So, the weather may not have been the, erm, best just recently but are we really surprised? Nah! But aside from the fact that the grey skies and howling wind don't make for the best of moods, it's no joke trying to keep the kids entertained when they can't get outside to run off some of that energy (I have two boys and they have a LOT of energy to get rid of!)

For some parents, a rainy day means retreating quickly to the nearest indoor play centre. And while there is a lot to be said for a well run, clean, organised play centre with plenty to keep the kids occupied and ensure they come home absolutely exhausted, they don't come cheap. For many parents, hot-footing it to a play centre every rainy day just isn't feasible - or desirable (personally, I think it's nice to leave the play centres as something special for birthday parties etc.)

Then again, for many parents, the thought of getting out the paint, glue and scissors fills them with dread. We've all done this, with the best of intentions to create something wonderful with our kids, only for it to degenerate into a mess and arguments after about five minutes. So, when I recently received a craft activity to review, I was more than happy to try it out with the boys. The product was Mosaic Masterpieces by Galt Toys and it is excellent. The set comes with 13 mosaic pictures and 7500 tiny, self adhesive, coloured foam 'tiles'! The idea is to create the mosaic pictures by 'tiling by numbers'. My 4 and 6 year olds sat for ages, totally immersed in this. It is an activity they can easily do unsupervised, although I will admit to enjoying doing the pictures myself too! The end result is really lovely mosaic pictures so, unlike most of my other art and craft efforts, there is something to be shown for your work at the end! The activity retails at £10.99.

Galt toys are available at most of the toy stores in Ireland (Smyths, Art & Hobby etc) or can be ordered online at http://www.galttoys.com. There really is a fantastic range of activities and for less than the cost of admission for 2 children into a play centre (never mind the extra costs of drinks and snacks) this is great value and will last us for many more rainy days to come.

Highly recommended and a range of toys I will definitely be looking out for again. 

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