Best baby playmat type thing?

[fairimum]

DS is now just over 2 weeks and we have been given money for him from various family members, planning to keep most of it for clothes etc over the next few months but would like to buy him something with some of the money (up to about £50) the problem is what! We have most things from DD (almost 2) so don't 'need' anything in particular!! (he loves his swing!) So was thinking of a playgym/mat type thing but wondered what people recommended?? any other ideas also greatfully received!!

Have seen this www.mothercare.com/Bright-Starts-Babys-play-place/dp/B000TSMFGK/sr=1-5/qid=1271944367/ref=sr_1_5/279 -5610739-9023068?_encoding=UTF8&m=A2LBKNDJ2KZUGQ&n=44389031&mcb=core - but is it really worth the money? like the fact that the sides go up so (fingers crossed) isn't going to get toys kicked at him etc....?

What a lovely idea.

How about something like this as it may have a longer useful life and is (extra bonus points) machine washable.

Or this as babies respond really well to black and white images. Plus the interlocking pieces and wipe-clean mean you'll probably be able to use it indoors and outdoors for years.

Sorry to sound obsessed with washing - but small babies are such sticky creatures.

Baby Einstein - plays music and has a whale and octopus hanging off it.

My DS loves it and ignores all others.