60 Seconds Toy Review

Tuesday, November 11, 2025

Big Fish Little Fish, By Format Games - REVIEW

Nature / Type: Card game

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 7 year-old ++

Who would love this: Kids that love speed/ reaction-based spotting games

We’ve played plenty of reaction-based spotting games before—they’re always a big hit in our family. But Big Fish Little Fish from Format Games takes the challenge (and the giggles) to a whole new level.

Why I love ❤️ this game:

(1) Speedy Game - Sharp Reflexes + Quick Thinking

This is a speedy game of sharp reflexes and quick thinking. Each card shows 10 quirky items across 4 colours—but the twist comes from the symbol on the back of the next card, which sets one of 6 conditions: spot the biggest thing in the world (big Earth), the smallest thing (small Earth), the item that appears the most (four dots), the item that appears the least (one dot), the colour shown the most (multi-colour dots), or the colour shown the least (single-colour dot). Flip a card, reveal the condition, and race to shout the answer! It sounds easy, but the wacky illustrations love to confuse you—we kept calling out the biggest object drawn, instead of the biggest in the reality. Add in colour-count mix-ups and you’ve got chaos! Fast, fun, and packed with laughter, this game kept everyone alert and giggling.

(2) Big Fish & Little Fish - Game With A Twist!

So why the name Big Fish Little Fish? Here’s the twist! If a card shows a Big Fish or Little Fish, players must drop the usual rules and shout ‘BIG FISH!’ (with hands wide apart) or ‘LITTLE FISH!’ (hands close together). The fastest player wins the card—and gets to steal one from the slowest! It’s not just a speed game now—it’s quick thinking plus fast-moving hands, adding an extra layer of chaos.

(3) Add Penalty Points To Spice Up The Game

Want to spice it up? Add penalty points (as long as no one’s a sore loser!). Shout a wrong answer and you’ll lose a card from your won pile to the centre. The fastest correct player then wins those extra cards. Miss a Big or Little Fish and answer normally? Oops—hand over a card to the player who got it right! These little punishments really crank up the pressure and the laughs.

(4) Compact Game For Road Trips

This is the perfect compact game for road trips—fun for adults but easy enough to play with younger family members too. The game comes in a sturdy, cheerful box with bright, playful graphics—I especially love the colourful puffer Big Fish and Little Fish in their rainbow colours.

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

https://www.cowtrees.au/educational-toys/839-big-fish.html

Enjoy the video!

Monday, November 3, 2025

Machi Koro, By Pandasaurus Games - REVIEW

Nature / Type: Board Game

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 8 year-old ++

Who would love this: Board-gamers who enjoy city-building games

Machi Koro by Pandasaurus Games is a much-loved game that’s been delighting players for years—and I’m thrilled to have recently received a copy from Let's Play Games ! It’s a light-hearted, city-building, dice-rolling game full of money-earning fun—a perfect addition to our collection.

Why I love ❤️ it:

(1) Develop Your City & Complete 4 Landmarks To Win

This is a stylish yet surprisingly easy-to-learn game, designed for 2–4 players. Each player works to develop their own city and be the first to complete all four landmarks. Everyone starts with a Wheat Field and a Bakery, plus four face-down landmarks marked as ‘under construction.’ On your turn, you roll one or two dice. If the total matches a building you own, you activate its effect. After rolling and activating, you can either buy a new building or construct a landmark, if you’ve got the funds. As your city grows, so does your income, helping you build landmarks faster. The first to complete all four wins!

(2) Light Decision-Making + Dose Of Luck

Machi Koro is a great entry-level game that mixes light decision-making with a healthy dose of luck. It’s one of those games that’s fun for adults while still simple enough to play with kids. Do you stock up on high-reward cards like the Convenience Store (3 coins on a roll of 4 for just 2 coins), or go for nastier options like the TV Station (steal 5 coins on a 6) or the powerful Mine (5 coins on a roll of 9 by anyone)? It’s a casual, family-friendly game with just enough strategy to keep things interesting. While the base set is fairly simple, there’s plenty of fun here—and even more in the expansions!

