abc - Aussie Icons, By HeyDoodle

Nature/ Type:          Wipeable silicone colouring mat 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:  3 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Colouring & Art lovers! 

Great News, all toy lovers! The Kid Cave online store is launched, and you REALLY should give its account a follow if you haven’t done it yet. 🌈 The Kid Cave has recently provided us with a HeyDoodle abc - Aussie Icons for review, and It is INCREDIBLE! 

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 

(1) Reusable, Washable, Wipeable- HeyDoodle elevates the traditional colouring activity to a whole new eco-conscious level. Each set comes with a HeyDoodle Mat, 9 HeyDoodle Markers and a travel pouch. HeyDoodle Mat is no ordinary mat. It’s reusable, washable, wipeable. It’s like having an invisible “reset” button, we get to “do it again!” - over and over. All we need is a damp cloth to “restart” the colouring process repeatedly! It’s a stress-free and paperless activity that keeps kids enchanted. The size of the mat is wide enough for two siblings to share the fun side-by-side whilst giving the parents some precious zone-out time. 

(2) Unique Aussie Icons- “Zooper Doopers” in frozen fairy floss flavour, closed toasted Aussie “Jaffle” with baked bean, anyone? I’m in LOVE with the Aussie Icons design that generates so much conversations! We got our “Vegemite” bottle and “Weet-Bix” box out from pantry to compare and confirm the “right” colours; We talked about what “Didgeridoo” is made of, the secret of “Uluru” and its ever-changing colours, and the magnificent wonder of “Great Barrier Reef”. There are also stars of Australian flags scattered around the mat for some searching fun. 

(3) Lower-Case Learning- This is also a lower-case alphabet learning toy, with a cheeky sense of humour. “a” is for “Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi”, “n” is for “No Worries Mate”. The all-time Aussie favourite snacks “Iced Vovo”, “Tim Tam” and “Meat Pie” took up i, t and m, together with our Aussie landmarks Harbour Bridge, Opera House, and Flinders Street Station for h, o and f.

(4) Convenient- This flexible mat can be easily rolled or folded-up, and stored in a convenient pouch together with the markers. I love how organised, compact, and handy it is! 

(5) Safety- The mat is made of food-grade silicone, free from harmful substances. 

Loving this!!! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.thekidcave.com.au/

Enjoy the video! 

“You Look Yummy” Dinos, by Mideer

Nature/ Type:          Super adorable dino soft toys! 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:  3 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Dino lover, book lover, soft-toy lover, and anyone who loves cute things

Rexy and Anklia (as my kids affectionately call them) came into our lives recently, and have very fast becoming the most-talk-about soft toys in this family. I was instantly attracted by these very artistic-looking dinos of vastly different style, size and appearance. I decided to dig deeper to unearth the background, and ah, what a delight to discover the beautiful story connecting these two adorable toys! Thank you Mideer for sending them over. I’m truly grateful! 

Why I love ❤️ these toys: 

(1) Characters from Best-Selling Book - Mr T-Rex and little Ankylosaurus are characters from international best-seller picture book series “You Look Yummy” written and illustrated by Miyanishi. It’s a heart-warming tale of an unlikely pair developing a strong bond between “father and son”. Then came the bittersweet (and slightly controversial) ending where Daddy decided to part way with little Yummy because it’s what best for the kid. I love the distinctive Godzilla-look, earthy-green fur, orange embroidered highlights, bright green scales, and the (intentionally mismatching) pair of kind eyes of the big Dino. Little Yummy is cute as a button, vibrant in colours, and irresistibly adorable. I am loving this artistic collaboration between Mideer and Miyanishi! 

(2) Super adorable & cuddly- The dinos are cuddly and velvety soft. Daddy holds a fish in arm and can clasp his hands together with the attached hook-and-loop Velcro fasteners. It also has “rustling” feet filled with beans within. Little Yummy is squeezable and soft to touch. 

(3) Unique label- The lenticular labels on the dino are extraordinarily cute: tilt the card side to side, and watch little Yummy climbing up and down Daddy’s back. Simple technique, lovely touches! 

(4) Contrast- I love the contrast between the two dinos- the fierceness and dull green-greyness of daddy, and the tiny “doesn’t-have-a-care” sort of innocence in a child. It’s fun watching the dinos interacting with each other in such quiet sweet way under the directing hands of the kids! 

