60 Seconds Toy Review

Sunday, June 29, 2025

Everdell, By Starling Games - REVIEW

Nature / Type: Board game

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 8 year-old ++

Who would love this: Older kids and adults who enjoy strategy / worker placement games

Everdell is a captivating worker placement game from Starling Games , and after testing the junior version, My Lil’ Everdell, we couldn’t wait to check out this more intricate original. The experience? Absolutely thrilling! A massive thank you to Let's Play Games for sharing this game with us!

Why I love ❤️ it:

(1) Collect Resources + Play Cards To Win Victory Points

In Everdell, players build a vibrant village by gathering resources and playing cards over four seasons. Starting with two workers, you’ll use them to collect resources or play cards from your hand or the central board. Each card adds new abilities or victory points. The challenge lies in strategically managing your limited workers, competing for the best resource spots, and deciding when to transition to the next season. Whether it’s chasing event cards, weighing short-term / long-term gains, or maximizing every resource, the tactical decisions make every turn thrilling. At the end of the game, tally up your points from your tableau, events, and coins—may the best village win!

(2) Endless Replayability With Ever-Changing Setup

Everdell offers endless replayability with its ever-changing setup. Each game feels fresh thanks to a few key variables: a random set of Forest cards that shifts resource strategies, Special Event cards that introduce unique challenges based on specific criteria, and a deck of 128 Critter and Construction cards, each with unique powers. The real excitement comes from pairing Construction cards with Critters, which lets you play certain cards for free, adding an element of luck and tension to each decision.

(3) Visually Stunning Tabletop Set-Up

The 3D, vertically set-up tree is a visual masterpiece. While some online reviews mention its non-functional aspects, for our family, it truly brings the game to life, adding a magical, storybook dimension to the experience. I also love the stunning foldable game board—its design perfectly captures the enchanting world of Everdell, making every playthrough feel like stepping into a fairytale.

(4) Unique Resources & Whimsical Artwork

The resources—twigs, resin, pebbles, and berries—are distinct in shape, size, and material, adding a tactile richness to the game. The artwork captures the whimsical world of anthropomorphic creatures building a city.

P/S: Resource crates are not included in this set

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

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

https://www.gamesmen.com.au/my-lil-everdell-standard-edition-board-game

https://www.hobbyco.com.au/products/everdell-2

Enjoy the video!

Friday, June 20, 2025

Fantasy Series - Mermaid, By Let’s Play Games - REVIEW

Nature / Type: Wooden puzzle

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 14 year-old ++

Who would love this: Puzzle lovers - especially those who love Mermaid-themed with unique shapes

Get ready for an enchanting adventure under the sea with the stunning Mermaid puzzle from the all-new Fantasy Series from Let's Play Games ! This isn’t just any puzzle—it’s a breathtaking, brain-bending challenge for the brave-hearted. So, if you’re a fan of all things magical and mysterious, you’ll absolutely want to check this one out!

Why I love ❤️ this puzzle:

(1) 200 Pieces Mermaid Puzzle

This Mermaid puzzle comes with 200 pieces, and it’s no walk in the park! Unlike your typical puzzle with a nice, neat border, this one embraces the wild, swirling beauty of the sea. We started off by sorting the pieces based on their beautiful color palette: the mermaid’s fiery red hair, the soft purples and blues of her scales, and the vibrant coral reefs and bright green kelps. But the real magic happens in the ocean—the deep, mysterious blues that seem to go on forever. It’s like trying to solve the ocean’s secret, one piece at a time. And trust me, when you finally find where that perfect piece fits... it’s pure enchantment.

(2) Uniquely-Shaped Pieces With Surprises Await!

These aren’t your ordinary puzzle pieces! Each one is uniquely shaped, twisting and turning like little treasures from the deep. Forget the boring standard shapes—you’ll need all your spatial skills and a pinch of intuition to make it work. And as you put it all together, surprise after surprise awaits: a starfish, a jellyfish, a playful seahorse, a cheeky dolphin, a mysterious anglerfish, a scallop shell, an unmistakable pufferfish, wavy kelp, a worm snail shell, and even a treasure chest hidden within the design! Each little discovery makes the experience feel like an underwater treasure hunt, filled with delightful details that make every moment of assembly a joy.

