Speedy snails

There's a big debate round these parts over the giving of party bags at the end of birthday celebrations: when parents have already put so much time and effort into an event, should they also have to shell out for ever-more-wonderful bags of toys as well?

Sadly, there's not much you can do about it, once children have begun to expect their goodbye gifts. So whatever your stance, you might just find that your easy option is one small gift, nicely wrapped.

My personal bugbear is the plasticy stuff that only lasts five minutes, but here, at least, is a good wooden toy that doesn't cost much. Speedy Snails are a 'pull-back and go' 6cm-long, environmentally-painted toy. Party problem solved.