Families TVE Nov/Dec digital magazine

FR EE

Thames Valley East

IN THIS ISSUE

Christmas Education Parenting

ST GEORGE’S SCHOOL WINDSOR CASTLE

A place where children ‘may find their happy ever after’ Find out more at stgwindsor.org

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Issue 129 November/December 2023

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15/07/2022 13:57 09/10/2023 11:56

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November/December 1

THE GREAT CHRISTMAS TOY GIVEAWAY Biggies 10 available worth £19.99 each

Ages 6+

Miraculous Magic Heroez Dolls 4 bundles available worth £45 each

Paint Pot Spin & Create Set 10 available worth £10.50 each Ages 3+

Ages 3+

Ages 3+

Ages 3+

Katamino Classic 1 available worth £35

Fireman Sam Ultimate Hero 2 available worth £29.99 each

Tonka Hat & Belt Set 5 available worth £19.99 each

Ages 4+ K3YRIDERS 2 in 1 3D Perrycornio Plush Helmet & 3 Wheeled Scooter 2 available worth £50 each Ages 3+

My Emotions & Me Book 100 available worth £12.50 each

Ages 7+

Dragon Ball Dragon Stars 4 bundles of 3 action figures worth £60 each Ages 4+

EDURINO 3 starter sets available worth £44.99 each

Ages 4-8

T&Cs Apply

APPLY HERE 2 November/December

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CONTENTS

Welcome

In this issue

There’s a chill in the air, we’re edging towards winter and the Christmas season will soon be with us. Get ready to shop find inspiration for Christmas toys for the kids and family in our gift guide!

5

Acts of Kindness Advent Calendar

9

Education

You’ll also find lots more Christmas essentials inside, including fabulous festive experiences, best family Christmas movies, DIY Christmas cards and teacher gift ideas and lots more.

In our Education feature, discover more about multiple intelligences and find out the connection between growing sunflowers and maths skills.

You also have the opportunity to be the lucky recipient of one of more than 140 Christmas gifts for kids in this issue – make sure you apply inside and you’ll also ensure you receive this digital magazine to your inbox every two months.

17 Best UK Christmas experiences 21 DIY Christmas cards 23 Giveaways 25 Christmas toy guide 26 Top family Christmas movies 29 Lovely Christmas leftover recipes

Get in touch Competition winners from our July/ August issue Congratulations to all our winners. You can find a list HERE

MY EMOTIONS AND ME BOOK GIVEAWAY Help your child manage their emotions

Grab a FREE copy of My Emotions and Me AGES 7+ Familiesonline.co.uk

APPLY HERE T&C’s apply November/December 3

UptonHouse HouseSchool School Upton Upton House School Based in the heart of Windsor, Upton House is

Based in the heart of Windsor, Upton House Based ina the heart of Windsor, Upton House is aisthriving thriving Nursery, Pre-Prep and Prep School a thriving Nursery, Pre-Prep and School Nursery, and of Prep School forPrep boys and girls aged Based inPre-Prep thefor heart Windsor, Upton boys and girls aged 2-11 years. House is 2-11aged years. for boys and girls 2-11 years.

Upton House School

a thriving Nursery, Pre-Prep andinPrep School Based the heart of Windsor, Upton House is With academic standards, high calibre staff and excellent Withhigh high academic standards, staff and aoutstanding thriving Nursery, Pre-Prep and Prep School for boys and girls aged 2-11 years.

With pastoral high academic standards, high calibre staff and excellent care, Upton House children blossom and have a zest

Upton House School Upton UptonHouse House School School

excellent pastoral care, Upton House children and 2-11 years. for boysblossom and girls aged pastoral Upton children blossom have a zest life, continually learning and developing their abilities, havefor acare, zest for life,House continually learning andand developing their interests and talents.

We pride ourselves on developing for life, continually learning developing their abilities, Based in the heart ofand Windsor, Upton House isand high abilities, interests and talents.

With high academic standards, calibre staff and excel With high academic standards, high calibre staff excellent confident andNursery, happy with a love learning. a thriving Pre-Prep and Prep School interests and talents.

