Set sail for the seven seas in this toy pirate ship

There are so many diffferent toy pirate ships, that it took a while for us to pick our favourite. In the end it was a unanimous choice and we voted for Plan Toys wooden pirate ship. The attention to detail is amazing and everything the crew needs is included with the ship. Accessories include cannons, barrels, anchor, treasure chest, flags, sails and a rowing boat. All Plan Toys are made from sustainable rubberwood, making them truly green toys. The quality and workmanship of their toys is extraordinary, ensuring that they will last for years and can be passed from one generation to the next. 

 When I was one i sucked my thumb

the day i went to sea

i jumped aboard a pirate ship

and the captain said to me

'were going this way, that way

forwards and backwards

over the irish sea

a bottle of rum to fill my tum

and thats the life for me!

Fire engine toys for budding firefighters

What do you want to be when you grow up? We've been asking parents what their children are answering to this question and we've had a massive response. In our survey more than 50% of little boys said they want to be a fireman, policeman or ambulance driver. Other popular choices were lorry drivers, farmers and astronauts!

For all the budding firemen out there we have got some fantastic new fire engine toys in the shop. For tiny hands we have a range of mini vehicles from green toy company Plan Toys. The chunky wooden fire engine is one of our favourites, and our young toy testers have been putting them through their paces this week. The Plan Toys mini fire engine has a rotating fire ladder; twist it around and it makes a clicking sound. The fire hose also spins around and there is a jingly bell to let people know you are on your way to another emergency call! Aside from looking good, these toys are very sturdily built - our testers have been whizzing them around this week and even after one took a detour down an entire flight of stairs it was good as new!

The I'm Toy Walker Wagon Fire Engine is the most beautiful baby walker we have seen in a while. Made to look like a fire engine, even the handle has been designed to look like a ladder. This clever design feature makes it easy for babies to pull themselves up rung by rung. The fire engine also doubles up as a toy box, which should encourage small children to tidy up at the end of the day.

For a fire engine themed toy that will keep your childs attention at different stages in their development, then the I'm Toy Fire Engine Work Bench is just perfect. This fantastic toy is a wooden pull along fire engine that becomes a shape sorter. And as if that wasn't enough, older children will have great fun using the wooden tools and accessories to build the fire engine ladder on the construction work bench.

Babies First Shape Sorting Toys

Once babies get the hang of sitting up and reaching for toys without falling over they are ready for a new challenge. This is the perfect time to introduce basic shape sorting toys as by now they are more in control of their movements and can pick up a toy and pass it from one hand to the other quite easily.

Round shapes are the easiest to master, and it is best to start with toys that have just a few basic shapes. This will build your child's confidence and encourage them to persevere when they come across shapes that need a bit more manouvering before they will fit through the hole! Shape sorting toys with additional features will capture the attention of younger children who may otherwise discard the toy before they get the knack of posting the shapes. We particularly like the I'm Toy Geo Sort n Drum Roller - a beautiful chunky wooden toy made from sustainable rubber-wood that combines a simple first shape sorter with a drum. Another favourite is the Plan Toys pull along Sorting Bus. This wooden toy from green toy company Plan Toys combines a shape sorter, pull along toy and push along toy in one great product. Small children will love the bright colours, removable bus driver and tipping action!