(3) High-Quality, Laser-Cut Wood

Crafted from high-quality, laser-cut wood, this puzzle feels as premium as it looks. The colors pop, the pieces slide together smoothly, and the artwork is absolutely mesmerizing. It all comes neatly packaged in a charming wooden box—convenient for storage and a lovely keepsake. This is a puzzle made to last and to enchant. If you’re ready for a challenge that will transport you into a world of mystery, this puzzle is the one to try!

# gifted in exchange for review

Where can I buy this:

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

https://www.gameology.com.au/products/lpg-puzzles-wooden-fantasy-puzzle-mermaid

Check out other puzzles from Let's Play Games here:

Enjoy the video!

Brilliant Bugs – Playing Cards, By Kaddo - REVIEW

Nature / Type: Card game

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 6 year-old ++

Who would love this: Bug + card game lovers

“Brilliant Bugs – Playing Cards” by Kaddo (an imprint of Quarto) is a must-have for every bug enthusiast! This deck showcases extraordinary insects from around the globe, transforming a card game into a fascinating entomological adventure.

Why I love ❤️ it:

(1) Battle The Bugs - In Size/ Lifespan/ Number Of Eggs

The rules are simple—but with a brilliant bug-themed twist! Inside the gift box, you’ll find 54 beautifully illustrated cards, each featuring a fascinating insect. Battle it out in 3 exciting categories: size, lifespan, and number of eggs. The card with the highest stat wins the round! To play, deal the cards evenly among players and keep them in a face-down pile. Each player flips over their top card, and the starting player picks a category—say, size. Everyone reads out their bug’s size, and the player with the highest value takes all the top cards and adds them to their pile. Keep playing until one bug lover conquers the deck!

(2) Learn Fun Bug Facts As You Play

Learn fun and surprising bug facts as you play—just watch out for the “strongest” and “weakest”! Drawing a “22-spot ladybird” might be your downfall, with its tiny 3mm size, but score big if you get the mighty “Hercules moth” at a whopping 360mm! Some bugs are definite duds in certain categories—like the “bumblebee (worker)” or “garden ant (worker),” both with zero fertilised eggs. But land a “driver ant (queen)” and you’ve hit the jackpot: she lays an incredible 20 million eggs and lives up to 3,650 days! The game also comes with a handy booklet full of bug trivia, game rules, and tips for spotting these creatures in the wild.

(3) Detailed Illustrations - Highlighting Each Bug's Unique Anatomy

The card design is a real standout. Each one features both the common name and the scientific name. I love the clean white background and the detailed illustrations that highlight each bug’s unique anatomy. We love the blue morpho butterfly (Morpho peleides) and its vibrant, iridescent blue wings edged with black, and the green milkweed locust (Phymateus viridipes) with striking red and blue hindwing.

(4) Classic Deck With Clever Packaging

The cards double as a classic deck, complete with numbers and the four traditional suits. The packaging is cleverly designed with a push-out tray that feels like a mini matchbox.

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

https://www.booktopia.com.au/brilliant-bugs-kelsey-oseid/book/9781836004103.html

Check out more reviews of Kaddo's products here:

Enjoy the video!

Thursday, June 12, 2025

Unlock! Kids - Irish Folklore Trilogy, By Space Cow - REVIEW

Nature / Type: Escape room for kids

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 6 year-old ++

Who would love this: Kids and adults who enjoy puzzles and solving mysteries

“Unlock! Kids - Irish Folklore Trilogy” from Space Cow is a magical game inspired by the enchanting world of escape rooms. Players embark on a journey through Irish tales, unlocking mysteries in a tabletop experience that feels like stepping into a realm of ancient secrets! Thank you VR Distribution for providing a copy.

