This is a review of the sand and water table bought as a present for my Daughter from her Nana before the hot spell of weather started.

We made an immediate decision to not use sand in the table just yet so have stuck to water in both sides of the table, which is separated into two compartments.

As my daughter is only just over one and a half she is still a bit daft and has no common sense so it's just easier with water as it dries and won't hurt her if she drinks it.

The table is 18 inches high and 18 inches wide and a perfect height for her to play with. We have an assortment of ladles and paddles and containers to use with the water and she will literally obsess with it for ages. We have the table, paddling pool and a bucket and she transfers water between the three sites.

When not in use there is a plastic lid for the table that sits inside the lip of the lid comfortably. My daughter loves putting the lid on and taking it off. It is good for keeping the bugs out but I do change the water in the table every day anyway - I use the old stuff for watering the plants. A couple of days ago the daughter climbed on and in to the table and had a wee in the water (we are trying to potty train her!) which was funny and gross at the same time.

Parent's confession: I have found a better use for this table. I find that it makes an ideal foot soaker in the garden, with the right height conservatory chair I can stick a foot in each hole in the table and cool off. This may sound a bit strange but bear in mind I am six months pregnant too so it's good to take the weight off my feet for a bit! My daughter likes to sit on my knee and stick her feet in too (but I prefer to not do this just after she weed in it!) so it's a nice communal activity. My parents think it is funny but I prefer to think of it as making the most of this hot weather without actually getting wet clothes or having to change.

My thoughts
This table is a bit garish in colour at yellow, orange and green and it's a bit cheap and cheerful. The legs seem fairly solid though so I can imagine it will last a few years for us and certainly during the time we have young kids that want to play with it. Whether we will move on to sand yet, I don't know as it kind of screws up my foot soak theory and I have big feet so can only fit one in each side.

Final word
I am aware that the normal price is £15 which is really top whack for this quality of item. There are sales and three for two offers that usually spring up if you are prepared to wait so it's best to bide your time before purchasing. It was a great gift though and one we have had plenty of use from so far and all enjoyed using so I am happy to recommend this play table to fellow garden dwellers or foot soakers.