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Celebrating Thirty Years of ‘Little Tikes’ with Adventure Toys and the Little Tikes Turtle Sandbox.
Outdoor play is crucial for children of all ages. Being outside enables children to access sunlight and fresh air. Recent studies show that children in the UK are significantly lacking in vitamin D, an essential vitamin sourced from the sunlight which is hugely beneficial to our health. Therefore it is vital that parents and carers promote outdoor play and activities to children.
With summer well on the way, it’s time to dust off the outdoor toys or to purchase some suitable sunshine entertainment for your little ones…Sand and water play are popular summer activities which children love to take part in as it’s messy, hand’s on and great fun! Adventure Toys based at Southolme Farm, North Yorkshire have been running for the past twenty three years and specialise in indoor and outdoor activity toys. Adventure Toys stock a large range of garden/ outdoor activity toys from manufacturers such as TP Activity Toys and Little Tikes.
Adventure Toys kindly sent us the ‘Little Tikes Turtle Sandbox Anniversary Edition’ to review for our readers ready for the summer. Little Tikes are currently celebrating their thirtieth anniversary and in order to commemorate this, Little Tikes have released a whole range of special edition products with added features.
Adventure Toys have a range of physical stores, However, they also have a fantastic website which enables customers to purchase products quickly and easily online. As well as selling ‘new products’ Adventure Toys also deal with Little Tikes returns including products which may be refused or returned by a customer, some of these are brand new in the box or have only minor damage, these products are also available for sale through the Adventure Toys website at a reduced rate, ideal for parents aiming to reduce outgoing costs. Adventure Toys are also the spare parts centre for Little Tikes and TP Toys, therefore anyone requiring spare or replacement parts can contact Adventure Toys for further information.
The Little Tikes Turtle Sandbox/ Sandpit (Special Thirtieth Anniversary Edition) is an attractive and colourful sandbox with a bright and friendly face. Originally a basic sandbox/ sandpit, the Little Tikes Turtle Sandbox now features a mote/ water area surrounding the sandbox and includes squirty, floating turtles ranging in colour and a water revolver/ cog which swirls the water around the sandpit creating a small current to aid toys to move around the sandbox, children can experiment with the speed of flow by adjusting the spinning of the cog accordingly. The Little Tikes Turtle Sandbox (Thirtieth Anniversary Edition) is available in either green or purple and due to it’s material properties, the Little Tikes Turtle Sandbox (30th Anniversary edition) needn’t be covered or cleared away to protect from sun bleaching as the Little Tikes Turtle Sandbox is fade resistant.
The Little Tikes Turtle Sandbox 30th Anniversary Edition measures 119cm by 109cm and is 38cm high thus requires at least one medium sized bag of children’s play sand to fill (the sandpit can hold up to 70kg of sand). Alternatively, the Little Tikes Turtle Sandbox Thirtieth Anniversary Edition can also be used as a paddling pool and whilst we aim to promote outdoor play and it’s many benefits, we are realistic and do realise that the UK doesn’t always have fantastic weather. The Little Tikes Turtle Sandbox Thirtieth Anniversary Edition is versatile and can be used both outdoors and indoors too! The Little Tikes Turtle Sandbox Thirtieth Anniversary Edition can also be used as a ball pool, pasta pit, paint pool or even as a toy storage unit!
Mums Baby Magazine put the Little Tikes Turtle Sandbox 30th Anniversary Edition to the test with one of our little sunshine’s. We placed the sandpit outdoors and found that it took roughly two bags of play sand to fill the Little Tikes Turtle Sandbox (30th Anniversary Edition), we then added luke warm water (with added glitter) into the mote along with the squirty turtles and some general sand toys such as buckets, spades, rakes and such like. We ensured that the lid was securely attached to the main sand pit with the provided string. This however took up extra space and we found that removing the lid was actually better as it could then be stored upright out of the way during play to make full use of outdoor space. The Little Tikes Turtle Sandbox (30th Anniversary Edition) is an ideal sand box for small gardens or back yards and accommodates two to three small children during play.
The Little Tikes Turtle Sandbox 30th Anniversary Edition is easy to clean, the mote features a simple plug which can be pulled to remove water and the sandpit itself we found was easy to empty, although heavy to lift when full of sand, thus we used a bucket to remove the sand during cleaning and emptying. Our little sunshine greatly enjoyed playing in the sand, although he did get a slightly wet bum whilst sitting on the small chair as he was also fascinated by swirling the water around the mote, resulting in a slight spillage. After use, we were pleased to find that the lid remained secure and protected the sand from unwanted pests or rain water.
The Little Tikes Turtle Sandbox 30th Anniversary Edition is a colourful, friendly addition to children’s play which accommodates safe and suitable outdoor play. We do however suggest that if water is added to the mote then parental supervision is required at all times during play). 
We give the Little Tikes Turtle Sandbox 30th Anniversary Edition 9/10.