We children pride ourselves onof developing pastoral care, Upton House children blossom and have a z pastoral Upton House children blossom and a zest Wecare, believe that self-esteem happiness are paramount Based Based in the in the heart heart of ofand Windsor, Windsor, Upton Upton House House is have is to for boys and girlsfor aged years. life,2-11 continually learning and developing their abilitie confident and happy children with aand love ofSchool learning. each child’s success, and we pride ourselves on developing a thriving a thriving Nursery, Nursery, Pre-Prep Pre-Prep and Prep Prep School

for life, continually learning and developing their abilities, interests and talents.

We pride ourselves on developin confi dent and happy with a years. love of learning. for for boys boys and andchildren girls girls aged aged 2-11 2-11 years.

Withand high talents. academic standards, high calibreand staff and developing excellent confident happy children with a love of learning. interests We pride ourselves on Call 01753 pastoral care, Upton House children and have a zest Our enhanced curriculum is862610 rich blossom withor cross-curricular With With highhigh academic academic standards, standards, high high calibre calibre staff and excellent and excellent confident and happy children a staff love learning. email registrar@uptonhouse.org.uk forinnovations life, continually learning and with developing theirof abilities, digital and our pioneering live-streamed events pastoral pastoral care, care, Upton Upton House House children children blossom blossom and and have have a zest a zest Call 01753 862610 or interests and talents.

We pride ourselves on developing run by our Broadcasting Club share our activities with our for life, for life, continually continually learning learning and anddeveloping developing theirtheir abilities, abilities, email registrar@uptonhouse.org.uk 01753 862610 or confident and happy a loveCall of learning. globalchildren family with online. interests interests andand talents. talents.We We pride prideourselves ourselves on developing on developing email registrar@uptonhouse.org.uk confident confident and and happy happy children children with with a love a love of learning. of learning.

A proven track record with outstanding scholarship

Join us for the journey success each year.

Call 01753 862610 or Callfor 01753 862610 or Join us the journey email registrar@uptonhouse.org.uk email registrar@uptonhouse.org.uk Join us for the journey Call Call01753 01753 862610 862610 or or email registrar@uptonhouse.org.uk email registrar@uptonhouse.org.uk

Join us for the journey Join usus for journey Join Join us for forthe the thejourney journey www.uptonhouse.org.uk IAPS Independent Prep School NACE Accredited School

4 November/December

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Acts of Kindness Advent Calendar Help your family spread goodwill this Christmas by undertaking a kind act every day of Advent.

Find inspiration in our list of kindnesses or make up your own.

Don’t forget to mark the kind things you do on the calendar!

An act of kindness for every day of Advent

Perform an act of kindness each day until Christmas!

Pin up the calendar and keep a daily record of your family’s good deeds.

DECEMBER 1

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An act of kin for every da dness y of Advent

Choose from or make up the list below your own.

Write your tea cher a note or a poe m about why you like them.

Help a friend wh stuck with the o’s ir classwork .

Clear up a me ss you didn’t make.

Take a pot pla nt to school for you classroom win r dowsill.

Clear the tab le dinner withou after t being asked.

Draw your mu m or dad a picture, jus t because you love them.

Give a packet of sunflower see ds a friend, so the to watch them groy can w.

Feed your pet or clean out their cage without having to be asked.

Use beads, loo or other craft m bands ma to make a bra terials celet for a friend.

If you’ve done something nau write a note to ghty, mum or dad to your say sorry.

Empty the rub bis of your lunchb h out ox school and rins after e/wash it.

Make a poster local park to for your remind people to pic k up their dog poo.

Leave your pou in the locker nd coin at swimming poo the next person whl for the o uses it.

Sign up to Pos and write a lettt Pals a child who’s er to ill in hospital.

Paint rocks wit pictures or posh pretty sayings and hiditive in your neighb e them ourhood for others to find.

Put decoration tree in your locs on a to make peopleal park (remember to smile tak them down aga e in!)

Pour the rest of family a drink your at mealtimes.

Compliment sta café or shop. ff at a Pick up litter in your street or local park.

Wish a strange r a nice day.

