TA-KO is a creative Asian-inspired restaurant and cocktail bar, from the team behind the popular Victory Mansion, offering a vibrant experience with bold Asian flavors served in soft corn tortillas. Along with a selection of sides and a vast range of expertly crafted cocktails. The team has managed to nail the cross-continental taste vibes. Easing our way in, we started with an intriguing, pickled jalapeño margarita made with Cazcabel tequila, fresh lime, pickled red jalapeño, agave and chilli salt, and a spicy soda mocktail mixed with pickled jalapeño cordial, fresh lime, soda, and mint. Coupled with a portion of house tortilla chips served with Kaffir lime, ginger & tomato salsa, and a white bean, miso & sesame dip, both the margarita and the chips were delicious and offered an innovative take on something typically seen on a classic Mexican menu. The highlight for us was the spicy soda mocktail. So often, mocktails can be unoriginal or lack depth when substituting flavours for spirits, but this was truly delicious and flavourful. You could easily spend an evening sipping on this without missing the stronger alternative. We chose a mixed selection of appetizers, TA-KOs, and sides, and were especially pleased that the team served them in waves rather than all at once. We began with the spicy shiitake crispy rice; little balls of crispy sushi rice, turmeric pickled daikon, and mirin & soy shiitake mushrooms. These were little bites of heaven, and I could have easily devoured a few plates of them. For sides, we opted for the cucumber salad; pickled cucumber, coconut tahini dressing, and chilli, finished with a fried rice cracker, and the ‘MSG’ Fries, which I think was a clever play on words but totally plausible given how delicious they were. These nori-fried potatoes, served with kampot pepper mayo and salt & vinegar powder, were delightfully moreish—an absolute must-try. The TA-KOs come singularly, so we tried two vegetarian and two fish options. The meat-free choices being the Jackfruit; siu jackfruit & shiitake, mango, pickled red onion, and the Cauliflower; crispy cauliflower, black bean & tamarind ragu, avocado, and pepper mayo. The super soft shells were piled high with fresh ingredients and toppings, a couple of these are enough to fill you up. For the fish, we opted for the Trout; blackened river trout, smoked aubergine nahm prik, and lime labneh, and the Seabass; torched seabass, mandarin sambal, pickles, crispy onion, and umami ketchup. Both were generous portions, and these highly creative fillings emphasized garnishing the dishes to perfection. Craving something sweet, we shared a plate of the Dough-Jo’s as our post dinner finisher. Adorable drops of doughnut batter, palm sugar salt caramel, cinnamon, and ginger. It was a super decadent finish that reminded us of those amazing ring doughnuts you get at the seaside. Our new favourite Stoke Newington local, the Victory Mansion team has done an exceptional job with their TA-KO concept, maintaining a fun and relaxed setting while upgrading it with a serious food offering and an updated cocktail selection. The team is just as friendly and helpful as always, making for a lovely, low-key, but delicious evening out. Address: 18 Stoke Newington High Street, N16 7PL Written by Jordan Crowley Photography courtesy of TA-KO

Oblix at The Shard has cooked up the ultimate Thanksgiving dinner experience, for you to enjoy on Thursday, 28th November. They’ve designed an exclusive menu, interpreting Thanksgiving classics in their usual style of sophisticated rotisserie and grill cuisine, all prepared in their open kitchen. Come celebrate and enjoy their warm and generous food, along with a breathtaking view of West London. The feast is priced at £97 per person, and offers a variety of starters: freshly baked sourdough bread with salted butter & leak ash, seared beef carpaccio, charred salmon caviar, burrata serrano ham & truffle honey and mixed leaf salad granola. You’ll of course be able to taste their take on the iconic Thanksgiving roasted turkey breast with chestnut, brussels sprouts, and a black truffle sauce, along with a range of sides: charcoal-baked sweet potato seasoned with citrus & espelette, green beans with pancetta & ricotta, and roasted pumpkin with maple syrup and sage. Don’t skip their caramelised pecan pie and bourbon ice cream. In true festive spirit, the whole menu is intended to be shared with your family and friends. If you so desire, heighten your dinner with an American-inspired wine pairing for £68 per person. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving far from home or wishing to join in on the festivities, Oblix at the Shard will provide the perfect elevated Thanksgiving dinner experience, exclusively on Thursday, 28th November. Address: Oblix, The Shard, 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9RY Website: www.oblixrestaurant.com Written by Alex Reinhardt Photography by Rusne Draz

