Jasper Junior

I don’t like children. Don’t worry, they don’t like me much either. Unfortunately, I’ve reached that age where all my friends are having kids, and I’ve got a nephew too. This means buying presents. All. The. Time. I’m not a fan of Fisher Price, not in the least because there is a high likelihood that someone else has bought the same gift (this totally happened at my nephew’s first birthday), so I like to get something a little different… and something that I would like to play with myself. Jasper Junior is one of my best auntie ever go-​to stores. It is jam-​packed with great toys, games and clothes for kids of all ages, and best of all, it is a Fisher Price-​free zone. Instead, you can get a whole range of wooden toys (Brio is a particularly good brand with a great modern design sensibility) or puzzles or fancy dress costumes. I’m a particular fan of anything they have that helps kids learn languages other than English (such as French alphabet flash cards or wooden blocks with Italian words and numbers). There are even these slightly frightening dolls that are all anatomically correct, you know, DOWN THERE. (Actually, I’m planning on getting one of these for one of my brats at some stage.) The staff are really helpful too, so if you are stuck for ideas or on the appropriateness of gifts for certain ages (apparently you’re not supposed to give small children sharp objects — who knew?) they can help you out. So if you are ever hungover and in a desperate rush to get to a first birthday party but need a great present with minimal fuss (like I was this morning), Jasper Junior is your place.