We hope you love the products we recommend! All of them were independently selected by our editors. Just so you know, HuffPost UK may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to shop from them. Oh, and FYI — prices are accurate and items in stock as of time of publication.

We are all living in a world that heavily relies on technology. So, it’s no surprise that our penchant for prodding pads and silently scrolling has trickled down to the youngest generation.

While we might have whiled away our weekends and holidays drawing hopscotch squares on the pavement, or trying to find fairies hidden in the garden, the children of today are better on our phones than we are.

Thanks to always having a new activity at their fingertips, boredom is becoming a thing of the past. Kids today are more than twice as likely to turn to a screen when they’re bored as they are to make up a game, story, or pretend world, according to a new survey by Playmobil.

Instead of using their imaginations during play time, a quarter (28%) of kids ask for – or use – a screen to pacify boredom.

Understandably, parents are concerned. More than half (54%) admit they feel guilty relying on screens during the holidays, while 74% say they wish their child spent more time playing imaginatively. Meanwhile, 38% of children wish their parents would play with them more.

Of course, parents have to work, kids need to learn to occupy themselves, but there are certainly pockets of time throughout the day when connection can be prioritised. To encourage this, Playmobil has teamed up with children’s presenter Maddie Moate and child psychologist Dr Amanda Gummer to create a set of free prompt cards.

Designed to be used alongside toys, each card asks an open-ended question that prompts children to invent characters, solve mysteries and build adventures.

These are not only good for strengthening bonds between parents and kids, but creative play can also help with all elements of children’s development, according to the UN.

If you’re looking for toy ideas to use alongside the cards, or by themselves, we’ve rounded up some of the best screen-free and sensory toys for kids in 2026, including some recommended by Playmobil and HuffPost UK’s parenting editor.

The Art of Storytelling cards are available to download for free via the Playmobil website.

Qamar Jehangeer, 44, from Bolton, and Zaheer Iqbal, 52, from Accrington, both appeared before Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court last week.

Jehangeer, of Jolly Mews, Harwood, was charged with four counts of rape of a girl under 16 and two counts of false imprisonment.

All the alleged crimes are said to have taken place in the Bury area over several years in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Iqbal, of Hawksworth Road, Accrington, was charged with four counts of rape of a girl under 16, also in Bury and also between the late 1990s and early 2000s.

A third man, 46-year-old Ashfaq Khan of Bury, was charged with 36 counts of rape of a girl under 16 as part of the same investigation but has yet to appear before the court.

He is also accused of the attempted rape of a girl under 16 and of indecent assault and false imprisonment.

Earlier in July, Greater Manchester Police said the men, all from British Pakistani backgrounds, were charged as part of a probe into non-recent child sex abuse in Bury.

A spokesperson said: “The charges follow Operation Sky, a complex and sensitive investigation regarding alleged offences in Bury between 1996 and 2003.

“Officers are working with trauma-informed support services to safeguard and support all those that have been affected.

“They continue to work at length to ensure their safety and wellbeing is the number one priority.”

Police have said that the crimes are alleged to have taken place between 1996 and 2003, with the charges relating to incidents involving 10 girls aged between 12 and 16 at the time.

According to court documents, neither Jehangeer nor Iqbal entered any pleas when they appeared before Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, July 22.

Iqbal was granted conditional bail while Jehangeer was remanded into custody ahead of a further appearance at Manchester Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

They are expected to next appear before the court next month.

A cook has shared a simple trick that’ll improve the overall taste of your oven pizza – and it only requires one ingredient as it takes just seconds to carry out

Frozen pizza remains a household favourite for those seeking a quick and convenient meal without the hassle of preparing food from scratch. While most simply remove it from the packaging and place it directly into the oven, one cook insists there’s a straightforward technique that can significantly enhance its taste. Better still, it requires just 20 seconds of your time.

Revealing the tip on TikTok, the food creator demonstrated that brushing the pizza crust with a touch of olive oil prior to baking can dramatically improve the end result. According to Simply Recipes, this additional step ensures the crust becomes considerably crispier, delivering superior texture and flavour. If time permits, she also suggests adding fresh mozzarella before baking to create an even cheesier and more luxurious pizza.

For a more substantial improvement, consider cooking it on a pizza stone rather than a conventional baking tray, as this produces a crispier base that more closely resembles a takeaway-style pizza.

Displaying the finished pizza, she said: “Can you believe this was store bought? I can’t. Frozen pizza. What.”

The hack resonated with viewers, who contributed their own preferred methods for elevating frozen pizzas.

One person said: “More sauce or sliced Roma tomatoes, sliced green onion, Cracker Barrel shredded sharp cheddar… you’re welcome.”

Another shared: “Not cheesy enough.”

Most popular pizza toppings

The tip emerges as FoodHub shared the UK’s favourite pizza toppings for 2026.

