Beehive Toys Blog

Smart Play: The Benefits of Toy Rotation

Smart Play: The Benefits of Toy Rotation

In the whirlwind that is parenting, managing the ever-growing mountain of toys can be a daunting task. Every parent has experienced the frustration of one living space or another full to the brim of toys that seem to constantly multiply. Enter the game-changer: toy...

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Because Toys Aren’t Just for Christmas

Because Toys Aren’t Just for Christmas

The toy industry in the UK is an incredibly lucrative market, continuing to grow steadily year on year; and with over 750 manufacturers in the UK, you’re bound to have a toy or a few lying around your house. In this blog, we have compiled a list of a mix of charities...

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The Aquatic Adventures of Wilbur the Platypus and Friends

The Aquatic Adventures of Wilbur the Platypus and Friends

Welcome to our new bedtime story series where you can sit back, relax, and read with your little ones. So, settle in for the first instalment of the aquatic adventures of Wilbur the Platypus, Hermit the Crab and Toby the Turtle.  Once upon a time there was a platypus...

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Stylishly Sustainable – Why Wooden Toys Rule the Home

Stylishly Sustainable – Why Wooden Toys Rule the Home

Picture this, you’re starting a family and along with the natural excitement and anxiety that comes with welcoming a new bundle into your life, you are feeling increasingly conscious about the child friendly fixtures that are soon to infiltrate your life and home....

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10 Things to do to Make the Most of May

10 Things to do to Make the Most of May

It's that time of year when the sun shines brighter, the flowers bloom, and the bank holidays start rolling in. And with May having not one, but three bank holidays, what better time to make exciting plans with your family? In this blog you will find ten fun things to...

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How Sensory play can enhance your child’s development

How Sensory play can enhance your child’s development

Playing with toys is an important part of any child’s development; especially when it comes to the development of sensory skills. At Beehive toys, we are proud to offer the perfect range of toys to aid in your child’s sensory development, with all our toys uniquely...

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On Yer Bike – Helping your child Cycle to Success

On Yer Bike – Helping your child Cycle to Success

Teaching your child to ride a bike will deliver a huge sense of achievement for both you and your little one, forming a major developmental milestone in their earliest years. Riding a bike provides a fantastic way to promote exploration, enjoy the natural environment...

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Independence

Independence

We know that independence is an integral part of growing up. Especially in the early years from 3-5. One day they want to be picked up and carried, the next, they are toddling off on their own. One day, they were holding your hand for dear life, the next, running off...

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STEM/ STEAM

STEM/ STEAM

Have you heard of STEM or sometimes known as STEAM? It stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. Sometimes people use STEAM and include Arts. It’s a driving force for education, and children are encouraged in these subjects from the moment they start...

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Life Skills

Life Skills

Life Skills There’s something to be said for traditional toys. Not only are they favoured by the ‘crunchy mom’ or the ‘Montessori teachings’ or even by the Pinterest devotees looking to create a pastel décor, but they also have a practical purpose that electric toys...

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School Time

School Time

School Time It’s approaching the summer months and your little one might be getting ready to join pre-school or Primary School in September. Both can be a scary moment for a child, but handled properly, it could be an exciting memory for them and something they look...

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Toys for Summer

Toys for Summer

Summer is just around the corner and as your little ones grow, the toys they need will change. Outdoor toys need to be durable and able to withstand being left outside in the fresh air and sun but also fun to play with and let kids create exciting games in their...

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Things to do with the kids when it rains

Things to do with the kids when it rains

It’s not easy to occupy children when it’s sunny, so when its raining it becomes even more of a challenge. However, there are actually plenty of things that you can do when the weather isn’t up to scratch - you just have to find them! We’ve gathered a few ideas...

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Memory

Memory

Can you remember your first memory? How about what you ate for dinner last Thursday? Our memory is so important to us. It’s our very own filing cabinet where we’ve stored all images, all occasions, all important events. Christmases growing up, your first job, your...

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Give the gift of a traditional toy

Give the gift of a traditional toy

Firstly, let’s look at what constitutes a ‘traditional’ toy. A traditional toy is typically non electronic, made from materials such as wood or other types of natural fibres, and often handmade. There are popular types of traditional style toys which have been played...

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Why bikes are always a top seller at Christmas!

Why bikes are always a top seller at Christmas!

Some toys come and go, fads that are a flash in the pan, some toys achieve cult status for a select group of children and adults but the bicycle…that’s one toy that for decades has been consistently at the top of the best-selling toys at Christmas and appeals to...