# gifted 

Where to buy this: 

http://www.mideerkid.cn/

https://www.toyslink.com.au/brand/mideer.html (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

Rainbow Car Set, by Euca Toys

Nature/ Type:          Beautiful wooden cars with heart-melting colours 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:  3 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Kids and parents that appreciate good quality wooden and open-ended toys 

Euca Toys is a refreshing breath of air in the universe of toys; each of its lovingly crafted set reminds me of the splendid natural landscape and the magical aura of colours. The first time when I set my eyes on its website, I was instantly blown away by the beauty of the Euca range. Imagine my joy when Euca Toys sent me this Rainbow Car Set for review. The quality is simply beyond and incredible! 

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 

(1) Minimalist & Artistic Design- This Rainbow Car Set comes with 6 vehicles with minimalist design and childhood simplicity. My almost-three-year-old lifted each vehicle up and did a “pirouette” twirl while admiring the lovely wooden creations one at a time. Each of the three sports car holds its individualistic charm; I love the long-bonnet “Viper”-lookalike feel, the compact convertible styled with low cabin, and the broad-chested curvy coupe with distinct sloping rear. All three are sleek stunners and real iconic. There is also a physically “imposing” 4WD with spare wheel, an arch-shaped mini van, and a “heavy duty” 6-wheel flat-bed truck. I love how each of the car retains unique features that set them apart from each other, yet they form such loving harmonious scene when placed together side-by-side. These are six stylish vehicles with true elegance. 

(2) Beautiful Colours- The colours, oh the colours! They are heart-throbbingly beautiful, with certain unassuming softness in them. I love the three sports cars in bright scarlet, avocado green, and coral-rose peach. I love the unapologetic hot pink 4WD, the aqua blue truck, and the oh-so-adorable light creamy yellow van. I think Euca Toys are experts in colours; they always capture the right hues and shades that resonate well and charm us immensely. 

(3) Great Size & Quality- I love that the cars are relatively large in size (each with around 16cm in length). They were handmade from beechwood and painted with non-toxic water based paint. They are amazingly durable-looking, with solid spin-able wheels, carefully sanded, smooth yet retain a natural un-treated feel. These are superior toys that can be passed down for generations to come. 

We are in LOVE!!! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this:

https://www.eucatoys.com.au/

Enjoy the video! 

Let’s Make Origami, by Mideer

Nature/ Type:          Creative origami activities book

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:  3 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Art and Craft Lovers- from kids to adults! 

This week we experienced the magic of paper folding art. Mideer sent us this “Let’s Make Origami” Level 1 recently, and we are loving the educational and kids-friendly lessons of this thoughtfully-designed booklet. 

Why I love ❤️ the kit: 

(1) 50 activities- great origami introduction to kids- The set contains a booklet of double-sided patterned papers to make 50 crafty arts. There are three different levels, with difficulty progresses gradually starting from the simple one-star beginner level. I love that the book has quite a few really easy “one or two-fold only” creations, which is great for my two-year-old to learn  the most basic folding skill in a frustration-free way. With just one fold, a secret key reveals a chest of sensational treasure, a pink elephant transforms itself into an adorable piglet, and a worm wriggles out from a juicy strawberry. With two-fold, a caterpillar turns itself into a gorgeous butterfly, and a Dalmatian changes into a long-bodied Dachshund. The steps are elegantly simple, the outcomes are delightfully fun. This kit presents perfect introduction of origami art to young children. 

(2) Creative activities- We love the creativity of the structures; our favourites include a story-telling “hare and tortoise” folding piece, a 3D dining table completes with feast, a “sorrow and joy” lion and monkey that change their mood depending on whether we are looking from the upper or lower angle. These are some innovative designs that make the craft-making really enjoyable! 

(3) Great instructions in 2 languages - I love the clear step-by-step instructions for the more complex sculptures, and the informative explanations on the different folding techniques (written in both English and Mandarin). We learned about basic valley and mountain folds, inside reverse and outside reverse folds, and the more challenging squash fold. The five-year-old got better in following the illustrated guides and folding along the dotted lines, and this mumma is learning to “let go” and tried not to interfere too much in the process. We are both proud of our little achievements! 

(4) Something extra- The kit also comes with reward stickers and certificate of completion. 

Overall, I’m pleased with the quality of this product! 

