My 12 month old son was given a gift voucher for the Early Learning Centre for his birthday from a relative, we went shopping to spend the voucher but had difficulty spending it as their was far to much choice in the elc but my son was took interest in the rain maker toy so thats what we bought.

The early learning centre has shops throughout the country and have a fantastic website, I paid around £5 for the rain maker and was also at the time available online. I prefer going into the shop as its a Aladdin cave of goodies and you can see what you are getting before buying.

The rain maker toy is basicly a long clear plastic tube, its roughly 12 inches long and 4 inches wide. It has 6 plastic shelfs which has groves and holes cut out on them to allow the small colourful beads to pass through and this makes the sound of rain. At each end of the rain maker has thick plastic bases one red and one yellow, It also has the elc logo printed on it. It has far to many bead in the tube for me to attempt to count but they are different coloured and very eye catching. The rain maker toy has been recommended for 8 months plus.

The toy is very well made from strong durable plastic, it has to be because my son has dropped it and banged it on furniture and its still in one piece and in excellent condition. My son finds it absolutely fascinating he has learned if he tips the toy vertically the beads drop to the bottom and makes the rain noise. He plays with it for hours without getting bored, its really good fun and I also enjoy watching my son, the amazement in his little face as he plays with it is priceless. Its a stimulating toy and encourages eye to hand co-ordination.

I highly recommend this toy as its so colourful and alot of fun, it was cheap to buy but mostly very well made and will last years i have now donated it to my sons playgroup. I also recommend the elc as it has toys for every budget.