This week we caught up with Jodie and Chance, the Founders of Self Space to talk about the inspiration behind Self Space, why it stands out from the crowd and more. What inspired you to start Self Space, and what gap in mental health services were you aiming to fill? [Jodie] When we first launched as two qualified therapists we knew there was nothing in the wellness space that reflected a proactive approach and that the landscape in general needed a radical overhaul. As a culture, we tend to look to therapy in the face of crisis and instead, we wanted to create something that progressed us towards supporting people to unlock their full potential and give people the opportunity to find glimmers of light, joy and meaning.  Self Space offers a walk-in, “on-demand” approach to therapy which is incredible, can you share some of the positives from this approach?  [Chance] The on-demand approach is a step towards helping more people build mental maintenance and covers the full mental health spectrum. We want to help people add everyday practices into their routine which promotes better mental health and gives them the tools to build resilience. People can choose their own time, location and therapist and the power on when they come and how often is with them, which speaks much more to self-care than the old-school approach to therapy. We are here to unblock barriers created by the constant demands of life. Our Kings Cross site is the newest of the four in-person, amazing spaces we have in London - somewhere that people actually want to come to and can relax in. What have been some of the most rewarding moments since starting Self Space and the challenges? [Jodie] Self Space has evolved so much since we started. What began as a small workshop in Shoreditch with a handful of therapists has grown into something magical. We have sites across the UK, virtual therapy, a team of over 120 qualified therapists, and now help individuals and businesses with mental health training too. [Chance] Earlier this year we raised funding from a purpose-driven VC meaning the potential impact we can have in 2024 and beyond is incredible. I’m sure any founder would tell you the same, raising funds is tough and we’ve contended with some wider challenges out of our control, from the pandemic to the cost of living crisis meaning we’ve needed to pivot along the way. Is there anything you are working on that you can share with us? [Chance] We want to help millions of people across the UK. Since we started we’ve delivered over 80,000 therapy sessions and we’re only just getting started. We want to continue to bring Self Space to more high streets and help businesses fix the root cause of employee disengagement and support their own people. We are so proud to be expanding this and to be working with over 80 businesses across the country. [Jodie] We are working on crafting a brand that everyone can access in different ways and all get something useful or positive from their interaction with our brand - maybe that’s our newspaper, a social post, a talk or a workshop. We intend to open more branches and hope to reach more communities and people.  Best piece of advice you have been given? [Jodie] Be courageous, be kind, marry your words with your actions and own your mistakes. Not everyone’s going to like you or what you do, but you can be humble, open and honest and in that, you’ll like yourself and that’s all that really matters.  If you had one day off in London, where would you like to visit / explore?  [Jodie] I love vintage finds, we have loads of my personal things in the Self Space branches and I find so much meaning in old objects and beautiful things, stories of where they might have come from or who they belonged to.  I’d do some type of experience, I like yoga at BLOK or a spin class at Psycle, coffee and cheese on toast with my bezzie Maxine at the tram store, a mooch around Brick Lane and Spitalfields Market and then dinner at somewhere like Manteca and a film at the Castle Cinema Clapton with my kids Elvis and Biba, followed by a walk home. For more information on Self Space visit https://theselfspace.com/ Portraits by Nyla Sammons Interior photos courtesy of Self Space

