Christmas Toddler Toys.. vehicles

Although first cars need to me more chunky and with less loose pieces than Hot Wheels models to avoid choking hazards, there are plenty of trains, planes and automobiles to entertain little ones.

Vehicles used alongside other toys or just whizzed around the table and chair legs in your kitchen, can create imaginary everyday worlds where your child is at the heart of what happens next. There is also of course, the simple fascination with things that move on the roads on the way to the park, or through the sky.

Tomy My First Train Set £10.95, 18mths+ This brightly coloured plastic train set is great for toddlers not yet ready for wooden peices. The pull back train runs around a track that easily snaps together, meaning it can also be stored away when not in use. www.amazon.co.uk	VTech Playtime Bus £20, 12mths+ This interactive bus introduces early concepts of phonics, letter names and numbers, while buttons announce shape names when pressed, and passengers say funny phrases. There are other cool bus sound effects that add to the noisy fun. www.debenhams.com	Lights and Sounds Fire Engine £20, 12mths+ A funky, chunky engine with flashing lights and with cool sound effects like sirens and water noises, this is a great stimulating toy that promotes imaginative play. Place one firefighter in the cab to hear phrases, lift a second firefighter in the crane to rescue cats stuck in trees, and race the engine around the floor – which could tempt your toddler to try walking! www.elc.co.uk
WOW Poppy’s Pony Adventure £19.80, 18mths+ This set includes a friction-powered car with an engine sound, detachable horsebox and other features like a push-button tailgate, shape-sorting roof rack, two girl riders, ponies, pony jump and hay bale. www.armadillotoys.co.uk	Happyland Flying Set £12, 18 mths+ A bright, battery-operated plane that comes with three figurines and makes two engine sounds, it’s a great toy for early imaginative play.  www.elc.co.uk	Amazing Animals Music and Motion Choo Choo Train £34.99, 6mths+ This Fisher Price train set can be played with from a very early age but has motions, animal characters and music to amuse older toddlers. www.mothercare.com