If you're a parent to a young child, then the name Ryan's Toy Reviews will no doubt be known in your household. Starting with just a YouTube Channel, Ryan and his family have since grown their Ryan's World brand into a whole empire of merchandise, toys and more, including the Race with Ryan: Road Trip racing game which launched last year. They have recently released the Deluxe Edition of the game, which  includes a whole load more of fun for Ryan's World fans, which we received to enjoy.

The Race with Ryan: Road Trip Deluxe Edition is a great introductory racing game for younger players, full of fun and colourful tracks and characters. You can play as Ryan and all of his friends (including 12 new USA-themed drivers), joining them for an American truck tour full of bright colours and exciting larger-than-life themes. The new Deluxe edition of the game features 4 new circuits - the historic Route 66, Ice Land, through the nature of Redwood and then the busy streets of New York. Of course all of the original tracks, racers and features of the Race with Ryan: Road Trip game are still included.

There are two super-fun gameplay modes for the game. If your child wants to just race solo and win all of the races, then the Career Mode is probably best suited for them. And then up to 4 racers can join in with the split-screen race mode - great for competitions and getting the whole family involved. But however your child decides to race there are lots of surprises in store. Throughout the race you can find Ryan's Mystery Eggs to stop the other racers (or give you a boost), such as burger shields, sticky slime, trick surprise eggs and lots more!

The Race with Ryan: Road Trip Deluxe Edition has proved a big hit with my two older children who are 7 and 5. The game has a great tutorial to help introduce new or younger players to the game, and there's also the option to turn on simplified controls to make it that little bit easier too. They loved spotting there favourite Ryan's World characters such as Combo, Gus and Peck, and the new tracks that come with the Deluxe edition meant they had so many different races to complete. 

The Race with Ryan: Road Trip Deluxe Edition is available on PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4 or Xbox One, and is available exclusively to Smyths Toys. Suitable from age 3+, the game is a great first introduction to gaming for young children. The game forms part of a wider range of Ryan's World toys and merchandise that are available. We also received the Ryan's World Combo Panda Mystery Vehicle Playset which is full of surprises and interactive elements, and would definitely be a great accompanying gift alongside the Race with Ryan game!

AD - We received these items in exchange for our review. All opinions are honest and my own.

Stocking Filler Ideas for Children | Christmas 2020

The products featured in this post were sent for inclusion in this gift guide, however all opinions are honest and my own. This post also contains affiliate links.

I am so excited to be talking about all things Christmas again! It's definitely my favourite time of year, and I feel it's especially important to have something to celebrate with everything that has happened this year.  This third and final gift guide is full of stocking filler ideas for children (or even for the grown ups who are young at heart). I hope it gives you some inspiration this holiday season.

Chocolates from Hotel Chocolat

Chocolates are always a 'must-have' in a stocking, and you cannot go wrong with the fantastic selection of luxury cocoa treats (that include less sugar) from Hotel Chocolat. I love the designs on the posse of penguins and waddle of penguins sets - they are almost too adorable to eat (not that this will stop my little ones!). And although not stocking fillers, make sure you are prepared for the countdown to Christmas with Hotel Chocolat's range of advent calendars, available in dark and white chocolate for grown ups too.

Magic Snow

Bring the magic of snow into your home without needing to get cold and wet with this fun Buzz Snow from Buzz Retail. Made of a polymer powder, the 'magic snow' looks and feels just like snow when hydrated - but it never melts! It is eco-friendly, non-toxic and safe for children and animals, but do make sure to use under the direct supervision of an adult. Aimed at children aged 4+, Buzz Snow retails at £15.

Klean Kanteen Drinks Bottles

I love to include practical gifts as stocking fillers too, so these drinks bottles from Klean Kanteen are perfect. Kid Kanteen stainless steel water bottles are made with safe, BPA-free materials, and are much better for the environment than plastic bottles. They are lightweight and super durable (although note that the sports cap are not leakproof, so are more suitable for older children - baby/toddler versions are also available instead). They are available in lots of lovely designs as well as the simple bold colour designs too.

