Christmas is all about children and this year you can keep them entertained with a selection of toys and gifts that won’t break the bank. Although technology and computer games always go down a treat, we think you can’t beat the classic toys that keep on entertaining long after the batteries have run out.

Always a favourite with Irish children, farm toys are set to be a big hit again this Christmas. Whether it’s a farm set, model machinery or a ride-on tractor, children are sure to have great fun loading up trailers and being creative.

1 no 1 Farmer Teddy Bear

New to the Irish Farmers Journal range this year is this cute teddy bear. Embellished with the paper’s logo and the tagline No. 1 Farmer, it’s a perfect gift for even the youngest Farmers Journal readers. Available from

www.farmersjournal.ie for €12.

2 Cadburys Chocolate Range

Everyone loves a selection box at Christmas, but if you’re also looking for something a little different, Cadburys have a lot to offer. The Freddo Faces Tube is filled with everyone’s favourite frog chocolates, while the Milk Mousse Snowman and the Freddo popping candy are perfect stocking fillers.

3 Toby Wagons

For busy kids with lot of business to take care of, a Toby wagon priced at €85 could be the ideal present for carrying bits and bobs. Made with steel hardware, the All Terrain wagon is strong enough for youngsters to haul their prized possessions around the farm. Check out this Irish company at www.tobywagons.com where they have a range of wagons, bikes and sledges on offer.

4Cardboard Space Shuttle

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Ever feel that children spend more time playing with the cardboard box the toy comes in rather than the toy itself? Well, the new Leigh Tucker range in Dunnes Stores has the coolest cardboard spaceship which will guarantee hours of creativity, and you can literally tell the children to paint the walls. Range starts from €45 in Dunnes Stores.

5Aldi’s Wooden Toys

Fuel your little ones’ imagination with Aldi’s Wooden Toys. At just €9.99 each, there is a theme that suits every child, from wooden railways to ports, construction building sets and even colourful towns.

6Milwood Crafts

This fantastic wooden cow shed is just one of the farming models you’ll find for sale in Milwood Crafts. With everything from small meal troughs to full farmyards, their range is truly beautiful, an entertaining keepsake. Prices range from as little as €4 and go right up to €350, for the largest milking parlour. For more information, log onto www.milfordcrafts.co.uk.

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7Kids Globe Cattle Shed

The perfect way to begin your farmyard collection. This wooden cattle shed and milking parlour has metal feeder barriers, sliding doors and a removable roof for easy access, plus side doors and windows. It’s perfect for 1:32 scale animals, tractors and accessories. Suitable for age 3+. It’s on sale nationwide for €64.99.

8Bonkers about Baubles

Get ready to decorate the Christmas tree. Arboretum Lifestyle & Garden Centre have beautiful baubles for all the family. The range includes baby’s first Christmas baubles (€2.99), and for the older kids, the Paint Your Own Baubles set is sure to be a hit. At €4.99 for a set of four, it brings Christmas decoration to a whole new level. www.arboretum.ie.9Blue Door Bird Feeder

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For nature lovers everywhere, this is a gift for all the family. Some new friends are sure to pop into this bird feeder that cleverly converts into a nesting box. Available from the Blue Door in Monkstown, Dublin, or from their website www.thebluedoor.ie for €59.

10iGuy

Meet iGuy, the free standing foam case for your iPad. He’s lightweight, easy to hold, and he can even stand on his own two feet. He may look like he’s all about fun, but his soft squishy body disguises tough EVA foam protection so you can feel more secure handing over your tablet to your child. It’s the perfect gift for all the family. Available from Harvey Normans for €39.95.

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11Farm Wardrobe-Kids Overalls

Keeping clean from head to toe is what all farming mums strive for so children’s overalls are a popular option. Top sellers are children’s overalls embroidered with their tractor and matching slogan. They start at age 1-2 through to age 13 and are available in a Velcro or zip fastening in colours red, blue, navy (velcro) and blue and green (zip). Prices start from €20.50 and are available from www.farm-wardrobe.com

12Siku Ifor Williams Cattle Trailer

This 3-axle stock trailer, by the English manufacturer Ifor Williams, is fitted with a large rear gate and side rails, the chassis is metal and the original detail wheels are fitted with rubberised tyres. Two mixed brown coloured cows are also included. Now that’s a toy to get tractor lovers excited. Available from Toymaster for €29.99.

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13Silly Moo board game

An ‘udderly’ funny game where you milk the cow. Roll the dice and pull the udders one, two or three times and see if Silly Moo drops a pat or a pint! Milk cartons score ‘pints’, but pats lose you ‘pints’. When Silly Moo’s eyes pop out she is fully milked, so count up the score and the one with the most ‘pints’ wins! Available from Toymaster for €24.99.

14Mr Potato Head

You simply can’t beat the classics and Mr Potato Head is a horticultural figure that children of all years will enjoy and love. Starting from just €10 in Boots, it’s a great stocking filler.

15Bruder John Deere T670i Combine Harvester

Children are fascinated with the spectacle created by combine harvesters when harvesting crops, and this John Deere combine harvester brings the experience to life. It steers easily and has very realistic details, including an opening cabin door, numerous opening covers and a detachable cutting unit with pendulum suspension and level compensation. Available nationwide for €66.99.

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16Farm Frenzy

If your little farmer can’t get enough of farm life when they’re outside, then you can still keep them entertained inside with Farm Frenzy. This trio of farming video games is suitable for PCs and costs just €8. Another great stocking filler from Littlewoods Ireland.

17Flexothane Children’s Coveralls

Another perfect addition to the wardrobe, Flexothane Children’s Coveralls are made from breathable and waterproof material. Manufactured in Donegal, they are lightweight, durable, hard-wearing and have reflective strips for safety. Flexothane children’s coveralls can be purchased in your local agri-store or online at www.pharvet.com Prices start from €42.