A hippo is not the first animal most people think of for a toy, which is exactly why this one gets noticed. It is a chunky sky-blue hippo with a huge white muzzle, round brown eyes, an open mouth and short white-footed legs, and it walks forward on its own when switched on.

The trick is underneath its chin. A faceted disco ball sits in its chest, and as the hippo walks the ball lights up and casts moving coloured spots onto the floor around it. In a dim room the whole floor becomes a small light show that follows the hippo wherever it goes.

Music plays at the same time, and a music-note badge on its back marks the sound side. The box sums the toy up in four words: lights, music and moves. For a young child the combination is hard to resist — it is a pet, a nightlight and a dance party at once.

It is a good size for small hands and small rooms, about 17.2 cm long, 14 cm tall and 10.4 cm wide. The body is smooth rounded plastic with no sharp corners, and it stands steadily on its four legs when it is switched off.

It is battery operated and sold for ages three and up. Many parents use it at bedtime with the lights off, then switch it off once the child is settled.

The Safencia price is Rs. 2,150 with Cash on Delivery across Pakistan, including Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad. Stock, city and delivery charges are confirmed on WhatsApp before dispatch.

Why this product is worth considering