Gardens are readymade playgrounds for kids and we love that outside toys can help them with lifelong skills too. We’ve picked out the best garden goodies to encourage their dexterity, imagination and sharing skills - whatever the weather.

1. BUILDING THEIR BALANCE

Balancing skills are so important for toddlers and preschoolers, helping them build those important core muscles groups while they play. A clever grow-with-them trike like the Wishbone Design Studio Bike 3 in 1 or a scooter like the Scoot & Ride Highwaykick 1 is a great pick. For silly fun we love the Happy Hopperz jumpy friends and this cool Forest Wooden Seesaw from TP Toys that spins round too!

Happy Hopperz

Happy Hopperz build kids' core strength while they hop till they drop!

2. OPEN-ENDED PLAY

All kids are majorly imaginative, so open-ended toys that they can use outside are great for stimulating their playful brains. If you've a couple of kids to entertain at once, constructing a den can encourage hours of role play fun. The pl-ug tent kit is perfect for making use of patio furniture or you could even use a bed sheet - so long as it's not your 400-thread-count only-for-best! The Den Kit's got every style of outdoor retreat covered. Finally, the Dr Zigs My First Giant Bubble Kit is always a huge hit with kids of any age - and parents too.

The Den Kit's Pirate Den Kit

The Den Kit's Pirate Den Kit will be their 'set' for a whole summers-worth of adventures.

3. GETTING GREEN-FINGERED

It’s never too early to teach kids about nature. And the best way to do it? Get them involved. Janod, Plan Toys and Quut are brands you want to check out for mini gardening tools. Kids love getting their hands muddy and Seedbom's little seed-packed grenades are ideal for learning how things grow. Don't forget to explain the importance of regular watering too.

Seedbom

Seedboms are so easy - just fling & water than watch them grow!

4. NURTURE SHARING SKILLS

Sharing's a skill we all have to learn at some point - some learn quicker than others! - and play's one of the best ways to teach it. Garden games are great for letting them master the art of taking turns and not always being the 'winner'. A game of skittles or is great for teaching hand-eye coordination as well as good sporting behaviour.

Janod's My First Skittles

Janod's My First Skittles develop kids' hand-eye co-ordination and those all-important turn-taking skills.

So there you have it - some of the best garden goodies to hone their social and motor skills blossoming. Check out our Outdoor Play category for even more fresh air fun. And if you need any more guidance, our Live Chat Team are always here to help, 7am-11pm, every day. Just hit that purple button, bottom right.