Little Extras under £2

Boinks are something of a phenomenon in the USA, even having their own website, which for a small tube of woven, plastic mesh may seem a little extreme. However, once the technique is understood, they are very entertaining. Hold one end of the tube against the hand between forefinger and thumb, while pinching the other end and pressing it down to form a short, fat tube. Release it, propel it forward slightly as you do so, and it should shoot up into the air about 2 metres. It can also be used as a finger trap. Mixed colours, one supplied, 3+, 13cm

Push out the plastic components from the frame and snap together the pieces to create a poseable figure. Several designs are available, including cowboy, indian, ninja (one supplied). These are ideal for older boys (8+) and whether they have an interest in any of the pastimes is of little significance, since the figures' appeal and comic value is pretty universal. Approx. 15cm.

Press the head down on the spring until it "catches" and stays in place, then stand back and watch it pop up. Who can get it to go the highest? Assorted zany monsters, one supplied. 3+

Press the head down on the spring until it "catches" and stays in place, then stand back and watch it pop up. Who can get it to go the highest? One of assorted, cute, wild animals. 3+

Tin rectangle decorated with assorted beetle illustrations - press the button on the back to create a clicking sound. No more to it than that, but compulsive and enjoyable nonetheless, especially for young boys. They also double nicely as a clicker for dog training. 3+, 4.cm

Small plywood animal bat (monkey, tiger, giraffe, zebra - a mix for multiple orders) with bouncy ball attached. Lots of fun and good for developing co-ordination. 3+, 22cm.

The plastic body and card wings make this dragonfly a little more robust than most gliders, which is just as well, because once the catapulting technique has been mastered, it can swoop and fly quite a distance (given the space). 13cm, 3+

Uncomplicated fun, for bath or water play, a dreamy duckling squirter/bath toy is a quacker for children of all ages. 3+

The compass is set into a chunky, wooden disc, which is painted with one of four animal prints - giraffe, leopard, tiger, zebra - and attached to a cord loop. 3+, 5cm dia.

The packet holds a balloon and plastic whistle. Attach the balloon to the whistle, inflate through it, and release for much noise and hilarity, as the balloon whizzes around making a shrieking sound. 3+

An all-round crowd pleaser, in 3 colours (black, cream or pink - one supplied, a mix for multiples), a cheerful, plastic pig dangling from a keychain. Press the little button on his head and he will emit a grunting sound whilst a bright light beams from his snout. Not a toy.

Small, plastic pot (4.5cm high) with a magnifying top and airholes, strung on a pink or green cord for wearing round the neck (safety catch to avoid strangulation!). Very handy for entymology fieldwork and observation, but live-insect jewellery could also become this season's must-have accessory. 3+

The tiniest of puzzles in natural wood, one of twelve different designs , each comprising 5 or 6 pieces, in a petite card packet. The finished shapes are all recognisable as everyday objects and are illustrated on the front for guidance.
6+, average size when complete approx. 5cm

An enjoyable party activity or a thoughtful party bag gift / stocking filler. The fluted wooden frame is solidly constructed, comes with 2 or 3 wooden shapes on a related theme (cat, moon, ladybird, teddy, bird, mouse) for decorating and hangs or stands. Frame is 11cm square and the display rectangle is 5.5cm square.

What appears to be a charming, fluffy dog unfolds to become a face towel. In assorted shades of cream and brown, with felt, floppy ears, pom-pom nose and grosgrain bow, who would have believed that a simple face towel could be presented so creatively? It

Set of 3 delightfully colourful bracelets, 2 of which have wooden butterfly/heart/ladybird/fruit and flower charms, 1 of which is plain, multicoloured seed beads. 3+, not a toy.

Pair of pendants with different, but complementary, tribal-style decoration, on adjustable cords. Various designs.

Black, rubber bracelet with skull and crossbones rubber charm attached. One supplied, 3+, not a toy.

A bit of lateral, creative thinking is required here. The name of a town is illustrated (phonetically) on a card in two drawings and you have to work it out. Some are easier than others and a certain amount of geographical knowledge is helpful, so good for older children and adults.

A6 book with 16 pages and 4 sticker sheets, includes colouring, dot-to-dot, word searches, mazes etc. , all farm related. Suitable for ages 4-8 years.

Terrific little eraser in one of four animal designs with moving legs. Individually packaged, approx 4cm, designs may vary. 3+

Pack of 6 blue pencils with all over, multi-colour, smiley design and eraser on top.