Army/military toys for ds (not crappy plastic soldiers)

[Deminism]

Hi, 6yo ds is really into military things and I would love to get him some nice toys to play with that are more than just plastic soldiers (of which he has loads). I have seen some in Smyths and and some on Amazon but the reviews of the amazon ones are a bit variable and I want something good quality as he plays long imaginative games in quite a boisterous way. I am thinking toy tanks that figures can fit in, or army HQ/dens or army truck that are bigger than normal die cast toy trucks. I did think about a toy aircraft carrier or other naval vessels but again I am finding it hard to find anything with good reviews.

Slightly off piste but you could buy him a camo ghillie suit to play in? You can get kids' ones ☺

Camouflage pop up tent? I was hugely into army stuff as a child and that was my best ever present; I still slept in it on my bedroom floor as a teenager! Also camouflage sleeping bag, binoculars, backpack, and anything a bit 'survival' - a toy campfire?

Oh he would love a toy campfire. I didn’t know such things existed. I really want to get some toys he can play with on the floor over Christmas though while staying with GPs.

A few years ago I got my nephew some stuff from the army and navy store which went down a storm - dog tags, a head torch, Camo face paint and a tin tray for food etc.

Have you considered lego type tanks and mini figures?

Link

Action Man toys?

Is it wise to encourage a young child's interest in military/ war type toys? I certainly wouldn't

Castle Lego sets are really nice. He can play at knights storming the castle.

When he is a bit older, you can introduce him to Dungeons and Dragons, and Warhammer- either fantasy or historical.

You should be able to get a proper 'rat pack' (rations) from outdoor type shops and could take him somewhere to cook it outside. Get him a proper army water flask? Again from army surplus type shops?

Am sure I've seen some actual British Army 'approved' toys..

It’s ok @ahhgoongoongoonhaveacupoftea I’ll paint their helmets blue and sew mini white flags for them to carry

Now come on deminism how will that help them in their obvious quest for world domination?

My ds got lots of The Corps Elite toys for his 7th birthday.
They were much bigger and sturdier than I expected for the price. I was impressed and he loves them.

Some are reduced now on the Smyths website.

Might be slightly odd but at that age DC loved maps. Could you go to Go Outdoors lots of things for him to have an indoor adventure. For example an OS map, compass, map case, some freeze-dried meals...

I bought my dd a camping kit with binoculars, bug collecting etc and she's now armed forces!

I cant remember where I got it but we had a large mesh camo net with fabric 'leaves' and foliage sewn on it. It would turn any sofa into an army camp and they loved it.
It was also good for putting over muddy ground and scrambling under.
Those little gel burners are fab for cooking marshmallows on and are only a few pounds online. Mess tins for cooking his rations in?
Maps?
Night vision goggles.
Laser guns and those laser back packs so that they can shoot each other, the back packs vibrate when you get shot.
Hours of fun we had with those.

*Ahhgoongoon" My son actually grew up to become a nurse. If he chooses to take his medical knowledge into the armed services I will be very proud.

These are great ideas. Also I just found a discontinued imagined range called Sky Racers and just bought some on eBay which we'll put in a christmassy box so they are not obviously second hand and I think he will love them. Off to source a net now and a fake campfire and look at Corp Elite. Thanks all