I have something vaguely in common with Bar Douro owner Max, a love of Portugal, its culture, people and cuisine. Max’s passion however, runs far deeper than an occasional visit to Lisbon for an authentic pastel de nata fix. Having spent his childhood in this great nation, and a family background of producing wine in the Douro valley, Max wanted to fix the gaping hole of Portuguese representation in the UK’s restaurant scene and Bar Douro sets out to achieve just that. Open since 2016 in London Bridge, we headed to the City restaurant, located in one of London’s newest - and still being developed - areas, Broadgate’s Finsbury Avenue Square. The restaurant’s interior is unmistakably Portuguese, with white and blue tiled murals, and crockery to match. You’d be forgiven for forgetting the Autumn London drizzle, sipping on a Moscatel, imagining sunnier times. As it happens, today’s forecast is bright, so we sit outside and eat al-fresco, imaginations still running wild. The menu celebrates flavours and dishes from various regions across Portugal, from octopus salads to various incarnations of Bacalhau (cod). Dishes are sized to order 2-3 per person and we’d recommend getting stuck in together and sharing as there are flavours not to be missed. We get stuck into the smoked Portuguese sausage croquetes which are crisp, savoury and dreamy, with a lemony mayonnaise, accompanied by the infamous Pataniscas de bacalhau (salt cod fritters). Each delicious bite has us grinning from ear to ear, each mouthful placing us onto the cobbled streets of Porto. We follow with an attractive and colourful plate of tender seared tuna on a bed of crisped vegetables, drizzled with a tangy Vilão sauce. The onglet steak is beautifully pink, with perhaps a bit more of a bite than we’d have imagined, but it’s the quintessentially Portuguese mustard sauce that shines in this dish. Dessert is a laid back affair of almond tart and pastel de nata  (any opportunity), respectively accompanied with milk and cinnamon ice cream and both have us nodding at each other with appreciation. It's worth mentioning that Bar Douro has an extensive list of Portuguese wines that you’ll be hard pressed to find anywhere else in London. We of course accompanied our lunch with a red douro and Vinho Verde. Bar Douro’s city location is positioned perfectly for the city lunchtime crowd to be in and out within the hour and sample some of Portugal's classic and must-try flavours. Our verdict, they are pretty damn good at it. Book a table now at www.bardouro.co.uk Address: Finsbury Av. Square, Unit 3, 1 Finsbury Avenue, London, EC2M 2PF Written by Rick Hartley Photography by Nyla Sammons

From October 26th, San Miguel is bringing a burst of Spanish warmth to London’s Shoreditch with an awe-inspiring mural that’s set to light up the city's cultural heart. Head to 112 Tabernacle Street from October 26th to November 3rd, where Europe’s largest mural by celebrated Spanish artist Asis Percales promises to illuminate London’s grey skies with the colours and vibrancy of a Spanish summer. Created as part of San Miguel’s "Summer Saving Time" campaign, the mural is designed to combat those seasonal blues just in time for the clocks to turn back. While the UK’s days grow shorter, San Miguel’s artwork will glow longer, shining each night from 4:30 PM to 2:00 AM, evoking the extra hour and half of sunlight in Spain as winter approaches so add a bright spot to your autumn city explorations and visit this one of a kind mural. While you’re there, scan the mural’s QR code to claim a complimentary San Miguel to share with a friend, and snap and share your photos with #SeekingTheSpanishSunshine for a chance to shine on social media. For more details and participating locations, visit seekingthespanishsunshine.co.uk The mural can be found at 112 Tabernacle Street, Shoreditch, London
Lightshow Times: 16:30 to 02:00 on October 26th, 27th, 31st, and November 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. Written by Lorna Bryn Photography courtesy of San Miguel