The Little Tikes Turtle Sandbox 30th Anniversary Edition is currently listed with www.adventuretoys.co.uk for sale at the superb, summer sale price of only £39.99 For further information visit www.adventuretoys.co.uk
Latest News From Our Family Favourite ‘The Toy Barn’ at Millstones
Last year we introduced our readers to three ‘Super Sisters’ working together in partnership to provide a firm family favourite ‘The Toy Barn’…Rachel, Karen and Andrea have worked hard throughout the year to enable the general public to gain access to the toys and treasures available at ‘The Toy Barn’, a local store based in Bootle just outside of Millom in Cumbria. We spoke to Rachel regarding all the latest news from ‘The Toy Barn’…
How has the shop been doing since we last spoke?
The shop has been going well since we last spoke. In the run up to Christmas sales were up compared to the same period last year. There was a dip again in January but the nice weather and over Easter has meant that things have picked up again. We have been well supported by some regular. local customers as well as attracting tourists during this season.
Have there been any significant changes to the shop since we last spoke?
We have relocated to the upstairs sales floor of Millstones Barn which has given us more floor space and a better area to display our goods. This has helped increase our sales as we can showcase the products for effectively.
You now have an online shop, how do you find managing that?
I found setting up the website really interesting. we had some help from West Cumbria Development Agency who provided us with a web designer. He guided us and did the ‘technical bit’. Adding the all of the products to the website was the most time consuming aspect for me, there are over four hundred products currently on the site.Now that it’s done, it’s just a case of adding new stock as and when it comes in and taking items off the inventory that we sell in the shop on a daily basis so as the website is fully updated with the current stock levels. I’m enjoying managing the website and it certainly makes me more aware the stock levels we have and which items are selling most frequently.
Are there any new ranges/ toys which you would like to tell us about?
We are attended a Spring Fair at the NEC to source new products and have since ordered in some new ranges. We have ‘My First Green Toys’ which are toys made from 100% recycled plastic (made from old milk cartons). They contain no BPA, PVC or Phthalates so they are toys that are both good for the earth and safe for the busy little ones who call it home. Their range includes Stackers, vehicles and play food such as ‘sandwich shop’ or ‘make your own pizza’. We have also recently started stocking a range of soft leather shoes from Snugglefeet. There are some gorgeous designs and our sizes range from 6-18 months. They are the perfect gift for any baby.
Have you got any impending events you would like to notify our readers of?
There aren’t any events as such on the calendar but we will be giving out balloons at the shop over Easter holidays to promote our new website. We will also be attending Beckermet nursery spring Fair on the 30th of June 2012.
We would like to Thank Rachel for her time and would like to encourage all of our readers to visit the fully functional and fantastic online ‘Toy Barn Store’ available at http://www.thetoybarn-millstones.co.uk
Makedo with what you already have by turning trash into toys!
Makedo is a reusable set of connectors and fastenings which allow adults and children to refashion materials such as cardboard, plastic, fabric into more useful creations such as playhouses, shops, garages, theatres and much more.
Mums Baby Magazine were sent the Makedo ‘Find and Make Playhouse’ set to sample and review on behalf of Bouncy Happy People. Bouncy Happy People are a family run activity toy company based in Cornwall, UK. Bouncy Happy People are renowned for sourcing and retailing fabulous activity toys to encourage energetic, creative and imaginative play.
Suitable from five years and over, The Makedo ‘Find and Make Playhouse’ set features seventy seven reusable parts including clips, lock hinges, connectors, a safe-saw, stickers and design sheets to produce a range of items dependent upon materials gathered and children’s design proposals. Whilst we were very impressed with the Makedo product, we found that there were some drawbacks. We have therefore put a comparable ‘pros and cons’ list together to inform our readers of this product in a little more detail.
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Due to the low price of Makedo, it is well worth purchasing a pack of Makedo for when you do have a large amount of cardboard/ material which is awaiting recycling. However, unless you have recently purchased a large appliance such as a fridge freezer, washing machine or television it is very unlikely that you will have a enough cardboard to produce the playhouse successfully. We found that we were unable to produce a large structure as we lacked cardboard. However, we will endeavour to produce something larger once we do have a large amount of cardboard/ material.
Whilst we unable to fully experiment with the Makedo set due to lack of materials we found the ideas and possibilities hugely exciting and stimulating for children. We would therefore like to give the Makedo Find and Make Playhouse Set seven out of ten for creative possibilities.
Makedo produce a range of kits ranging in size and creative possibilities. Bouncy Happy People currently have four different Makedo sets available for purchase ranging from £9.95 upwards. For further information visit www.bouncyhappypeople.co.uk
Budkins- Fantastic Figures from Le Toy Van
Children greatly enjoy dolls play whether or not they have an accompanying play building such as a dolls house, castle, hospital, fire station or other housing for dolls play. Playing with dolls and figures encourages children to develop social skills, stretches their imagination and builds their self confidence through role play. Role play is a hugely beneficial form of learning through play, allowing children to enter a fantasy world in which they can become any character they wish exploring a vast range of possibilities verbally, physically and mentally.
