Satellite 3D Puzzle, By Funyards Australia

Nature/ Type:          Wooden 3D puzzle for adults / older kids 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:  12 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Logical game / brainteaser lovers

This one is for the adults and brainteaser lovers 👍. It reminds me of Escape Room, tangram, pentomino problems, classic 3D puzzles, and secret lock boxes. Yes, it reminds me of everything I LOVE. ❤️ Thank you Funyards Australia for recommending and sending this beautifully-crafted Satellite puzzle over for a review. I’m intrigued by its design and ingenuity! 

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 

(1) Fascinating Puzzle- This elegant Satellite is deceptively simple. I mean, with only just six interlocking pieces, how hard can that be, right? 🤣 Once we disassembled the wooden model, it became immediately apparent that this is an extremely tricky brainteaser of an insane level! There are 6 odd-shaped pieces with rectangular “antennae”, square borders, and seemingly random protruded parts. To watch these pieces interlocked and connected and formed into one perfect Satellite model, is like witnessing some unexpected magic occurring before one’s eyes. This puzzle is thought-provoking and stimulating, and I’m just glad that the set includes a clearly illustrated solution that guides us solving this perplexing mystery! If you need something innovative and clever to entertain your puzzle-loving (adults or older kids) guests, this is an awesome choice! 

(2) Great Material- I love the sturdy wooden material, the quality craftsmanship, smooth finishes, the natural dark rich timber colours, and how all the independent pieces fit together wonderfully into a single model. 

(3) Display Item- I love the classic feel of this 3D puzzle. It comes with a tiny stand for the satellite model, and looks simply charming with a hint of sophistication. This is a piece of art that would make a fantastic decorative and display item for home. I love its compact and travel-easy size! 

Thank you Funyards Australia , I think this is beautiful! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

Funyards Australia 

Enjoy the video! 

Yay4Play Ultimate Kit, By Yay4Play

Nature/ Type:          Activity kit that promotes the "Six Bricks" method 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:  3 - 6 year-old  

Who would love this: Parents + Kids that want to explore the fun of using Duplo to learn 

We love these chunky Duplo bricks; they are twice the length, height and width of traditional Lego bricks, easy to handle, and jam-packed with surprises. Yay4Play recently sent me its Ultimate Kit and taught me what amazing learning methods and unexpected things we can do using Duplo. YES, we LOVE it! 

Why do I love ❤️ this kit: 

(1) Interesting Activity Kit- The ultimate kit comes with 8 sets of “Six Bricks”, Duplo unique items (such as a cool alligator, tortoise, panda, Duplo characters, wheels etc), 5 emotions bricks, two baseplates, instructions cards for 40 activities, pegs, dice, pipe-cleaners, two “pop-it” fidget toys, activity “mats”, all snugly packed in a sturdy yellow box. The kit focuses on the “Six Bricks” method (ie using 6 of the 2x4 stud bricks) to accomplish various play objectives whilst training up gross and fine motor skills, memory, imagination and other developments. I find the simple and mess-free method inspiring and stimulating. 

(2) Using Duplo in New Ways- I never thought of using Duplo in any other way apart from building and constructing. Yay4Play shared with us many wonderful activities that can train up one’s fine motor movement. Our three-year-old grinned from ear to ear carrying bricks around using a laundry peg. We also built up a mini tower by balancing the bricks side-way, played toss-and-catch, held bricks using specific fingers etc. 

(3) Games & Activities- I love the various activities that stimulate creativity and imagination. We love designing a maze using baseplates and bricks, building a bridge that spans across two chairs, copying patterns, inventing characters using emotion bricks and decorating them with pipe cleaners. There is also a “coding game” where we can assign each colour brick to a letter to form our “secret word”. 

(4) Mathematics & Counting- I love the mathematics oriented games such as addition and subtraction bingo using dice, diagrammatical mat game using call-out instructions. We also love the smart fidget toys with colourful rainbow popping numbers from 1 to 10 marked in numerals, dots, and words. 

(5) Membership - You can also gain access to membership of the Yay4Play Club that gives you ongoing online learning videos and guides. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.yay4play.com/

Enjoy the video! 

LaQ Basic 2800, by LaQ - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Smart made-in-Japan construction toy 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:  5 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: LaQ fans who want to expand their collection / OR anyone who needs more LaQ in their life (who doesn't?) 

“Mummy, if there is a “LaQ Masters” competition (you know, something like the Lego Masters we watched on TV), can you be my teammate?” ❤️❤️❤️ That’s one of the sweet little things the boy said to me recently! If you have been following our play journey for a while, you knew we LOVE LaQ , and it has always been one of the TOPS in our list of favourite toys! Today, I’m going to talk about LaQ Basic 2800 set that we have recently received for review. 

