Spark their interest in Science

I'm a huge fan of learning through play and this range of  toys by 4M in their Great Gizmos Science Museum range does just that.

If you're keen for your kids to get to grips with eco issues, then these help them learn about recycling and alternative energy generation.

We tried out the Trash Robot which went down very well with Ruby - not least because it meant she had permission to go riffling through the bin!

The kit includes everything you need to make 2 'trash robots' - you just supply the used bottles; cans; boxes or whatever you want to use.

Assembling the wheel chassis was very straightforward, and from there Ruby got creative planning out her robot and attaching stickers.

This kit really kept her occupied for quite a while and the wheels can easily be removed and re-used on another project.  It inspired her creativity and encouraged re-use of waste materials.

Other kits in the range are the Windmill Generator and the Solar Rover - a kit which includes a solar power toy car.

For outdoor kids and budding gardeners, there's the Weather Station which re-uses a plastic bottle to make a  weather monitor.  The bottle can also be used as a mini greenhouse to grow plants in.

If you're stuck for idea over the holidays, why not give one a try? Kits are available online and nationwide in toy stores.

Disclosure: We were sent the Trash Robot kit for the purposes of this review however all opinions are my own.