We all know how important it is to get kids active and interested in sports at an early age, so Early Learning Centre are doing their bit by cutting the price of sports and outdoor toys by 20% for a limited time only.

There's loads cool stuff in there, including paddling pools, basketball sets, golf sets, hopscotch, coconut shy, football goals and even croquet!

Pop over to ELC.co.uk to see the range

Labels: elc, sports toys, toy discounts

It's been a busy couple of weeks for landmark videogames. We had superb Mario Kart on the Wii a few weeks ago, Wii Fit last Friday and later this week we have Grand Theft Auto IV.

The GTA series has been an incredible success with the game allowing normally law abiding citizens to enter a world of criminality and lawlessness in the fictional Liberty City. It's a controversial game for sure, and certainly not for under 18 year olds, but there's no denying that this is an incredible gaming experience.

The game is released April 29th

Grand Theft Auto IV (Xbox 360)
Grand Theft Auto IV (PS3)

Labels: ps3, videogames, xbox 360

The much anticipated Wii Fit is released today! In one of Nintendo's biggest ever launches, the balance board and bundled Wii Fit software will be in shops all over the UK today, but prepare for disappointment because as with everything Wii related, stock shortages are likely.

If you want to get your mitts on Wii Fit, check out this unofficial Wii Fit site with links to stores that have it in stock.

Labels: videogames

Disney's High School Musical is such a phenomenen, I thought it was worth looking at what's happening next.

High School Musical 3 gets a cinema release in the US in Octover 2008. All 6 of the primary stars are returning, including Vanessa Hudgens despite the controversy over some photos of her.

Also, Disney has confirmed that work has started on High School Musical 4, which is likely to be a TV movie and feature only some of the original cast.

In other news, Letitia Dean (Sharon from Eastenders) has been cast to appear as an eccentric teacher in the upcoming West End stage version of High School Musical.

Love HSM? Visit our page dedicated to High School Musical Toys

Labels: high school musical

Michael Bay's Transformers movie was one of the smash hits of 2007, and kids still can't get enough of Transformers licensed toys. This Micro Scalextric will gives hours of fun. It comes with everything you need for a micro racing experience - Bumblebee (Chevrolet Camaro) and Barricade (Ford Mustang) racing cars, hand controllers, mains transformer and highly decorated track mat - No batteries required.

Recommended Age 4-7.

Find out more about Micro Scalextric - Transformers

Labels: scalextric, transformers

Little girls love Disney Princess, and now they can be Disney Princess with their very own Disney Princess Castle. This pink palace will be a great addition to any garden, and comes with a large door and four windows. It has a really fun electronic door handle which lets you choose the sound you want, like a traditional knock knock or even a waltz!

The Disney Princess Castle is resistant to to sun and temperature changes, and measures up at 164H x 125W x 87Dcm. It's suitable for kids 3+ and is available from Amazon.co.uk

Labels: disney

Pocoyo is a fun series for kids which encourages them to learn through laughter. Originally made in Spain, the series is narrated by Stephen Fry for its English audience and has been shown on CITV. The animated show features Pocoyo as the main character - a 4year old boy who wears blue clothes and a hat. His friends on the show include Pato (a yellow duck), Elly (a pink Elephant), Loula (Pocoyo's orange puppy) and Sleepy Bird.

There have been two series so far, and there's rumours that a movie version could be made.

Find out more about Pocoyo from CITV and the official Pocoyo blog. Or check out our new page dedicated to Pocoyo Toys.

Labels: tv

One of the biggest gaming releases of the year is happening today, when the latest incarnation of Mario Kart hits the shelves. Since its debut on the SNES in the early 90s, Mario Kart has had gamers hooked with its blend of high speed racing and craftiness as you seek to take out your opponents with the fun weapons which you can pick up.

Mario Kart on the Wii is not much different from Mario Kart Double Dash on the Gamecube to look at, but the killer difference is that now you can play online. Multi player modes were always the best and now you can go online and race against other players from around the world. There's also the brilliant battle mode, offering the chance to collect coins as a team or go into "balloon battle".

The other key difference is in the control system. Nintendo have packaged the game with a steering wheel that your wiimote can slot into giving you wireless steering. I've given it a go and it's a lot of fun but honestly I like to stick my old Gamecube controller in as I find that a bit easier.

This is a brilliant game and the online gaming takes Mario Kart to a whole new level. This has got to be a consider for videogame of the year.

Labels: videogames