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Sarah Dawson image

Sarah Dawson

@Sarah_WordUp

Sarah is a parenting and lifestyle writer, who has been a regular contributor to IndyBest since 2021, covering the very best kids’ products and gift guides for every budget. She has written extensively for national publications and websites including MadeForMums.com, Family Traveller, Goodto.com, Tesco magazine, The Telegraph, Baby magazine and Culture Trip, as well as created content for parenting, luxury travel and bridal brands.

<p>These days, the handheld devices offer a lot more than a simple push-and-talk function</p>
Kids

Best kids’ walkie talkies for kids 2026, tested by a parenting writer

<p>From easy-to-use first bikes for young children to mountain bikes designed for fearless adventurers, we’ve found options to suit everyone</p>
Cycling

Best kids’ bikes 2026, tried and tested on off-road adventures

<p>I tested a variety of dumbphones, including everything from the most basic of brick phones to restricted-content smartphones</p>
Tech

The best dumbphones for reducing screen time in 2026

<p>I’ve found the best mattress options for younger children as well as teenagers</p>
Furniture

Best kids’ mattresses for 2026, tried and tested

<p>The duvets were assessed on quality, temperature regulation and washability </p>
Duvets

Best duvets for kids in 2026, tried and tested

<p>After countless renditions of ‘Let it Go’, these are the machines that had the X Factor </p>
Toys & Activities

Best karaoke machines for 2025, tried and tested

<p>I looked for waterproofing, extra grip for those tricky trails, and comfy padding </p>
Clothing & Footwear

Best kids’ walking boots for 2025, tested by a parent

<p>I put the claims that this is ‘the phone that grows with your child’ to the test</p>
Tech

I’ve found the perfect first phone for kids

<p>With the help of my little testers, I reviewed a variety of advent calendars from books to Lego</p>
Christmas

Best kids’ advent calendars to start the Christmas magic early in 2025

<p>Choose from arts and craft presents, puzzles and games, accessories and keepsakes </p>
Christmas

Best stocking fillers for Christmas 2025, tested and approved by kids

<p>I gathered a group of young testers to put wellies of all types through their paces</p>
Clothing & Footwear

Best kids’ wellies for 2025, tried and tested on rainy walks

<p>We looked for shoes that are robust enough to last </p>
School Clothing & Equipment

Best kids’ school shoes for boys and girls

<p>Choose from Harry Potter-themed Lego sets to books they won’t want to put down and much more</p>
Gifts

Best gifts for nine-year-olds 2026, approved by kids

Gifts

Best gifts for nine-year-olds 2026, approved by kids

<p>Choose from Harry Potter-themed Lego sets to books they won’t want to put down and much more</p>
<p>Climbing frames not only encourage kids to get active, they can also improve balance, strength and coordination</p>
Garden Furniture

Best climbing frames for kids 2024, tried and tested

<p>Only the items our mini testers returned to again and again made it onto our list </p>
Gifts

13 best gifts for 8-year-olds

<p>We’ve included options for every age group </p>
Kids

11 best subscription boxes for kids, tested by little reviewers

<p>We tested a range of products that smelt great and left skin soft</p>
Baby Tech & Essentials

10 best organic baby bath time products you’ll want for yourself

<p>We tested a range of products that smelt great and left skin soft</p>
Baby Tech & Essentials

10 best organic baby bath time products you’ll want for yourself

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