(3) Special Power For A Twist

Each landmark also unlocks a special power that can really shift the game. Building the Train Station lets you roll two dice instead of one—useful if you’ve collected higher-number buildings. The Amusement Park gives you an extra turn when you roll doubles, the Shopping Mall boosts income from certain cards, and the Radio Station lets you re-roll once per turn. Timing when to build these can make a big difference.

(4) Clean, Modern Art Style

I love the clean, modern art style - it’s whimsical and artistic. The coins are simple but functional, with clear denominations in different sizes and colours.

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

https://www.gamesworld.com.au/product/machi-koro-5th-anniversary/

Find your local game stores here: https://www.localgamestores.com.au/

Enjoy the video!

Wooden Fantasy Puzzle - Dragon Flight, By Let’s Play Games - REVIEW

Nature / Type: Jigsaw puzzle

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 14 year-old ++

Who would love this: Older kids/ adults that enjoy challenging, wooden jigsaw puzzles

Let's Play Games has done it again with their mesmerizing series of wooden puzzles! This “Wooden Fantasy Puzzle - Dragon Flight” takes things to a whole new level. This isn’t just a puzzle—it’s an epic quest wrapped in rich colors, intricate pieces, and magical design.

Why I ❤️ this puzzle:

(1) 200 Uniquely Shaped Jigsaw Pieces

The Dragon Flight puzzle features 200 uniquely shaped pieces. Forget the usual clean borders of a traditional puzzle. This one embraces the wild, untamed outline of a soaring dragon—from the dramatically spiked tail to the wide, sweeping wings stretched in mid-flight. Even before the first piece clicks into place, the challenge is on. We began by sorting the pieces by color and pattern: deep blue-granite tones for the massive boulders in the dragon’s shadow, a dazzling blend of rainbow hues trailing from its tail, fiery red spikes, jagged teeth, textured scales along its powerful body, and the ornate designs etched into each wing. Between the smoky blues and the blazing scene unfolding within the wings, every section is a vibrant work of art just waiting to be revealed.

(2) Surprises Hidden Within - A Treasure Hunt

These are no ordinary puzzle pieces—each one is a miniature masterpiece, carved with wild, unpredictable shapes that twist and curl like ancient symbols or hidden runes. This puzzle challenges your spatial awareness and intuition at every turn. And as you fit piece after piece, the magic unfolds: a phoenix bursts into flight, a shooting star streaks across the sky, a mysterious indigo butterfly hovers in the shadows, and symbols of flame, heroism, and wonder emerge from within the dragon’s form. It’s a fantasy treasure hunt where every discovery feels like unlocking a secret—an adventure layered with intricate surprises that make the journey as rewarding as the final image.

(3) High-Quality, Laser-Cut Pieces

Crafted from high-quality, precision laser-cut wood, every piece of this puzzle feels as premium as it looks. The vibrant colors are rich and bold, the pieces fit together with satisfying smoothness, and the artwork—once complete—is utterly mesmerizing. It all comes beautifully packaged in a charming wooden box, perfect for storage or display as a keepsake.

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

https://www.amazon.com.au/Lets-Play-Games-Dragon-Fantasy/dp/B0D6B9P1T3

https://www.gamesworldsa.com.au/products/dragon-flight-lpg-wooden-puzzle

Find your local game stores here: https://www.localgamestores.com.au/

Read more reviews of similar puzzles from Let's Play Games:

Enjoy the video!

Friday, October 24, 2025

Crazy Farm, By Laboludic - REVIEW

Nature / Type: Card game

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 6 year-old ++

Who would love this: Young kids that enjoy card games with light strategy

“Crazy Farm” by Laboludic is chaotic cuteness in a box! From the first bark to the final moo, players are in a nonstop frenzy of animal sounds, quick reflexes, and laugh-out-loud moments. Big thanks to Divisible by Zero for sending this delightful madness my way!