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 

(1) 2800 Pieces! - For those who have never heard of LaQ, it is an innovative made-in-Japan construction toy with 2 major base parts (square and triangle) which can be attached using 5 types of connectors to give the structure different forms and shapes. Combined with its special Hamacron parts, we get the most impressive, articulated, flexible, moveable and cursive models that most other construction toys can never achieve. If you already tested out the magic of LaQ and want to invest in something BIG and complete, this Basic 2800 is a fantastic choice! You get 2800 pieces in 12 colours and 60 special Hamacron parts with 3 sizes of wheels and shafts. This set is MASSIVE! 

(2) Instructions for 30 Models- The set comes with step-by-step instructions to make 30 models. So far, we have built a super cool gigantic sky buggy, a sports car with liftable canopy door, an adorable treehouse in sweet pastel colours completes with moveable swing and elevator, pirate ship with a slightly 3D skull on the sail, a spin-able Ferris wheel, and a huge robot with clever mechanical pincer, rolling wheels and rotating body! We are obsessed with LaQ building and the addictive “click and snap” sound! Stay tuned for more posts/ reels of our creations! 

(3) Medium-Sized Wheels + Plastic Container + Tool- This set ticks off a few of our LaQ wish list: Firstly, we love our new medium-sized wheels. There is also a sturdy plastic container, and an awesome “Parts Remover” tool to help with disconnecting tricky cubes and other firmly connected pieces. Most importantly, we now have more LaQ parts to build BIGGER and CRAZIER structures without the constant dilemmas of having to destruct our built models! 

Love Love Love this set! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://smartypantstoys.com.au/collections/basic/products/laq-basic-2800 (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

Whet else can you build using LaQ Basic 2800? Watch the video to find out. 

Mechanics Gravity Loops & Turns, By Geomag

Nature/ Type:          Clever STEM Toy with exciting Loops and Turns

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:  8 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Science + Construction/ Building / Marble Run lovers! 

We have tested three sets of Geomag Mechanics Gravity range, each has its own uniqueness and features that get us excited. But this Mechanics Gravity Loops & Turns is, without a doubt, the boy’s ultimate favourite. Today, I’m going to share with you the what, why, and WOW of this ingenious STEM toy! 

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 

(1) Loops & Turns 360 Degree- This set comes with 130 mechanical elements (connectors, magnetic rod, cylindrical and modular parts, clear ramps, steel spheres, and instruction booklet) to build a circuit system that loops and turns! The most distinctive feature of this kit is the “loopy” ramp that turns 360 degree like an adrenaline-pumping roller coaster in mini scale! This set also comes with two innovative cannons; When a moving sphere hits the cannon piece, the attraction force is triggered and launches the ball at the other side in incredibly furious speed, sends it to a 360 degree loop and back to its starting spot. I love how engaging and stimulating the experience is. The futuristic colours (green, white, blue, bold orange) add on to the aesthetic level of this creative structure. 

(2) Straight-Forward Instructions- The recommended age of this toy is 8, but once you get used to the assembling techniques, a younger kid (like my six-year-old) can also participate in the building process and be part of this impressive experiment! The only part which is a little more challenging to slot in is probably the turning ramps. Other than that, the connection is generally straight-forward. I love the satisfying “click” sound when some of the parts are connected correctly. The illustration booklet has detailed diagrams with step-by-step guide on how to link the pieces together, which I find really helpful. 

(3) Quality- I love the Swiss made quality. I also love the fact that this set is made of 74% recycled plastic. You gotta love a brand that plays a part in sustainability! The product is aligned with stringent European and international safety standards, which is a BIG tick! ✅ 

(4) Expandable - MOST importantly, the set can be combined with other kits from the “Gravity Mechanics” range and make one BIG exciting track! Watch the videos below! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.geomagworld.com/en/ (Website) 

Enjoy the videos! 

