We looked at plastic sets and wooden sets, and assessed everything from all-singing sound-and-lights farms to farms with clever, detailed accessories to simple farms that offer great play value for money.

You can change your choices at any time by visiting Cookie preferences, as described in the Cookie notice. Why we love it: We like the strong sound and sorting element in this chunky, good-value toddler set, rewarding your child with a moo, oink or a neigh when they put an animal in the right spot in the farmhouse.Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.

Why we love it: The wooden blocks are cheerfully painted and grabbily chunky and, as well as the animals to identify and move around, there's lots of scope here to build and balance, colour-match, sort – and knock down.He has just turned 2 so I was worried some parts would be too small but they are all of a decent size. As some people have pointed out they have a strong chemical smell but this is easily remedied by airing them out of the container. When you press Noah into his seat at the helm of the boat, it makes sea sound effects and the food bucket at the back of the boat plays a tune. My grandson is only 18 months and I was teaching him sounds of farm animals and saw him some pictures on Google and he really making sounds of cow and house. This playhouse is perfect for children to play and learn together, as they invent new role play adventures.

Most children enjoy animals and have been to a farm at some point in the childhood so can relate to the animals. The buildings slot together, so it's a little less sturdy than a glued or screwed set (and definitely not for under-3s) but it's certainly not flimsy.

At this age her learning and language is developing so quickly, so I like that this toy offers lots of different things to talk about together in a way that keeps her interest.

Andreea 'I think they are great figurines, sturdy, good material and colours, close look to real one, the only inconvenient is the size which is not real one, for example one sheep is as big as a cow but for me it is not a big deal, anyway they are just toys, my child can see the difference in real life. The Chad Valley Safari Bucket contains fifty (50) pieces combined of realistic safari themed figurines and accessories to stimulate creative fun and educational scenarios for your most cherished to enjoy. The Chad Valley Farm Figures Bucket - 50 Piece is a great way to familiarise little ones about farm animals they may encounter in future or already have a little knowledge of. However that night once all the pieces were out the box little J decided he wasn't sleepy so ended up helping Daddy. The animals' colours might be a bit garish for some – and, although we like the silo tower with its rattle balls, you'll have to watch that you child doesn't stick the animals down it, as once in, they're pretty hard to get out.

Comes with a moveable cow, sheep, pig and horse, a carry handle and 2 rattle balls to roll down the silo tower. We particularly like the detail in the accessories – that include everything from hay bales and carrots to mattresses, duvets, an oven and plates – and the fact that the male farmer figure had moveable arms and hands that grasp both the pitchfork and the wheelbarrow.