Why I love ❤️ it:

(1) Escape Room For Young Kids With No Reading Required

There aren’t many escape room games designed for younger kids - this set feels like a breath of fresh air. It includes 212 beautifully illustrated cards, 58 cardboard tokens, and special components. It unfolds through a numbered card system, where players use their materials to uncover hidden clues and symbols. What makes it so special is that it’s completely language-independent – no reading required! All you need is a sharp eye to match symbols and follow the whimsical pictures. The artwork itself is a visual treasure hunt, making it easy for kids (and adults!) to dive right in without reading skills!

(2) Unique Items & Special "Choice" Cards

I adore the unique items that are incorporated into the puzzles. You’ll sometimes discover translucent cards that, when layered on top of an art card, reveal new symbols to decipher. You may also come across special “choice” cards where you have to select between two items—choose wisely, or face a tricky trap! Another delightful feature is combining cards to create larger pictures, each revealing new symbols that unlock further mysteries.

(3) Mini Tutorial Set - Guiding Players Through Unlocking Process

Unlock! Kids has a mini tutorial set, introducing 11 cards and 2 items to gently guide players through the unlocking process. While designed for young kids, the puzzles aren’t a walk in the park! My 8-year-old was able to crack some of the more cryptic puzzles, relying on the hint cheat sheet for nudges along the way. The challenge intensifies as the game progresses, making it enjoyable for both kids and adults.

(4) Immerses Players In 3 Irish Tales

What truly sets this game apart is how it immerses players in 3 enchanting Irish tales, each inspired by the breathtaking animated films of Tomm Moore: The Secret of Kells, Song of the Sea, and Wolfwalkers. Players embark on adventures with a young monk, a mystical selkie, and a spirited wolf-girl, navigating through 6 games spread across the stories.

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

https://www.gamesworldsa.com.au/products/unlock-kids-irish-folklore-trilogy

https://www.gamesmen.com.au/unlock-kids-irish-mythology-trilogy-card-game

Enjoy the video!

Monday, June 9, 2025

Let’s Learn Action Words 让我们学习动词, By Mandarin Prodigies - REVIEW

Nature / Type: Mandarin book for bilingual kids

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 5 year-old ++

Who would love this: Parents looking for engaging mandarin learning materials designed for bilingual kids

I’m thrilled to introduce Let’s Learn Action Words 让我们学习动词— a brilliantly crafted bilingual book by Mandarin Prodigies that’s a game-changer for young learners! This book stands out for its fun and engaging approach to Mandarin, making exciting for kids to master essential action words (动词).

Why I love ❤️ it:

(1) 30 Essential Action Words

This board book brings to life 30 essential action words that children encounter in their everyday routines. From 洗 (wash/clean) and 刷 (brush) to 穿 (wear/put on) and 画 (paint/draw), each word is carefully chosen to resonate with young learners. The book presents each action in Chinese, Pinyin, and English. With bold, easy-to-read characters and helpful translations, young readers will feel confident as they explore new vocabulary and its real-life applications!

(2) With Simple Sentences + Vibrant Illustrations

The book brings the action words to life with simple, impactful sentences and vibrant illustrations. Each sentence is thoughtfully presented in Mandarin, complete with Pinyin and English translation, while colorful images capture the essence of the words. Take, for instance, 妈妈和我一起做饼干 — “Mom and I make cookies together” — which is accompanied by a heartwarming illustration of a mother and daughter joyfully baking, rolling pins and cookie cutters in hand. As an added bonus, each page showcases two additional examples of the action word used in different contexts — like 玩游戏 (play games) and 玩积木 (play with blocks) — each with Pinyin, translation, and smaller, playful illustrations to deepen understanding.

(3) Sturdy and High Quality Board Book

The board book is crafted from sturdy, high-quality material, designed to withstand the wear and tear. Its compact, travel-friendly size makes it the ideal companion for learning on the go, allowing children to discover new vocabulary and concepts wherever their curiosity takes them.

