We
get an enormous amount of material coming in by email. Some of
it, aimed at adults, we have weeded out. (In any case, from an
Editor’s point of view, their adverts are so full of mis-spellings
that it would take an age to correct them.)
Some
of the material, though, is aimed at children and parents, and
we thought readers might find it interesting, or amusing. So here
it is : a column full of advertisements for events and products.
The fact that items are included does not mean that we endorse
them. In fact some of them look as if they should be published
in our April issue. Still, it is fascinating to see what people
do try to sell, and you never know. There might be a Christmas
present here.
****************************************************************************************
The INCRED-a-BALL....INFLATE –a-BALL
Have
a ball this Christmas with the super stretchy Hyperflex
ball. Blow it up to many times its original size and it looks
like
a giant puffer fish. The weight of the valve makes the
inflatable perform crazy loops when thrown in a catch game
or batted around. A must have for kids of all ages.
Available in neon Pink, Green and Blue.
RRP £5.99
On Sale at, Cheeky Monkeys, Funstuff4kids.co.uk,
Iwantoneofthose.com
From : Ideas4toys Ltd – www.ideas4toys.co.uk – 0208
255 8570
Email
: Vanessa@ideas4toys.co.uk
OFF
ROAD FUN IN ‘JUNIOR’ QPOD SPORT
It’s
the Christmas gift to beat all toys – to power round the
ancestral acres. Or nip across the lawn.
Top
of the “money no object” Christmas wish list has got
to be the 50cc version of the best selling QPOD SPORT
Perfect
for daddy’s estate or farm, QPOD 50cc is suitable for boys
and girls age 10 years upwards - as long as it is driven on private
land.
Imagine
a cross between a dune buggy and a pocket sized Smart car and
you get the picture. Apart from the smaller 50cc engine it is
exactly the same as its big brother, the 340cc QPOD SPORT.
It
looks the part – fun, purposeful, adventurous but it’s
also very safe for young drivers.
Extremely
stable with a low centre of gravity, it has a high resistance
moulded central cell, padded side protection bars, 3 point inertia-
reel seat belts, roll over protection and safety glass windscreen.
The
QPOD, with its modern 50cc stroke engine and automatic ‘twist
and go’ transmission makes it simple to operate.
For
dad’s who can’t wait to get behind the wheel of their
kid’s Christmas present the QPOD 50cc will be supplied registered
and road legal. But junior would be better advised to hide the
key and leave him to play with the Play Station.
For
more information about QPOD visit www.uniquemotorcompany.co.uk
RED
CROSS LAUNCHES ASIAN EARTHQUAKE ASSEMBLY KIT
The
British Red Cross has published a schools assembly kit about the
recent Asian earthquake to help pupils gain an understanding of
the practicalities of a humanitarian relief effort.
Designed
for use with 9-16 years olds, the resource can be used in assemblies
or lessons. It enables teachers to help pupils understand the
priorities of aid workers following a disaster, how people recover
and prepare for future disasters and how the media report on such
events.
Nadia
Robinson, education website editor for the British Red Cross,
said: "Television pictures of survivors desperate for help
have prompted many questions about how governments and aid agencies
respond to natural disasters."
She
added: "Young people often come into schools with questions
which get directed to teachers, especially as so many people in
the UK have families or friends in the affected countries. The
assembly kit aims to equip teachers with the information to lead
students on a discussion of the issues."
Alongside
the assembly kit the Red Cross has produced a '10 minute briefing'
for teachers on the Asian Earthquake. It contains information
on what has happened, what is being done to help, the problems
faced by aid workers, and the long term effects of the disaster.
The
resources have been produced as part of the Red Cross' education
programme which aims to encourage young people to become more
active in their communities by teaching them about humanitarian
values and citizenship.
The
assembly kit is available to schools free of charge and can be
downloaded from the Red Cross website at www.redcross.org.uk/education/aeak
IMMORTALISING
PREGNANCY IN PLASTER
Bellycasting kits back at the Baby Show
The 3D moulding technique that allows expectant mums to create
mementos of their pregnant form returns on a wave of acclaim and
publicity. The kits that immortalise a woman's bump in plaster
have been featured in the Guardian, the Evening Standard, Mother
& Baby and I'm Pregnant magazine.
