Fancy Dress

I believe most children go through a fancy dress phase at some point, there are a lot of options to chose from and sometimes they're just going to want a specific character and alternatives are not going to do.

If they want to be Cinderella, Tangled or Anna then the official Disney Store options are over priced but worth the extra cost if you can manage it. The cheaper options amiable on Amazon and in other department stores are half the price but you get what you pay for. 

If you're looking for something less branded there are lots of wonderful options, and here are just a few. 

Rainbow Silk Fairy Wings 

Wonderful natural toy company Myriad have a beautiful Role Play section filled with multicoloured silk outfits, headdresses and playclothes. These wings are really beautiful but the skirts, dresses and crowns are also special additions to anyones dressing up box. 

And who can resist a unicorn! 

Tutu

In my opinion a tutu is an important addition to any little girl's wardrobe and they're now available everywhere from markets and Etsy to Gap and H&M.

I particularly like the ones from children's fairytale party company With Love Crafts.  

And for the ultimate tutu indulgence for those that don't mind blowing nearly £50 on their little fairies are these amazing flouncy fluffy skirts from Bodie and Fou or Trotters. 

In praise of Brio

Brio is a wonderful builder gift. 

A basic set is a great first birthday or Christmas present when they're too young to really appreciate much and you're better off getting something they'll learn to love. A classic figure of eight is enough when their little, and as they grow, so does the game. Expansion packs open the possibility for more and more intricate tracks (for parents as much as children). But the real fun comes with the add ons;

Bridges,

Crossings, 

Stations,

Battery operated trains, 

Collapsing bridges (a personal favourite), 

Themed trains

.

You and everyone else can add to the set up so that the complexity of the game grows with the child.

The official merchandise is wonderfully well made but can be a little pricy. It's well worth getting a small extra of proper Brio rather than something more spectacular that may not fit with the set properly.