Christmas Toddler Toys.. sand and water toys

Sand and water toys are popular with small children all year round. In colder months play with them in the bath or the kitchen, in summer transfer them to the garden. They make a more hygienic alternative to mud…

The feeling of sand’s texture and the sensation of water through fingers can fascinate smaller toddlers, while experimenting with the movement of water and sand can help slightly older children grasp first scientific concepts when really they just thought they were making a delightful mess! 

Pink Sand and Water Wheel £3.50, 18mths+ Perfect for first explorations of how things like sand and water move, this is a great toy to take to the beach, too. www.elc.co.uk	Sand and Water Table £34.95, 18mths+ Two sections fold out to hold sand and water, while a central play area holds two removable bowls for easy filling and cleaning. When folded in, the sections form a lidded flat surface so children can use it for other activities. Included are two starfish shaped moulds, a cup and a colander. www.johnlewis.com	Little Tikes Anchors Away Pirate Ship Water Play £74.99, 2+ Pump water, pour it out, and play with the pirate characters included with this fabulous set. There is also a squirting shark, a dinghy, a strainer, scooper and bucket. www.thetoyshop.com
Chad Valley Wagon with Sand and Water Toys £9.99, 2+ A lovely first water and sand toy complete with a truck for your child to create his own adventures. www.argos.co.uk	Naturally Playful Sand and Water Activity Centre £99.99, 2+ Play with sand and water at the same time in separate sections. This table comes with an umbrella (fab for longer periods of play outside in summer), and a cover for you to use when you want to leave it outside over a few days. The set also includes two bridges, two boats, two pots and a shovel. www.step2uk.com	Moon Sand Construction Sky Crane Playset £22.99, 3+ The real working crane rotates, lifts, moves and dumps sand. The set includes a pose-able construction worker, mega brick mould, dumper truck, sand box for contained play and easy storage, plus three colours of Moon Sand. www.toysrus.co.uk