Pass the Pugs

We've all heard of the classic travel game Pass the Pigs, but it's recently had a makeover, with super cute little pugs replacing the pigs. Pass the Pugs is a simple but fun dice game, where the aim of the game is to be the first to get 100 points by throwing your pugs and seeing how they land. Different positions mean different levels of points, so the game really is different every time! The game comes packaged in it's own handy travel case too, making it easy to play at home or on the go. Suitable for children aged 7+.

Buzz Art Sets

If your children are into arts and crafts or home makeovers, then these fun sets from Buzz Arts are perfect for them. The Body Art Action Tattoos set includes 50 fun designs and 6 sparkly glitter colours pots, so you can make a whole array of different deigns and colour combinations. Simply place your chosen design on a clean dry area, hold down for 1-2 minutes and then gently remove the clear film from the top of the sticks - easy! The Chalk-it Hair Colouring Chalk is an easy way to add colour to your hair without any damage or drastic permanent changes. The set comes with 4 different colours and can be used on all hair types - just simply wash hair to remove the product.

Hexbugs JunkBots

New from the Hexbug range are the JunkBots, the super fun surprise unboxing toy. Packaged in a trash can or a dumpster, there are 36 different JunkBots to find - and each piece of 'junk' is interchangeable too, meaning there's even more fun to be had as you make and customise different characters. Your child has to unlock the can and then search through the 'junk' to find the right pieces before building the Bots. The sets are available in 3 different sizes - the Industrial Dumpster contains 4 Bots, the Alley Dumpster contains 2 Bots and the Trash Bin contains 1 Bot. 

Fabelab Dream Friend Toy

A great stocking filler for younger children, these cuddly toys from Fabelab are super sweet and soft. They are made from 100% organic cotton and are available in a whole range of beautiful, simple designs. These cuddly friends would make a great companion for any little girl or boy, and as they are such high quality they would make a great keepsake for the future too. Available from many retailers, including Kiddies Kingdom.

Maped Helix Arts and Crafts

If you have a creative little one, then these sets from Maped Helix would be the perfect choice. For younger children the My First Colouring set is perfect for introducing pens - they are much chunkier so therefore easier for small hands to hold. The Blo Pen Art Set is great for the more advanced creator, although is still very easy to use to make beautiful pieces of art.

Christmas Gift Ideas for Boys | Christmas 2020

The products featured in this post were sent for inclusion in this gift guide, however all opinions are honest and my own. This post also contains affiliate links.

I am so excited to be talking about all things Christmas again! It's definitely my favourite time of year, and I feel it's especially important to have something to celebrate with everything that has happened this year. I am sharing 3 gift guides this year, and this second guide focuses on gift ideas for boys aged 2 and up.

Family Games are always a big winner in our house - Parker would play them all day if he could! So of course I had to include some new games in my guide this year.

Sketchy

Perfect for a family games night, Sketchy is all about quick drawings and simple pictures so your team mates can easily guess what they are! One player picks a card at random and slots it into the 'Sketchyscreen', they then have 30 seconds to sketch 6 simple pictures so their team members can guess. The unique part of the game is that when the Sketcher draws on one side, the team can see it appear on the other side. Suitable for ages 8+, the game retails at £20 and is available at most good toy retailers.

Windy Knickers

A fun game for little ones aged 4+, the aim of Windy Knickers is to hang out all of your washing before your team mates do, or before a storm hits and granny loses her clothes in the tornado! The rules are really  simple and easy for a young child to pick up, making it a great addition to the games cupboard. Windy Knickers retails at £20 and is available at most good toy retailers.

The Floor is Lava

I'm sure like many others, our children have been playing The Floor is Lava with sofa cushions for a long time now. But introducing the game to save your furniture! The box contains everything you need to turn any floor into a play space for the game, including challenge cards to make the game even more difficult. Aimed at children aged 5+, the game retails at £15.

Stomp Rocket Junior Glow

A perfect gift for little ones with bundles of energy, the Stomp Rocket Junior Glow will provide hours on entertainment and fun. It is lightweight and easily portable, so easy to use out and about (or simply in the garden if you are lucky to have enough space). The rocket kit comes with 4 foam rockets that can soar up to 100ft into the air if the stomper creates a big enough jump, and the extra special part of this design is that the rockets glow in the dark too! Suitable for ages 3+, this kit retails at £12.99.

