Our four-year-old tester was particularly impressed with the plastic rats and frogs included and he was soon casting many a spell with the spell book and plastic cauldron also provided (a great collection bag when trick-or-treat time arrives). Perhaps the only disappointment was the broom, which was all plastic, thus leaving little room for even pretend sweeping and where the handle fitted to the head, the fitment was a little loose. Having said that, this is a very minor point in an otherwise fantastic set.

Suitable for children aged 4 to 6 years, the dressing-up set encourages creative play, imagination and, when guided by parents, can trigger storytelling and even a "play", if two or three children get involved. The handy box has an easily detachable label, and becomes part of the toy so is more than just good-quality storage. Super value, this playset will occupy wearers for ages, bringing parents plenty of toil and trouble-free days. --Lucie Naylor

Contents:

• black cape and black hat
• Purple cape and second black hat
• blue jacket with blue hat
• cauldron
• broomstick
• rats and frogs (plastic)
• magic wand
• spell book