Bake some coo people living kies for in your street.

At school, offe r with someon to play e on their own. who’s all

Sort out your old and books and toys them to a cha donate rity or a local playgr shop oup.

Hug someon e.

DOWNLOAD HERE!

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November/December 5

6 November/December

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PARENTING

How to deal with cyber-bullying Today’s children are so immersed in the digital world that over half of them accept cyber-bullying as part of life, according to a survey commissioned by the Anti-Bullying Alliance. Particularly invasive, cyber-bullying can be distressing because victims feel the bullies have access to them at all times.

Cyber-bullying is the use of electronic communication, be it phone, tablet or computer, to send messages of an intimidating or threatening nature. And it is not a trivial matter as some children can be subjected to prolonged online bullying campaigns that they feel they can’t escape.

Victims of cyberbullying can find it hard to open up to their parents, explains psychologist Dr. Linda Papadopoulos, an ambassador for Internet Matters’ cyberbullying campaign: ‘Sometimes children don’t want to talk about what is happening to them online’ she says. ’They may feel helpless or worry their parents will take away their phones or ban them from using tech.

But it’s vital that parents learn how to engage with their children in a positive and reassuring way to open a dialogue channel which youngsters can feel reassured, not intimidated by.’

behaviour. These could include becoming secretive about what they are doing on the computer, keeping their mobile on silent, spending a lot of time in their bedroom, showing signs of anxiety, irritability and moodiness and being quieter than usual.

READ MORE

THE GREAT CHRISTMAS TOY GIVEAWAY Ages 4+

Miraculous Magic Heroez Dolls 4 bundles available

EDURINO 3 starter sets available Ages 4-8

So, what can you do if you suspect your child is being cyberbullied?

Look for the signs If bullying is going on there will be changes in your child’s normal Familiesonline.co.uk

Dragon Ball Dragon Stars 4 bundles of 3 action figures

Ages 4+ T&Cs Apply

APPLY HERE November/December 7

André Ma l ra ux Pri m a ry sc ho ol FROM 3 TO 11 A thriving bilingual environment for your children

Classes & activities in French & English International & dynamic school Spacious grounds & classrooms Childcare funding available

MEET US! OPEN HOUSE @ANDRÉ MALRAUX SCHOOL 8 & 17 November

Did you know your child does not need to be a French speaker to join our school?

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS SHOW @BATTERSEA 11 & 12 November

EALING 44 Laurie Road, London W7 1BL +44 (0)20 8578 3011 contact.malraux@lyceefrancais.org.uk

www.lyceefrancais.org.uk FAMILIES_WEST_AUTUMN_2023.indd 1

03/10/2023 10:04:30

Looking for something different?

Award winning nursery and prep school with immersive Mandarin Located in Hammersmith, we offer an education which gives children complete fluency in English and Mandarin.

Our child-centred approach creates a happy, stimulating environment where all pupils thrive.

www.kensingtonwade.com 8 November/December

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EDUCATION

Homemade Christmas gift ideas for teachers

Pebble teacher paper weight

Crayon vase

Apple pie cookie kit

Hedgehog bread rolls

Indoor prickly cactus garden

Colourful macarons

DIY pencil holder

Homemade doughnuts and coffee

Succulent mini pot

Familiesonline.co.uk

November/December 9

Nursery Places Available

THE SUNDAY EXPRESS

FOR CHILDREN AGED 6 WEEKS TO 5 YEARS

OPEN 7.30AM TO 6.30PM

Availability may be limited in certain age groups or booking patterns

THE MAGICAL CHRISTMAS TRADITION FOR ALL THE FAMILY

N U TC R A C K E R

Photo © Jason Bell

Fun is an essential ingredient in all our nurseries where the care and education opportunities for each and every child are as extraordinary as our colleagues who provide them.

T: 0208 995 9538 E: devonshire.nursery@childbase.com Devonshire Day Nursery and Preschool, Bennett St, London, W4 2AH

T: 0208 574 2667 E: nurseryonthegreen@childbase.com

14 Dec 2023 – 7 Jan 2024 ballet.org.uk/nutcracker

Children go half-price!* *When booking through the London Coliseum Box Office. T&Cs apply.