Pepperoni secured the number one position, with FoodHub stating: “Pepperoni continues to dominate as the most-loved topping, bringing that perfect balance of spice, salt and crispiness. If you’re ever unsure what to order, this is always a safe win.”

Margherita came in second place, with mushroom following in third, alongside extra cheese, olives, meat lovers and Hawaiian, while vegetarian options also featured amongst the nation’s favourites.

A statement read: “From classic pepperoni to fresh veggie combos and gourmet twists, the most popular pizza takeaway toppings in 2026 offer something for everyone.”

Improve your homemade pizza

For those who prefer to cook from scratch, the Homemade Pizza Club has shared the five things that’ll improve the overall taste of your pizza.

The list reads:

• Use Fior Di Latte cheese NOT shop bought grated mozzarella
• Ferment your dough for up to 5 days in the fridge
• Pre-cook your tomato sauce to bring out more flavour
• Pre-cook your vegetable toppings before adding to your pizza
• Use the 5 taste elements to balance flavours on your pizza

They added: “Here are 5 flavour elements that can be used in cookery. Salty, sour, bitter, sweet and umami. Getting a good balance of these flavours through different topping combinations can be a great way of making unique pizzas that excite your palette.”

‘You don’t know how big it is underneath’

Residents on a street where a sinkhole keeps appearing despite efforts to fill it in have been left worried. The sinkhole in the centre of the road at Coronation Street in Barry first appeared on Sunday, July 26 by a resident who informed Vale of Glamorgan Council.

Council workers immediately attended the street and filled in the hole as a temporary measure, but on Wednesday, July 29, the same part of the road caved in again.

Staff from the council returned on Wednesday afternoon to carry out further remedial work, but the hole has appeared for a third time.

A resident told WalesOnline she and neighbours have been left worried that there could be a far bigger issue at play.

She said: “[I’m] worried about it opening further because we don’t know how wide or deep it is under the surface.

“Another concern is that there is only one road in and out of Coronation Street and Fryatt Street. People walk their dogs and children play on the green.

“There have been concerns raised regarding the green area, when the original buildings in the 1970s were demolished, they didn’t demolish the basements.

“The green area is all uneven where they have started falling through. I remember holes opening up on the green when I was a child in the 80s and 90s.”

Advertisement

She added: “It probably doesn’t look like a massive issue but you don’t know how big it is underneath.”

The cause of the sinkhole is currently unknown. The council said it has taken steps to protect road users and ensure public safety. Dwr Cymru has has also been notified.

A spokesman for Vale of Glamorgan council said: “The council is aware of this issue and has taken standard steps to protect road users and ensure public safety while further investigation work takes place.

“The matter has also been reported to Dwr Cymru Welsh Water as some of its infrastructure may be affected. We will continue to monitor the situation and work with Dwr Cymru to carry out any repair work.”

Dwr Cymru has been approached for comment.

A 50-year-old Icelandic man was arrested in Benidorm on allegations of fraud after he allegedly spent 10 days in the Spanish city without paying for his food and accommodation, reportedly running up bills of around £1,300

Police in the Spanish city of Benidorm have issued a statement after a 50-year-old Icelandic man was arrested for allegedly not paying bills at local hospitality venues.

The unnamed man, whose arrest the local police posted about on Instagram, reportedly spent just under £1,300 during a 10-day period in the popular holiday resort.

Local police alleged the unpaid money amounted to around €1,500 (£1,285) during the 10-day period before he was arrested. It is not known how many venues the man, who has been detained on suspicion of fraud, visited before his arrest.

Announcing the news on Instagram, the Local Police couldn’t resist a cheeky dig, suggesting that anyone thinking this was a clever way to enjoy a holiday was in for a rude awakening, reports Chronicle Live.

Advertisement

They said: “He was travelling light – both in terms of luggage and his wallet. A 50-year-old man, in Benidorm for 10 days, eating and sleeping without paying at venues around the city.

“But the Benidorm police turned up, and we’ve handed him the bill: arrested for an ‘alleged’ offence of fraud. If this is your idea of a holiday in Benidorm, we’re pleased to announce a special package with accommodation included.”

A police spokesperson also told Spanish news agency EFE that officers had been called to deal with the man at multiple locations before eventually making the arrest.

Meanwhile, Benidorm, much like countless other popular destinations, remains vulnerable to fraudsters, prompting long-term residents to share advice on how visitors can protect themselves from being caught out.

A British man who has lived in the city for 13 years recently alleged there was a new scam sweeping the city’s streets earlier this summer.

Posting on TikTok, the man, called Frank, offers advice to people visiting the popular coastal city. He spoke in June of a scam involving people who approach passers-by with clipboards.

