Tried and Tested: Zoobles

Product: Zoobles

Price: From £5.99 - £19.99

The Info: Curled up in to little balls, Zoobles come to life when you put them on their ‘happitat’ – or home. They’re colourful animal characters and each one is unique. They come with their own ‘happitat’ which is basically a little home where they live or, if they are placed on top, spring open revealing their pretty faces. If you press their heads they’ll blink, wink or even wag their tail depending on the character you have. What Bakugan did for boys, Zoobles does for girls. These creatures will be filling up shelves, trinket drawers and pockets of fashionable princesses everywhere.

First impressions: Very simple. These are the sort of toys parents don’t understand. However, once in the hands of a little girl, you’ll realise their power. Don’t knock it ‘til you’ve have tried it and as any parent knows, keeping the little ones happy and occupied is key.

Ease of use: There’s no instruction sheet needed here.

Pros: Don’t be fooled by Zoobles simple appearance - they will entertain your child for hours on end. They’ll also encourage a new world of magical play and story making as the collection grows. There are different lands and underwater worlds to amass.

Cons: Parents beware: once this fad starts, who knows when it will end. There are over 150 Zoobles to collect and you’ll be lucky if you don’t have them all by the end of the year. It could be an expensive time ahead.

Value for money: Yes, they’re cheap when you see how much fun and imagination they encourage

The verdict: A collectable girl’s world

Stockists: Argos, The Entertainer, Sainsbury’s, Smyths, Tesco and Toys R Us.