# gifted 

Where to get this: 

http://www.mideerkid.cn/

https://www.toyslink.com.au/brand/mideer.html (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

Block Ness, By Blue Orange

Nature/ Type:          Super cool board game with Loch Ness Monster theme! 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:  8 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Kids and adults that love board game with COOL theme and components! 

Block Ness by Blue Orange had been at the TOP of my wish list for a while ever since I saw it in social media. I was instantly drawn by the unique Loch Ness Monster theme and the vibrancy of colours. So when Leisure Learning agreed to send me one for review, I leapt up in JOY. 😊 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Super Cool Theme- The set comes with a “mysterious” blue pegboard symbolises the well-known Scotland freshwater lake, 4 “monsters” (in orange, purple, black and green) comprising of 10 separate body parts, a head and a tail. The objective of the game is to place as many monster pieces on the board as possible. Each segments are slightly different in length and height. Players can “elongate” your monster by connecting the next piece using 6 specific points adjacent to the head or tail. The head or tail would then be moved to the new added segment. The player with the least pieces remaining in their reserve wins the game. I love the smart theme that goes well with the tactic of lengthening the size of famous lake monsters. 

(2) Super Cool Components- I love how visually appealing the game components are. The 3D effect presented by the raising pieces resemble long monsters having part of their bodies emerging out of the lake. I love how easy it is to connect the pieces onto the pegboard. 

(3) Easy Rules + Tactically Fun- The rules are easy to follow. I love how it encourages strategising and promotes rules-following at the game table. Block Ness has a few “placement rules”; for example, players are not allowed to place the pieces diagonally, and they are not allowed to place a new segment underneath another (but a newly added piece can “cross over” almost all segments apart from a piece with the opponents’ head or tail attached). The rules are not difficult, but playing the game can be tricky and full of tactics. I love that this game is entertaining for both young kids and adults. 

 (4) Short Game- This is a relatively quick game (lasting 10 to 15 minutes each round). The fewer the players, the smaller the game board territory that we are allowed to use. 

(5) Great Storage Box- I also love the neat and organised storage box with four compartments for each monster. 

2-4 Players

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to Buy This: 

https://www.leisurelearning.com.au/

Enjoy the video!!! 

Cubeez, by Blue Orange

Nature/ Type:          Matching game with super cute expressions 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️  

Recommended age:  6 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Kids and adults that love matching games (+ cheeky emotions) 

My kids are masters of facial expressions! They read my mood like a picture book, and can put up all sorts of silly faces within seconds. I first saw Cubeez by Blue Orange in social media a while ago, and was instantly captivated by the quirky “race to make a face” concept. I’m genuinely grateful to Leisure Learning for sending this awesome game for a review (checking one off the wish list!) 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Matching Game with Crazy Expressions - The game comes with 12 coloured wooden pieces (in four separate colours for 4 players), 50 challenge cards, and illustrated rules. Players race to form faces matching the ones shown on the challenge cards, using 3 wooden pieces (i.e 2 cubes of equal lengths at all sides, and a rectangular cuboid). What makes this game appealing to kids (and to playful-young-at-heart adults) is the crazy expression that can be formed. The wide toothy grin, super alert eyes, the frightened “oh no” face with sheepish rolling to one side eyes, the dizzy face with tongue out (reminds me just like my kids after having too much sugar 🤣), and the “I’m scheming something” look with a tooth sticking out. They are lively, adorable, full of cheeky expressions. This is a great game to identify emotions and feelings in a fun way. 

(2) Think From Different "Perspectives"- I love that there is a mix of regular cubes and rectangular prism. The game requires players to think from different perspectives: we flip, turn, arrange, match, and sometimes, restart again. The challenges are achievable, but not lacking of excitements. 

(3) Play Simultaneously - This is a game where all four players can get started and play together simultaneously. This is perfect for young kids who have not equipped with the requisite patience for complex strategic games. 

(4) Great Material- The components are well made. I love the wooden materials, and the bright vibrant colours of sharp pink, lime green, cheery orange and yellow. 

(5) Smart Storage Box- The storage box is smartly-designed with insert for each component. The box can be shut nicely with magnet-embedded lid. 

The only “shortcoming” is probably the relatively small-size cubes (which is perfect for small kids, but probably not that great for large adult hands). 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.leisurelearning.com.au/

Enjoy the video!!! 