Now the DIY “proud to be pregnant” art form is being
regularly featured on SKY's new pregnancy and parenting channel
“THE BABY CHANNEL”. Tammy Peters, founder of Everlasting
Castings - the company that has pioneered the bellycasting kits
- is interviewed on the Baby Talk show and gives a complete demonstration
of the easy-to-follow process.
The 38 year old mum of two from Kentish Town, London, first got
the idea whilst pregnant with her son Lucas, now nearly 5. She
asked an artist friend who was exhibiting work in her boyfriend's
art gallery to do a plaster cast of her huge bump. She then started
getting requests from her friends and family and, due to the great
demand and interest in her idea, Tammy put together the “Everlasting
Castings DIY bellycasting kit”.
All the bellycasting process entails is the application of a generous
smear of Vaseline and the layering on of wet strips of cotton
gauze soaked in plaster of Paris. The cast quickly hardens to
create a perfect replica of the pregnant torso and is done at
around the 37th week of pregnancy.
The stylishly presented kit contains everything a mum-to-be and
her casting buddy need including clear and concise instructions,
plaster bandage, Vaseline, plastic sheeting, gloves, apron, legs'
& knickers' protection and a picture hook with which to hang
the finished masterpiece.
The belly cast can be decorated or left exactly as it is, then
hung on the wall of the nursery or turned into a fruit bowl, plant
holder or even a wall light. Additionally, Everlasting Castings
can now transform a cast into a solid bronze sculpture that can
be silver or gold plated!
Tammy says, “You can look at videos or photos of yourself
when you're pregnant but until you see a life-size replica, you
just don't appreciate how much your body changes”.
The London Baby Show is at Olympia 21-23 October and Everlasting
Castings will be showing some beautifully decorated bellycasts
and retailing the kits from stand B60.
The £35 kits are also available to order online or from:
Flaxon Ptootch, 237 Kentish Town Road, London.
TREAT
THE KIDS TO A HEALTHIER CHRISTMAS
Most
parents have been herded towards the towering aisle of selection
boxes by their eager offspring in the supermarket at Christmas.
However, these festive treats coupled with a rise in popularity
of non-active toys and games as gifts, could be a recipe for a
harmful rather than a happy Christmas. Britain has the fastest-growing
problem of obesity in Europe, with cases increasing by almost
400 percent over the last 25 years.
Children
are particularly vulnerable according to a report released by
the National Centre for Social Research earlier this year, which
showed that from
1995 to 2002, the percentage of children who were either overweight
or obese increased to 27.7 percent from 22.7 percent. The biggest
increase in obesity was seen among children aged eight-to-10,
where prevalence jumped to 16.5 percent in 2003 from 11.2 percent
in 1995.
Much
of the focus on childhood obesity has so far looked at the consumption
of junk food highlighted by Jamie Oliver's school dinners campaign,
but a lack of exercise can also be directly linked to weight and
overall health. Children are spending less and less time involved
in physical activity, and whilst DVD's and computer games can
be useful for fun and development, there is no substitute for
getting out and about. Cycling serves so many purposes, it can
be fun and functional and can be great for the whole family to
spend time together - just about everybody knows how to ride a
bike!
Cycling
doesn't have to be expensive, you can pick up a children's bike
for about the same amount as it would cost to buy a computer game,
or a tandem for you and your child to ride together for much less
than the latest hand held games console. You don't need any special
equipment, just add a cycle helmet and you're ready to go.
Last
year the government published a Public Health White Paper outlining
measures to combat obesity in adults and children. They included
action on the advertising of unhealthy foods targeted at children
and a more sports activities in schools.
A study recently reported in Lancet Neurology also suggests that
exercising for half an hour at least twice a week during midlife
can significantly cut a person's risk of dementia later by about
50 percent.
For
more information about Halfords range of cycles and accessories,
and details of your nearest Halfords store visit www.halfords.com
or telephone 08457 626625.
