| Help! The party is just days away and you have | | | | traditional wooden gift has an enduring appeal. UK |
| no idea what to buy your son's friend for a | | | | buyers will fight a superb general selection of |
| birthday present. You have asked your son what | | | | wooden toys at Ptolemy Toys ( For beautifully |
| his friend likes and he suggests Earache Extreme | | | | made medieval shields and swords, have a look at |
| Metal Racing for PlayStation. You don't think that's | | | | J & M Toys ( 3. Historical computer games. If |
| a good idea. Here are some alternative | | | | your son's friend is so glued to his computer or |
| suggestions. 1. Prize winning books. Books make | | | | console that nothing other than a video game is |
| great gift ideas if you choose well. Even the most | | | | likely to appeal, you might get him playing and |
| square-eyed kids can usually be ensnared by the | | | | thinking with a historical strategy game. A city |
| lure of a truly excellent novel. The trick is finding | | | | building game such as Medieval Lords can be |
| the best books which they are not likely to have | | | | addictively enjoyable and educational at the same |
| already. Time for a quick trip to New Zealand... | | | | time. 4. Type "National Geographic toys" into the |
| The Christchurch City Libraries website maintains | | | | search box in Amazon and see what comes up. |
| a list of the past and current winners of children's | | | | The National Geographic have produced a robust |
| literary prizes, many of which are awarded by | | | | and attractive range of educational toys, suitable |
| age category. (See If you pick the winner of a | | | | for a range of ages and many of them priced |
| reputable prize such as the Nestle Children's Book | | | | perfectly for a child's birthday gift. How could any |
| Prize you are practically sure to pick a great read, | | | | boy not be entertained by an Earthquake and |
| and if you choose one from a few years back | | | | Volcano Kit!? Happy hunting. |
| you reduce the chance they will already have it. | | | | James Owen researches fun and unusual online |
| With a few clicks and a quick trip to Amazon or | | | | shops for Ootown ( the UK's online shopping |
| your local bookshop the problem is solved... 2. | | | | town. |
| Unusual wooden toys. Even in the internet age a | | | | |