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Baby toys and what they do!

Baby toys and what they do!

Babies are eager to learn about the world around them, and they have much to learn. Every new shape, colour, texture, taste and sound is a learning experience for them. For the first month, your new-born’s vision will be fuzzy. They will only be able to focus on...

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More than just a soft toy!

More than just a soft toy!

Children, as well as adults, can form emotional connections with their soft toys, often sleeping or cuddling with them for comfort. They can help reduce anxiety, increase self esteem and help improve sleeping by providing a sense of security and banishing negative...

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Ride on by

Ride on by

What's one of your favourite memories from being a child? No matter what age, I bet it included bikes or maybe one of those cute ride on toys! When you were little, maybe 3 years, 4 years or 5 years old, there's the first memory of mum or dad teaching you to ride. The...

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What are the 5 stages of child development?

What are the 5 stages of child development?

What are the 5 stages of child development? As children are born into this world, they will all undergo the stages of child development. Each sequence of growth and development comes with its own set of challenges and problems. Therefore, it is of vital importance...

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Do toys affect child development?

Do toys affect child development?

Do toys affect child development? It is a matter of fact that children love toys, but do toys affect child development? Aside from being a source of fun and games, toys can provide children with several opportunities to learn. If you are looking for the best toys that...

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How does my child learn?

How does my child learn?

How does my child learn? Children are curious creatures and they learn a lot from their immediate environment through observing, playing, listening, experimenting, exploring and asking plenty of questions. As soon as they start school, it is important to keep them...

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Top Ideas for Preschoolers this Christmas

Top Ideas for Preschoolers this Christmas

Top Ideas for Preschoolers this Christmas Christmas is just around the corner and  if you are looking for gift ideas that will surely make any preschooler jump for joy then take a read below.  There is so much to consider when purchasing for your preschooler,  their...

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Pretend Play for Toddlers and Why It Should be Encouraged

Pretend Play for Toddlers and Why It Should be Encouraged

Pretend Play for Toddlers and Why It Should be Encouraged Toddlers are very curious about the world around them. They learn a lot from what they see, hear and feel.  Have you ever wondered why they can pick up a block of wood and pretend it is an aeroplane or grab a...

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Why Wooden Toys?

Why Wooden Toys?

Why Wooden Toys? Every year, so many new toys are developed for both fun and educational purposes.  With so many options to choose from, it is no wonder that parents find it difficult to choose what’s best. Toys for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers may be...

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Does My Child Need Preschool?

Does My Child Need Preschool?

Whether you’re looking for a unique gift for a friend’s little one or a beautiful toy you’ll be happy to have in your own home, we hope you find what you are looking for at Beehive Toys. Our ranges are designed specifically for babies, toddlers and pre-school children...

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What is a Balance Bike?

What is a Balance Bike?

What is a Balance Bike? If you're a parent, you would be very proud to see your children learn how to ride a bike, wouldn't you? Learning how to ride a bike safely and confidently is a skill that may come naturally to some or with constant practice for others. Always...

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Garden Toys for Babies, Toddlers and Pre School Children

Garden Toys for Babies, Toddlers and Pre School Children

Garden Toys for Babies, Toddlers and Pre School Children Maybe you can’t venture far this spring, but that doesn’t mean your little ones still can’t have fun in the fresh air and sunshine! Your back garden is a safe space where your children can let their imaginations...

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Learning Through Play

Learning Through Play

Learning Through Play We know that most parents have never trained as teachers or early years practitioners, so suddenly having every child at home all day can present a few challenges! The main priorities no doubt differ between households but the underlying message...

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What to buy a 1 year old for their birthday

What to buy a 1 year old for their birthday

Choosing birthday presents can be challenging, particularly when purchasing for a one-year-old, as you may have concerns about suitability and safety. Here are a few suggestions! Zebra baby balance bike This is around the time babies like to explore, but they may need...

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Benefits of a Baby Balance Bike

Benefits of a Baby Balance Bike

What are the benefits of a baby balance bike for your one-year-old? You may be thinking about getting your toddler a balance bike, but a regular balance bike or tricycle seems intimidating for such a young child - and you don’t want to end up wasting money if they...

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Christmas with a Toddler

Christmas with a Toddler

Christmas with a Toddler? How to keep it stress free! Christmas can be a stressful time for a lot of people, with so much to plan, organise and buy – not least with a toddler in tow. Keeping your little one entertained can be a full-time job in itself, without the...

