Toy Guide - Toys for children aged 4 to 7

Willow Hall
Manufacturer Sylvanian Families
Age From 4 years
Price £49.95
iVillage star rating *****
Buy online www.amazon.co.uk

Manufacturer says Willow Hall is the first house with lights in Sylvania. The Hall's two lights are interchangeable and each can be turned on and off. The house opens up to give access to all five rooms as well as creating a large play area in the centre.

We say The little world of Sylvania has been a favourite with our testers for years. Willow Hall adds lighting, which is a really handy feature in a playhouse. Although the new design has a rather grand title, our testers thought Willow Hall looked more like a country cottage deep in the forest. The house opens out for play and closes for storage.

Dinosaur Trumps
Manufacturer Early Learning Centre
Age From three years
Price £3.00
iVillage star rating ****
Buy online www.elc.co.uk

Manufacturer says Three exciting card games featuring 36 different dinosaurs

We say Dinosaurs are very popular with young children, as is the card game Top Trumps. Early Learning Centre has combined the two in a dinosaur themed game of trumps. Cards are colourful and square shaped, with a dinosaur themed back. Our mums noted that with 36 cards in the pack, this is a game that up to six children can play.

Amazing Amanda
Manufacturer Vivid Imagination
Age From four years
Price £69.99
iVillage star rating ****
Buy online www.argos.co.uk

Manufacturer says Amanda is the most realistic, virtually alive baby doll that has ever existed. Her behaviours are defined by the time of day and the time of year. She has emotions, and for the first time ever, interacts with conversation.

We say This is a very expensive doll and opinion is divided on whether children need toys that prompt and set the agenda instead of leaving everything to their imagination. A doll is such an important toy and the interaction between our child testers and Amanda was actually aided by all the electronic gadgetry. If you are looking for a realistic doll, Amanda is it.