Pretend play is how children spend most of their time given half a chance. Education experts agree on two things: open-ended, imaginative play is very important for children, but children do not spend enough time playing like this because they watch TV.

We are passionate about imaginative play and can honestly tell you that the best toy would be the biggest cardboard box you can find – an empty TV box for example. Sturdy and anonymous brown it does not tell children what to do – imagination is king: it can be a cave, a house, a garage, a spaceship, an island, a planet... you can turn it upside down or sideways or even stand it on end... accessorise with cushions and blankets... scribble, write, draw, paint, cut out windows, flaps or patterns... we could go on, but find one for your own children and see.

Don’t be put off if you cannot find such a big box, get any box (preferably boxes) you can and see what happens when your children get hold of them... our own children recently spent some happy hours wearing their shoeboxes instead of their new shoes.

The best thing about pretend play is that children get “better” at it all the time and soon give up TV in favour of it (well, almost..)

We cannot sell you a cardboard box, but we have put together a selection of the best playsets, costumes and accessories to help you out while you are looking for a cardboard box...