Saturday, 11 December 2010

Considering a Wooden Sand Pit for the Garden

Childrens wooden sand pits can be a great toy that will keep kids entertained for hours outside. There are many childrens wooden sand pits available on the market these range greatly in their size and price. However there are a number of thing that should be taken into consideration before buying a sand pit.

Do you want to move the sand pit? 

Is thee sand pit to be set in a permanent place or does it need to be packed away after  usage or move it out of the sun? If you do then you will probably do well to avoid a large wooden sandpit.

What size should the sandpit be? Are you restricted for space, or are there 1,2,3 or more children that need to use the pit. What kind of activities will be taking place in the wooden sand pit.  The larger the sand pit the more fun and activities can be enjoyed whilst using it. Try to make sure the sand pit is of an adequate size to accommodate these requirements, this will ensure that the maximum amount of fun will be had.

What age are the children that are going to use the sand pit? Bigger children obviously means they are going to require a bigger one for example, plum large octagonal sandpit which also has seats. Whilst if you are buying for a toddler then you might consider investing in a small plastic sand pit at first. If you plan to use the toy for a number of years then you might want to consider a  wooden sand pit to invest in, which tend to be far more durable compared to their plastic counterparts and some have lids and cover to protect them against the worst of the winter weather.

Your Budget? This is probably going to be one of the biggest concerns. Sand pits vary greatly in price, from cheap plastic to bespoke wooden and concrete varieties. Remember buying too cheap might mean an inferior product which might be fragile, have sharp edges or be made from cheap materials, for instance.

Correct Sand? You can buy play pit sand that has been cleaned thorougly and is suitable for children to use. Do not be tempted to use sand from a builders merchants. This type of sand may have been treated chemically and it can have a strong pigment to it that can stain.

Friday, 3 December 2010

How to make a Finger Puppets Theatre in Six Easy Steps

You can make a fun theatre that is small enough for finger puppets by following the six easy steps below. This is a great little project for kids to take part in and you will end up with a educational toy that will encourage children to learn social skills like talking in front of an audience and role play.

1.Cut the top off a cereal packet, this will be the bottom of the theatre.

2.Using poster paint, paint the box (use old newspaper to protect your work surface). Let it dry completely.

3.Cut a rectangular hole on one side of the box -- this will be the stage of your theater. Leave at least 2 inches of the box so the box will not fall apart.

4.Using colored construction paper, draw and cut out curtains for your theater.
If you'd like, use small rectangular scraps of fabric instead of the construction paper.

5.Glue the curtains to the box. Cut a tiny rectangle of contrasting color paper for the pretend curtain tie-back. For the fabric version, use a twist-tie as a tie back.

6.You now have a tiny theater that is useful for putting on shows with finger puppets, popsicle stick puppets, or puppets on a straw.

There you go a quick and easy theatre for finger puppets that has cost next to nothing to make. To buy such an item would cost a fair amount and whilst still being fun, kids would'nt get the extra satisfaction of creating the theatre for the puppets themselves.

Monday, 15 November 2010

TP - Sandpits for Children Different Styles

TP manufacture a range of garden sandpits for children that will suit different space that are available. Each of the sandpits for children comes with a warranty are easy to assemble and are suitable for toddler ages upwards. Each of the sandpits for children have a different theme or shape.

TP Forest Deluxe Picnic Table Sandpit is a great sandpit for smaller gardens and combines two elements, a play-table and sand pit.

  • A combined wooden picnic table and sandpit
  • Fold the top together after use to keep out the rain
  • All plastic parts are UV stabilised
  • Very robust Scandinavian Redwood structure
  • TP Toys quality at a fair price


The TP Forest Wooden Hexagonal sandpit is a traditional looking wooden sandpit. Again suitable for small gardens and smaller children, it is the most compact hexagonal sandpit that TP manufacture:

  • Smooth rounded edges for added safety
  • Unique hexagonal design
  • All plastic parts are UV stabilised
  • Very robust Scandinavian Redwood structure
  • Non-rip weather and pet resistant cover
  • Base Liner included


The TP Safari Sand boat sandpit is more then just a sandpit It incorporate boat styling, featuring a canopy and a steering wheel. Smaller then the Sand Sailer Sandpit it provides a sandboat with a smaller footprint. With bench seats for the crew and steering wheel for the captain, you can be sure that your children will have hours of fun.

  • Includes cover to keep animals and dirt out, and base liner
  • Features a handy covered toy storage area, at the front of the boat
  • Complete with steering wheel
  • The stripey sun canopy, keeps the sun at bay whilst your children are playing