Why I love ❤️ it:

(1) Mimic Animal Sounds Fast To Win

Inside the box, you’ll find 5 double-sided Animal cards, 49 colorful number cards (each a unique combo of 1 to 7 and seven colors), 1 Turmoil card, and a rulebook. Everyone picks an Animal card and puts it on display. Shuffle and split the number cards evenly into face-down piles. On your turn, flip the top card of your pile — but stay alert! If your card matches someone else’s by number or color, it’s a race to mimic their animal sound faster than they can mimic yours. The winner hands over their discard pile, and the loser tucks it under their draw stack. Flip the Turmoil card? You get to ditch your discard pile by giving it to everyone else! The game ends when someone runs out of cards or when Turmoil shows up three times.

(2) Sneaky Strategy & Stay Razor Sharp!

There’s sneaky strategy hidden in all that farmyard noise. First, choose your animal wisely. My kids quickly realized that “ribbit” and “hee-haw” are trickier to blurt out than a basic “moo” or “meow,” which makes them perfect for outsmarting your opponents in duels. You’ve got to stay razor-sharp and error-free — even a mistaken squeak when you’re not in a duel means tucking your whole discard pile under your draw stack.

(3) Clever Variant For 2-Players

I love that there’s a clever twist for 2 players! Each player controls two animals, each with its own discard pile. Both players flip cards at the same time and take turns placing them left, right, left, right. When a duel happens, you must mimic the cry of the specific animal tied to the matching card. The loser takes the discard pile linked to that animal only. It’s faster, trickier, and way more intense!

(4) Adorable Artwork

The artwork is adorable — every animal looks hilariously horrified. Some number cards are sneakily similar too: think yellow polka dots vs. pale yellow checks— easy to mix up in the heat of the game. Bonus points for the sturdy box and that goofy cover art!

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

https://www.cowtrees.au/games/828-crazy-farm.html (Australia)

Check out more reviews on Laboludic games:

Enjoy the video!

Dream Team – A Go-Fish Game, By Kaddo - REVIEW

Nature / Type: Card game

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 4 year-old ++

Who would love this: Fans of "Little People, BIG DREAMS" series + anyone who enjoys Go-Fish.

I’m a huge fan of the inspiring Little People, BIG DREAMS biography series and all the games based on the books — from double-sided jigsaws to bingo and memory games, I love them all! So I was thrilled to add another to my collection: Dream Team – A Go-Fish Game from Kaddo, an imprint of Quarto.

Why I love ❤️ it:

(1) Go-Fish Game With A Real-Life Heroes Twist

It’s the classic Go Fish game — but with a brilliant twist: inspiring real-life heroes from the Little People, BIG DREAMS series! Players collect sets of cards based on fields like Scientist, Sports Star, or Activist, by asking each other for group categories (e.g. “Do you have a Scientist?”). If not, it’s time to “go fish”! Each group has four icons — like the “Creative” set featuring Mozart, David Bowie, Van Gogh, and Yayoi Kusama. With 36 cards across 9 themed sets, it’s a fun, family-friendly way to discover amazing role models while enjoying a familiar game with a fresh twist.

(2) Characters From Wide Range Of Fields & Eras

I love how the game represents a wide range of fields, eras, and genders. Take the “Writers” group: from modern poet Amanda Gorman to Victorian novelist Charles Dickens, feminist icon Gloria Steinem, and the legendary Jane Austen. The “Sports Stars” set is just as exciting, with Megan Rapinoe, Pelé, tennis great Evonne Goolagong, and track star Jesse Owens. While basic reading helps with identifying card groups, younger players can also use the colour-coded cards — like green for Sports — to join the fun.

(3) Booklet Full Of Fun Facts

The game also comes with a booklet full of fascinating facts about the people on the cards, adding an educational twist to the fun. We loved learning how Marie Curie became the first woman to win a Nobel Prize. We read about David Attenborough’s passion for nature and how he brought the wonders of the wild to the world, and Harriet Tubman’s courageous escape from slavery — then guiding hundreds to freedom through the Underground Railroad.