Techy Gifts from Buzz Toys

If your child is into his tech, then this selection of gifts from Buzz Toys will be perfect for them this Christmas. The Air Ball is a floating football that can be played on most surfaces (wooden floor, laminate, marble and even thin carpet). A great way of playing football indoors in a safe way, without any damage to the house - especially perfect now the weather has changed! The Wall Racer is a gravity defying car that can be driven up the walls and even onto the ceiling with just a flick of a switch. Aimed at children aged 8+, the car charges directly from the remote and can provide hours of fun. A perfect gift for gadget-mad boys would be a mini drones. Buzz Toys has both the Micro Jet and the Thunder Glow - the Micro Jet is a small size plane that can fly vertically at 3 different speeds, and the Thunder Glow is a medium sized drone with LED lights all around it.

Puzzles Cars

I remember my younger siblings having these Puzzle Vehicle Tracks when they were younger, so it's so lovely to see they are still around as I know my three will love them! The set contains 16 pieces the can be combined in different ways to make up to 50 different track combinations. This set is based on the City of London and features some iconic landmarks, along with a bright red London bus and accessories to play with.

John Deere Build-a-Buddy

John Deere is a recognisable name, so it's lovely to see they now have a toy brand alongside so wannabe farmers of the future can play. The Build-a-Buddy Bonnie set contains a tractor and trailer that can be taken apart and then put back together with the included screwdriver. The toy also features free rolling wheels so is perfect for free car play too! The best bit about the range is that the parts are interchangeable between sets, so there's hours of fun to be had if you have the whole collection (or even with just the one). Suitable for ages 3+ and available from most good toy retailers.

Victoria's Torton Tales Book Collection

Books always make a fantastic Christmas gift, and this range called Victoria's Torton Tales are so lovely. All of the steam engines in the range are based on real-life engines, and Victoria herself is actually owned by Wendy Wakelin, the author of the books! The are currently 4 stories in the range, that tell the tales of Victoria and her fun travels, as well as a fun and colourful Learn to Count version too. With engaging stories and beautiful illustrations, they would make the perfect gift for train-mad little ones this Christmas.

Oribel Vertiplay Wooden Wall Toys

This version of the wooden wall toy is a fun click-clack style track. Your little one can pop the caterpillar at the top, and watch him zig-zag down the track and interact with the included accessories. Vertiplay toys stick on most vertical surfaces, so are perfect for younger children who are learning to stand, or for smaller play spaces, as they increase play area with a more unique interactive experience. Don't worry about mess though, as it's easy to attach with the included self-adhesive backing (which is also removable and reusable). A great engaging toy for little ones aged 2+, available from many retailers, including Kiddies Kingdom.

Christmas Gift Ideas for Girls | Christmas 2020

The products featured in this post were sent for inclusion in this gift guide, however all opinions are honest and my own. This post also contains affiliate links.

I am so excited to be talking about all things Christmas again! It's definitely my favourite time of year, and I feel it's especially important to have something to celebrate with everything that has happened this year.  I am sharing 3 gift guides this year, kicking off with my Christmas gift guide full of gift ideas for little girls aged 2 and up. 

Top Trumps Match

Top Trumps Match is a fast-paced game where you have to be the first to match five characters in a row, before your opponent tries to steal the game. This version has had a Frozen 2 makeover, but it is available in many other exciting designs including Harry Potter, Disney Princess and Trolls. The game is perfect to play at home as a family, or take out-and-about as it comes in a handy self-contained plastic carry case. Aimed at ages 4 and up, the game retails at £15.99.

Tomy Toomies Foam Cone Factory

A perfect gift for younger ones, the Toy Toomies Foam Cone Factory can provide hours of bath time fun. You simply add a few drops of bubble bath and water, and then pull the handle to create plenty of foamy bubbles! I know this toy is aimed at little ones, but I know all three of my children will enjoy playing with it (and so will us parents!). Available from most good toy retailers including Smyths, Amazon, Argos and more.

Vet Squad Vet Surgery

The Vet Squad are 4 best friends who love to go on animal saving adventures, using their skills, knowledge and super vet tech to care for every animal. The Vet Surgery comes with the vet playset, 4 animals and extra accessories. Little ones can use their imaginations to care for the animals using the examination area, weighing scales or even the x-ray machine! Aimed at children aged 4+ and available from most good toy retailers.