Speaking on the seafront, he claimed: “As you’ve seen there, this is one of the scams that runs along the beachfront.”

Frank explained that people are asked to sign petitions before being asked to make a donation, at which point Frank’s partner added: “They’ll say it’s for the blind or the disabled and that they are petitioning to get something sorted here in Spain.”

Frank added: “They’re illegal, scamming, and they will take your money. Some people even get their wallets out and give them a few quid.”

Following his video, the Mirror reported that several people commented below it thanking him for his service and explaining how they knew people who had been caught out by the scam.

If 2025 was the year of the Labubu, 2026 might just belong to Mirumi.

Just like a Labubu, a Mirumi is a small, sweet and fluffy bag charm — only, it’s a little more lifelike.

Mirumis are robotic, and sensitive to sound and touch.

Firstly landing on the scene over a year ago, they’re marketed as a ‘robot that steals a glance — and your heart’.

Both a fashion accessory and built-in-bestie all in one, they’ve become somewhat of an overnight sensations.

There’s now dozens of videos circulating on social media of customers flaunting their new miniature bestie dangling from their handbags.

And, as with Labubu at the height of its popularity, getting hold of a Mirumi is proving to be increasingly difficult.

After expanding internationally, the brand launched a month-long Harrods pop-up on July 20.

However, to the dismay of many customers, one of whom shared on Instagram that they’d been planning on travelling down from Birmingham just to get her hands on one of the toys, the available stock sold out in just a week.

Advertisement

While the team has hinted that a restock could be just around the corner, for now it looks as though we can only admire them from afar.

So, what is it about these new furry friends that has shoppers in such a frenzy?

Available in three colours — pink, ivory, and grey — Mirumi was designed by Tokyo-based company Yukai Engineering, whose creators said they wanted it to look like a mix of a small yeti, an owl, and a Sesame Street character.

The toy’s outer surface is covered with soft, furry material resembling a teddy bear.

Cute, yes. But it seems as though Mirumi’s real appeal lies its in interactive nature.

Advertisement

Designed to cling tightly to your bag strap, belt, or umbrella handle, the toy mirrors a sense of wonder and curiosity often seen in a newborn baby or a beloved childhood pet.

It reacts to head patting, is sensitive and reactive to sound, and even moves on its own.

This is all down to the toys’ algorithm. Reportedly inspired by other social robots, it generates varied motor movements rather than repeating the same actions, making Mirumi’s reactions appear more natural.

Oh and you’ll know that your Mirumi needs recharging when it starts to slowly shake its head as if it’s tired after a long day.

According to the website, Mirumi’s true purpose is to evoke small, unplanned moments of joy through ‘its tiny endearing gestures that invite a smile.’

Advertisement

The brand has emphasised that Mirumi is not intended to be just another collectible toy, but a lifelong companion.

Would you buy a Mirumi?

• Absolutely – it’s beyond adorable

• No! It’s a total waste of money

Owners online have called their Mirumis a ‘purse pet’, ‘fur baby’, and ‘mini companion.

Advertisement

One user, @dariannaslay, even referred to herself as the ‘proud owner of the most kawaii creature ever’.

How much is a Mirumi?

Now, depending on size, a standard, off-the-shelf Labubu can cost anywhere between £10 to £70 (although at action, a 4ft version went for $172,000).

A Mirumi, on the other hand, costs quite a bit more.

To take one of these sweet little creatures home you’ll have to fork out £129.

Advertisement

In fairness, it does appear to be a much more sophisticated toy compared to some of the other cult favourites we’ve come across over the past few years.

But, with such a steep price point, the question is: does this latest craze have the staying power to become more than just another fleeting fad?

Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk

MORE: The ‘unfashionable’ beauty trend that makes Gen Z think you’re ancient

Advertisement

MORE: The TikTok slang terms every parent should know to avoid being ‘cringe’

MORE: Japan earthquake death toll rises to 13 with shoppers still trapped inside collapsed mall

Comments


Add as preferred source

Officers are appealing for information to trace George Casson, 30, from Harrogate, after his prison recall was issued on July 3.

North Yorkshire Police said Casson breached his licence conditions by failing to attend appointments with the Probation Service.

“Extensive enquiries have been ongoing to locate Casson and we’re now appealing for your help to help find him,” the force said.

They said it is believed Casson could be in the Harrogate area but also has links to Lancashire, Weston-Super-Mare in Avon and Somerset.

Casson is described as white, 5ft 4in tall, small build, cropped brown hair and blue eyes. Police said he has previously had a short brown beard or stubble, but he may be clean shaven.

Casson was last December jailed for 19 months after pleading guilty to one charge of sexual communication with a child committed over several weeks some years ago.

Police urge anyone who sees Casson to phone 999 and those with information about his whereabouts to call 101.

Information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers by phoning 0800 555 111 or via its website.