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Wooden Toys vs. Plastic Toys

Wooden Toys vs. Plastic Toys

Wooden Toys vs. Plastic Toys Wondering what to buy your little one this Christmas? Not sure what could benefit them the most? Take a look at the top 5 reasons why wooden toys are considered to be a better buy for children.   1. Creativity It is true that wooden...

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Top Ten Christmas Toys 2019

Top Ten Christmas Toys 2019

Top Ten Christmas Toys 2019 It’s that time of year when we all start to turn our thoughts towards Christmas shopping. If you’re stuck for inspiration when it comes to buying for your little ones, look no further! Here are our top ten Christmas toys for 2019. 1. Baby...

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Getting Your Toddler Prepared for Pre-School

Getting Your Toddler Prepared for Pre-School

Getting your Toddler Prepared for Pre-School The big day is fast approaching. That day when you have to say goodbye at the gates as your toddler starts pre-school. The first rung on the ladder of growing up. While it is a big day for you as a parent or guardian, it is...

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Surviving the Summer Holidays 

Surviving the Summer Holidays 

You’ve got This - Surviving the Summer Holidays The long awaited Summer Holidays are here! And with that comes a welcome break from the monotony of the school and nursery drop offs and pickups.  Parents definitely won’t miss dragging a brush through a serious case of...

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Flying with a Toddler this Summer

Flying with a Toddler this Summer

Top 5 Tips for Flying with a Toddler this Summer! We know how enticing the dream of a Summer holiday is, with the appeal of uninterrupted sunshine, abandoning the repetitiveness of daily chores and having time to just be a family. But before you can get to that...

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Happy Father’s Day to All the Superheroes out There!

Happy Father’s Day to All the Superheroes out There!

Happy Father’s Day to All the Superheroes out There! Dads don’t always get the most credit for their children.  They’re often at work and miss the bedtime routine, or get criticized for having the cheek to ask if they can play golf at the weekend. But the truth is...

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Benefits of Ride-On Toys for Kids

Benefits of Ride-On Toys for Kids

Benefits of Ride-On Toys for Kids Parents have the privilege of helping their children develop physically, mentally, and emotionally. One of the ways they do so is through their choice of toys. For example, ride-on toys give parents an opportunity to help their...

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The Popularity of Wooden Toys

The Popularity of Wooden Toys

Wooden Toys There is something special about the tactile sensation of handling a well-crafted, wooden object.  Children seem to understand this better than anyone, given that wooden toys have never really gone out of fashion over the centuries. Although the date that...

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When To Open Your Christmas Presents

When To Open Your Christmas Presents

When To Open Your Christmas Presents…   The anticipation of opening a huge pile of presents left under the Christmas tree can test the patience of young children to its limits! The excitement can be too much for some and a sneaky peak, gently pulling at the...

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Letters to Santa

Letters to Santa

Dear Santa…   The History of Letters to Santa One of the earliest recorded letters to Santa was sent by a little girl in 1896 asking for “a box of paints”. Other letters, featured in the local papers, included a request from a seven-year-old boy: “We should like...

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Benefits of Wooden Toys

Benefits of Wooden Toys

The Benefits of Wooden Toys Have you ever wondered about the benefits of wooden toys? Wooden toys are thought to have been around since the Stone Age, over 2 million years ago!  And yet they are still just as popular today as they were 50 years ago, mainly down to...

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Playing with Puzzles

Playing with Puzzles

Playing with Puzzles = Learning for the Future Puzzles are fun educational toys that challenge young minds, teaching and preparing children some very important life skills. Plus they come in all shapes and sizes so even very small children can enjoy them! We’ve listed...

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What are Fine Motor Skills?

What are Fine Motor Skills?

What are Fine Motor Skills? Fine motor skills is a term which is used to describe the coordination of small muscle movements in the hands and fingers. This movement is commonly used in activities such as doing up buttons and holding a pencil. These skills are...

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The History of Soft Toys

The History of Soft Toys

The History of Soft Toys The first popular stuffed soft toy was not the teddy bear as you might think but a cat.  Not Hello Kitty, but Ithaca Kitty!  Ithaca Kitty was originally a sew at home toy, made from muslin fabric, and sold more than 200,000 in the USA in its...

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The Benefits of Soft Toys for Babies and Children

The Benefits of Soft Toys for Babies and Children

Children of today have access to toys of all shapes and sizes. Some toys are cuddly and squishy whilst others are high-tech, but did you know that the soft ones are usually the most favoured among kids? For children, a teddy bear is a friend who can listen or talk to...

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