The Snail and the Whale My First Floor Puzzle

Julia Donaldson's books are a huge family favourite in our household, so this Snail and the Whale My First Floor Puzzle is going to be perfect for Lilah this Christmas. The chunky pieces are easy for little hands to hold, and the design is so beautiful too. Ravensburger puzzles are fantastic quality so you can assured they are safe and durable for little ones too. Aimed at children aged 2+ and available from most good toy retailers.

So Sand DIY Vanity-Magic Sand

This years big toy crazy is all about AMSR and getting creative, so this So Sand DIY Vanity-Magic Sand kit from Canal Toys is perfect for older girls. The kit has everything included to create your own magic sand from scratch, as well as tools and shapes to aid play and creativity. The base is a play tray to help contain mess - a fantastic idea I think! Aimed at children aged 6+, the Tool Kit retails at £19.99.

Personalised Book from It's Your Story

There is something extra special about personalised book. We have a few with our children's names in them, but what I love about this one from It's Your Story is that it includes your child's face too! The story is lovely too, full of engaging words and bright colours, and of course your child's face on every page. It's Your Story have a fantastic range of personalised books and stories, including ones that are Christmas themed.

The English Cream Tea Company Scone Gnome Baking Kit

If you have little ones who love to bake like mine do, then this Scone Gnome Baking Kit from The English Cream Tea Company is the perfect little gift. The kit contains everything you need to create 4-5 scones, as well as luxury jam, a wooden utensil kit, a red apron and of course a Scone Gnome hat. The set comes beautifully presented in a red tin that would make a great keepsake after Christmas too. The kit is available to order now from the website and retails at £27.95.

Wrendale Designs Plush Characters

You may recognise this furry little character if you're aware of Wrendale illustrations. This year they have released 4 plush characters based on their most popular designs - Mable the Hedgehog, Webster the Duck, Autumn the Fox, and pictured above is Rowan the Hare. Each character comes beautiful presented in their own canvas bag featuring their illustrations, as well as a gift tag telling you more about them. The plushes themselves are incredibly soft and cuddly; priced at £35 each, they would make a perfect gift this Christmas. 

Avocado Kids Cooking Subscription

Another gift aimed at children who have an interest in food and cooking is this new subscription box from Avocado Kids. The boxes have been designed to encourage little ones to become super chefs in a fun and engaging way. Each box follows superhero food the Avocado Kid to a different destination around the world, and includes easy-to-follow recipes, skills to learn, and lots more. The main aim of Avocado Kids is to help teach children where their food comes from, and to empower them to try new foods in a positive way. A monthly subscription starts at £19.99, but they are offering up to 20% discounts for pre-paid 6 or 12 month subscriptions.

Buzz Art Sets

Buzz Retail have a fantastic selection of gifts on offer this Christmas, including these from the Buzz Arts range. The Buzzing Stickerz set contains everything you need to create over 180 3D holographic and metallic stickers. Hours of fun for little ones who love to be creative! This nail art set from Buzz Nails makes it easy for children to create fun and easy nail designs in minutes. As easy as 1-2-3, you simply brush on the base layer, then the design layer, and then use the pen to add design detail. Easy!

Super Rainbow Deluxe Aquadoodle

I remember having the standard Aquadoodle when Indiana was little, but it has had a really fun makeover in this Super Rainbow Deluxe edition. You simply fill the Aquadoodle pen with tap water, and then your little one can draw and design to their hearts content without mess, stains or worries! As the drawings dry the designs fade away, and the mat is ready to be drawn on again. This set also includes a special paintbrush that allows little ones to make bigger strokes, as well as 3 stampers for added fun. Suitable for ages 18m+ and retails at £24.99 from most good toy retailers.

Maped Helix Arts and Crafts

Arts and crafts are always a massive hit with my three, and these colourful sets from Maped Helix are fantastic. Maped Helix is a British company which has been synonymous with the stationery world for over 130 years, and their children's range continues to offer high quality, innovative products. The Colour Emotions set and the Colour & Play set are both suitable for younger children, thanks to their chunkier pens and simple designs. Children can use their imaginations and creativity to design to their hearts content, before using their creations for play!