We had the pleasure of being invited to the latest addition to the Sticks'n'Sushi empire, located on Islington's buzzing Upper Street, just a short stroll from Angel tube station. Behind its modest black façade lies an elegant, beautifully lit space that exudes understated sophistication. The restaurant offers a range of seating options, from the stylish bar at the front, perfect for casual dining, to high tables ideal for group gatherings, and more traditional seating near the open kitchen, where the magic unfolds. We sampled the Set for Success menu, an indulgent array of eleven expertly crafted dishes, showcasing the best of Sticks'n'Sushi's offerings. The experience began with the exquisite Shake Tataki—delicate salmon paired with trout roe, daikon, miso, ponzu, and daikon cress. This dish was an immediate standout, with the freshness of the salmon melting in the mouth, complemented by the vibrant flavours of the roe and ponzu. It was followed by Shake Beef, tenderly thin sliced beef served with miso aioli, artichoke chips, and a truffle ponzu sauce—a true showstopper with what was easily the most succulent meat we've ever tasted. Next, we enjoyed the Ebi Shrimp—crispy, tempura-battered prawns accompanied by a subtly spicy chilli dip, perfectly balanced by the griddled broccoli served with a tangy umami-rich Goma sauce, which we also dipped the shrimp, enhancing each bite with extra depth. Then came a delightful trio of grilled sticks: flavourful chicken meatballs seasoned with coriander, Argentinian shrimp grilled to perfection in garlic and spicy gochujang butter, and tender Iberico pork finished with a hint of miso and lemon. Each skewer offered a distinct yet harmonious flavour profile, inviting us to mix and match for a dynamic experience. The real highlight of the evening arrived with the sushi and sashimi rolls. From classic combinations like chicken and avocado or smoked salmon and cream cheese to the signature Hell's Kitchen roll—tempura shrimp wrapped in rice, avocado, and spicy sauce, crowned with tuna and a delicate touch of barbecue sauce—every bite was a revelation. The Hell's Kitchen roll, in particular, was nothing short of extraordinary, its rich layers of texture and flavour leaving a lasting impression. We savoured every one of the rolls, and had fun ranking them. For dessert, we followed our waiter's expert recommendation and shared two decadent treats: the velvety Goma Vanilla Crème Brûlée with a black sesame crumble and the indulgent Dark Chocolate Fondant with a molten matcha core, vanilla ice cream, and a matcha cookie crumble. Both desserts were the perfect finale to an unforgettable meal, offering a sweet, sophisticated close to an already exceptional dining experience. For more information or to book visit https://sticksnsushi.com/en Address: 77 Upper St, London, N1 0NU Written by Claire Selby Photography courtesy of Sticks'n'Sushi

This autumn, Wagamama launches an array of new and original recipes in conjunction with their ‘no one way to Wagamama’ campaign which introduces guests to the many ways in which they can indulge in the Wagamama experience. From light snacks to hearty main dishes and shareable plates, there is something for every occasion and dietary requirement. A great choice for vegans and vegetarians, as well as those with allergies and intolerances, they even have the calorie count detailed by each dish to help diners make the most nutritious choice for them. During our visit to Wagamama in Stratford, we indulged in a selection of the new dishes and some trust favourites. We both wanted to go alcohol-free, so the Spiced Plum and Orange was perfect – an amber ombre colour drink of sweet plum, tangy orange and fiery ginger, the glass trimmed with chill and lime salt for that authentic cocktail experience and a little kick of umami. The drinks menu has a tempting array of beverages. New house favourite ‘a breakfast in Tokyo’ combines sweet and zesty papaya gin with blood orange, another not to miss is the yuzu sherbet topped with organic prosecco, fantastically fizzy and fun! A refreshing organic wine with a light orange hue and bold notes, perfect to accompany tangy spicy dishes. For our tasting experience, we ordered the fish coconut kare, a rich citrussy dish with a hint of chilli, this dreamy curry-style recipe is served in a deep bowl with crunchy tender stem broccoli, fine beans and rice (white or brown rice can be selected). It was a warm and declious meal, perfect for the colder months. Next up firecracker hot honey fried chicken, delivered with mixed pickles and zesty mayo on the side. This dish was a