Mechanics Gravity Loops & Turns: 

Combining Geomag Vertical Motor + Race Track + Loops & Turns: 

Find The Dots, by Andy Mansfield - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Creative interactive book designed by a paper engineer  

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:  3 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Playful and interactive book lovers  

I have a list of favourite children writers, including the whimsical Harve Tullet (you gotta love his colours-bursting fun collection like “Press Here”, “Mix It Up”, and “Let’s Play”). BUT, have you ever heard of “Find The Dots” by paper engineer Andy Mansfield? This book is insanely fun, jam-packed with happy surprises, and non-stop activities! We were THRILLED exploring this book, and we are absolutely IN LOVE with it! Thank you Kids Develop Store for sending this over for a review! ❤️ 

Why I love ❤️ this toy (ehem, I mean, book): 

(1) 10 Fun Puzzles - This book doesn’t just think outside the box, it chucks away any shape resembles a box and creates a brand new experience of reading! 10 marvellous puzzles hidden within this unassuming hardcover book; each page brings us smile and delightful discovery! It started with a playful “Find 1 red dot” that requires the reader to fold in four flaps towards the middle to reveal a hidden red dot. We also get to challenge ourselves with a “two spinners game” to discover 3 pink dots, looked for 6 blue dots using the reflection of mirror, pulled multiple tabs horizontally and vertically to spot 7 red dots, and busily searched through an inventive pop-up 3D polka dots cube to find 10 elusive orange dots! This book is unique, clever, simply irresistible! 

(2) Engaging Games for Fine-Motor Skills Training - It’s fascinating to watch my three-year-old lifting, pulling, folding, spinning, and exploring the book in all-sorts of creative ways to solve the puzzles and locate the dots! This is a super smart concept book that makes training of fine-motor skill extremely entertaining and engaging! 

(3) Colours + Counting - This book is fantastic for colours recognition and counting exercise. We love the brilliant palette of colours, and I really like how the book arranges the challenges in progressive difficulty levels. 

(4) Good Quality - Lift and flap books are notorious for being easily destructible. But this book, despite all its simple to complex mechanisms, has survived the repeated testings and multiple handlings by my two kids so far. It is still intact like brand new. 👍 

This innovative book is available for purchase from Kids Develop Store. I highly recommend it! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

Kids Develop Store 

Enjoy the video! 

Win Win Winter, by Londji

Nature/ Type:          Cute mathematics-focused game with squirrels theme 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:  7 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Board Game lovers, especially those who enjoy mathematics + strategies  

 “Win Win Winter” from Londji is probably that sort of board games that I would overlook easily, so I’m SO SUPER grateful to Antipoda Co for recommended this and sent over a copy for a review. We weren’t quite sure initially about the instructions, but once we started playing it, the game makes perfect sense and we absolutely LOVE it!

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Adorable Mathematics-Focused Game- This is a game that can “grow” with the kids; our three-year-old enjoys throwing the dice and moving her squirrels around the game board without thinking much about anything; our six-year-old (who enjoys mathematics in general) strategises his move to maximise the accumulation of acorns! Even the adults have a great time planning their steps to compete with the kids in this adorable game of skills! I love that the game involves a lots of decision-making moments; once a dice is thrown, we need to decide which of the two squirrels to advance forward, whether a squirrel should gather (or even snatch) an additional acorn along the journey (noting that the weight of the acorn would “slow down” the pace of getting home), and how to utilise the special “9” on the dice. The decision-making is closely related to calculation, subtraction, and forward-planning. I love game that encourages learning through play. “Win Win Winter” is exactly that sort of game where your kids would be counting and doing maths, but with a BIG happy grin throughout! 

(2) Mission of Helping the Squirrels- I love the cute squirrels saving up for winter theme (it reminds me of Scrat from Ice Age and its crazy obsession of acorns collection!). The kids love the mission of helping their squirrel friends to accumulate winter stock before the cold closes in. 

(3) Awesome Components - We love the brightly painted wooden squirrels, the thick cardboard game board pieces, round acorn tokens, and the marvellous artwork that makes everything of Londji looks extraordinarily lovely and heart-warming. Londji products are made in Barcelona from recycled/ used materials. I also love the muslin drawstring bag and sturdy storage box. 

This is a beautiful board game that is artistically delightful, and so enjoyable to play with! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://antipoda.co/collections/londji

3D Wooden Marble Run Puzzle Craft, by Funyards Australia - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Solar / or Battery-Powered Wooden Marble Run  

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:  8 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Science + Craft Lovers! 

“Oh YES! It works! It works!” Once again, Funyards Australia blew us away with its innovative range of STEM-focused products! We tested this “3D Wooden Marble Run Puzzle Craft” recently. We are thoroughly impressed by its almost impeccable mechanism and clever design! This set is purely MAGICAL and impossible to resists! 