4 Unusual Winter Break Ideas for Adventurous Travellers

Despite the fact that winter hasn’t officially started yet, the dropping temperatures and the leaves falling off the trees are all reminders that winter is indeed on its way. And with its arrival comes that longing for warmer days, sunshine, and just an escape from the dreariness of the season. The good news is that there’s nothing to stop you from making that happen, as you can get moving on your winter break ideas right now, and give yourself that holiday to look forward to.

But what happens if you consider yourself an intrepid explorer, one who isn’t satisfied with the typical holiday? What if you like to take the road less travelled and truly explore the world? Not to worry as we’ve got some fabulous winter break ideas that are perfect for intrepid explorers just like yourself. 

Zanzibar - Tanzania
If it's an exotic tropical location that you're after for your winter break, but you don't want to visit the typical destinations, then Zanzibar in Tanzania could be perfect. The beaches are nothing short of spectacular, the water is clear turquoise, and there are plenty of opportunities for adventures and activities. The area is actually well-known for its National Parks, which can be found in-land. They are accessible by small domestic flight operators. One standout is the Ruaha National Park, which is sure to fill your thirst for adventure and excitement.

Hallstätt - Austria
Now maybe you don't mind the cold temperatures in winter, in fact you embrace them and would like to build a holiday around that winter-vibe. If that's the case Hallstätt, Austria could be the perfect destination, as it looks like something straight out of a children's storybook.

Located just an hour east of Salzburg, here you'll find 12th-century churches, a quaint market square, and the fact it is nestled along Lake Hallstatt with snow-capped mountains rising behind the village. Be prepared to take plenty of photos of this destination, and be sure to explore beyond the village.

Lisbon - Portugal

Also located in Europe, another fabulous winter destination is Lisbon, Portugal. You don't have to worry about snow and ice here in the winter, as the climate is extremely comfortable all year round. There's also the fact that Lisbon hasn't yet caught on to the mainstream of travellers, which mean you aren't going to be fighting with crowds of tourists. Known for its architecture, history, cuisine, culture, and beautiful coastal views you really get a taste of the Portuguese people here.

Anguilla
Why not enjoy a slice of the Caribbean in the form of a British Territory. Anguilla is located just north of St. Maarten and is known for its relaxed pace and stunning natural beauty. You'll be able to escape the hustle and bustle of city living and heavily populated suburbs and truly get away from it all.

Highlights include the diving and snorkeling opportunities in the region, the beautifully kept beaches, and resorts that don't feel like your typical sun destination resort. Everything here has a smaller feel to it, a slower vibe, and just allows you to connect with the culture that much easier.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
A final tip for intrepid travellers is to make sure you’re organised and purchase travel insurance for your winter getaway - ideally as soon as you've booked your holiday. In today's times, with COVID-19 still prevalent around the world, travel insurance has never been more important! Travel insurance from Staysure even includes COVID-19 cover in all its new policies at no extra cost, plus there is no upper age limit to worry about for seniors, and the insurance covers all medical conditions!

All that’s left for you to do now is start planning your winter getaway!

This is a collaborative post.

5 Common Mistakes New Dog Owners Make

It is clear to see that we are a nation of pet lovers, and this is especially true when it comes to dogs. However, being a caring owner isn’t just about treats, cuddles and games of fetch, there's actually a lot to consider before getting a pet. To avoid potential pitfalls new pet parents should freshen up on their dog know-how and hopefully this post will help, as I share 5 common mistakes to new dog owners make, so you can hope to avoid them. 

Not Being Ready for a Pet

One trip to the pet store or animal shelter will prove that it’s pretty easy to adopt an animal on impulse. That said though, there are some practical decisions that you should make in advance. Make sure to answer the following questions:

● Can you invest the time needed for training and exercise?

● Are you willing to put up with shedding and messes?

● Have you checked if you can afford all the costs of owning a dog?

● Is the breed’s size appropriate for your home?

● How will your current pets (if you have any) tolerate the new addition?

Ignoring Training and Socialisation
At the very least, every dog requires some basic training and socialisation to get along well with others. Don’t think of it as a chore, in fact proper training can be incredibly fun and enriching for you and your pet. Socialisation also helps your pup avoid developing certain fears and phobias.