little too sweet for me, but Wagamama does offer alternative options as well, which include Yuzu and teriyaki. The menu includes an exciting collaboration with Rahel Stephanie (aka Spoons) - the crispy sambal fry, a fan-favourite Indonesian-inspired dish. Another good option to order if you are looking for a hearty filling dish with flavour. Of course while we were there trying out the new dishes, we had to also order a firm menu favourite - Bang bang cauliflower. Loaded with firecracker sauce, a Wagamama special, fresh ginger and coriander on crispy roasted cauliflower – delicately spicey and light. Who said vegetables can't be exciting! Portions are generous, and the range of flavours to be experienced is mouth-watering, with combinations to transport the taste buds to an array of exotic places. We finished our lunch with a warming cup of green tea, sending us off to the cinema feeling fully satisfied – with no room for popcorn. Wagamama is introducing a number of ambassadors through its unique loyalty platform where members can redeem free menu items, exclusive content and engage with the likes of Rahel, Alfie Cooks, and GK Barry. For more information about Wagamama’s new menu visit  www.wagamama.com Written by Claire Bloom

Journey to the glorious days of rock ‘n roll with the Everly Brothers’ incredible life story. The production follows their rise to fame from humble Knoxville, Tennessee, to superstardom, their decade-long feud, and the emotional reunion that gave them back to the world. The production features the brothers’ unique harmonies which influenced many bands, inspiring The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Simon & Garfunkle, and making them the most successful rock duo of all time. The show is suitable for all ages and features hits such as Bye Bye Love, All I Have To Do Is Dream and Cathy’s Clown, this electric concert-style musical intertwines the wonderfully sad yet uplifting story of the two brothers. The show also features songs from the Everly Brothers' good friends, Buddy Holly and Roy Orbison. The runs across the UK from October 2024 – June 2025. For more information and to book tickets visit www.walkrightback.com Written by Claire Bloom Photography courtesy of Walk Right Back.

This November, Sunday Times best-selling author and Happy Place creator Fearne Cotton is set to launch a series of transportive wellness classes in partnership with FRAMELESS Immersive Art Experience. A selection of forty-minute classes will be running on select Sundays during November. Participants can enjoy yoga, sound baths, breathwork and laughing yoga amongst incredible digital multi-sensory backdrops of grassy plains, mountainous valleys and glistening streams. This unique not-to-be-missed experience will deliver participants on a nature-themed, multi-sensory dream-like journey, with classes led by some of Fearne’s favourite instructors including Rebecca Dennis, Donna Noble, Monica Bazzani and Cat Googe. Fearne is passionate about creating space for self-love and creativity, this immersive experience combines both her passions. FRAMELESS at Marble Arch, London, is a multi-award-winning art gallery, opened in 2022 as the capital’s first permanent digital immersive art experience spanning four main galleries over 30,000 square feet. The gallery, in collaboration with the acclaimed, BAFTA award-winning, digital production studio, Cinesite, brings to life some of the world’s greatest works on a scale and in ways never seen before. Tickets cost £45 and include access to the full FRAMELESS immersive galleries experience plus access to one of the four wellness classes on offer throughout the day. Find out more to book tickets visit https://frameless.com/immersive-wellness-classes/ Address: 6 Marble Arch, London W1H 7AP Written by Claire Bloom Photography courtesy of FRAMELESS