NARNIA
– THE MAGICAL KINGDOM BROUGHT TO LIFE
“Pass
through the magical wardrobe, and enter the land of Narnia …
a cursed world, ruled by the White Witch, whose evil spell ensures
that it is always winter – but never Christmas”
This
year Hasbro has broken the spell, bringing you a magical array
of Narnia treasures set to be a must have for C.S Lewis fans nationwide.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
is a timeless adventure, set for release as a major motion picture
this December. The first big-screen adaptation from the series
of much-loved books follows the exploits of siblings Lucy, Edmund,
Susan and Peter Pevensie as they fight to overcome the White Witch,
under the guidance of noble lion, Aslan. To celebrate, Disney
Consumer Products has bought out a range of products designed
to extend the fantasy…
Fans
can re-enact the magic with a magnificent range of highly detailed
Narnia Action Figures from Hasbro. Choose from five-inch action
figures including Centaur, Minotaur, Peter and Aslan, each with
their own unique articulation feature. Four collectable Two Pack
Battle Sets are available, including Peter and Unicorn, Aslan
and Susan, Mr Tumnus and Lucy, and Centaur and Edmund. Four Battle
Assortments contain figures from Aslan’s army, Orieus’s
army, Minotaur’s henchman and the White Witch’s army,
and the Final Deluxe Battle Assortment allows you to recreate
the final battle scene with the Secret Police, White Witch, Ganarrbraer,
Aslan, Red Dwarf with axe, Graffon and Edmund.
All
of these fantastic Narnia toys will be available in November from
all good toy shops.
Love
Those Shoes Kids
An adorable Range of Sassy Kids Footwear
www.lovethoseshoes.com
have extended their collection to include two new adorable ranges
of footwear for the ever fashion conscious Child. The iKo range
offers some of the most charming shoes you will find for Kids,
together with fun designs, beautiful colours and special style
features the range has been especially designed to naturally support
growing children.
The first are Luxury Holistic Silks Baby Slippers providing comfort
and style for the perfect start in life. Infused with Lavender
to calm and relax the baby (and give a pleasant aroma!) The range
fits 6-12 months, also available for adults the slippers are perfect
for achieving the 'mini me' look.
Available
in Pink, Silver and Jade, the Luxury Baby Slippers make an inspirational
and unusual gift for special babies. Price £35 can be purchased
directly from www.lovethoseshoes.com
The
second new collection comes from iko, The Mini Kute, Trik, Akt
and Dinki has been especially designed for Children, sizes range
from Children's UK 7 to Ladies UK 2. The Mini range has been designed
to hold the foot securely and correct natural support for the
whole body, vital for the growing child.
Using
traditional Scandinavian design and craftsmanship, they include
a wooden footbed with Leather Uppers and a Scuff Free polyurethane
layer. Available in a selection of fun designs and colours including
White, Navy Lime, Lime, Lilac, Light Pink and Floral.
Iko
shoes can be purchased directly from www.lovethoseshoes.com, prices
range from £35 - £39 p&p. Purchases will arrive
beautifully packaged and delivered between 1 – 5 days.
ABBEY
HOME MEDIA PRESENTS THE UK DEBUT OF
THE 12 DOGS OF CHRISTMAS
Make a new best friend this Christmas and get your paws on this
loveable family feature!
Based on a best-selling book and shot in the tradition of Beethoven
and 101 Dalmatians this festive canine caper shows that miracles
certainly do come in many shapes and sizes.
This live action film tells the story of 12-year-old Emma O’Conner
(Jordan-Claire Green) during the depression of the 1930’s,
who is sent to live with her Aunt Delores (Bonita Friedericy)
in a small town called Doverville, where dogs are banned.
On arrival, Emma finds herself unwelcomed by Delores (who is really
an old girlfriend of her father’s) and gets herself tied
up in all sorts of trouble.
Emma joins the people and pooches of the town in a war with Mayor
Doyle (Richard Riehle) and the town dog-catcher, ‘Dogcatcher
Doyle’ (John Billingsley), and through plot twists and adventurous
chases, succeeds in bringing everyone together through a spectacular
finale by staging a play called “The 12 Dogs of Christmas”.
Find out the true meaning of Christmas…it’s Mutt…erly
Magic!
Keeping
Track of Commitments with new Calendar
Dispensing with traditional calendar images, a new type of calendar
planner has been produced, taking family organisation and time
management a step further.
Designed to meet the needs of ‘hectic lifestyles’
Timeline Scheduling® cleverly combines a wipeable weekly section
with a birthday reminder and monthly inserts – in one attractive
unit.