Feeding Improperly
Do you know the basics of an appropriate dog diet? Not all foods are actually created equal! There’s a significant difference between highly-processed commercial kibble and natural raw dog food, for example. Complete raw dog food diets are made up of ingredients such as meat, bone and healthy fats without any additives, preservatives or filler grains. Local suppliers such as Bella and Duke offer custom raw dog food meal plans tailored to the individual needs of your pup. In addition, they ship each meal to your door for free.

Other dog food factors to consider include:

● Feeding times and avoiding overfeeding

● Health risks associated with treats and chews

● The importance of regular dental care

Ignoring Behavioural Problems
Ignored behavioural problems can quickly get out of hand. New owners might also reinforce bad behaviour in their pets without knowing. Giving an aggressive or hyperactive dog treats at the wrong time tells them that they’re doing the right thing, for example. Remember that behaviour modification - not punishment - is the solution.

Risking a Lost Dog
Many dogs end up lost on a daily basis, and some are even taken by opportunist thieves. Have you considered implementing any measures to protect your pup? There are a couple of simple solutions, such as keeping your dog on a lead, not leaving them unattended and providing a collar with your contact details. Microchipping can add an additional layer of safety, or if you're worried about that being too invasive, you can try a GPS collar instead.

Of course there are other mistakes that are worth consideration. For example not budgeting for expenses, neglecting exercise needs, skipping heartworm prevention and forgetting about dental health. Remember, bad breath is not normal for dogs! Paying attention to these factors will go a long way in helping your dog stay happy and healthy. Good luck!

This is a collaborative post.

5 Ways to be a More Unique Bride

Only a handful of brides are willing to break from the conventional bridal appearance to do something different. While it is important to give your appearance that classic touch on your wedding, it also pays to be yourself and allow your unique style to shine forth. But the millennial attitude to wedding wear is changing, with more brides abandoning off-the-peg wedding gowns and going with more fashionable and red-carpet-worthy dresses instead. 

Being a modern bride entails abandoning the established norms and going with a bold appearance that showcases your personal style. This could be avoiding a veil, wearing a suit, choosing flats over heels, or going with a shorter skirt. In this post I'm going to share 5 different ways you can be a more unique (but still absolutely beautiful) bride.

Choose the Right Wedding Dress for YOU
Most brides spend a lot of time picking out the perfect wedding dress, and of course I definitely think this exactly what you should do. But make sure it's the perfect dress for you. Don't just pick a dress because your bridal party thinks it's the one you should go with either, make sure it's the one that makes you feel the best. Try on lots of different styles (including the ones you might not usually go for), and get ready to 'say yes to the dress'.

Forget the Veil
A veil has always been a traditional part of the bridal appearance, but it is okay if you do not feel like wearing one. A birdcage veil or a bejewelled bridal headpiece are perfect substitutes for a veil, or just simply pick a wedding hairstyle that makes the statement for you. If you feel you need to wear one, you could always opt to wear one just for the ceremony, and pick a hairstyle that won't be ruined when you remove it.

Think About your Jewellery
Don't feel the need to wear a diamond set handed down through generations if its not your style - remember, it's your wedding day not your relatives. A simple piece of wedding jewellery makes an excellent pre-wedding gift from a groom or bridesmaids, so why not incorporate something like this into your big day. And if big diamonds and pearls are your thing, go for it!

Don't go for a White Gown
Vera Wang, the queen of bridal couture, has shown that wedding gowns in non-traditional colours can still be dazzling on a bride. Let her be your inspiration for a coloured wedding gown. Blush, pinks, black, and red wedding dresses are available from most bridal stores. 

Or Don't Wear a Dress at All
If you want a timeless appearance that doesn’t include a wedding dress, a chic jumpsuit is a perfect choice. The elegant ivory jumpsuit from Roland Mouret is designed with a tailored bodice and very wide legs best suited for a statement heel. This jumpsuit retains the charm of the traditional wedding gown whilst being much more comfortable and simple. 

Whatever you decide for your wedding day, just remember that as long as you feel beautiful, that is all that matters. Everyone will think you are the belle of the ball whatever you wear!

This is a collaborative post.