(4) Exceptional Collection Of Bilingual Resources

Mandarin Prodigies provides an exceptional collection of bilingual learning resources, featuring board books in both Simplified and Traditional Chinese. From engaging busy books and interactive activity workbooks to helpful writing tools, there’s something for every young learner. Be sure to explore their full range of educational materials!

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

https://www.mandarinprodigies.com/collections/kristins-bilingual-books/products/lets-learn-action-words

Enjoy the video!

Saturday, May 31, 2025

Iconic Doll Accessories Kit, By Make Me Iconic - REVIEW

Nature / Type: Pretend play toys

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 3 year-old ++

Who would love this: Kids who love pretend play

Iconic Doll Accessories Kit from Make Me Iconic stole my heart instantly! Watching the little ones engaged in pretend play with this set is like witnessing pure magic - It’s so heartwarming to see them nurture, care, and recreate their world with creativity.

Why I love ❤️ this toy:

(1) 11 Charming Pieces For Your Baby Doll

This set includes everything a baby doll (or cuddly plush toy) could ever need, allowing your little one to fully immerse themselves in imaginative pretend play. Whether they’re pretending to be a loving parent or taking their toys on a grand escapade, this set is a real hit! Packed with 11 charming pieces, the kit includes 2 different-sized bottles (because you never know which one your baby will be in the mood for, right?), a sippy cup with adorable handles (perfect for those little hands taking their first sips of independence), a minimalist toy bowl, spoon, fork, plate with compartments (the perfect solution for those picky eaters who don’t want their foods to touch each other — you know if you know!), a comb, a hairbrush, a teething toy, and a clip-on pacifier. Every piece is crafted to inspire hours of imaginative fun, giving little ones the chance to step into their grown-up roles while bonding through delightful pretend play!

(2) Attention To Detail & Playful Design

I love the thoughtful attention to detail in the accessories, elevating the play experience to a whole new level. The hairbrush, with its soft ticklish bristles, feels just like the real thing, designed to gently glide through dolly’s hair for an authentic styling experience. But my personal favourite has to be the teether toy. Not only it’s visually appealing with its playful design, it’s also incredibly satisfying to touch with moveable beads that mimic the calming feel of a fidget toy. It stirs up a wave of bittersweet nostalgia (remember teething babies and those inevitable gum aches?).

(3) Sturdy Wooden Items & Compliance With Safety Standards

I love the sturdy wooden items, the authentic design, and the soft pastel color scheme, especially the mint baby bowl and soothing chewing beads. The toy meets international safety standards. The sturdy cardboard storage box with ribbon handles is also a great touch for easy carrying by little ones.

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

https://makemeiconic.com/collections/all-products/products/iconic-toy-doll-accessories-kit

Check out my other reviews on Make Me Iconic toys:

Enjoy the video!

Friday, May 30, 2025

Monkey Palace, By Lego & Asmodee - REVIEW

Nature / Type: Board game

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 10 year-old ++

Who would love this: Lego lovers & anyone who enjoys strategy games with stunning set-up!

Lego and Asmodee have teamed up to bring something groundbreaking to the table – Monkey Palace! This is a brilliant fusion of strategy, fun, and the iconic creativity of LEGO pieces. Seriously, how cool is this! Big thanks to VR Distribution for sending over a copy.

Why I love ❤️ it:

(1) Collaborate To Build - With REAL LEGO Bricks!

Monkey Palace is a one-of-a-kind placement game where players collaborate to build, but with a competitive edge! The goal is to rack up the most banana points by constructing a staircase that earns Monkey Credits through monkey, trophy, and bonus cards. On your turn, you’ll build an ascending staircase using blocks, columns, and arches, topping it off with a decoration like bamboo leaves or a golden block. The more height you build (earn bonus points for columns with 5 or more blocks) and the more arches you use, the more credits you earn (which you can then spend on cards for additional building blocks - both one-time and recurring). The set includes 80 arches, 80 1×1 bricks, 16 1×3 columns, 32 bamboo leaves in 2 colors, 16 1×1 round bricks, a monkey, butterfly, frog, 4 corner bricks, a baseplate, 84 cards, 4 player boards, and 2 double-sided ground maps. The player with the most banana points at the end of the game wins!