One of the advantages of this calendar is that it avoids repetitions
of regular activities, also, you don’t need to take it off
the wall to change the month.
As a seasonal present it should be well received and could prove
to be indispensable to families, small businesses and overstretched
individuals. Timeline Scheduling has also proved to be popular
with schools, clubs and societies for fundraising.
Distributed via Calendar Club outlets and via www.timelinescheduling.com,
the retail price is £12.99 and new inserts for 2007 will
be available from September 2006. Email: info@timelinescheduling.co.uk.
LOC8TOR
I’d
like to tell you about a fantastic new product called loc8tor
which is launching mid November. The loc8tor device can be used
to find lost items (such as keys, wallet, mobile phone), as well
as to prevent things going missing. Since parents could use this
product to keep a ‘digital eye’ on their kids, I thought
this might be interesting for your publication. Perhaps the example
below will clarify how loc8tor might be used… I also attach
a press release and lo-res images for your interest.
A tale about Lisa
Lisa is a Loc8tor owner at the supermarket with her two children.
As she asks a store assistant where she can find an item on her
shopping list, her Loc8tor starts vibrating and beeping. Lisa
immediately turns around to see one of her children running off.
Fortunately her daughter was only saying hello to friends she’d
seen. Lisa’s Loc8tor had instantly alerted her that one
of her children had wandered off, also informing her which child
has moved out of the preset safety zone.
The new locating device Lisa purchased could just as easily stop
you leaving your phone behind in a restaurant or help find mislaid
keys, wallet or purse, and much more. Loc8tor uses miniaturised
tags to monitor items up to an incredible 500ft away.
Please get in touch if you require further information or images.
We are also be able to provide product for your competitions page.
Jools Moore – 0207 240 7094 – jools@cancancommunications.com
Baby
Baby
have launched their new catalogue and website - www.babybaby.co.uk.
The 32 page catalogue is packed with essentials for parents, parent-to-be
and babies aged 0-2 years old. For those in the know there’ll
be names such as Baby Bjorn and Tomy that’ll be easily recognisable
but there are also some brilliant ideas from some new faces to
excite parents and kids alike.
The team at Baby Baby are all mums and dads and have had over
40 years experience in the baby industry so they know where to
find the best quality products at the best prices. You’ll
be pleasantly surprised to find that there are some great items
available in the catalogue and on the website at far less than
high street prices.
Everyone loves a bargain and that is why you’ll find a combination
of fun and educational toys, feeding accessories to make mealtimes
a lot more fun, products to complete the perfect nursery, bubbly
bath time items, products to make travel more fun and less exhausting
and the all important health and safety products that’ll
keep little tykes and angels safe.
For more information please contact info@babybaby.co.uk or call
0870 12 13 224.
Cards
for Life
Author: Simon Blake, Acting Director of Children's Development
at the National Children's Bureau
£22.95 Only £18.40 for NCB members, a 20% discount!
A
unique resource providing an innovative approach to the promotion
of emotional and social development in the context of the five
national outcomes for children.
Cards
for Life, the first resource of its kind on the UK market place,
is available to buy now at a special discount price from the National
Children's Bureau.
This
innovative new resource has been developed for adults to use with
young people aged 13-19 as an aid for discussing, in a safe and
creative way, the dilemmas and moral questions that young people
face as they become adults. Cards for Life provides a brand new
approach to emotional and social development and links directly
to the five national outcomes for children and young people set
out in the Children's Act 2004.
This
easy to use resource contains:
• 40 cards with real-life scenarios and questions
• 8 blank cards you can use to create your own scenarios
• an instruction booklet detailing how to use Cards for
Life
effectively
This
is a simple and practical resource designed for all those who
work with young people in education, health and community as well
as parents and carers.
PREVIEW
To
see a sample of Cards for Life, please follow the link
http://www.ncb.org.uk/resources/res_detail.asp?id=872
Bulk
Order Discounts:
-
Order 5 copies -receive a 10% discount
- Order 10 copies- receive a 15%discount
- Order 20 copies- receive a 20% discount
To
Order:
- Call NCB Book Sales on 020 7843 6029
- Visit www.ncb-books.org.uk