Nursery on the Green, Thorncliffe Road, Southall, Middlesex, UB2 5RN

We look forward to hearing from you www.childbasepartnership.com 10 November/December

Registered Charity 214005

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EDUCATION

Growing sunflowers and learning maths?

Reading and the Key Stage 2 curriculum

By Usha Patel

By Jemma Z Smith

Parents often ask how to get their child interested in maths because ‘they just don’t get it.’ Luckily, it’s possible to give children lots of help at home by using maths language and supporting them to develop sequential thought processes and logical thinking.

READ MORE

Reading is vital for enabling students to access the rest of the curriculum and deepening their understanding of the world. While phonics lays the initial groundwork in Key Stage 1, the emphasis in Key Stage 2 (Year 3 and beyond) expands to exploring characters.

READ MORE

Understanding multiple intelligences

THE GREAT CHRISTMAS TOY GIVEAWAY

By Zuzu Jordan

According to the thesaurus, intelligence means ‘smart,’ ‘clever’ and ‘bright.’

Traditionally pupils with regular high scores in academic or IQ tests are recognised as intelligent. Yet as a society we marvel at great artists, musicians and Olympians for their outstanding talent. How intelligence is measured is a debatable topic.

READ MORE Familiesonline.co.uk

Katamino Classic 1 available Ages 6+

Ages 3+

Ages 3+

Biggies 10 available

Paint Pot Spin & Create Set 10

available

T&Cs Apply

APPLY HERE November/December 11

Every Sunday at 2:00pm

12 November/December

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EDUCATION

Apps for improving maths skills

Pet Bingo

Squeebies

Marble Math

Ages 2-7yrs Entertaining app that takes kids on a maths adventure.

Ages 5-11yrs Ideal for kids who love competition.

Ages 9-12yrs Fun, engaging app that practises and reinforces key math objectives.

Monster Math

Ages 5-10 yrs Stories help children practise and learn 40+ maths skills.

Doodle Tables

Ages 4-14 yrs Boosts times tables’ confidence with a personalised program.

Native Numbers

Math Dots Puzzles – Dinosaurs

Maths Shed

Twinkl MTC Practice

Ages 4+ Play connect the dots while learning maths.

Familiesonline.co.uk

Ages 4+ Fun and easy-to-use for practising maths skills.

Ages 4-7 yrs Develops maths skills built on a solid foundation.

Ages 4+ Expands times tables’ knowledge. Prepares for multiplication tables check.

November/December 13

Nurturing confident and capable futures.

Our stunning new private clinic is now open in Sunninghill, Berkshire

The Evolving Mind is a place where neurodivergent children and their parents can finally feel listened to. Our team of best-in-class specialists guide children and their parents through every step of the process. Together, we’ll develop a holistic approach from autism and ADHD diagnosis to ongoing treatment, that prepares your child for a confident and capable future.

For more information, please contact www.theevolvingmind.co.uk • info@theevolvingmind.co.uk • 01344 292 292 Kingswick House, Kingswick Drive, Sunninghill, Berkshire SL5 7BH

As an introductory offer to our local community, we will be discounting our Autism, ADHD and Educational Psychologist assessments by 50%.

To qualify for this discount the appointment must be booked prior to 1st December 23.

Godstowe

Discover something special

14 November/December

Stay and Play 7th December From 1:45 to 3pm

For ages 2-4

godstowe.org

Book a place

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EDUCATION

Games which improve concentration DIY memory games

DIY attention games

Board games

Apps & online games

The coin game: arrange an assortment of coins in a sequence. Allow your child to look at them closely for 15 seconds, then cover. Ask them to duplicate the sequence. Repeat, timing them!

Storytelling: each player must remember and repeat an entire story, then add a new sentence.

Chess & draughts: helps planning, concentration and anticipation.

Scrabble: focusses on spelling, strategising with available letters and maintaining attention.

Boggle: involves practising attention skills as well as vocabulary and spelling.

Sequence for Kids: enhances memory and strategic thinking.

