The Christmas holidays are fast approaching and families are getting set to spend more time indoors. Pair this with the frantic hunt for fantastic Christmas gifts, and you might agree that these award announcements are pretty well timed!
All parents know that keeping the kids entertained can be a battle! We live in a world where there are so many options, but some of these options simply don’t manage to hold a child’s attention for more than a few moments. Before you know it, they’re wanting something new to do! But the winning products that we’re about to announce have been tried and tested by fellow mums. And, frankly, you’ll want to get your hands on these before the schools break up!
Best Children’s Video Game:
Video games are not only a huge amount of fun, with the added value that they keep kids entertained and out of trouble for any length of time that you should wish, they also offer a host of key developmental benefits. But which are the best video games for kids? The results are in and we are delighted to announce that the winners of the Best Children’s Video Game category are as follows:
- Gold – Ice Age: Scrats Nutty Adventure (RRP £34.99) by Outright Games
About the product: “Join Scrat’s quest for the Crystal Nuts. Ice Age’s favourite sabre-tooth squirrel, Scrat, is at it again in an all-new adventure! A mysterious mechanism in an ancient Scratazon Temple has locked away his prized possession – and the only way to get it back is an epic quest to find four legendary Crystal Nuts, scattered across the land. Featuring a 3D world, 3 scenic levels and special powers. ”
What our tester said: “I am pleased with this game. It is really fun to play and a good game for younger players. Fans of the films will enjoy exploring the familiar settings with Scrat, and collecting the statues of the characters. The graphics are great too which is a bonus!”
- Joint Silver – Gigantosaurus the Game (RRP £34.99) by Outright Games
- Joint Silver – Jumanji: The Video Game (RRP £34.99) by Outright Games
- Bronze – Trollhunters: Defenders of Arcadia (RRP £34.99) by Outright Games
- Highly Commended – Race with Ryan (RRP £34.99) by Outright Games
Best Children’s Book:
Nothing beats a good bedtime story. Parents can either read to their children and older children can practise their own reading skills, too! An important life skill, as we as helpful part of the bedtime routine, we’re always on the lookout for great new reading material at UKMums.tv HQ! But this time, our fellow mums have done the hard work for us and selected the very best that the category has to offer! We are pleased to announce the winners in this category as:
- Gold – The Monstrous Me Collection (RRP £9.99) by Lollipop lodge
About the product: “This unique collection of monster books use a dual narrative to explore the importance of perspective. Young children can look at the ‘two sides of the story’ for the first time in these interactive, hardback flip books. They literally turned a story upside down! First, we look at things through a child’s eyes, then we flip the book, and see what the adults have to say. This is not about preaching, on the contrary, it’s about providing an honest safe space for discussion. Loads of hidden images to find too!”
What our tester said: “The Casdon Dyson Cord-free Vacuum is very realistic and sturdy. The clips for the attachments are strong but feel safe. It’s a good quality toy!”
- Silver – Ben and the Bug (RRP £6.99) by Lollipop lodge
- Bronze – Uh Oh Milo! The Impolite Imps (RRP £6.99) by TwizzleWhizz
Best Children’s App:
For many families, screen time plays a big role in everyday life. Apps and mobile games have become hugely popular with both kids and adults – people are playing them anywhere and everywhere! So which are the best app choices currently on available to download? Our mums have selected their favourite, and take it from us, it’s a great one! If you’re not already familiar, this creative app is soon to be a parent’s – and a teacher’s – best friend! We are pleased to announce the winner of the Best Children’s App category as:
- Gold – playPROMPTS App (RRP £2.99) by playHOORAY!
About the product: “The playHOORAY! App puts play inspiration at the fingertips of parents and carers. Featuring creative ideas requiring minimum prep, while offering maximum play, the focus is on making use of items found around the house. Activities can be searched by age suitability, with each idea illustrated by a photo, instructions, prep time and details on the skills which children will develop! There’s also a handy resource list to track what you have and what you need to buy.”
What our tester said: “I’ve been using the playPROMPTS app in an early year’s classroom setting and the kids have absolutely loved it! It’s such a simple concept, requiring very little to get you started. Not only do the kids really enjoy play time involving the playPROMPTS app, I’m also really impressed by the fact that it offers plenty of educational and developmental benefits. It’s fantastic! I’d recommend to any parent looking for something fun to do!”