Toy recommendation for 2.5 yr old boy

[SR]

Hi,

Anyone have any recommendations on a toy for a 2.5 yr old boy? Our friends will be visiting form afar and after staying with us will have a long haul flight so would be great to hear of something on the small side that will keep him entertained for a while. Do not have the budget to be splashing out on Nintendo DS (if that is what they are called) happy to spend between ?20 - ?40.

Please help!

[melbourne groover]

Cars, lots of cars.... Boats, dinosaurs, a ball. Sainsbury's have stuff discounted at the moment so more bang for your buck so to speak.

[njc97]

Another vote for cars. Or how about a london taxi, bus and police car? Or a thomas the tank engine?

[Polly D]

How about an etch-a-sketch? My 2.5yr old son had a go on a friend's recently and loved it, amused us for hours. Could be good on a flight:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Flair-310-Classic-Etch-Sketch/dp/B000E69YJI

[snowboarder]

My 2.5 yr old has a wide range of 'likes' including anything vehicle (train/car/tractor/digger) related, pirate related, dinosaur related and robot related. Play doh and crayons not so much, but ok for a bit. Loves books. Loves tv.

[Belle]

Stickers are good - maybe a jumbo sticker/activity book? (thinking for the plane). Agree with all the above suggestions too. You can get mini tubs of dinosaurs from the Early Learning Centre I think.

[SR]

Many Thanks Everyone,

I'll make use of these suggestions to buy a couple of smallish gifts that can appear as required during the flight.

much appreciated!

[mumtoone]

Wooden London bus is a hit here.We play a lot with a cheap staff too like balloons,bubbles,pasta or rice to make shakers.Or just put a music on, my boy can dance for an hour :))