Children have had it hard during the coronavirus pandemic. Couldn’t we all do with a pocketful of play starters to pull out in any scenario and instantly lighten the mood? You are in luck! Play 52 is yours for just £4.99 a pack.

To the untrained eye, Play 52 may look like an ordinary pack of playing cards. But closer inspection reveals that each of the 52 beautifully rendered cards features a unique playful idea or game for children 11 and under – devised by the creative dynamos at London Play, the best little play charity in the world.

Even better, the activity described on each card is just a starting point for fun, intended to spark players’ imaginations to greater creative heights.  Each suit represents a different type of play: so there are 13 ideas for messy and noisy play; 13 for outdoor games; another 13 for indoors and finally, 13 for small spaces, queues and cars.

With the help of a few simple props that are readily found around the house (eg scarves, plastic containers, balloons and pencils), the games engage kids with simple no-tech delights. Although the ideas are unique and devised exclusively for the pack, parents and grandparents are bound to recognise the hallmarks of their own childhood pursuits – big on imagination and experimentation; small on ‘stuff’.  For example, one game gets children making a remote control to operate their granny or little brother; another transforms them into make-up artistes, blindfolded! Some games can even be played over the phone or on a video call with distant or isolating family and friends. Whatever the situation, there is sure to be a game to suit (pun fully intended!)

All profits from Play 52 will go to London Play, the charity working to make London childhoods better and brighter. Retailing at £4.99 a pack, Play 52 is a great investment for any family; as the cards will not only bring fun and laughter to their own household, but also to children living in difficult circumstances in London.