Who says that kids these days are only interested in computer games or anything involving a screen? For a recent children's party I was tasked with providing some cheap, cheerful and engaging entertainment and this was one of the items purchased which proved to be a great investment.

For £6 I bought this set of skittles from our local Tesco (which stocks a range of ELC toys, as do a lot of supermarkets these days I notice). Within the kit are 6 multi-coloured plastic skittles and two balls. The bright colours certainly lend themselves to enticing children to play with them and the balls are both yellow, contrasting nicely with the other primary colours but keeping things simple by defining them as different.

Both the skittles and the balls are made of very strong and durable plastic, this is easy to wipe clean and tough enough to be robust when continually handled by less than gentle tiny hands. It also means that the skittles are lightweight and are knocked over very easily - making the whole game a darn sight easier when the aim may not be great and the force behind each shot rather lacking.

The base of each skittle is flat and they stand very easily, we have used them on all sorts of surfaces with no issues, carpet, patio and garden in the main. Whilst you might argue that skittles could be created on the cheap using plastic pop bottles and a tennis ball (as we did when I was a child) for the price these are a great game and look and feel the part. I am certain we will get years of repeated use out of this set and actually it is none too dull a game for adults to participate in too! (an added bonus).

I will certainly be checking out other items from the Early Learning Centre range next time I have birthdays to buy for, these are a great, brightly coloured and enjoyable interactive toy for indoor or outdoor fun.