Le Toy Van produce a wide range of wooden based toys ideal for stimulating active role play. Le Toy Van have recently released a brand new range, the budkins dolls/ figures. Suitable for children aged three years and over, the budkins figures range in size, typically budkins figures are small enough to fit into a pocket or bag and are therefore ideal to take along to play with whilst out and about.
Mums Baby Magazine were sent two of the budkins knights ‘Henry’ and ‘Leon’ (pictured left) to review alongside the Le Toy Van Emerald Castle. We found the budkins dolls to be charming additions to the Emerald Castle and were surprised by how sturdy the small characters were, therefore ideal for little hands.
Budkins dolls are available in a wide range of styles and designs, outfits for each doll/ figure have been specifically designed by Le Toy Van to suit particular roles within play. Budkins figures/ dolls are sold separately or can alternatively be purchased in packs of two, three or four. Retail prices of the budkins dolls/ figures range from £2.99 upwards according to stockists.
Mums Baby Magazine give the budkins colourful characters ten out of ten for durability and design. The budkins dolls/ figures are ideal additions for little ones wishing to delve into dolls play. For further information upon the budkins dolls range visit www.budkins.com
Making Medieval Magic with the Le Toy Van Emerald Castle
Suitable for three years upwards, Le Toy Van’s Emerald Castle is a magnificent, beautifully detailed wooden castle ideal for both boys and girls to carry out a wide range of role play scenarios. Whether its Medieval Kings and Queens, Dungeons and Dragons, Lords and Knights, Pirates and Princesses, Battling Soldiers or simply general dolls play… The Le Toy Van Emerald Castle is the ideal springboard for inspiring interactive, imaginative role play which is key to children’s development.
The Le Toy Van Emerald Castle is very easy to assemble and requires only four screws to complete! It took us less than twenty minutes to complete building the Emerald Castle. Whilst the castle is made entirely from wood and is therefore solid, it isn’t altogether sturdy as the structure is slotted together and screwed in only four areas, therefore the toy does tend to wobble slightly. However, due to it’s ease to assemble it is also easy to dissemble and therefore quick and easy to pack away for storage purposes.
Made entirely from wood, the Le Toy Van Emerald Castle sits on a solid wood base (which can be folded into two for storage purposes) and features a front moat and grass area. The castle itself can be entered via a magnificent drawbridge, whilst the drawbridge can be opened and shut, it is quite difficult to keep the drawbridge shut as this requires wrapping the string around the ‘brickwork’ of the castle above the entrance.
The Le Toy Van Emerald Castle’s also features three large turrets, two of which have flags (the flagpoles made from wood and flags themselves made from plastic). There is plenty of space upon each turret for characters to stand and ‘look out for danger’. The largest turret of the castle also features a 
beautiful balcony and a secret swing trapdoor for any discerning characters…
Below the balcony, within the castle itself, a swing door (with elasticated hinges in order to make it easy for little hands to open and shut) provides the ideal entrance to a dungeon, cell or whatever the imagination of your little one allows it to become.
Running boards can be reached via two ladders which may be placed wherever the user requires, linking together the main areas of the castle. Whilst the castle may be entered through the main drawbridge gate, there is also a secret entrance or perhaps a ‘forced entrance’ for battling soldiers. A large chunk of the wall can be removed for surprise/ unwanted entry to the castle.
The Le Toy Van Emerald Castle is beautifully decorated in greys and greens, each part of the castle has been specifically designed to look authentic, including narrow, slit windows, burning torches and chunky brickwork. The Emerald Castle is a magical toy which would certainly stand the test of time due to its materials.
The Emerald Castle is an ideal size for placing upon a table or toy box, measuring approximately 500mm in height, 500mm in depth and 430mm in width. We would suggest placing this toy upon a mat/ cloth as it may scratch surfaces when moved.
Le Toy Van sell a range of castles and have created characters and accessories including table mats/ protectors which may be purchased separately to accompany a wooden castle such as the Emerald Castle.
It is a shame that Le Toy Van do not include any characters within the Emerald Castle Package as a ‘starter kit’ for children as the picture on the box itself does feature characters and therefore can be misleading for parents/ children who wish to purchase this item. We found that without characters the Emerald Castle (as any other castle of it’s nature) was quite difficult for children to actively play with.
We put the Le Toy Van Emerald Castle to the test with two children of differing gender and found both children greatly enjoyed playing with the castle to create scenarios and stories using characters which we provided them with. The children seemed fascinated with the opening and shutting features of the castle including the drawbridge, trapdoor and cells. We also found that they enjoyed peeking into the castle themselves through these openings, becoming part of the story themselves and getting into role alongside the characters.
The Le Toy Van Emerald Castle is available online via a range of online suppliers, we conducted an online price comparison and found that this item retails from £44.99 upwards. For further information upon suppliers and stockists visit www.letoyvan.com
Mums Baby Magazine awards the Le Toy Van Emerald Castle a super 7/10.
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