Quote reference number 12260124861 when providing any information.

One care home resident today summed up the turbulent nature of British politics as they expressed surprise at Andy Burnham introducing himself as the Prime Minister.

‘What, a new one? They keep changing every 5 minutes,’ he responded to Mr Burnham, after initially mistaking the Labour leader for a local candidate.

The interaction took place during Mr Burnham’s visit to a care home managed by Jewish Care in Golders Green, north London, on Wednesday.

It echoes the now famous exclamation of Brenda from Bristol on being told a snap general election had been called in April 2017. ‘You’re joking – not another one!’, she said in a TV clip that swiftly went viral on social media.

Mr Burnham’s visit to the north London care home came as he set out his plans to reform the social care system, with the view to creating a ‘national care service’.

When introduced to one resident, the PM was asked: ‘And you are the local candidate are you?’. Mr Burnham replied: ‘I was a local candidate, I had a by-election a few weeks ago. I’m now the Prime Minister.’

The care home resident responded: ‘What, a new one? They keep changing every five minutes.’ ‘I know, I know, I know,’ a laughing Mr Burnham said in agreement.

Mr Burnham is Britain’s seventh PM in a decade after the ousting of Keir Starmer.

As he answered questions from reporters following a speech on his social care plans on Wednesday, Mr Burnham reiterated that he would not be calling a snap general election himself.

This is despite him having previously demanded the Tories do exactly that when they changed leaders while in power.

Mr Burnham said that social care reform needed to be addressed before the country next goes to the polls, as he announced he is accelerating Louise Casey’s review of social care so it will report next year.

He said: ‘If I look back to that experience that I had as health secretary in the 2005 to 2010 Parliament, we probably left the reform too late in that Parliament, and it got too close to a general election.

‘Learning from that, that’s one of the reasons why I’m bringing forward Louise’s review, because I think it’s better to do it sooner and further away from an election, and that answers another story for the media, doesn’t it?

‘That there’s no election on the horizon. I think it’s best to deal with it early and to listen.’

Mr Burnham also signalled tax rises are to come as he warned of ‘difficult decisions’ on social care funding.

The build-up to the PM’s speech had been dominated by questions over whether he would seek to impose an £18billion ‘death tax’ to pay for his plans, through a shake-up of inheritance levies.

It has also been reported that officials have drawn up alternative plans for a new tax on income to fund social care.

Asked about the prospect of tax rises, Mr Burnham insisted more could be done initially from within existing budgets – although he warned of ‘difficult decisions’ later on.

‘I think more is possible from within existing resources, and the things that I’ve talked about today, particularly around the workforce, will be fully funded,’ the PM said, when asked after his speech if he could transform social care without raising taxes.

‘So I think, firstly, you have to do more with what you’ve got. But I think Louise (Casey) indicated some of what we would want to do in the fullest sense will require difficult, difficult decisions.

‘But we will be honest with people about those. We will put them before the country at the right time, and we will hopefully proceed with people’s consent.’

Mr Burnham’s visit to the north London care home came as he set out his plans to reform the social care system, with the view to creating a ‘national care service’ 

Advertisement

The PM announced he is accelerating Louise Casey’s review of social care so it will report next year 

Mr Burnham’s remarks appeared to be an attempt to punt questions about tax rises to fund social care reforms until nearer the next general election, which he insisted is not ‘on the horizon’.

He insisted he would stick to Labour’s existing manifesto commitments on not hiking income tax, National Insurance or VAT in this Parliament. 

The PM also suggested that savings from the NHS from resolving the social care crisis could help fund a reformed system.

He said it costs the NHS around £2.5billion a year to have people kept in hospital even though they are medically fit to leave because there is no suitable care available in the community.

He also warned the lack of a ‘preventative front-end social care service’ stopping people from going into hospital in the first place was costing the NHS ‘several billion pounds a year’.

‘I think we owe it to the public before we talk about tax rises’ to ‘do more with what you’ve got’, the PM added. 

In an ‘ideal world’ nobody would have to sell their home to pay for their care, Mr Burnham said.

‘I think it’s a really awful process for those who live through it, the whole thing of children taking power of attorney, and then dealing with parents’ finances,’ he added. 

‘I think the whole thing is horrendous for those who live though it, and they see everything that their parents have worked for just whittled away in front of them, paying for care that often isn’t good enough care in terms of what you would want for your mum and dad.

‘I think the system isn’t right, and in an ideal world, no I wouldn’t want to see that.’

“As well as being the long-serving frontman and founder of the influential Irish rock band The Frames, Hansard starred in the Bafta-winning film, The Commitments, which has gone down in Irish film and music folklore, and the Irish-made drama Once, which earned him a number of major honours, including an Academy Award with his co-star Marketa Irglova,” he said.