Toy guide - Stocking fillers

Family tradition seems to dictate what goes into stockings. Most of our testers were still hanging up a sock, not a pillow case, and waking up on Christmas morning to find it full of a mix of nuts, satsumas, sweets and novelties. Here are six novelty ideas, all under £6.00

Special Paediatrician
Playmobil £1.75
Playmobil is a favourite with children and parents. This year, the manufacturer has introduced more affordable Supersets which are scaled down versions of its main themes. There is also a new range of Special Figures that are good value at £1.75 each. Our testers had lots of fun with the Special Paediatrician who comes complete with stethoscope, doctor's couch and patient. www.mailorderexpress.co.uk

Oh Deer
Hawkin's Bazaar £1.99
Children with a certain sense of humour will love this novelty sweet dispenser. Rudolph comes with a heap of jellybeans. Each time his back is pressed his tail lifts and deposits a jellybean behind him.

American Indian headdress
Urchin £2.25
A hat can be all that children need for a game of make believe. This colourful American Indian headdress is very good value and will appeal to girls who want to be Hiawatha and boys who want to be Sitting Bull.

Top Trumps Specials: Star Wars
Winning Moves £3.69
Top Trumps is a classic game of one-upmanship - choose statistics from your cards which you think will beat those on your opponent's cards. All new subjects include Top Trumps Bratz for girls and for boys Top Trumps Star Wars, which is a best seller. www.infinitygames.co.uk

Magic Bean
Hawkin's Bazaar £3.99
Open the can, water and watch the bean emerge with a hidden message written on the plant itself. Our testers were sceptical about a plant with a message but it grew just as the packaging said it would. Fascinating! After a few days the message fades but the bean continues growing at an astonishing rate.

Fur Balls
Gosh International £5.99
These fur balls are fun. As well as playing catch with them, and attaching them to your belt, each fur ball contains a furry animal. There are eight animals to collect in the set. Our testers liked keeping their animals tucked up in their fur balls and being able to take them as portable pets with them. Clinton Cards (not available to buy online)