Early Learning Centre (Early Learning Centre)

Member Name: sttb1997

Product:	Early Learning Centre
Date:	09/11/09 (8 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Fantastic toys, built to last, great range

Disadvantages: Bit pricey

Early Learning Centre is a name that every parent knows. They are "the" toy shop on nearly every high street and they have a fantastic reputation which they have definitely earned.

When you enter an Early Learning Centre store the first thing you notice is the range of the toys. Every square inch is filled with delights of every colour, shape and size imaginable.

The age range of toys is newborn through to six plus and caters for boys and girls alike.

The baby toys are generally gender neutral and are usually more pastel colours, especially the toys designed for newborns.

Toddler toys tend to come in bold, primary colours. As you get to around 18 months to 2 years, the toys tend to have more gender specific toys such as role play equipment like irons, microwaves etc, and cars, dumper trucks for the boys. Not to say, however, that these toys won't work for both genders - my son loves to play with his vacuum cleaner and his toy kitchen!

The toys then range into dolls and Thomas the Tank Engine for the older children. They cater for dressing up and this includes a vast range such as firemen, princesses and policemen. Early Learning Centre also stock a wide range of arts and crafts materials and a selection of books.

If you join the Birthday Club through their website, around your child's birthday each year you get a voucher which entitles you to 20% off any orders which is fab, and you get ideas sent to you via email of what your child might like from their stock.

I would say that the prices that ELC charge are on the high side. However, they are built to last, and if you do find any fault with their toys they will gladly exchange it without quibble, no matter how old the toy is.

In my opinion this is a fantastic toy shop, and my children love to just wander around in their stores even if they know they aren't buying anything, just to look at the delights on their shelves.

Summary: A must for toys you want to last and last, but with a bit of a high price tag