(4) Compact Design & Game Options

I love the clever, compact design — especially the elegant push-out tray that holds the cards and booklet so neatly. The booklet also suggests other fun games to try with the cards, like “Spoons” and “Kemps,” adding even more ways to play and enjoy.

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

Booktopia (Australia)

Check out more reviews of Kaddo's products here:

Enjoy the video!

Thursday, October 16, 2025

Boop, By Smirk and Dagger - REVIEW

Nature / Type: Board game

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 10 year-old ++ (but my 6 year-old is loving this too!)

Who would love this: Anyone who loves strategy games, especially one that is especially cute!

Who says a game can’t be both irresistibly cute and brain-ticklingly strategic? Boop from Smirk and Dagger, kindly provided by Let's Play Games, is the perfect blend of charm and challenge.

Why I love ❤️ this game:

(1) Get Three Kittens/ Cats In A Row

I love how Boop combines fun, simple mechanics with just enough depth to keep you thinking. Even my 6-year-old picked it up right away—soon they were booping pieces all over the board, lining up kittens, and upgrading them into cats like a pro. The goal? Get three of your cats in a row—horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. But you start with kittens. Place one on the board, and if it’s next to any other pieces, they get “booped” one space away. Line up three kittens, and they’re removed and replaced with cats from your supply. Kittens can’t boop cats, but cats can boop anyone. First to land three full-grown cats in a row wins!

(2) Strategic 2-Player Battle Of Wits

Think Boop sounds fluffily simple? Think again. Beneath its cuddly surface is a surprisingly strategic 2-player battle of wits. From figuring out how to graduate your kittens into cats (because only cats can win the game), to how to strategically place your cat on the board (knowing that your opponent’s kittens can’t boop them—placing them well can lock down key spots or set up a winning row your opponent can’t disrupt). Timing your upgrades and knowing when to clear kittens (even your own!) is part of the puzzle. Placing two (or more) kittens/ cats close together can protect them from getting booped away—making it the perfect setup to drop that third piece for a win.

(3) Full Of Personality & Super Cute

The pieces are full of personality, with four different token designs, each sporting a unique little face. The grey cats with white bellies and the orange tabbies with black stripes are pure classics—like little Totoro-style companions in feline form. The kittens lie sprawled out with their bums in the air and tails sticking up—just super cute!

(4) Quilted Board

I love the quilted “bedspread” board—it’s soft, padded, and sits perfectly atop the box bottom, giving the whole setup a cozy, elevated look. In terms of cuteness and charm, Boop is a 10/10 for me.

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

https://www.m-g.com.au/product/boop/ (Australia)

Find your local game stores here: https://www.localgamestores.com.au/

Enjoy the video!

Monday, October 6, 2025

Kawaii Creatures, By Kaddo - REVIEW

Nature / Type: Jigsaw puzzle

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 8 year-old ++

Who would love this: Anyone - kids or adults - who LOVES cute / super kawaii jigsaw puzzles

How cute can a puzzle be? “Kawaii Creatures”, a 300-piece puzzle by Kaddo (an imprint of Quarto Group), might just have the answer. Every piece bursts with charm, showcasing whimsical characters and playful colours that invite smiles and spark joy.

Why I love ❤️ this puzzle:

(1) 300 Cute & Uniquely-Shaped Puzzle Pieces

Kawaii Creatures is a Cute Cluster Puzzle made up of 300 uniquely shaped pieces. Each one is its own tiny character, carefully designed to resemble an adorable animal or a whimsical fantasy creature. You’ll find a Shiba Inu puppy, a strawberry plush toy, a blue bat with delightfully spread wings, a pink mermaid bunny, a big blue whale flashing an even bigger grin, and a lion dashing along with a bib-like mane. It’s a heart-melting mix of cute chaos! The kids were convinced each piece could be turned into a bestselling plush toy.

