Gather together playthings that will stimulate the senses in some or all of these areas - sight, sound, touch, smell. Be as imaginative as you like.

Sight - An unbreakable plastic mirror (see our Can't you see? It's me! game), a small prism or CD for making rainbows, a small torch so your child can follow the beam, a family photo in a plastic pocket (see our photo fun game), a finger puppet (see our finger puppets game), and a sock for hiding things, or for making an instant sock puppet.

Sound - Several plastic film canisters containing rice, a bell, beans, a coin and even water (make sure the tops are tightly glued or securely taped); a set of blank keys on a key ring from the hardware shop; a small wind-up music box, or musical toy and a tape of you singing your child's favourite songs.

Touch - A variety of 15-cm fabric squares of different textures, a handheld paper fan to make a gentle indoor breeze, natural baby oil for a soothing massage, a roll of tape, several securely knotted baby socks, each holding something to touch and clutch, a cellophane wrapper and a piece of greaseproof paper.

Smell - Individual cloth bags filled with dried herbs, or flowers like mint, lavender and rose petals, sewn securely shut. Also bring along a fresh flower or two - or some herbs from the garden.