'Tis the season for giving - and these are what your daughters want!
You don’t need to be stuck for choice when it comes to Christmas presents for your daughters, nieces or friends. Here are some fantastic suggestions…..
Top toy:
Wonderful dolls house, which is brilliantly designed and comes with a fantastic array of dolls, beds, chairs, tables, and other furniture to use within it (there's even a baby with a highchair and cot, and a vase of flowers to put together!). We thought this was excellent value for money - as unlike many dolls houses, it came with so many extras - and it proved very popular with our testers. It’s also great for us adults, as everything is easy to construct - and easily tidied away. The carry handle also means it can be taken along on day trips (or back to the bedroom!). Great for imaginative play.
Bratz the Movie Funky Fashion Makeover Body, Vivid Imaginations, RRP £32.99
We adults may not find the Bratz dolls the most attractive toy ever, but for some reason, many of our daughters are obsessed! Our six-year-old tester, who is desperate for her own make-up, was thrilled to try this out. And she loved giving her new favourite doll its own make-over, not to mention sorting out her hair, toenails and fingernails.
Baby Annabell, Zapf Creations, RRP £39.99
Yes, parents beware, this is a new Baby Annabell, and your youngsters will be clamouring for her. This is because she can now appear to be listening when your child speaks – which is fantastic for creative play.
Of course, she can also do all the things she also did before – giggle, suck her dummy, drink from her bottle, burp (our tester’s favourite), yawn, cry and fall asleep. What more could your little one need?
The Island Princess, Barbie Princess Rosella Doll, Mattel, £19.99
Barbie lovers will love this new doll – star of the new Barbie film! What’s special about Princess Rosella is not only that her dress magically transforms to become a fan of peacock feathers, but that she can sing. And it was the singing that entranced her tester – even without seeing the film!
This is an amazingly gorgeous cottage with fully opening doors and curtains. It’s certain to encourage hours of imaginative play, especially as you can cook, play and even change your baby in this wonderful little home.
This is an astonishing toy – albeit not on the cheap side! It will let your child care for its own toy dog, and watch it grow from a small puppy into a grown-up dog.
Parental involvement is needed at the start to plug this puppy into the PC and name him. Although he has a soft fur cover, he has a ridged mechanical body underneath, with sensors that respond to interaction. This means that if he’s played with, he will then grow – by around 9cm. He will also learn new tricks, such as a song each day, or how to wag his tail, before reaching full size.
The dog can then return to puppy size once again.
Yes, this is expensive, and yes, you will need enough space to play with it properly. But it is also incredible - and one of those toys that we’re sure is not just for kids!
This hotel is amazingly designed. It has stained glass windows and is three storeys tall. It even has a roof terrace where guests can mingle, before dancing the night away in the ballroom. The manufacturers say that this is the “ultimate” Sylvanian collectors’ item, and it would make a very special present. But beware, your children will soon start asking for more accessories...
My Baby, Mattel, RRP 44.95
Gorgeous doll with lots of appealing features including the ability to blow kisses and giggle. She can also hug her teddy and make over 80 sounds. A very special toy for a very special child, who is sure to love playing mummy!
Adorable three-story teapot with three pony figures to play with! Watch then spin and twirl on the dance floor, or even use the swing on the teapot’s handle! Also packs away beautifully as the teapot just folds together.
The huge popularity of Polly Pocket has now extended to her own wheels range! This set is great fun, and will let your daughter and her friends enjoy racing each other, even zooming round a loop the loop!
With three floors for pets to ride, slide and swing, they’ll be sure to enjoy themselves! Comes with two pets and lots of accessories for hours of fun.