(2) Strategy, Strategy, Strategy

I’m in love with the strategic depth! There’s so much to consider: which cards to buy for the best mix of arches and blocks, whilst ensuring you earn enough banana points to win. Don’t forget the trophy cards for extra points and the mischievous critters that can disrupt your opponents—like the monkey that sits on top of a golden decoration block, the butterfly that hovers at the highest decoration block, and the frog that gives you a free column piece in exchange for -3 points.

(3) Replayability & Variety

I love the game’s replayability and variety. With four different game maps featuring unique layouts and ground types, each structure looks different every time. The shuffled cards each round provide new building pieces, keeping the gameplay dynamic and fresh.

(4) Fun & Playful Style With Hint Of Humour

The game’s aesthetic is charming and playful, with LEGO’s signature humor and style shining through. The monkeys add a fun, goofy touch.

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

https://www.gamesworld.com.au/product/lego-monkey-palace/

https://www.ebgames.com.au/product/toys-and-collectibles/308122-lego-monkey-palace-board-game

https://www.zingpopculture.com.au/product/card-board-games/308122-lego-monkey-palace-board-game

Enjoy the video!

Saturday, May 24, 2025

Iconic Taco Kit, By Make Me Iconic - REVIEW

Nature / Type: Pretend play toys

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 3 year-old ++

Who would love this: Kids who love pretend play + Taco!

Everybody loves Taco Tuesday. This kit offers the ultimate way to create your very own Taqueria at home. With a perfect mix of customizable ingredients, the Iconic Taco Kit from Make Me Iconic offers endless possibilities for Taco lovers!

Why I love ❤️ this toy:

(1) 21 Pieces - Mix & Match Your Taco Ingredients!

I’m truly impressed by the wide variety of Taco ingredients. This kit comes with 21 pieces that make mix-and-match play incredibly fun! You’ll get two stand-up wooden Taco shells, along with all the essentials—beef strip, beef mince, fish slice, cheese, red onion, tomato salsa, lettuce, and parsley—plus two grilled prawns on a stick for that extra special touch. What stands out to me is how stress-free the DIY process is: the cleverly designed standing taco shells allow for easy assembly, while the thin, sliced ingredients fit perfectly inside the shells without falling apart. The best part? There’s no need for knives or forks—just pile on your favorite toppings and enjoy! This is a kit that sparks creativity and brings friends together for a fun taco fiesta!

(2) Sauces & Garnishes

No playset is complete without the sauces and garnishes that bring all the flavors to life! This kit includes a red-hot wooden chili for that extra kick, a lime wedge for a squeeze of zesty juice, a bottle of Taco chili sauce to spice things up, and a jar of sour cream complete with a spoon and lid for the finishing touch. Whether you decide to use the wooden taco set as part of your kitchen setup or create a fun play restaurant, this toy lets you explore and experiment with flavors, making every taco experience uniquely your own!

(3) Mix Of Materials - Adding Different Textures To Toy

I love the thoughtful mix of materials that add different textures to the toy. The sturdy wooden taco shells, sliced ingredients, jar, and bottle give it a solid, high-quality feel, while the felt lettuce leaf and parsley bunch add a soft, tactile touch that’s perfect for little hands. And if that’s not enough, the set even includes two paper bags, cheekily labeled with ‘Taco Me,’ giving it that authentic take-away shop vibe.

(4) Quality & Compliance With Safety Standard

Made with non-toxic paints and complies with AU/EU/US safety standard, this toy combines quality with peace of mind.

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

https://makemeiconic.com/collections/all-products/products/iconic-toy-taco

Check out my other reviews on Make Me Iconic toys:

Enjoy the video!