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 

(1) Smart STEM Toy- This toy elevates the usual STEM products to another new complex level! Like other solar-powered range from Funyards Australia, this marble run kit combines physics knowledge with artistic craft. But this set pushes the demonstration of science further and beyond; apart from transformation of solar to kinetic energy, we always get to watch the mechanical effect of rotating gears, cleverness of “perpetual motion”, substitution of battery-power, and the work of invisible gravity force! The set comes with wooden sheets with removable laser-cut plywood pieces, a tube of glue, solar panel, motor with battery holder, 3 steel balls, and an instructions sheet. I love the versatility of this set - apart from working perfectly under direct sunlight, we can also switch the solar-powered mode to battery-operation. We love watching the spinning motion of the gear and how it captures the steel balls one at a time, lifting them up to the start of the track repeatedly, in an endless loop. We are thrilled assembling the pieces and witnessing this marvellous model comes into “life” (it took around half an hour to complete). 

(2) Good Instructions- I love the easy to follow and step-by-step illustrative guide. I love that this kit labels each of the wooden sheets with alphabetical letters, which makes the construction process much quicker and easier! The pieces connect well and serve their purposes. 

(3) Beautiful Display Item - We love the structural integrity and sturdiness of the wooden model. This is a beautiful decorative item that is fun to play with and delightful to look at!

(4) Compact - I love the compact flat-pack box made of eco-friendly and recyclable cardboard - light weight, exquisite, and makes such elegant gift! 

This is another awesome educational STEM toy from Funyards Australia ! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

Funyards Australia 

Enjoy the video! 

Mechanics Gravity Race Track, By Geomag - REVIEW

 

Nature/ Type:         Cool STEM toy with exciting race track run  

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:  8 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: STEM + construction/ building + ball run lovers! 

Mechanics Gravity Race Track is another spellbinding Geomag creation that we really love! Imagine magnetic charm, chain reaction, invisible forces of nature, and accelerated speed, combined with inventive engineering construction. That’s Geomag for you!

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 

(1) Smart STEM Toy - This set comes with 67 pieces in various cylindrical parts, modular pieces, connectors, magnetic rod, ramps, steel spheres, instruction booklet, and a super COOL magnetic cannon that works MAGIC! We love the modern and futuristic green, blue, white and bold orange, with translucent tracks for fast and furious ball run. The completed structure displays a circular racing track that visually demonstrates the law of magnetic physics; When a moving sphere hits the cannon piece, the attraction force reacts by propelling a ball at the other side, launching it in exceeding speed to travel in a circular circuit and back. I love the engaging and stimulating way to learn about science! 

(2) Straightforward Building Process- The recommended age for this toy is 8 year-old, but it is not too overly hard for a 6-year-old to build, especially once we understood the assembling techniques. This set took us around 30 minutes to complete. Our six-year-old struggled a little slotting the cursive ramps, but other than that, the process is generally straight-forward. I particularly love the satisfying and audibly “click” when the clear tunnels are fitted onto the blue connectors. I love the illustrative step-by-step instructions booklet! 

(3) Space-Saving + Easy To Dismantle- I also love that the fully assembled structure does not take up much table space. It’s also easy to dismantle the structure and store away the separable pieces.

(4) Quality- I love the Swiss made quality, meeting of stringent European and international safety standards, and the fact that this set is made of 76% recycled plastic! It’s always great to know the environmental stance taken by a toy brand that we support! 

(5) Expandable- MOST IMPORTANTLY, this set can be combined with other kits from the “Gravity Mechanics” range to build into something MORE complex and brilliantly thrilling! I will share more in the coming posts! Stay tuned. 

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this: 

https://www.geomagworld.com/en/ (Website) 

Enjoy the video (Race Track): 

Combining Geomag Vertical Motor + Race Track: 

Little Agenda, by Second Scout

Nature/ Type:          Weekly agenda planning board 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:  3 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Parents + kids who love seeing things planned-out & organised 

 I am a “schedule” person- I love things being organised, planned, and preferably, no bad surprises 😅. We “survived” the pandemic lock-down using a white-board timetable setting out detailed routine that only this mumma was able to read 🤣. I was constantly searching for a weekly planner that is visually simple and “makes sense”. This “Little Agenda” by Second Scout met EXACTLY what I need, and I’m truly grateful to be given a set for review! 

Why I love ❤️ this product: 

(1) Calming Weekly Agenda Board- “Little Agenda” is a true example of “simplicity at its best”. A timber base plus a vertically standing board - we get to set up our weekly schedule, from Monday to Sunday, in a clean way using the included concealed magnetic timber tiles. This is one visually calming board that is gorgeous, functional, and serves its purpose! I love that there is no extra colours or any unnecessary “additions” on it. It helps my six-year-old to make sense of the sequence of days (“two more sleeps till swimming, yay!”), and gives my three-year-old a chance to have a say (“Can we have “Eat Out” please?”) 

