MFM stole a look at the toys, food and decorations set to tickle your fancy this festive season
The sight of several fully-decked Christmas trees, rows of reindeer and tables heaving with festive fare in July, when it’s sunny (sort of), would stun most people. Luckily, the MFM team was pre-warned and ready to hunt out the best gear for you and your family, while sneaking in a very premature mince pie here and there, too.
Towering piles of retro toys, including an old-fashioned Monopoly set, a Cadbury moneybox chocolate dispenser and the ultimate Play Doh collector set, suggests Christmas may feel nostalgic. But don’t let Granddad get too comfy in those tartan slippers - electronic games will have their moment, too.
We were particularly taken with a Harry Potter-style interactive game for PS3. JK Rowling herself has got involved, adding spells and character names to the virtual Hogwarts world. Children can complete chapters in a book (with an actual electronic book forming part of the controller) and learn spells and commands to get them to the next level. And there’s strictly no cheating either – each section requires you to pass a test.
The game uses a camera sensor to monitor players, so kids will catch site of themselves as wizards (complete with a brightly coloured cracker hat, no doubt!).
Getting kids involved in make believe will be a doddle, with adorable play changing bags (complete with pretend healthy snacks), a Disney’s Jake and the Neverland pirates’ ship and a Moshi Monster Moshling’s tree house. Get older kids involved with Where’s Wally with this year’s bumper annual, while you keep the other half busy with a mini table football set.
Decorations are elegant, with silver and white dominating the colour scheme. Cooky ideas such as upside down wine glasses with baubles inside and candles on top got our festive creative juices going. A cheeky miniature Christmas gnome got the thumbs up, too.
Christmas cakes have gone 3D this year, with an upside-down Santa’s bottom, our personal fave. A slab cake bearing the ‘Bah Humbug’ slogan will keep the anti-holiday brigade happy, too. And look out for the ultimate chocolate Christmas cake that we’re told is still under development!
Now, in true Christmas spirit, we think we deserve a little lie down after all that…