(2) 57 x 57 cm With Long Border Pieces

The Kawaii Creatures puzzle measures 57 x 57 cm and comes with a fold-out poster that shows the complete image. One of my favourite features is the set of long border pieces. These act as a guide, helping us visualize the full size and layout of the puzzle area. They also keep the pieces neatly within the frame, making it easier to get started without feeling overwhelmed. It’s a small but clever detail that adds a layer of organization and makes the whole assembling process more enjoyable.

(3) Play "I Spy" - Super Kawaii Characters!

Once the puzzle is complete, the fun doesn’t stop—it’s the perfect setup for a game of “I spy with my little eye.” We took turns spotting and describing different characters, giving clues and making guesses. “Can you find the purple elephant?” “How about the green-and-pink panda?” There’s a lime-bellied frog, a red bird that looks like it flew out of an Angry Birds game, a mysterious blue blob with a round little mouth, and an overload of cuteness in the form of a giraffe. The puzzle becomes a playground of imagination, packed with endless moments of observation, laughter, and shared discovery.

(4) Sturdy, Well-Designed Storage Box

The puzzle comes packaged in a sturdy, well-designed box and even includes a paper bag to keep all the pieces neatly together. It’s a thoughtful touch that makes storage easy and keeps everything in one place.

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

https://www.dymocks.com.au/kawaii-creatures-by-angela-nguyen-9781836001669 (Australia)

https://www.booktopia.com.au/kawaii-creatures-angela-nguyen/book/9781836001669.html (Australia)

Check out more reviews of Kaddo's products here:

Enjoy the video!

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Decorative Heart Affirmation Puzzle, By Tranquil Learning Collective - REVIEW

Nature / Type: Affirmation puzzle

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 5 year-old ++

Who would love this: Parents looking for games/ toys that promote positive mindset

My 5-year-old, with her deep love for all things sweet and heartwarming, is completely enchanted by the Decorative Heart Affirmation Puzzle from Tranquil Learning Collective. It’s such a simple yet captivating puzzle, beautifully designed to soothe the soul and calm the mind. Each piece feels like a little moment of peace, making it the perfect addition to our cozy moments together.

Why I love ❤️ it:

(1) Heart-Shaped Puzzle Featuring Powerful Affirmation

The set includes a heart-shaped outer border and six beautifully crafted heart-shaped puzzle pieces, each in its own soft shade of pink and featuring a powerful affirmation. Place the “My heart is” piece in the center, then surround it with the other qualities we hold dear—“respectful”, “kind”, empathetic”, “hopeful”, and “honest. These values are such precious lessons to share with the kids, reminding them of the importance of empathy, kindness, staying positive, and always being truthful. I love how each piece fits together so enchantingly, with the heart shapes shifting in perfect harmony. The subtle colour gradient—from the deeper pinks on the left to the softer hues on the right—provides a thoughtful visual clue that makes the experience both calming and rewarding.

(2) Acrylic Pieces - Laser-Cut With Precision

The pink acrylic pieces have a lovely translucent quality at the border, which enhances their luminous beauty. Each piece, perfectly laser-cut with precision, is a delight to handle. This set takes a simple puzzle and transforms it into a visually captivating, affirming experience.

(3) Follow The Instruction Sheet Or Simply Be Creative!

The instruction sheet provides a guide to complete the puzzle, but for my 5-year-old, the real fun lies in discovering different ways to arrange the five affirmative words within the heart frame. Whether it’s mixing up the colour gradients, flipping the words upside down, or letting their creativity run wild, there’s always a new way to explore. I’m amazed at how the kids turn what seems like a simple game into an endless creative adventure. Watching their imagination flourish is truly inspiring!

(4) Sturdy Cardboard Storage Box

The set arrives in a sturdy cardboard box. It also includes a single-page illustrated guide, offering helpful tips for making the most of the puzzle.

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

Contact Tranquil Learning Collective

Enjoy the video!

