Welcome to our weekly roundup of products, events and other fun stuff your family will love. If you want ideas for Christmas presents, we can help.


A very special scooter
You'll know the Mini Micro range of scooters from their distinctive design with two wheels at the front and one at the back. Now the range has expanded, with a new scooter for older children.

I tried this out on a group of children and it was hugely popular, even with those who had found other scooters harder to handle. They loved the cool orange and black design, and the single joystick handle. This also doubles up as a pretend microphone when you are doing your best X Factor impression.

Designed for children aged six to twelve, the Maxi Micro Scooter carries a maximum weight of 50kg, so unless you are particularly petite, adults won't be able to have a go.

Admittedly, the RRP of £87.95 is not cheap, but then this is a hardworking piece of kit which your child could be using several times a day. I've bought cheaper scooters in the past, and found that a few months of the school run has had them falling apart. But this scooter feels much more substantial and solid and hopefully has years of use in it.

Maxi Micro Scooters are available now - you can see the full range of colours and designs here.

Philips Avent Toddler Mealtime Set
The Avent brand is best known for its range of baby bottles and sterilisers. Now the company has taken the logical next step in helping parents feed their toddlers. It's released a gift set with everything you'll need for baby's first solids.

The set contains two bowls and a divided plate (all with anti-slip bases) and a safe fork and spoon. It's been developed in conjunction with a child psychologist, with a pattern designed to encourage storytelling and keep your child engaged as they learn to feed themselves. We loved the orange and green pattern, with its slightly retro feel. Nicely presented and boxed, this a good practical gift for a child aged six months or over.

Out now, RRP £15.99



New novel for teenagers
Award-winning author Malorie Blackman's latest novel is released this week, and this time she's looking at the issue of teen pregnancy - from the dad's perspective. It follows seventeen-year-old Dante, who's poised for university, when he's literally left holding the baby. It's not a story that you often hear from the boy's point of view, and is sure to be a thought-provoking read for your teen.

Malorie Blackman is also the author of Pig-Heart Boy, which became a BAFTA-winning CBBC TV series. A former scriptwriter for Byker Grove, she's known for being unafraid to tackle edgy subjects, and this book is no exception.

Boys Don't Cry by Malorie Blackman is released on 28th October. Suitable for readers aged 12 and over. RRP £12.99, currently 50% off at £6.49 on Amazon.



Halloween events
London's most famous department store, Harrods, is hosting a range of Halloween themed events this week. We had a sneak preview, and in between visiting the pet and toy departments, and spotting a £4,000 cake in the food aisle, this is one shopping trip your children won't forget in a hurry.

For Halloween, Harrods has cupcake decorating with Lily Vanilli, scary ghost storiesand creepy crafts. Various events run from 12-4pm on 30th & 31st October.



Also for shoppers and opening this week is the Pirate Cove Adventure Park, next to Bluewater Shopping Centre in Kent. Pirate themed attractions include: mini golf; climbing walls; adventure playground with zip wire and pedaloes.

Pirate Cove opened on 23rd October. Come dressed as a pirate during half term week for half price entry. Various entry fees apply depending on what you want to do. A family of four for crazy golf is £21. For more information visit the Pirate Cove website here.