Online and in the shops: Family time

Santa will be leaving lots of presents under the tree next week but there will also be gifts from parents and other family members, often some books, puzzles or a new board game to play together over the holidays. 

Despite real worries that with the advent of tablet and smartphones children are spending a lot of time on screens, there has also been a renewed interest in board games, reading, science kits and so on (just take a walk through Easonology at Eason’s, for example). New board games this Christmas include My Monopoly, €24.99, which allows players to personalise the game for the first time by using family photos for property spaces. Hasbro has also updated teen games like Scattergories, Cranium Party and Taboo; www.hasbro.com

Book winners: Recently voted Irish Children’s Book of the Year, Moone Boy, based on the TV series, is sure to be a hit with readers, aged 9+. For older readers Eason’s recommendations this year also include James Dashner’s Maze Runner series, Eoin Macken’s Kingdom of Scars and Rainbow Rowell’s Eleanor & Park; www.easons.com

Games magic: West Cork company Gosling Gifts and Games, make board games and jigsaw puzzles, including a range based on Irish myths and history. Their new 500-piece Brian Boru puzzle celebrates the life of the High King and the 1,000th anniversary of his death at the Battle of Clontarf in 1014, €14.99 from toy shops or online at www.goslinggiftsandgames.com

Toddler toys: For little ones, the colourful range of B. baby and toddler toys by Canadian company Battat, which are made without using phthalates and packaged in eco-friendly materials, are available in Irish stores, including Smyths and Debenhams. They include soft blocks, musical instruments, as well as this set of keys, which has four car sounds and a flash light, suitable for age 18 months plus; www.mybtoys.com