Qwirkle, By MindWare - REVIEW

Nature / Type: Board game

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 6 year-old ++

Who would love this: Anyone that enjoys strategy / abstract games

I’m not usually drawn to abstract games. But Qwirkle from MindWare, broke through my biases. With its clean, classic design and satisfyingly smooth mechanics, it feels like something that’s been around forever. But surprise—it only came out in 2006! I genuinely think Qwirkle deserves a permanent spot on everyone’s game shelf! Thank you VR Distribution (asmodee Australia) for a copy!

Why I love ❤️ it:

(1) Abstract Game Bursting With Colours & Shapes!

Qwirkle is abstract, but it’s also bursting with colour and super accessible, even for younger players. There’s no board, just a linen bag filled with 108 chunky wooden tiles, each showing one of six shapes in six vibrant colors. Gameplay is simple to grasp: draw six tiles, take turns placing them Scrabble-style in rows or columns by matching either shape or colour (such as all blue tiles of 6 different shapes, or all square in 6 different colours in a row)—no duplicate of a same tile allowed in a row! Score points as you build, and land a satisfying ‘Qwirkle’ (a full set of six) for a bonus. Keep replenishing your hand until the tiles run out, and whoever scores highest wins. Easy to learn, endlessly replayable

(2) Clever Strategic Punch

The game packs a clever strategic punch. Like many great tile games, it’s all about making the most of your turn: picking the perfect spot, holding out for a Qwirkle, or knowing when to ditch your bad tiles for a fresh hand. Sometimes, the best move is a bold swap—tossing out a few (or all!) of your tiles to come back stronger. There’s just enough decision-making to keep things interesting without ever feeling overwhelming.

(3) Chunky Wooden Tiles With Vibrant Colours

One of Qwirkle’s quiet triumphs is just how good it feels to play. The chunky wooden tiles have a satisfying weight and smooth texture that makes them a joy to handle. Bold shapes, vibrant colors, and sturdy design give the game serious table presence—it looks as good as it plays!

(4) Big, Sturdy Drawstring Cloth Bag

Even the tile bag deserves a shout-out—it’s big, sturdy, and actually built to last. No flimsy fabric here; this drawstring cloth bag is tough enough to handle all 108 chunky wooden tiles and roomy enough for even the largest hands to fit in without a struggle. It’s a small detail, but one that makes a big difference.

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

https://www.bigw.com.au/product/qwirkle-board-game/p/807798 (Australia)

Enjoy the video!

Friday, September 19, 2025

Notebook Page, By Tranquil Learning Collective - REVIEW

Nature / Type: Stationery / Notepad

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 6 year-old ++

Who would love this: Anyone who loves beautiful and high-quality stationery

The “Notebook Page – A5 Handwriting Portrait” and “Notebook Page – A4 Graph” from Tranquil Learning Collective transform the humble notepad into something truly beautiful. These pages elevate everyday stationery into artistic pieces that are as visually captivating as they are functional.

Why I love ❤️ it:

(1) Crystal Clear Acrylic Notepads

These are genuinely the most aesthetically pleasing notepads I’ve ever come across. Crafted from crystal-clear acrylic, they almost look like floating sheets of glass—sleek, transparent, and utterly enchanting. Available in two sizes, these acrylic memos resemble a tablet or iPad at first glance, but they’re really just two solid, elegant “pages” that blend function with design. They serve as a stylish space to jot down your daily to-dos, reminders, or favorite quotes. I especially love the polished edges and the minimalist clarity that makes every handwritten note feel intentional and artful.

(2) Portrait-Style Lines & Grid Layout

The smaller A5 Notebook Page features delicate portrait-style lines, while the larger A4 version showcases a clean grid or graph layout with evenly spaced squares. The lined design is ideal for note-taking, offering clear separation between each line of text to enhance organization and readability. The grid pattern, on the other hand, is perfect for precise sketches or structured lists. Its symmetrical layout provides a versatile canvas for both creative and practical use. We especially love how both designs double as drawing surfaces—whatever you create, from a quick sketch to a full composition, appears like elegant line art suspended in glass, catching the light and casting subtle reflections. These aren’t just writing tools; they’re visual experiences.

