Christmas Toy Reviews

The Internet is now becoming Santa’s favourite little helper and experts like Mothercare and the Early Learning Centre have sackloads of fun and offers available via the web.

Ruaridh (7) was only too happy to test out the Vtech Kidizoom Smart Watch which as it says on the box, is more than just a watch. The 8-in-1 has an analogue and digital watch display to help learn the time, a voice recorder and distortion gadget, alarm, stop watch and timer and to Ruaridh’s great delight, games and an inbuilt camera.

The watches are aimed at children between 5 and 12 and come in boys and girls colours and the battery is rechargeable via a USB cable, so there are hours of fun to be had and its educational too!

Not to be outdone, Flora (5) tested out the Vetch Secret Safe Diary, which is a must for any 6 to 11 year old girl who doesn’t want the world to know what she is thinking!

It’s a 5 in 1 and contains a diary, my pet, my settings, my workshop sections and a music station. The diary comes in a snazzy pink case complete with a love heart screen and buttons, what more could a girl ask for?!

Once they teared themselves away from the gadgets, it was time for a 10 minute brain challenge. The Brain Box World game tests your knowledge of the world, with sections for different countries and teasers which range from what is the name of the Aztec Temple in Mexico to which river flows through Egypt.

For two or more players, it’s fun and challenging and can evoke heated discussions – happy Christmas!

V-tech Kidizoom Smart Watch and Secret Safe Diary and The World Brainbox, all sold by The Early Learning Centre. To check out the ELC and Mothercare Christmas shop, log onto www.mothercare.com/christmas/cat_christmas,default,sc.html and www.mothercare.com/12-Toys-Of-Christmas/12-toys-of-christmas,default,pg.html for the top 12 Christmas gifts.