Visual Memory Test

Backwards counting: give your child a random number and ask them to count backwards in 3s.

Spot-the-difference: helps develop focus and concentration.

Jigsaw & crossword puzzles: focusses attention on detail and patterns.

LEGO and building structures with blocks: encourages sustained concentration and creativity.

Readlax: Brain Games Ages 5+.

IOS & Android. FREE. MentalUP Ages 6+. Website.

FREE. CogniFit Ages 7+. IOS & Android. FREE. Memory Match Ages 4+. IOS. FREE. Kiko’s Thinking Time Ages 4+.

Ipad.

GON Memory Game All ages.

Amazon. FREE. HHHH HHHHH HHHH The Times

Musical Theatre Review

Evening Standard

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BASED ON THE BOOK BY

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Fun ten level game where kids have to remember where a picture is. Ages 4+.

Familiesonline.co.uk

AND PUBLISHED BY BLOOMSBURY

THU 30 NOV – SAT 2 DEC *Booking fees apply

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November/December 15

A CHRISTMAS LIKE NO OTHER

This kind of Christmas comes but once in a lifetime.

Whisk your family away to magical Lapland where you’ll meet Santa and his cheeky elves.

Call 01483 944 960 or visit SantasLapland.com Santa’s Lapland

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16 November/December

Experience a Lapland trip you’ll treasure forever and book with a deposit from just £150pp and take advantage of our latest offers for 2024.

@santas_lapland

10/10/2023 09:50

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CHRISTMAS

Top UK Christmas experiences for families Thursford Christmas Spectacular, Norfolk

Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland, York

An extravaganza of non-stop singing, dancing, music, humour and variety. With a cast of one hundred and thirty, this fast moving celebration is billed as the biggest Christmas show of its kind in Europe. Also home to Santa’s Magical Journey and Enchanted Journey of Light.

A magical winter experience for all ages, with an outdoor ice rink, vintage funfair, Santa’s Grotto and alpine café. Surrounded by illuminated trees, log cabins, rink side cafe and viewing platform, this magical setting is a perfect festive experience. FREE to enter, with separate tickets for skating and Santa’s Grotto.

Enchanted Christmas, Gloucestershire

Edinburgh Winter Festival

A mile-long illuminated trail set within Westonbirt National Arboretum’s captivating landscape, with stunningly lit trees, sculptures, mesmerising installations and woodland characters. Kids might also like tracking down the Gruffalo statues in the Old Arboretum.

Food and drinks stalls and fairground rides at either end.

Across the city, expect to find fairground rides aimed at all age groups, elves’ workshops, Santa’s Grotto, an ice rink and a myriad of food and craft markets.

The famous castle is also given the festive treatment via a spectacular light installation. Be sure not to miss taking a picture of the majestic Christmas tree on the Mound.

Familiesonline.co.uk

November/December 17

Norden Farm and Slot Machine present

s 0 et 2.5 ck 1 Ti m £ o

Fr

Christmas at Norden Farm

Based on the book by Stephen Mackey Tuesday 28 November - Saturday 30 December

FOR AGES 3+ YEARS

Centre for the Arts Maidenhead

01628 788997 nordenfarm.org

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead SL6 4PF

OCEAN THEATRE COMPANY PROUDLY PRESENTS

Music by Stephen Flaherty

THE BROADW AY MU THE HIT ANIM SICAL BASED ON ATED FILM

THE MUSICAL Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens

Book by Terrence McNally

Fri 3 - Sun 5 Nov book at:

BritVic Theatre , LVS

www.oceantheatre.com FIND OUT MORE

18 November/December

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CHRISTMAS

Top UK Christmas experiences for families Chester Zoo Lanterns & Light

Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market

This after hours annual Christmas event transforms Chester Zoo into an enchanted kingdom, with extraordinary, life-sized animal sculptures and costumed performers drawing visitors along an illuminated trail.

Father Christmas will make an appearance on his sleigh with reindeer sculptures.

This impressive market features decorated stalls selling crafts, toys and more and there is traditional German food and drink, including gingerbread hearts and glühwein. The stalls are looked over by an impressive Christmas tree. There’s also a fairground, big wheel and icerink.