(3) Colourful Wet-Erase Marker

Each Notebook Page comes with a colourful wet-erase marker, perfect for jotting down tasks or daily mantras. Crafted from high-quality, thick acrylic, the surface is durable, easy to clean—providing a fresh, clear slate every time. These boards are reusable writing surfaces that blend sustainability with everyday elegance.

(4) Convenient A5 & A4 Sizes

I love the convenient A5 and A4 sizes—they’re perfectly portable, easy to carry, and ideal for writing on the go.

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

Contact Tranquil Learning Collective

Enjoy the video!

Black Dragon, By Ari Games - REVIEW

Nature / Type: Card game

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 7 year-old ++

Who would love this: Anyone who enjoys a quick card game with strategy!

“Black Dragon” by Ari Games is a surprisingly fun card game—both familiar and refreshingly unique. Big thanks to Divisible by Zero for introducing me to this fantastic game!

Why I love ❤️ this game:

(1) Avoid Earning Points To Win

The game is played over several rounds, each made up of multiple hands. Your goal is to avoid earning points. In each hand, players play one card, and the “winning” player collects the pile for scoring later. This is a 3 to 6 players game, with 72-card deck. Blue, yellow, and orange cards are harmless with no point value. Green cards are trumps (bad news), red cards worth 1 point each, and black cards carry hidden dangers: spider (6 points), snake (10), and the dreaded black dragon (15!). At the start, players choose 3 cards they don’t want and pass them face-down to the right. Whoever holds the “Blue 1” leads the first hand. Players must follow the lead color if they can—otherwise, they may play any card. The highest card in the lead color (or the highest trump) takes the hand. After each round, tally your points. The player with the lowest score wins!

(2) Hidden Strategy & Depth

There’s plenty of hidden strategy and depth in the game. Choosing your three “unwanted” cards is your first tactical move. Sometimes it’s smart to play your highest card—especially if the hand is full of harmless cards. Other times, playing low is key to avoiding nasty devil or creature cards. Read the table, watch what others are playing, and get rid of high-value trumps as soon as you can! The 4 Safety cards are your best defense—they let you dodge winning a hand entirely and can be played any time, even if you have the lead color.

(3) Amazing Artwork

The artwork is a blast! The green trump cards feature a nasty-looking, sharp-toothed rat with a long tail. Red cards show a mischievous two-horned devil wielding a pitchfork and flaming mischief. The black creature cards are dripping with danger—each one oozing risk and menace.

If there’s one thing I wish the game did better, it’s the rules sheet: a few more examples or clarifications would’ve made learning the game faster and easier. That said, once you get the hang of it, everything else is smooth sailing!

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

https://www.cowtrees.au/card-games/897-black-dragon.html (Australia)

https://www.dragonflytoys.com.au/products/gi-get-it-exciting-new-numbers-game-copy (Australia)

Enjoy the video!

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Tiny Polka Dot, By Math For Love - REVIEW

Nature / Type: Maths learning resources

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 3-8 year-old ++

Who would love this: Parents looking educational learning resources for young kids

Tiny Polka Dot from Math For Love is an engaging way for children to fall in love with numbers. I was pleasantly surprised by how much my 6-year-old enjoys playing the games. Sometimes, simplicity is the key to great learning. Thank you to Divisible by Zero for providing a copy!

Why I love ❤️ it:

(1) 16 Games - Covering Counting/ Early Numeracy/ Arithmetic/ Logic

With 16 easy-to-learn games and colorful decks of cards, Tiny Polka Dot playfully teaches math—from counting and early numeracy to arithmetic and logic. Designed by a mathematician and approved by teachers, it’s a fun way to help kids build a lifelong love for numbers. The box includes instructions and play ideas. For example, with kids as young as 3, we play “Match the Dot” (matching cards with the same number of dots) and “Dot Memory” (a memory game with matching pairs). As they get older, we add games like “Power Dot” (highest number wins), “Dot Fives” (find two cards that add to five), and “Dot Tens” (match pairs that sum to ten).

