk
Ex Libris
A great game for older kids and book fans in general, Ex
Libris gets brains thinking and creative juices flowing. Players have to attempt
to come up with fake but believable first or last lines for famous author's
novels, with over 100 well-known writers' work being featured. Make up stuff
for the likes of Charles Dickens, Harold Robbins, Jane Austen and Barbara
Cartland.
£14
Visit www.oxfordgames.co.uk
Haynes Thunderbird
Two Handbook
For young fans of the Gerry Anderson TV show, this technical
manual/pop-out model book includes detailed schematics of Thunderbird Two. Also
included (and comprising most of the book) are pages and pages of pop-out
cardboard pieces so you can construct your own supersonic heavy transport ship.
A fascinating read and a surprisingly sturdy model once built.
£12
Visit www.haynes.co.uk
Sugru Festive Tin
Firm favourite here at The Test Pit, Sugru is the wonder
substance that can be used to fix, make and dampen the sound just about
anything around the house. Just in time for Christmas Sugru are releasing five
new colours and presenting them in a lovely gift set, the Festive Tin. The new
shades are Awesome Orange, Silver Grey, Woody Brown, Mossy Green and Panther
Pink. Great for kids for making and modelling (and also handy to fix all those
toys that will undoubtedly get broken over Christmas).
£9.99 (available from 21st November)
Visit www.sugru.com
Duplo Knight
Tournament
LEGO can be a bit fiddly for younger hands, but fortunately
Duplu, with its chunky blocks and larger figures, is perfect to get imaginations
racing. To get your kids started on a brick-building adventure the Knight
Tournament is perfect, containing as it does a Knight figure and accessories, a
horse, and also several big bricks for children's hands to get used to.
£8.99
Visit http://shop.lego.com
Tech Too Kid Gadgets
This range of play gadgets from KD includes everything that
mum and dad might use on a daily basis. There is a TV remote, a mobile phone, a
tablet and a set of car keys. All these come with lights and sounds and help kids
play along (without wrecking your £400 iPad on Christmas morning).
£15-£40
Visit http://kdplanet.com/uk
Phone Leash
As a lot of kids will possibly be getting their first ever
mobile phone this Christmas, how about a stocking filler to ensure they never lose
it? The Phone Leash consists of a soft rubber strap that attaches to the back
of the phone via a bit of sticky M3 tape (the stuff they use to stick action
cams to helmets). The cord can then go around the child's neck, tie to belt
loops or, if you're particularly bothered about them losing the phone you
forked out for, around YOUR wrist.
£10
Visit http://unikia.com/leash
Jungoeira
A bit like Twister on the move, Jungoeira involves laying
down hand and foot pads and then, while attached to other players, making your way
across the track. The handy rucksack in which all the pieces come also includes
lots of game cards which give examples of tracks to lay down. This is tonnes of
fun, even for adults, and a great way to make Christmas Day pretty active.
£20
Visit www.oxfordgames.co.uk