If you haven’t noticed, Dez Amore is taking the city by storm, popping up everywhere from Canary Wharf to Chelsea and all the hot spots in between. This cosy walk-up Italian street food joint serves up all your favourite classics—just like Nonna used to make. We stopped by their Chelsea branch which is their first permanent restaurant spot. I hope was light, bright, and full of good vibes with speedy service from the hosts. We kicked things off with crispy fried veggies, including peppers and courgettes, paired with a mouthwatering dipping sauce—the perfect crunch to start. Then, we dove into two epic pasta dishes: Caserrece Carbonara and Tagliatelle Bolognese. Both were portions big enough to feed an army (or at least a very hungry group). The Carbonara? Bursting with flavor, and that crispy bacon was heavenly.  As for the Bolognese, it was next-level delicious—rich, meaty, and it tasted like it was straight out of an Italian kitchen, with the beef and tomato sauce cooked to perfection. Of course, we had to try their pepperoni pizza—perfectly crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavour. Every bite was a pizza lover’s dream. We wrapped up our meal with a fun twist on dessert: pistachio cheesecake served in a jam jar. Creamy, nutty, and the perfect sweet ending to an unforgettable meal. A must-have dessert, grab a spoon and dig in—it’s impossible not to love! Dez Amore is at all Mercato Metropolitano's: Wood Wharf, Elephant and Castle and Mayfair as well as stands at Wembley Park, Camden and Canary Wharf. Their Chelsea restaurant is at 273 Fulham Road, London, SW10 9PZ  Website:  https://dezamore.co.uk/dez-amore-restaurant-in-chelsea/ Written by Claire Selby Photography courtesy of Dez Amore

Whether you’re up for a frightful Halloween party, an immersive Halloween adventure, or just want to sink your teeth into some Halloween inspired dishes, we’ve conjured up the ultimate guide to Halloween 2024 in London. Sky Garden’s Halloween Party High above London, the Sky Garden is throwing its epic Halloween party on 31st October! Dance the night away to haunting live music by the legendary ALR Music, sip devilishly good cocktails, and enjoy jaw-dropping views of London at night. There’s even live skull painting and a spooky street artist to keep the eerie vibes going. Tickets start at £65 and include a glass of Moët & Chandon Champagne or a creepy Dead Man’s Finger cocktail. Don’t forget your costume – it’s all about those ghoulishly glam vibes. To book visit https://skygarden.london/halloween-at-sky-garden/ Face the Crystal-Gazing Fortune Teller at The Crystal Maze From 19th October to 3rd November, Mumsey's mystical Crystal-Gazing Fortune Teller is ready to put your wits to the test at The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience. This Halloween special cranks up the spooky factor with cryptic riddles and eerie twists, as teams battle against the clock across four thrilling zones. Can you and your squad outsmart the Fortune Teller and escape her chilling clutches? Only one way to find out. To book visit https://the-crystal-maze.com/london/tickets-prices/ Jack The Ripper Tour East-London cocktail bar, Discount Suit Company, has partnered with the award-winning London's Walks for a Halloween edition of the infamous Jack The Ripper Tour with speciality Halloween cocktails on Thursday 31st October.  You will start off with a hot punch to warm your nerves, you'll wander through the sinister streets of Whitechapel with a Jack The Ripper expert, learning about the ghastly crimes of history’s most infamous killer. After the tour, calm those jitters back at Discount Suit Company with eerie cocktails like the Bad Moon Rising or the mezcal-laced Ray Gun. Tickets are just £25, and they include the tour, a warming punch, and a 20% discount on your post-tour drinks. Spooky sips anyone? To book visit https://theumbrellaproject.co.uk/halloween-ripper-tour-at-dsc/ Islington Square’s Halloween Market on 26th October Get ready for a fang-tastic day of fun as Islington Square throws the ultimate Halloween market on Saturday, October 26th, in partnership with Urban Food Fest! From 11am to 5pm, the Boulevard will come alive with creepy cool street food, mouthwatering desserts, and an array of "Made in Islington" stalls showcasing local makers’ handmade goodies.  Sink your teeth into devilishly delicious eats like blood orange pulled pork tacos, twisted Turkish flatbreads with eerie sauces, and satisfy your sweet cravings with pumpkin spiced caramel cupcakes, gooey red velvet cookies, and eyeball doughnuts. The kiddos are in for a spooky good time too, with outdoor play areas featuring building blocks, play mats, and a Halloween arts & crafts station where they can whip up their own spooky masks or animal decorations. Adults, don’t miss the new Freedom Brewery beer pong challenge, "Made in Islington" stalls and Karaca will be launching their Halloween inspired tableware and lighting collection for creating a spooky ambience at home. Over at Anthropologie discover their newly launched Halloween décor collection and for a lineup of Halloween themed films head to Odeon Luxe & Dine where you can watch Beetlejuice , Smile 2 , Terrifier 3 and Ghostbusters 40th Anniversary . It’s going to be a spook-tacular day out at Islington Square—don’t miss it!  To read the full-line up visit  https://www.islingtonsquare.com/   Beetlejuice-inspired Brunch at Kapara