Friday, May 23, 2025

Deep River, By Laboludic - REVIEW

Nature / Type: Board game

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 10 year-old ++

Who would love this: Older kids/ adults who enjoy strategy games

French publisher Laboludic continues to impress with its knack for crafting unique themes, stunning artwork, and endless fun. Today, let’s talk about Deep River—a special thanks to Divisible by Zero for generously providing a copy!

why I love ❤️ this game:

(1) "Tug-Of-War" Strategy Game With A Bear

Deep River is a strategy game brimming with delightful depth. My kid calls it the ‘tug-of-war game with a bear.’ Guide your salmon or eel across the river while luring the Hungry Bear into your opponent’s territory to win! Start by randomly placing the river tiles, then take turns moving your fish by strategically choosing action tokens and applying river tile effects—all while the bear is tugged in two directions. Each time your fish reaches the opposite shore, the bear inches closer to your rival’s nest. The game ends when the bear reaches a nest or when two action tiles land in the salmon’s camp. A fast-paced, tactical 2-player experience, Deep River keeps you on the edge of your seat!

(2) Fresh New Round Each Time With Reshuffled Tiles & Tokens

I love how each round feels fresh, thanks to the reshuffling of tiles and tokens! The random placement of river tiles changes the board and strategy, while action tiles - flipped each time they’re activated - add more layers to the game. River tiles have unique effects—some require two fish to activate, others let you flip a chosen action tile, move the bear, or give your fish extra movement. There’s also a special rule where you can ‘occupy’ your opponent’s fish token, taking control of it—just watch out for tiles that can reverse the position! Though the rules seem simple, the combinations quickly become mind-boggling.

(3) Unique Artwork & Original Theme

Deep River features unique artwork that instantly grabs your attention. The salmon and eel theme is refreshingly original, and it fits perfectly with the tug-of-war mechanic. The concept of salmon and eels struggling to survive is thoughtfully executed and adds a compelling layer to the game.

(4) Wooden Bear & Quality Components

I love the beautifully crafted wooden bear figurine, which perfectly symbolizes the looming danger. Deep River comes in a compact box but packs high-quality components—the tokens and tiles are thick, durable, and built to last.

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

https://www.cowtrees.au/games/841-deep-river.html

Check out more reviews on Laboludic games:

Enjoy the video!

Sunday, May 11, 2025

Star Shard Puzzle Pieces, By Tranquil Learning Collective - REVIEW

Nature / Type: Mathematics teaching/ learning resources

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 5 year-old ++

Who would love this: Parents seeking creative resources for learning factions.

“Oh wow! These are beautiful!” My 5-year-old couldn’t take her eyes off the glittering Star Shard Puzzle Pieces from Tranquil Learning Collective . This is the most enchanting educational manipulative I’ve ever had the pleasure of discovering. The way it captures both imagination and learning is nothing short of magical.

Why I love ❤️ it:

(1) Laser-Cut Factional & Symmetrical Parts

Included are 3 complete star pieces (four, five, and six-pointed), along with fractional and symmetrical parts that come together like a puzzle to form additional nine sparkling stars. We can explore fractions—like cutting a star in half to understand 1/2, or crafting a shimmering Ninja Star with 1/4 pieces. The pieces, each laser-cut with perfect precision, are a joy to handle, and their beauty turns learning into an enchanting experience. Designed by a qualified teacher, this set transforms fractions into a visually captivating concept. We can stack, mix, and match the equivalent shards to create unique constellations of pure joy. What a delightful challenge!

(2) Sparkling Acrylic Pieces With Glimmering Confetti

The sparkling acrylic pieces truly bring these translucent shards to life, with glimmering confetti nestled inside that enhances their luminous beauty. Each piece catches the light, refracting in a dance of radiant hues. Whether under natural light or gentle sensory lighting, these pieces radiate a quiet enchantment, offering one of the most serene and captivating ways to explore the magic of light and reflection.

(3) Building Blocks For Endless Fun!

