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Realistic sea creatures are gold for small-world play. They end up in the bath, the sandpit, lined up on the windowsill and in all sorts of rescue games. Here's what we'd buy.
1
Best starter setSchleich Sea Animals Discovery Set (42742)
Ages 3-8. Crab, clownfish and coral pieces with Schleich's lovely detail. Built to survive being dropped, thrown and bathed.
2
Best for little scientistsPLAYMOBIL Coral Reef Examination (71623)
A floating catamaran with a glass floor and a magnifier, plus sharks, rays and a sea turtle.
Good to know: Lots of small parts, so check the age on the box for younger siblings.
3
Best for Octonauts fansOctonauts Octoray playset
If your little one is already obsessed with the Octonauts, the Octoray is the base everything else plugs into.
Good to know: A birthday-level price, so maybe one to put on the list.
Mum tip: Blue water, a few pebbles and a shallow tray make an instant rock pool for all these creatures. Put a towel down first.
Verity's verdict
Verity hasn't tried this lot yet. Her honest verdict goes here once she has, good or bad.
Little Ocean