 On 26th October, Kapara is transforming its brunch into a Beetlejuice-inspired Halloween extravaganza! Enjoy bottomless drinks, a devilishly delicious three-course brunch, and drag performances by Envy The Queen and The Madame. For extra chills, upgrade to bottomless champagne and spooky cocktails like Beetle’s Juice (gin, Midori, elderflower, and prosecco – yes, please!). Brunch packages start at £29 per person for 90 minutes of bottomless drinks, or go all-in with brunch and drinks for £59. Feeling extra spooky? Add on the champagne for an extra £20. To book visit: https://kapara.co.uk/ Halloween Feast at Bamboo Mat For a fusion of creepy and culinary, head to Bamboo Mat Stratford from 25th to 31st October for their Halloween menu featuring Japanese-Peruvian delights. Menu highlights include: Crispy, sweet and rich Pumpkin Tempura with shichimi togarashi, truffle oil and lime, Nikkei Pumpkin Maki, with cream cheese, salmon, pumpkin, ceviche chilli sauce and mixed cress and Beef Heart Skewers. Pair your feast with a Pumpkin Spritz or a chilling Halloween Surprise cocktail. To book visit https://bamboo-mat.co.uk/

Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, apart from a horde of excitable children, chewing at the bit for a glimpse of the big man in red as you sneakily try to place the presents under the tree. In this Xmas guide, you’ll discover some delightful gifts designed to bring boundless smiles and giggles to the little ones in your life. Whether they dream of snowy adventures, whimsical playtime, or cozy moments by the fireplace, our curated selection is sure to spark their imagination and make this holiday season truly unforgettable. Miniso Christmas Plushie Cuteness overload! This soft and cuddly penguin is the perfect companion to snuggle up with at bedtime or during story time. Miniso stocks an incredible range of plushies of all sizes, shapes and personalities, but come on! A snuggly snowman with a dapper penguin on their squishy chest… it’s the perfect Christmas gift. Price: £7.00 Available from https://minisoshop.co.uk Toomies Bathtime Barista Turn bath time into a coffee shop adventure with the Bath Barista from Toomies!  Your little ones will become hipster baristas, brewing cappuccinos, hot chocolates or creamy coffees straight from their bubbly bath water. The make-believe coffee maker sticks straight on your bathroom tiles with its suction cups and includes handy storage for the cups and jug which come with the set. Best of all, you won’t be kicking yourself searching for that pack of AA’s on Christmas morning as batteries are not needed. Price: £22.99 Available from Argos , Smyths , The Range , John Lewis and Ocado Do You Really Know Your Family Get to know the family better with this fun game which will have the kids giggling and the whole family learning a little bit more about each other. Ask questions to spark interesting conversations and set funny challenges for each other, it’s an ideal gift to play on Christmas Day! This game promises a lot of fun and giggles for the whole family. Price: £19.99 Available from Amazon Hurry up Chicken Butt Get your little animals moving in this hilarious game which will have your kids yelping, jumping and performing animal noises. A great way to sneak in some exercise, a player must shake the chicken to reveal an activity which must be performed quickly before passing the chicken to the next player before the timer goes off. It’s fast, it’s funny, it’s different every time. and everyone has an equal chance to win, meaning the kids can run rings around those competitive parents (you know who you are!). Suitable for Age 4+. Price: £19.99 Available from Waterstones Where’s Mr King This fun and colourful book encourages your little one to try and find friendly characters behind colourful felt flaps. Ingela Arrhenius’ bright and retro illustrations are sure to capture your baby’s attention, and you might just recognise some of the landmarks and locations in the book. A great way to get your bubbas off to sleep after an excitable day. Price: £5.00 Available from WHS