The chocolate fountain

This is a purchase I would recommend to any parent with thirty odd pounds to spare: the chocolate fountain.

If you've read 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory', then it's a fast-track back to your childhood; it'll make you think it was definitely worth growing up after all.

If you are an unscrupulous godfather, it's a quick win against the kind, lovely, generous and conscientious godmother that your close friends might have uncharitably chosen to pair you with.

It's also ace for birthday parties; an event in its own right. Today was Dan's (belated) birthday party and he invited five of his friends across to watch Iron Man III with the chocolate fountain as an additional attraction.

Boys that age are a mixed bunch, aren't they? I even thought that when I was eleven. Some of them are so fired up on testosterone and energy, I don't know how anyone can get them to sit still long enough to teach them anything. To be honest, I think it would fairer all 'round to put them in a field for a couple of years and let them run it off :-)