Going digital

We got Mr. Cheeks a nifty little Vtech laptop for his birthday. He loves it although it's still a little advanced as it’s aimed at ages 3 and up. If you’ve got a younger baby, or you’re one of those technophobes who believe computers are the devil’s work, then you can strike a happy medium with My First Laptop Computer Playset by Gund. Suitable from birth to 36 months, this tactile toy features a crinkly number pad and floppy disk, a fuzzy mouse, a soft touch pad that plays Twinkle Twinkle and real ‘boot up’ sounds. Log on at Genius Babies.

Technorati tags baby toys gifts

Soft toy safari

Being something of a Leo-phile, I’ve fallen sleepy head over bed socks for Lencho the Lion, just one member of the Zoobies™ Pets Safari Collection. These furry friends make the ultimate comforters as they combine a soft toy, a snugly pillow and a cosy blanket wrapped into one. You simply unfasten the Velcro latches to reveal the pillow or unzip to reveal the detachable inner blanket. In case that all sounds too complicated, each pet comes with its own instruction manual. Snag more Zoobie Pets at the Funky Monkey Boutique.

Ride on

While Hype Baby always scouts for the latest shiny happy gadget, we’ve made no secret of our affinity for traditional toys. So we almost neighed with delight when we came upon this Hobby Horse Toys shop selling beautiful, hand crafted wooden horses.

Described by creator Dan Hillman as “heirloom toys”, each one-of-a-kind piece is lovingly designed, painted and signed by the artist. You can even have your child’s name engraved or have the horse commissioned to resemble a favourite animal such as a dragon or sea horse. The paints and finishes are non-toxic and the horses are carved from locally sourced windfall timber from County Leitrim, Ireland. Available in different sizes, Hobby Horse Toys make unique nursery gifts for a newborn and can be ridden by kids aged 3 to 103. Although these gee-gees don’t come cheap, they’re built to last many lifetimes. Saddle up at Hobby Horse Toys online.

Technorati tags baby toys gifts

Pat a cake

Today was our favourite little cheekster’s second birthday (where does that time go?) and we had a quiet celebration with just mum and dad, prezzies, lots of balloons and a trip to the local farm. I’m already thinking ahead to next year though, especially as I stumbled upon The Cake Store, whose award-winning team of bakers seem able to concoct any type of cake you could dream up. Even if your child has escaped the In the Night Garden mania, he’ll go goggle-eyed and drool-mouthed for this cake featuring the show’s main characters. All cakes are made fresh to order and will be delivered within London’s M25 or must be collected from the site. Feast your eyes on more delicious designs at the Cake Store web site.

Technorati tags baby birthday cakes