By Verity's mum · Updated

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The quick answer

For small-world play, the Schleich Sea Animals Discovery Set is a sturdy starter set. The Playmobil Coral Reef Examination boat suits little scientists (lots of small parts), and the Octonauts Octoray is the birthday-list pick for Octonauts fans.

Realistic sea creatures are gold for small-world play. They end up in the bath, the sandpit, lined up on the windowsill and in all sorts of rescue games. Here's what we'd buy.

1
Best starter set

Schleich Sea Animals Discovery Set (42742)

Ages 3-8. Crab, clownfish and coral pieces with Schleich's lovely detail. Built to survive being dropped, thrown and bathed.
See it on Amazon →
2
Best for little scientists

PLAYMOBIL Coral Reef Examination (71623)

A floating catamaran with a glass floor and a magnifier, plus sharks, rays and a sea turtle.
Good to know: Lots of small parts, so check the age on the box for younger siblings.
See it on Amazon →
3
Best for Octonauts fans

Octonauts Octoray playset

If your little one is already obsessed with the Octonauts, the Octoray is the base everything else plugs into.
Good to know: A birthday-level price, so maybe one to put on the list.
See it on Amazon →
Mum tip: Blue water, a few pebbles and a shallow tray make an instant rock pool for all these creatures. Put a towel down first.
Verity's verdict
Verity hasn't tried this lot yet. Her honest verdict goes here once she has, good or bad.

Questions parents ask

What is small-world play?

Playing out stories with little figures: rescues, families, adventures. It's brilliant for talking and imagination, and sea creatures work anywhere, from the bath to the sandpit.

Are these OK with younger siblings around?

Check the age on the box. The Playmobil set has lots of small parts.

How do I make a cheap rock pool for sea animal toys?

A shallow tray, blue water and a few pebbles. Put a towel down first.

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