Sand and water
* Set of four buckets (pictured) - these translucent buckets with coloured handles enable children to see water and sand levels easily and clearly (Asco, 9.20, tel: 0113 270 7070).
* Giant sand and water activity set - includes spades, ladles, scoops, rakes, sieves, buckets, moulds, boats, trowel and watering can (Hope, 31.95, tel: 0845 120 2055).
Games & puzzles
* Family outings jigsaws - set of six-, 12- or 18-piece jigsaws (NES Arnold, 20.35 per set, tel: 0845 120 4525). Set 1 features a boat ride, funfair, snow scene and a day at the beach. Set 2 features the playground, a picnic, shopping and a city farm.
* Seaside floor puzzle - a 24-piece puzzle, 600 x 430mm (YPO, 11.75, tel: 01924 834815).
* Seaside, countryside and town jigsaws - 40-piece wooden jigsaws (NES Arnold, 8.99 each).
* Festivals jigsaws - sets of 12- or 18-piece jigsaws. Set 1 features Chinese New Year, Eid, Diwali and Passover. Set 2 features Vaisakhi, Hanukah, Navratri and Easter (NES Arnold, 22.95 per set).
* Seaside Ordima puzzles (pictured) - set of three puzzles, with the added advantage that any teeth marks can be massaged out if the puzzles are chewed! (Asco, 24.95).
* Traffic dominoes (pictured) - set in which you place coloured cars end to end to form a roadway (Asco, 11.25).
Role play
* Small empathy doll - 'James' would provide children with an ideal playmate on holiday (Asco, 25.00).
* New-born African baby doll - another appealing doll to include in play activities (Asco, 11.95).
* Dolls accessory pack - includes equipment for feeding and changing (Galt, 14.95, tel: 0845 120 3005).
* Nature recordings - includes sounds of the sea, rainforest, thunderstorm, stream, birdsong and whalesong. These recordings can stimulate children's imagination and help to create an 'authentic' role-play environment (Global Journey, CD 9.95, tape 6.95, www.global-journey.com).
* Summer skis - ideal for two children, the skis must be used in unison (length: 75cm) (Hope, 16.75).
* Rucksack set - includes rucksack, compass, flask and sandwich (Hope, Pounds 14.95).
* Suitcase set - includes suitcase, passport, passport stamp, address label (Hope, 14.95).
* Cafe panel - role-play cafe front including chalk board for menu (Galt, 99.95).
* Picnic basket set (pictured) - a set of 16 items to support picnic role play (Asco, 15.20).
* Ice cream set - an assortment of nine wooden ice creams and lollies (Galt, 9.99).
* Snack bar wheelbarrow (pictured) - a sturdy wooden barrow including pans, teapots, kettle, cutlery, cups, plates and wooden food (Galt, Pounds 189.95).
* Electronic till - features a working calculator, large buttons, play credit card and a cash drawer (Galt, 39.95).
* Large cabana - this tent pops up in seconds and is suitable for indoor and outdoor use (NES Arnold, 55.95).
* Tough torch - torch with shock-resistant body (NES Arnold, Pounds 14.75).
* Air hostess dressing-up outfit - includes hat and cravat (Asco, Pounds 22.00).
* Costumes from around the world - including saris, pavadis and cheongsams (East West Education, 15.00 each, www.eastwesteducation.org).
Small-world play
* Aeroplane set - a set of six diecast aeroplane models (Hope, Pounds 16.95).
* Sturdy wooden airport - made from MDF and plywood, to be used with diecast aeroplanes (Hope, 44.95).
* Brio large railway set - a 72-piece set for small-world play (Hope, Pounds 99.95).
* Passenger train - wooden locomotive and two carriages (Wesco, 13.90, tel: 0115 986 2126).
* Station - three-level building with staircases, car, direction sign, ticket desk with desk employee and a stationmaster (55 x 33 x 23cm) (Wesco, Pounds 59.90).
* Picnic and camping set (pictured) - a practical small-world playset containing over 45 pieces, including tents, sleeping bags, deckchairs, picnic table and baskets and umbrellas (Hope, 29.95).
* Playground set - a 43-piece small-world set including skateboard, scooter, roundabout, seesaw and climbing frame (Hope, 41.95).
* Doll packs - black, white and Asian family packs for use in small-world play (Hope, 11.95 per family).
* Tuff Spot - a large, shallow black plastic tray ideal for small-world environments (Galt, 12.95).
Camera
* First digital camera and image software - contains mini video sequences, webcam and child-sized viewfinder and easy-to-install software with over 15 activities including frame preview, photo editing and making up albums (Galt, 124.95).
