Pop In A Box - Homewares By Post From Funko Pop! (Sent for review)

We all know Funko Pop! make collectibles featuring a huge range of pop culture favourites, but did you know they also make useful merchandise for around the home, and out and about? We've been sent a selection to look at - and there really was something to suit everyone...

(Ad|Review) Gift Ideas For Pre-Teens - 8-12 Year Olds

Choosing gifts when your child enters that 'in between' stage can feel like you are entering the wilderness. They don't play with toys very much, but they aren't necessarily ready for gig tickets, make up and alcohol. We've been there 7 times now, and actually there are tons of things that have been universally enjoyed here, so there must be at least a couple of other kids out there who would enjoy them too... 

A Telescope.

It doesn't matter who you are, the sky is vast and full of possibility, and the stars are hypnotic. Wishes waiting to fall. We were sent a couple of great examples this year for review, and they're incredibly different. 

The GeoSafari Vega 360 Telescope (Age 8+) from Learning Resources just needs the large parts screwing together and you are good to go. We spent a long time examining the moon with this, and the owl in our tree! 

Comes with different eyepieces, a guide and activity booklet. Rrp £48 in store or direct from Learning Resources.  Here's our full GeoSafari Vega 360 Telescope Review. 

A Paper or Card Construction Craft Kit

If you are a bit more interested in how things work, and yours is the type of child who takes things to pieces, or gets joy from making something themselves, then we also reviewed the Build Your Own Telescope Kit (age 8+). They have several different models available, including a fantastic marble run. 

Glow Art Drawing Board (age 3+) Review And UK Giveaway (sent for review).

The Glow Art neon light up drawing board from Glow Art Kids is a fantastic tool to encourage creativity, artistry and even writing skills. It's a completely different way to create some brilliant images that are nothing like drawing on paper or card, and it's completely portable and lightweight. 

We've been sent the Glow Art Drawing Board for review, and Glow Art Kids are also giving away one to my readers as an early Christmas present... 

The board is packaged in card, and plastic protective bag and film, which is very easy to open. Not exactly Earth-friendly, but pretty justifiable, as you don't want a scratched screen before you start. You'll need 3 x AA batteries and a tiny crosshead screwdriver, and then you're ready to go. Pretty Christmas morning-friendly. 

This is the original light up drawing board that Glow Art first started using 7 years ago for demonstrations in Hamleys. Unlike other kid's drawing boards, it's transparent and double-sided, so you can use it to trace, and you can draw on both sides. That opens up a lot of possibilities. 

Buzzlebox Family Game And Puzzle Box Review (Sent by The Dark Imp)

I really like the ethos of Ellie Dix and The Dark Imp, so when she asked if I wanted to take a look at her brand new Buzzlebox, I was more than happy. This is a beautiful box of brand new games and puzzles designed to be played together, whatever your ability or age (from around 8+).

Ellie is a keen promoter of maintaining good healthy relationships with your kids through play. As your offspring get older, it's easy to drift apart until you realise you barely spend any time together when you aren't already busy. Games create relaxed environments for chat and laughter.

The Buzzlebox is gorgeous. It felt like a treat opening it, and then I saw what was inside. This is almost entirely plastic free, and the only plastic included is reusable. The first Buzzlebox has a Gardens and Poultry theme. (Box 2 will be Doughnuts and Cake!)