As a mum of a very active little one, I’m always on the lookout for toys that genuinely hold my toddler’s attention — and the VTech Toot-Toot Drivers Train Set has been a real winner in our house! From the moment we took it out of the box, it’s been nonstop fun and exploration. The motorised train chugs around the tracks with cheerful sounds and fun interactive phrases that have my child giggling every time it rolls past a SmartPoint trigger — it’s lovely to hear imaginative play happening rather than the usual background noise!
What I love most is how it blends play with early learning: the sounds, songs and SmartPoint interactions keep my toddler engaged, while also subtly helping with language and motor skills through hands-on play. The varied track pieces including bridges, ramps and a little crane really spark creativity — no two layouts are ever the same, and we’ve had lots of fun building new configurations together.
It’s sturdy enough for the daily rough and tumble of toddler play, and though assembly takes a little patience at first, it’s completely worth it once everything’s ready. This train set has fast become a favourite, and I love watching my child’s face light up every time that bright little locomotive starts its journey around the track. I think this is a great investment for toddler play, offering long-lasting fun as the child grows, despite the initial setup effort, making them a recommended Christmas or birthday gift.
Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond.
Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content.
In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK.
Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.
