The Measure: What’s Hot For Parents & Kids

Starter Pack, Plant with Willow

For the friend who swears they “just don’t have a green thumb”, this might finally turn things around. The Plant With Willow Starter Pack gives your houseplants a voice – quite literally. A discreet soil sensor tracks moisture, light, temperature and nutrients, sending real-time updates to your phone via a beautifully intuitive app. You’ll know when to water, when to feed, and when your monstera simply needs a moment in the sun. Each plant even gets its own “happiness score”, because who doesn’t love a little positive feedback? Perfect for city dwellers or anyone on a mission to master their indoor jungle.

Play Factory Gymnastic Bar and Gym Mat Bundle, Smyths

Play Factory Gymnastic Bar & Gym Mat Bundle is ideal for young gymnasts and beginners.

Play Factory Gymnastic Bar:

Its adjustable height (89 cm to 129 cm) grows with your child, while its sturdy triangular design ensures durability and stability. Equipped with two round bases and four non-slip rubber sleeves, it provides a secure, non-slip grip. Perfect for indoor or outdoor use, this bar helps kids improve strength and coordination. For safety, a gym mat is required. With the Play Factory Gymnastic Bar, kids can practice gymnastics safely and enjoyably anytime, anywhere.

Play Factory Air Track Inflatable Gym Mat:

This blue inflatable mat, designed in a sleek rectangular shape with curved corners, is perfect for kids to stay active. It’s ideal for exercise, play, or practice, offering a soft, supportive surface. The mat is easy to set up with the included pump, making it a convenient and fun addition to any indoor activity space!

The Horse Dreamer, Holly Surplice

A stunning, hopeful and poignant middle-grade animal story, written and illustrated by debut author Holly Surplice.

The horse arrives in the storm, when Merryn needs him most, following the loss of her father. Sorrel is a dreamlike creature, seemingly made from the woods and the sea. Perhaps she wished him into existence.

He becomes her friend and confidant. Throughout the summer and autumn, they ride and play, but as Christmas approaches, it will require all of Merryn’s new-found strength to help her mum and her sisters heal too.

A perfect Christmas gift for readers aged 9 and up; all the makings of a modern classic. Explores themes of grief, family and healing in an accessible way for young readers.

Who Might You Be? A Tale in Tangrams, R. Henderson

Today, I am this and tomorrow I’m that.
Today, I’m a tiger! Tomorrow, a bat.
By Saturday, I will have been all of that.
So … who might you be?

A lively story in which all the illustrations are tangrams; the well-known geometrical puzzle that is a square cut into seven pieces arranged to make various other shapes. It is also a delightful story about the imagination where the words and pictures combine to tell a deeper story about the idea of self, from the highly acclaimed creator of I See, I See.

Dogs with Jobs, Max Hamilton

Dogs may be our best friends, but sometimes that’s just their side hustle!

Meet the bee-keepers, the whale poop sniffers, the dental assistants and the penguin protectors from around the world who prove that dogs have more jobs than you can throw a stick at.

Packed with adorable illustrations and quirky jobs, this heartwarming book about our best (and busiest) friend is perfect for young readers and dog lovers everywhere.

Presti 3-In-1 Highchair From Graco

Presti from Graco is the ideal 3-in-1 highchair, offering stylish versatility for little ones from 6 months to around 6 years. It transitions from a fully equipped highchair to a toddler low chair and finally a child stool. Lightweight and compact, Presti features a dishwasher-safe tray insert, removable footrest, rubber floor protectors and a machine washable seat pad. With adjustable tray positions, a secure harness and modern design, it provides comfort and convenience at every stage. Plus, it’s quick and compact fold means it can be easily tucked away between meals and its lightweight frame makes it simple to move from room to room. Presti blends seamlessly into any home, delivering excellent value and functionality for just £60.