To my kids, these star shard pieces are more than just a puzzle—they’re building blocks for endless creative adventures. With a sprinkle of imagination, they’ve crafted everything from a little prince in a red robe, T-Rex chasing a rainbow star, a multi-coloured Diplodocus, to an acrobat juggling star pieces. The perfectly-sized angles and geometric shapes allow for endless symmetrical or whimsical creations. It’s amazing to watch them learn about shapes, angles, fractions, and creativity in such a visually playful and engaging way!

(4) Blue Cotton Storage Bag

The set also comes with a charming blue cotton bag to neatly store everything, along with a helpful instruction guide filled with fun play suggestions

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

https://tranquillearningcollective.com.au/

Enjoy the video!

Saturday, May 3, 2025

Dodo, By Thames & Kosmos - REVIEW

Nature / Type: Board game for kids

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 6 year-old ++

Who would love this: Young board gamers who love speed + memory games

This is a delightful game where players team up to build bridges to save a dodo egg. With clock ticking and zero down-time, the game keeps everyone on their toes. Check out Dodo from Thames & Kosmos (thanks to VR Distribution for providing a copy!)

Why I love ❤️ this game:

(1) Stunning Tabletop Setup - With Cliff Edges & Spiralling Bridges

The stunning vertically-oriented tabletop setup took my breath away! The mountain, with its steep, treacherous cliff edges and protruding outcrops, forms the perfect backdrop for the spiralling bridges. At the top, the dramatic peak showcases a cute dodo standing proudly. The best part? When you’re ready to roll the egg down, simply tip the dodo forward to watch it gaze down the mountain, sending the egg tumbling out of its nest. It’s comical with a playful tension!

(2) Flurry Of Action- Be Quick To Save The Falling Dodo Egg!

I love how the adorable theme fits perfectly with the gameplay. Kids work together to quickly build bridges and save the falling dodo egg. The process is a flurry of action: roll the die, flip the tokens, gather the right materials, match icons, and complete the bridge sections before the egg tumbles off the mountain. Once all the bridges are built, you bring the boat over, moor it on the dock, and catch the egg with it! It’s simple enough for kids to understand, with clear, colorful resources and well-labeled components. A game full of frantic fun, it encourages teamwork, speed, and memory!

(3) Wobbly Egg With Unpredictable Movements

The wobbly egg is the star of the game, with its unpredictable, threatening movements that keep you on edge. Sometimes it rolls along merrily, other times it slows to a crawl, making it hard to predict when disaster will strike. The frantic real-time bridge-building adds a hilarious rush, when you scrambling to stay ahead of the egg whilst trying to remember the location of your tokens. The egg’s weight tilts the boat comically as you try to catch it, turning the final win into a moment of laughter!

(4) Adjustable Difficulty Levels

I love the adjustable difficulty modes! In easy mode, you can skip the skull spaces for faster play. The Expert mode adds more memory challenges, cranking up the stress as you race to complete the six bridges, each getting progressively harder with more spaces to fill!

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

Big W (Australia)

Enjoy the video!

The Iconic Toy Camp Fire, By Make Me Iconic - REVIEW

Nature / Type: Wooden pretend play toys

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 3 year-old ++

Who would love this: Little camp fire/ S'more lovers

Imagine the warmth of a crackling campfire, the sound of laughter under a starlit sky — all recreated in the comfort of your home! The Iconic Toy Camp Fire lets you bring those cherished outdoor memories to life, without the mud or the wet sleeping bags. Huge thanks to Make Me Iconic for providing this delightful toy for review!

Why I love ❤️ it:

(1) Sweet Memories Of Camping Trips

This pretend campfire set is a sweet throwback to childhood camping trips, packed with 22 fun pieces that let you cook up all your favourite campfire treats! From sizzling prawns and sausages (two each included) on the skewer to a gooey, irresistible S’more with heat-melted chocolate. You’ll find everything you need to create the perfect camping feast: graham crackers (x2), chocolate (x1), and marshmallows (a giant one for ultimate S’more-building and 2 of a smaller size). Whether you’re roasting marshmallows over the fire or enjoying a classic camping snack, it’s all the fun of the outdoors without the bugs or rain!