(2) Games Progress In Difficulty- Suitable For Kids At Various Levels

I love how the games progress in difficulty, making the set suitable for kids at various levels. For example, “Dot 10 Memory” is great for children around 6 —players flip two cards at a time, looking for pairs that add up to 10. “15s Go Fish,” ideal for ages 7 and up, plays like classic Go Fish, but with a math twist: collect three cards that sum to 15. Our favorite is “21 or Bust”—inspired by blackjack—where players add up cards in their hand, aiming to get as close to 21 as possible without going over. Another fun challenge is “Pyramid Puzzle,” where you arrange 10 cards in a pyramid so each number is either the sum or the difference of the two cards beneath it.

(3) Eye-Catching, Colourful Cards With 6 Distinct Decks

I love the eye-catching, colorful cards. There are six distinct decks that each represent numbers in a unique way: the Green Deck uses dots of varying sizes in random arrangements, the Orange Deck arranges dots in a circle, the Blue Deck follows a ten-frame layout, the Teal Deck uses the classic dice pattern, the Red Deck features dots in two colors, and the Purple Deck shows standard numerals without any dots. These visual variations help children develop number sense from multiple perspectives.

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

https://www.cowtrees.au/educational-toys/540-tiny-polka-dot-toy.html

Check out more reviews of Math For Love products here:

Enjoy the video!

Monday, September 1, 2025

Who Flew the Coop, By Kaddo - REVIEW

Nature / Type: Card game

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 4 year-old ++

Who would love this: Kids that love cute card games (especially one with fascinating chicken facts!)

I never thought I’d find myself so fascinated by chickens. But then I met Who Flew the Coop? from Kaddo (an imprint of Quarto Kids ), and everything changed. Who would’ve thought that a few chickens making a break for it could spark so much chaos and hilarity?

Why I love ❤️ it:

(1) A Variety Of Ways To Play

The game’s rules mix the classic memory match and Old Maid with a twist of mystery - and we’re all about that suspense! You start by laying down 47 cards face-down, with 1 sneaky chicken hiding in an envelope. Then, it’s a race to flip, match, and eliminate until someone guesses the runaway chicken and declares victory. But our favourite way to play is the ‘Twisted Old Maid.’ The goal? Avoid getting stuck with the runaway chicken (the one in the envelope) - whose card has no pair to match. Shuffle the cards, deal them out, and start by matching pairs. Take turns picking cards from other players’ hands, discarding pairs as you go. The last player with a lone chicken card is cluck-ed out. We laughed so hard playing this! And for an extra dose of fun, there’s also a Pick-a-Chick magic trick to top off the excitement!

(2) 28-Page Chicken Booklet

We adore the 28-page chicken booklet! Packed with hilarious and quirky facts about 24 types of funky hens and roosters, this illustrated guide gives you a peek into their personalities. Meet BIG DADDY—the Sicilian Buttercup, a wild, high-strung bird with a very particular personality (warning: approach with caution). Then there’s NINJA, the Ayam Cemani from Indonesia, a sleek, mysterious escape artist. ROCKSTAR has the rebellious energy of a rockstar in their prime, while PECK-A-BOO is the shy, easily startled type.

(3) Cute Illustrations - Adorable Chicken Poses And Expression!

The illustrated chickens are beyond cute! True to Kaddo’s signature style, the two cards in each pair aren’t identical—they each have slight differences in pose and expression. You’ll be giggling at their goofy, zany looks. Take PUFFBALL, the Blue Cochin, with its gorgeous greyish-blue feathers and a submissive expression. Then there’s SNOWBALL, the round puff of fluffiness, and QUEENIE, who struts with beauty-pageant-level confidence, complete with a stunning black-and-white crest.

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

Booktopia (Australia)

Kinokuniya (Australia)

Check out more reviews of Kaddo's products here:

Enjoy the video!