Hogwarts in the Snow, Watford, London

Christmas at Chatsworth

The Christmas season brings a truly magical makeover to all the film sets on display. Christmas trees line the Great Hall and a replica festive feast, including flaming Christmas puddings, is laid out on the long tables, while icy silvers glitter on the stage as it is transformed for the return of the Yule Ball.

24 themed rooms of Christmas wonder in the Peak District!

Travel under archways adorned with candy canes, Christmas stockings and mistletoe; through snowflake showers and a glittering Christmas tree brooch forest. Explore Father Christmas’ workshop, with mischief-making elves and a giant exploding Christmas cracker.

Familiesonline.co.uk

November/December 19

‘MAGNIFICENT’ The Observer

Image Published by Puffin Books Copyright © Raymond Briggs

R AY M O N D B R I G G S ’

22 Nov – 30 Dec Tickets from £14 lyric.co.uk | 020 8741 6850

18 Nov – 06 Jan Tickets from £10 lyric.co.uk | 020 8741 6850

STEP THROUGH THE WARDROBE TO

DISCOVER A WORLD OF STORIES... www.storymuseum.org.uk

Box Office: 01865 807600 Registered charity 1107809

2023 Nov Families magazine half page.indd 1 20 November/December

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CHRISTMAS

DIY Christmas cards to create with the kids

String art Christmas card

Christmas tree card

Paper strip Christmas trees

Free printable penguin Christmas cards (8)

Tinsel tree card

Pom-pom Christmas wreath card

Snow surprise Christmas card

Reindeer card

Christmas cracker card

Familiesonline.co.uk

November/December 21

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GIVEAWAYS

THE GREAT CHRISTMAS TOY GIVEAWAY K3YRIDERS 2 in 1 3D Perrycornio Plush Helmet & 3 Wheeled Scooter 2 available

SIGN UP NOW Fireman Sam Ultimate Ages Hero 3+ 2 available

Ages 3+

Never want to miss another issue?

Tonka Hat & Belt Set 5 available

Ages 3+

IT’S FREE

T&Cs Apply

APPLY HERE

MY EMOTIONS AND ME BOOK GIVEAWAY Help your child manage their emotions

Grab a FREE copy of My Emotions and Me AGES 7+ Familiesonline.co.uk

APPLY HERE T&C’s apply November/December 23

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4 days of fun during the holidays!

Including arts and crafts, circus-based activities, fencing, gymnastics, music, nutrition education, and a wide range of sports. All free for kids eligible for benefits related free school meals with HAF codes (you can also pay to join in the fun if you aren’t eligible).

For more info and to book:

Funded by

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CHRISTMAS

Families Christmas toy guide

We asked The Good Play Guide for their top picks. These accredited products have been independently tested by play experts and children.

ELC Soft Sensory Balls

Feely Farm Puzzle

Penguin Math Balance

Dragomino

Baby Delightful sensory toy that will be a favourite as your baby grows. £15.

Pre-school Stimulate your preschoolers’ senses with these first wooden puzzles. £15.99.

Sounds of the Forest

Pre-school A book and hooting owl whistle make story-time interactive & fun. £12.99.

Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty

Pre-school Fun way to learn about weight, size, addition and subtraction. £19.99.

Ages 5+ Practise strategic thinking to find the precious Dragon Eggs. £20.99.

Ages 3+ A fantastic sensory, stress-relieving product for all ages. £12.99.

Plus-Plus

Discover

Squirrels Go Nuts

Ages 5+ Use small interconnecting puzzle pieces to create 2D and 3D forms. £16.85 Familiesonline.co.uk

Ages 5+ All the tools you need to make anything from cardboard. £44.99.

Ages 6+ Multi-level sliding puzzle game – slide the squirrles and hide the nuts. £14.99.

November/December 25

CHRISTMAS

Families Christmas toy guide

We asked The Good Play Guide for their top picks. These accredited products have been independently tested by play experts and children.

IQ Puzzler Pro

Rory’s Story Cubes Ages 6+ 9 cubes, 54 images, over 10 million possible combos, unlimited stories. £9.99.

