Let Me Play With The Box Tube Toys! A fantastic concept by By Oscar Diaz

It's often said that if you give children a new toy, they will often start to play with the packaging!

Well, what if the packaging is actually a part of the toy?

The last edition of New York International Gift Fair in February 2012 saw London designer Oscar Diaz presenting Tube Toys, a series of vehicles to assemble were the packaging is also a part of the product.

Each Tube Toys comes with components such as stickers and wheels inside the cardboard tube that becomes the body of the car, fire engine, train or tractor, with pre-cut slots for easy assembly.

All components are recycled or recyclable and only the paper strip round the outside is discarded. In reducing considerably the amount of material discarded after buying it, Tube Toys is definitely an eco friendly toy.

The full range is available at eco concept store www.e-side.co.uk - Available until the end of February

Retail Price £10.50 each tube.

Trip Down Memory Lane with Gibson

Whether you are a bit of a traditionalist or someone who likes some challenging fun, Gibsons' new jigsaw puzzle launches for 2012 promise a theme to appeal to almost everyone.

The 'Memories of' range, which already includes collages of products from the 1940s, '50s, '60s and '70s, introduces a further decade of nostalgia with the latest 1980s Sweet Memories.

Those of us with fond recollections of Bad Manners and Bananarama may also recall the chocolaty treats of Banjo and Bar Six plus the days when Curlywurly's were just 10p! This extremely moreish 1000 piece puzzle is not only a trip down memory lane for kids of the '80s but guarantees to have a few mouths watering too.

For those preferring a more scenic challenge, Gibsons introduces seven fabulous new canvases from the 'Painter of Light' Thomas Kinkade. These beautiful and truly chocolate box scenes include Central Park in the Fall, Cobblestone Village and Teacup Cottage and each captures elements of light in a completely unique way that only Kinkade can.

The choice of puzzles ranges from 100 to 2000 pieces and each puzzle is made from 100% recycled top quality board. Once complete they can be framed and kept as a keepsake for years to come.

For those of us who like to plan ahead for Christmas, this is a good place to start!

www.gibsonsgames.co.uk

Smart-Trike Hailed As A Smart Choice By Dr Toy!

Smart-Trike is delighted, and really rather proud, to announce Stevanne Auerbach, also known as Dr Toy, has honoured the world leading brand with a Dr Toy's Best Pick Award and claimed that a Smart-Trike will help develop confidence - Fact!

These prestigious awards recognise product excellence and are handpicked by Dr Toy herself. With over 40 years' experience in this field and being marked as one of the most respected and internationally recognised experts in the industry this is certainly an accolade to shout about!

It should come as no surprise that tricycles are so popular with the expert in child development and play, as they encourage little ones to engage with the outdoors, boost confidence and creativity, not to mention they are a whole lot of fun! The sooner parents get their little ones using a tricycle the better as they will undoubtedly reap the benefits. This was definitely a tick in the box for Dr Toy who was impressed that the Smart-Trike range gives babies as young as 6 months the chance to climb aboard their very first tricycle.

Having evaluated and reviewed many developmental and creative children's products Dr Toy chose Smart-Trike as one of her Best Picks saying: "Going outdoors in a Smart Trike can help toddlers develop more confidence and improve basic motor skills."

Commenting on this achievement Head of Communications Osnat Feingold said: 'It's wonderful to be recognised by one of the leading experts in the industry and we are so proud to have been awarded a Best Pick Accolade. We are delighted Dr Toy has also highlighted the benefits of riding a trike to parents and hope this supports Smart-Trike's overriding commitment to encourage families to get active!'

Smart-Trike has a tricycle to suit every little one; from the stroller certified Recliner-Stroller that has a tilting seat especially for younger babies, through to the fun animal themed Zoo range that supports toddlers up to their 3rd birthday and beyond. As the child grows the trike adapts to their every need meaning a Smart-Trike will last for years and years! Each trike has a carefully designed steering handle allowing parents to take control in the early stages, once they grow up this can be removed and they can begin wheeling around independently. It's no wonder that Dr Toy thinks a Smart-Trike is a smart investment!

RRP: Recliner-Stroller £149.99 or Zoo £99.99

Stockists: Toys R Us, ELC, Argos, Amazon, Mothercare, Smyth's

FACTFILE:
Known familiarly as Dr Toy; Stevanne is an expert in child development, education, special education, psychology, parent education, toys and other children's products. Each year she evaluates and reviews the newest, best, educational, creative, and active toys, games, and other products for her annual awards programme.

Smart-Trike is the world-leading tricycle company. They have an exciting range of tricycles that transform as the child grows. The Recliner-Stroller model is stroller-certified and supports babies from the age of 6 months to 2 years. The Zoo range is available in a variety of different animals including; Dolphin, Cow, Bee, Frog and Ladybird. This tricycle supports children from the age of 10 months through to 3 years.