Space/astronomy toys

[Rubybrazilianwax]

Can anyone recommend a good toy to do with the planets? I had been thinking one of the light projector type things but the ones on Amazon dont seem to have good reviews. Ds is 8.

Can't help with that, Ruby, but as a stocking filler, get some space food - my DS loved lit last year...
www.amazon.co.uk/Space-Food-Astronaut-Cream-Sandwich/dp/B000PY89D6

DD1 used to like getting space food in her stocking. I saw a 3d planets model today somewhere and thought it looked like a nice stocking filler. Unfortunately I can't remember where - maybe Selfridges; possibly Paperchase.

I saw a 3D planet set in waterstones yesterday. They looked like little baubles with little loops on the top I presume to hang them up

Usborne space and astronomy sticker book looked nice too

Waterstones - yes! That's where I saw it. :)

There's some stuff on the Yellow Moon website if that's any help.

How about a telescope?

Ooooo, my DC are into astronomy I may have pushed them into it as I'm a bit if a space geek

Type orrery into Amazon for some lovely working solar system models. We have the Learning Resources one. Don't expect them to be too scientifically accurate; the planets aren't to scale/colour and they all move at the same speed. It is great fun though. We've had ours for over a year and it's still very loved and well used.

Also, not really a toy, but a good pair of binoculars (astrological ones are best, but any decent pair will work) is an easier way to view the sky than a telescope, especially for children. They can be used alongside a telescope if he already has one (eg use the binoculars to scan for points of interest, then look close up with the telescope)

How about a telescope? We keep contemplating this one for our daughter, has some good reviews and can also be used as a basic spotting scope.

www.amazon.co.uk/SkyWatcher-Infinity-76P-300-Telescope/dp/B003CXMOAQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1384024283&sr=8-2&keywords=telescopes+children

www.amazon.co.uk/product-reviews/B004S6QWF4/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

I think this should link to Moon in my room, which dd has and loves.

Thanks for all your relpies. I will have a look at these for ideas