(2) Make Your Tea Over The Campfire Flame

No campfire is complete without the perfect flame! The set includes 3 red flames in different sizes, 3 timber logs, and a tripod for hanging your Billy Can (with removable lid). The Billy Can is a classic Aussie tool for boiling water or making tea, while the enamel mug (with a fun “BOIL THE BILLY” slogan) is the perfect heat-resistant companion for sipping your campfire brew. I love the authentic charm and touches of a real outdoor cooking experience!

(3) Felt Marshmallows & Collapsible Tripod

The thoughtful design details make this set extra fun! The felt marshmallows have a perfect mix of firmness and squish, making them a joy to touch. I love the variety of marshmallow sizes and the two skewer sticks for endless mix-and-match play. The different flame sizes and logs add layers of excitement as you create your campfire, and the collapsible tripod is super handy — it pops up easily for play and folds down neatly for storage. Such a clever, thoughtful touch!

(4) Sturdy Wooden Material & Compliance With Toy Safety Standards

I love the wooden construction with an authentic design and neutral colours. The toy is made with non-toxic paints, meets Australian toy standards, and complies with both European and American safety regulations.

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

https://makemeiconic.com/collections/all-products/products/iconic-camp-fire

Check out my other reviews on Make Me Iconic toys:

Enjoy the video!

Sunday, March 30, 2025

Little People, BIG DREAMS Double-Sided Puzzle, By Kaddo - REVIEW

Nature / Type: Jigsaw puzzle

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 5 year-old ++

Who would love this: Kids and adults that enjoy quick & simple jigsaw puzzles

Discover the world of extraordinary individuals with the “Little People, BIG DREAMS Double-Sided Puzzle” from Kaddo, an imprint from Quarto. This puzzle brings to life two powerful images inspired by the bestselling book series by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vergara - perfect way to spark curiosity about the world around our little people!

Why I love ❤️ it:

(1) 100-Piece, Double-Sided Puzzle

This 100-piece, double-sided puzzle offers double the fun with two scenes in one! On one side, set against a purple background, you’ll see history’s favorite figures as children, while the yellow side shows them as adults, living their dreams and reaching their full potential. It’s a perfect mix of puzzling and edutainment!

(2) Featuring Iconic Moments of Historical Figures In Action

I love how the illustrations capture the distinctive features and iconic moments of these historical figures in action. For example, Bruce Lee is mid-flying kick; Anna Pavlova is elegantly performing The Dying Swan in her classic white tutu; Gloria Steinem, the voice of feminism, is seated with the famous ‘We Shall Overcome’ sign; Mahatma Gandhi is depicted with his signature round glasses, surrounded by white doves symbolizing peace.

(3) 28-Page Booklet - Brief Introduction of 32 Figures

The puzzle also comes with a 28-page booklet that not only shows the completed images of both sides but also offers a brief introduction to each of the 32 figures. As you piece the puzzle together, you’ll read about remarkable individuals like Florence Nightingale, who transformed a filthy hospital and saved countless lives during a devastating war; Helen Keller, who overcame the challenges of being both deaf and blind to become a powerful advocate for the rights of disabled people; and Marie Curie, whose groundbreaking scientific discoveries earned her two Nobel Prizes and continue to help those suffering from illness today. No dream is too big when you start with courage and determination!

(4) Sturdy Cardboard Box & Green Paper Bag To Keep Things Organized

The puzzle comes with a green paper bag to keep all the pieces neatly organized, along with a sturdy cardboard box to store everything. The chunky pieces are perfect for little hands. Once completed, the puzzle measures 12 x 18 inches—a great size that fits comfortably on most table surfaces.

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

Booktopia (Australia)

Harry Hartog (Australia)

QBD Books (Australia)

Check out more reviews of Kaddo's products here:

Enjoy the video!