New to The Memo this month, these colourful stones are made in Germany and are beloved around the world. They can be used in myriad ways: stack them high, line them up and balance on them as stepping stones, use them as buckets and the list goes on. Not reserved for indoors, these are waterproof so are perfect for getting messy out in the back garden or beach.

The clatter of a magnetics tub being upended might send a shiver down your spine, however, it is well worth it for some independent play. Nothing gets a kid’s creative mind going more than these super-fun tiles. The possibilities of what they can create is endless: castles, boats, robots, animals. You might need to provide a little direction to get things started, then you’ll see their imaginations kick into gear.

Focus on building a life skill and they’ll be a sous chef in no time and paying their own way! The fruit is joined by velcro and splits apart. This will help them develop hand-eye coordination and it also encourages them to learn about different food groups.

We like to think of this as the toy version of a mood reset button. It can help regulate their emotions by allowing them to focus on the magical, mesmerising fluid swirling around a bottle. A very simple concept that we love.

Instead of climbing all over your furniture with their grubby hands, let them have their own climb zone in the house. Their muscles will get a solid workout and it helps build on their balance and agility. Pro-tip: Throw a sheet over these frames and you can create little cubbies or cosy book nooks.

These magnetic books are great for on-the-go creative play. Have one handy in your bag in the car, or plane, or whenever you’re out and about and need to occupy them while you enjoy a meal.

So many different locks, not enough time! Your child’s tiny little fingers working on these locks helps improve their hand-eye coordination, finger dexterity and problem solving skills. The bad news? No room will be safe in your home as they might try and open the locked bathroom door once they master this.

A silicone colouring in placemat is a parent’s best friend. The mat can be washed and reused over and over. It comes with nine markers and a travel pouch which makes it ideal creative and mess-free play on plane and car rides.

We know that toddlers are control freaks. They like to know what's happening during the day and week (and will ask you about it at least one hundred times before 9am) so handing over ownership will make them feel great about the day ahead. This clever calendar comes with little magnetic discs to mark events, mood, weather and seasons. In turn, they learn about numbers and the concept of months and years.