Tree Lacing and Sequencing Set, By QToys

Nature/ Type:          Beautifully-made natural wooden lacing toy

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:  3 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Kids that love beading/ lacing + with BIG imagination   

There is an inexplicable charm in the art of beading. It’s calming, satisfying, soothing. The kids love stringing beads and ornaments, and watch in amazement when beautiful sequence of patterns is formed. QToys has this Tree Lacing and Sequencing Set which takes the craft of beading to a whole new level, and brings us back to the simplicity of nature. Thank you QToys for providing us this really impressive toy for review! 

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 

(1) Great Design for Young Kids- The set comes with 52 wooden pieces with chunky drilled hole on each of them. I love the tree bark appearance. Each has its unique DNA, features and sizes - you won’t be able to find two that look identical. I love the smoothness, the vertical strips, rustic circular layers, distinctive ridges. Each has its quirky character, perfect in its imperfect way. The set comes with two thick and extra long lacing strings, each attached to a sturdy wooden stylus. They are child-friendly, easy for little hands, and frustration-free. The kids love combining, sequencing, stringing the pieces into gigantic chain of decorative ornament, before taking them apart to restart the process. The kids are completely engrossed in their little world of “beading”. It’s fascinating to watch the rare patience and perseverance of the kids while they master their pincer grip and hand-eye coordination skills. 

(2) Versatile - The pieces can be divided into five main categories: thin circular slices, thick wooden discs, mini stumps, logs with flat surface on one-side, and blocks in the shape of arch. The materials has a lovely earthly tone. They are open-ended toys that are fantastic for small world creation! They are versatile for intricate structures building, stacking fun, or used as a setting for our fairy land of unicorns and elves.

(3) Awesome Storage Tray- I love the organised wooden storage tray with compartments. 

(4) Ethical Brand- QToys is an ethical business that uses sustainable timber and non-toxic materials in their toys! The craftsmanship is premium; each piece is lovingly sanded, smooth and durable, and can be passed down from one generation to the next.

Love it, QToys! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.qtoys.com.au/shop/qt-special-editions/qt-nature/tree-lacing-and-sequencing-set/

Lemon Clock -DIY Powered Kit, by Heebie Jeebies

Nature/ Type:          STEM toy that teaches about electronic circuit, with a twist of "craft" 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️  

Recommended age:  8 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Science + Craft Lovers!   

Heebie Jeebies aka the creator of COOL things provided us this Lemon Clock -DIY Powered Kit in exchange for review. I wasn’t the best science student and am definitely not a STEM Mum with clever ideas. A readily-packed science kit such as this really helps clueless parents like myself getting experiments done effortlessly at home. Thank you Heebie Jeebies / Professor Plums , this is awesome! 

Why I love ❤️ this kit: 

(1) Science + Craft - This cardboard package contains timber clock pieces, LCD clock, copper and zinc sheets, sand paper, copper wire, and illustrated instructions. I love that this science experiment is preceded with a crafting session. We enjoyed building the wooden structure for the clock and lemon using the light-weight and thinly-cut timber pieces. It felt like constructing a 3D puzzle, without need of tools or glue. I love the step-by-step illustrative instructions- they are comprehensive, nicely labeled, and can be understood even by a five-year-old. 

(2) Electrolysis Process Using Lemon- The only household ingredient needed for the experiment is a lemon (cut into halves). Place the lemon pieces at their respectively seats, connect the zinc and copper to the wire, pluck them into the lemon flesh, and watch the miracle happens! The boy was impressed seeing the clock immediately lighted-up and started working, and wanted to know what sort of magic was that. We got to “Google it” and read about the process of electrolysis, how lemon juice served as acidic electrolyte and connected to a circuit using the zinc and copper sheet. We compared this to to our previous experiment using batteries to build a circuit (see my previous review on ClipCircuit Electro Lab on 28 November), and discovered the similarities and differences. The boy wanted to know whether we can replace the lemon with an orange, and whether that circuit will still emit equivalent power to run the clock. We can’t wait to try it out! 

(3) Functional Clock - I love that the clock is functional although the set time was no longer accurate after around a day (probably due to drying out of the fruit). Despite that, I think the clock structure makes a stylish “homeware” display. Absolutely loving it! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.heebiejeebies.com.au/

https://professorplums.com.au/products/wood-kit-lemon

Enjoy the video! 

ClipCircuit Electro Lab, by Heebie Jeebies

Nature/ Type:          STEM toy that teaches us about electronic circuit! 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:  7 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Science lovers! 

