My eldest daughter, aged 5, is addicted to magazines! She likes them all - ones with ponies on, ones with fairies on, crafting ones, story ones - you name it she has probably read it! However as a frugal mum I like to be a bit picky about the ones I buy for her - or encourage her to buy with her pocket money. I dislike the magazines that cost about £3.50 and only really include one decent story, a cheap tacky piece of plastic on the front and a few stickers. I was really pleased when we found Sparkle World magazine, as for me it was a class above the rest.

Sparkle World magazine is aimed at primary school age children - I would say up until about the age of 8 or 9. It includes a number of well known characters - Disney Fairies, Littlest Pet Shop, Rainbow Magic Fairies, My Little Pony etc. Each edition has some kind of free gift - usually some kind of character branded stationary, stickers, keyring etc. The magazine includes the usual array of stories, puzzles, crafting ideas and competitions. However the real benefit of this magazine is the detachable workbook and related stickers that come with it. This is a series of character branded puzzles and educational exercises that my daughter loves. When they finish each puzzle they usually get to attach a sticker, and when they finish the whole workbook there is a large sticker of achievement for the back. The puzzles focus on numeracy, literacy, spot the difference etc and are enjoyable and educational at the same time.

At a cost of £2.55 it wont break the bank, and due to its educational nature, as well as it being entertaining for my daughter, this is a treat which I am happy to buy.