Ages 7+ Boost your child’s brain with this handheld, light-up, memory game. £28.00.

National Geographic Mega Magic Set

National Geographic Mega Crystal Growing Lab

Harry Potter Hogwarts 3D Puzzle, 540pc

Ages 6+ 100+ 2D and 3D puzzles to challenge logical thinking skills. £10.99.

Ages 8+ Amazing STEAM magic set. £39.99.

GraviTrax Starter Set XXL Ages 8+ Construct fantastic marble tracks. £110.

26 November/December

Ages 5+ STEAM crystal growing lab. £34.99.

Codenames Game Ages 10+ Become a codebreaker in this competitive, word association game. £19.99.

Brainbolt Genius

Ages 10+ Immerse yourself in this World of Wizardry puzzle. £74.99.

Rubik’s Coach Cube

Ages 8+ Learn how to solve a Rubik’s Cube using this method. £14.99.

Familiesonline.co.uk

CHRISTMAS

Families Christmas toy guide

Don’t forget to apply for giveaways of all of the toys on this page throughout the magazine!

Biggies

Ages 3+ First-of-a-kind SUPERSIZE plush. Use the footpump to inflate a mystery character! £19.99.

Dragon Ball: Dragon Stars

K3YRIDERS Plush Helmet & 3 Wheeled Scooter Ages 3+ Plush head scooter & ‘two look’ helmet.

Available Toyland

Miraculous Magic Heroez Dolls

EDURINO

Ages 4-8 Playful digital learning system. Delivers meaningful screen time via free app. £44.99.

Tonka Tough Tool Belt & Hat Set

Ages 4+ 17cm high, highly detailed figures. 9,000+ positions. £19.99.

Ages 4+ Transform Marinette into any Superhero with these dolls. £22.99.

Ages 3+ Imagine, build & play!

Fun set includes variety of toy tools. £19.99.

Ultimate Hero Electronic Fireman Sam

Katamino

Paint Pop Spin & Create Paint Set

Ages 3+ 12” fully articulated action figure. £29.99.

Familiesonline.co.uk

Ages 3+ Award-winning 2D and 3D logic puzzles – 500+ to solve. £20-£35.

Ages 3+ Make the paper spin, create your art and add glitter! £10.50.

November/December 27

CHRISTMAS

Top family films for Christmas

The Polar Express (2004)

The Grinch (2018)

Home Alone 2 (1992)

Kevin is left stranded in New York City.

The Christmas Chronicles (2018)

Kate and Teddy go on a journey to catch Santa on camera.

Arthur Christmas (2011)

Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)

A Boy Called Christmas (2021)

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

A grumpy Grinch plots A young boy learns about to ruin Christmas for the village of Whoville. friendship, bravery and the spirit of Christmas.

An imaginary world comes to life for a toymaker and his granddaughter.

28 November/December

Origin story of Father Christmas, an ordinary boy sets out to find his father.

Little Women (2019)

The beloved story of the March sisters.

Santa’s clumsy son attempts to deliver a misplaced present.

Jack Skellington, king of Halloween Town, attempts to bring Christmas to his home.

Familiesonline.co.uk

CHRISTMAS

Lovely Christmas leftover recipes

Macaroni cheese

Christmas crumble

Turkey curry

Combine your Christmas leftovers with a creamy macaroni cheese bake.

Put leftover Christmas pudding to good use with this comforting, festive crumble.

Quick and easy turkey curry is a satisfying way to use up leftover turkey.

Boxing Day quesadillas

Christmas quiche

Christmas cake trifle

Potato and stuffing hash

Turkey pasta bake

A fantastic twist on the traditional Boxing Day turkey sandwich.

Leftover crispy roast potatoes and stuffing make a quick and easy hash.

Familiesonline.co.uk

Easy quiche which makes a delightful addition to your Boxing day buffet.

Creamy cheesy pasta bake with leftover turkey.

A great way to use up leftover Christmas cake or pudding.

Turkey bubble & squeak

Easy recipe uses leftover Christmas meat and veg.

November/December 29