I always wanted to be that COOL mum that kicks a soccer ball, swings on monkey bar, and builds an electronic circuit with the kids. 🤣 I am so grateful to Heebie Jeebies / Professor Plums for making one of the little dreams of mine comes true; thank you for sending me this ClipCircuit Electro Lab for review! This set is mind-blowing! 

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 

(1) 80 Experiments- The set comes with 28 electronic components including a transparent circuit board, battery packs, speaker, alarm IC, switches (dry reed switch activated by magnet, press switch, slide switch), red LED light, 2.5V lamp with mini bulb, motor, light-weigh fan, and connectors of different lengths. The 23-page instructions booklet contains 80 marvellous electronic experiments showcasing the wonder of electrical power, in a safe and kids-friendly way. I love the simple steps and easily-comprehensive explanations. We discovered differences between series and parallel circuit, explored how current flow can light a bulb and rotate a fan. Our ultimate favourite is the “Flying Fan” experiment; it’s exhilarating to watch how electrical power triggers spinning motion that lifts a fan off its motor. We love substituting and testing out the different switches, and changing configurations of the alarm IC to generate sounds of police car, machine gun, ambulance siren. I love the unique educational experience! 

(2) Snap-On Connectors- I love the quick snap-on connectors with press studs. No tools or soldering (meting of solder) are required for the electronics experiments. The components can be easily clipped-on using the circuit board as base. 

(3) Individually-Marked- Each components are colour-coded and individually marked with numbers (e.g. the green slide-switch is marked with “15”, and the yellow motor is labeled with “24”). The diagrams are clearly illustrated, with interesting explanations of outcomes and observations on how current travels. 

(4) Storage Box- The storage box has plastic insert that can fit all the components perfectly within. It’s organised and neat, exactly how I love it. 

Thanks Heebie Jeebies / Professor Plums , this is super cool! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.heebiejeebies.com.au/

https://professorplums.com.au/collections/circuits/products/clip-circuit-electrolab-80-electronic-experiments-kit

Enjoy the video! 

Wooden Egg Pressions Set, By QToys

Nature/ Type:          Cute wooden toy that teaches us about emotions/ expressions

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:  2 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Parents who love a great conversation with kids about emotions  

Kids are innocently simple, yet they can also get so emotionally complicated at times. The roller-coaster of feelings, overwhelming and out-of-control at one moment, calm and joyful the next. I am a big fan of facial expression toys. I love the meaningful conversations generated using these clever educational resources. QToys’s Wooden Egg Pressions Set captures all the BEST criteria that I’m looking for in an “expression” toy. This is my personal latest favourite addition!

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 

(1) Range of Emotions - Most of the “expression” toys focus on the obvious and easily discernible “positive” and “negative” emotions; the contrast between “happy” and “sad”, “angry” and “calm”. Egg Pressions bring us a range of emotions of different degrees and intensity; some of the feelings are “blended”, hard-to-read, subject to interpretation. I think that’s the exact reason why this set appeals to me immensely! There are 40 pieces of “half-face” which can be mixed and matched to create 20 faces featuring different expressions. We have the most extraordinary discussions playing with it; a raised eyebrow could be a sign of surprise, distrust, or “deep-in-thought”, a half-tilted lip gives an impression of satisfaction, but it might also suggest something “secretive” going on in a person’s mind. We had a mini competition creating the “cheekiest” and “scariest” face, and we named the created “characters” (“Mr grumpy”, “Sir Sleepy”). I love the fun dialogues of “what” and “why”. We soon realised that facial expressions are never as “straightforward” as what we always see in picture books. This is an amazing toy to develop emotional intelligence and to understand how everyone reads expression differently. 

(2) Egg-shaped & Easter Feel- if you are thinking of an Easter-themed toy, these egg-shaped, Humpty-Dumpty lookalike faces is a great choice! They are cute to look at, fun to balance, and can be used in various versatile and open-ended ways. 

(3) Quality & Safety- QToys is synonymous with quality. I love the non-toxic, sturdy plantation timber material, and the strict safety standard compliance. 

(4) Storage Bag - The set also comes with a burlap bag storage with drawstring. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.qtoys.com.au/shop/by-age-group/3-to-5-years-of-age/wooden-egg-pressions-set-of-20/

Enjoy the video!