Featured Post: Best British Summer Toys for 2012

Today, a featured guest post from Karl at MoneySupermarket.com

Some of my favourite childhood memories are of being with my family in the garden at one of our first family homes – playing in my paddling pool or with my enormous Tonka truck, my dad sitting under the parasol reading the paper with my mum carrying out trays of ice cold drinks, sandwiches and ice lollies. Despite the UK’s distinct lack of sunshine, the summer months are a great opportunity to create such wonderful memories. So as we’re stoking up the barbeque in Summer 2012 what’s keeping our children occupied, and more importantly what are the latest and greatest toys that we can enjoy with our children, creating those memories that one day they will cherish?…

Here’s a run-down of some of my favourite summer 2012 toys for children aged 1-5. Most of these toys are relatively inexpensive but if you are thinking about splashing out for summer 2013, it’d be worth checking out a selection of the best savings accounts at MoneySupermarket.com to start saving for those rainy, and sunny days!

Oskar & Ellen Soft Play Hamper

Children love to mimic what mummy & daddy are doing, and this adorable hamper filled with plush food, drinks, plates and glasses will keep them entertained for hours. Be warned though, if you were hoping for an afternoon of peace, you’ll be expected to enjoy several make believe meals that the children have lovingly prepared!

Union Jack Cozy Coupe

With 2012 being the year of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, the Olympics in London and England playing in the Euros, this is possibly my favourite toy of the year. The iconic Little Tikes foot-powered Cosy Coupe has been given a 2012 make-over, complete with Union Jack on the roof. Truly British toddlers will play with it in the rain…That’s the spirit!

The Smart Trike Recliner Stroller

This award winning best-seller is a great first step towards a bigger bike. It features an adjustable reclining seat, detachable steering handle-bars, safety belt, shopping basket and even a rain cover for those summer downpours… Perfect for a stroll down to the pub beer-garden.

Gazillion Bubbles Machine

This easy to use, robust and low cost toy is perfect for keeping the children occupied while you concentrate on not burning the burgers. Simply add the bubble solution and switch it on to blow ‘gazillions’ of colourful bubbles. A snip at less than £8 too.

Little Tikes 2 in 1 Garden Cart

This toy was among the young tester’s top picks in the 2011 Best Toy Awards. The mini traditional garden cart features a fabric shade roof, wheel barrow, gardening tools, potted plants, flower tray and working water spray – Perfect for keeping the rest of the family cool in the summer heat! As a low cost alternative, try the Pepper Pig Garden Caddy at less than £10.

ELC Sand and Water Table

Bring the beach to your garden, complete with 2 separate compartments for sand and water respectively and 10 accessories for the children to experiment and play with. This comes with a waterproof lid (that has a toy car track on it) to keep the sand cool and dry, and is also available in pink!