Building Blocks: One of the most versatile toys available. Why? Babies can use them to bang and make (a lot) of noise, toddlers can create walls and buildings … and knock them down, while older kids can create forts and castles (and have fun knocking them down).

Crayons: Another entry in the simple but effective entertainment category. Give your child some paper and bunch of crayons and they can entertain themselves for hours. Make sure they're non-toxic as they tend to end up in mouths, and watch your kids very closely if they start heading towards any walls. Unless you'd like a toddler-inspired mural.

LEGO: The Lego brand was created in Denmark by a carpenter called Ole Kirk Christiansen in 1932, with the company releases the "automatically binding" plastic building blocks we now associate with Lego. Endless hours of fun and creation, with appropriate versions available for little to big kids.

Corn Popper: In 1957, inventor Ralph Crawford was playing around with an idea for a toy that involved balls popping up. And the Corn Popper was created. To date it has sold over 20 million copies.

Mr Potato Head: Mr Potato Head was born in 1949 and was originally a set of facial parts with prongs that kids could stick into actual potatoes. The modern version includes a plastic potato, but the fun and fascination remains.

Etch A Sketch: Created in the late 1950s by Arthur Granjean and called "The Magic Screen", the Etch A Sketch didn't rise to fame until it was bought and marketed by a US company. It's now sold over 1.5 million copies worldwide. Supremely frustrating, but a great challenge.

Play Dough: Whether it's store-bought or home-made, play dough is another toy offering hours of fun. It can be shaped into animal, vegetable or mineral. Another one that can end up being eaten. Try THESE easy to make play dough recipes.

Rubik's Cube: Created in 1974 by Hungarian sculptor and professor of architecture, Emó Rubik, and sold by Ideal Toys in 1980 the Rubik's Cube has sold over 350 million cubes worldwide. There have been several new versions created since the original six sides by nine squares cube, aimed at different ages and skill levels. Whichever one you pick up, they'll keep you busy for a while.

Shape-O: A shape-fitter that helps kids to learn about why a square peg can never fit in a round hole. Tupperware was one of the first to release this classic fun toy in 1968 and it has remained largely unchanged in all but colour ever since.

Slinky: Everyone loves a slinky! From the classic steel version to a rainbow of colours, the slinky entertains kids big and small. Disaster once it's tangled, but that in itself provides another challenge and hours of entertainment … or at least distraction.