Online and in the shops

KIDS COUNT: Young children can often find the passage of time difficult to comprehend, so WOW Toys have developed Countdown Calendars, designed to help little ones look forward to and prepare for a special event like starting pre-school or going on holiday.

There are four themes to choose from —– birthday, going on holiday, pre-school or a special day. Each calendar can be personalised and there’s 10 numbered windows to open, each revealing a surprise toy which builds into a themed play set. British company WOW Toys has been making sturdy pvc-free toys for one to five-year-olds since 1997 and has a no-batteries policy. The calendars cost €21.99 each and are available from selected toy stores and online; www.wowtoys.com

SNACK PACK: These lunch bags, bottles, and snack boxes from Tyrrell Katz are new at Little Ones in Ennis. Available in a range of colourful themed designs, including farmyard and dinosaurs, princesses and ballet, the drinking bottles and snack boxes (which come in a set of three) are BPA-free.