(2) Reversible - I love the reversible board - it’s weekly schedule on one side, and blank on the other side. I find the blank board a fantastic way to do a “daily zoom-in” for a weekend where we get to plan the day together “democratically” as a family. 

(3) Interesting Magnetic Tiles- The set comes with 4 magnetic shift tiles (“today”, “morning”, “afternoon”, “evening”), and 20 magnetic timber tiles (including the most commonly used “school”, “shopping”, “home”, sports”, “birthday”, “library”). I love that some of the tiles are cleverly double-sided (e.g “school” + “kindergarten/preschool” and “grandparents” + “grandparent”). I also LOVE that Second Scout has expandable sets of over 140 add-on magnetic tiles (sold separately), and I must confess, it’s seriously tempting to grab them ALL 🤣 (I need “Yoga”, “Outside Time”, “Laundry”, and most importantly,“Coffee”). 

(4) Material + Quality - The quality is too-notch! The board is made of sustainably sourced rubberwood, thick and sturdy, and sealed with a non-toxic finish. This is an heirloom quality product that will last for generations! 

Simply amazing!

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

Second Scout 

Enjoy the video!! 

Wooden Donut Game, by Kids Develop Store

Nature/ Type:          Vertical play designed by occupational therapist 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:  3 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Donut lovers + parents looking for toys with focus on fine-motor skill 

It is always a JOY to discover new unique toy that makes your heart dances! I had never seen anything (not even remotely) like this “Wooden Donut Game” from Kids Develop Store . I’m truly grateful to Ellena for providing it to me for review. This toy truly sparks, generates, and doubles-up JOY! 

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 

(1) Vertical Play- The set comes with a beautiful blue donut board with a cheeky white word “donuts” painted on it, two removable bases, 9 wooden dowels, 18 distinctively designed donuts in 5 mouth-watering flavours, instruction and game idea cards, and a drawstring bag. I LOVE the vertically-standing donut board; not only that it’s visually appealing like some artistic piece, I find that the upright surface captures my kids attention longer by encouraging them to gaze forward at their eye-level (rather than bowing their necks downwards). I have read about the numerous benefits of vertical play (mind-concentration, optimal wrist movement, finger dexterity etc), and I’m really glad to see a professional-designed toy by occupational therapist that put kids’ development at the forefront. 

(2) Games with Yummy Donuts Theme- Our stomachs gurgle in protest looking at these scrumptious “feast” of caramel, hundreds-and-thousands, strawberry spread, vanilla glazed, and chocolate delight! How cool is it that the toy combines our childhood classic games with these delectable treats. A game of tic-tac-toe, memory game, and sequencing arrangement never felt that delicious and wonderful in my life! The kids played with the games repeatedly, and ended with a “cafe” serving game and a teddy bear picnic with these colourful donuts. I love how versatile this toy is! 

(3) Materials- The stand and dowels are made of wood, the donuts are made of polymer clay, with non-toxic paint. I love that the toys is locally-made in Australia with sustainable material. 

(4) Kids Develop Store- I also want to talk about Kids Develop Store - a business started as a passion by Ellena (an occupational therapist with vast experience working with kids and young people), with the aim of sharing personally tested products with parents and educators! I’m instantly drawn to her range of fantastic products! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

Kids Develop Store 

Enjoy the video! 

Build It Yourself Model Monster Truck, By Funyards Australia

Nature/ Type:          Wooden STEM Toy with solar-powered 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:  8 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Science + Craft lovers! 

“Oh YES, it’s a monster truck!” The boy exclaimed excitedly when he saw this “Build It Yourself Model Monster Truck” from Funyards Australia ! This is another awesome STEM-focused and solar-powered model collections from Funyards Australia , and if you haven’t checked out its range of innovative toys yet, you really should! 

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 

(1) DIY Solar-Powered Toy- The set comes with wooden sheets with removable laser-cut plywood pieces, motor, switch and solar-powered panel. We jumped into the construction right away, fitting and building and constructing! It took the six-year-old and this mumma around 45 minutes to complete the build of this super cool vehicle, and we just couldn’t express how proud we felt! This set is a little different from the Windmill Farm kit that I previously reviewed; first of all, this set doesn’t require any glue or scissors as all the pre-cut timber pieces connect perfectly once they are adjusted and fitted at the right angles. The rotating motor for this set attached to the two back wheels on each sides. It was mesmerising to watch the wheels spin and move the truck forward when placed under direct sunlight. It’s a simple device, easy mechanism, but so much complex physics and transformations involved! It’s light energy’s conversion to electrical energy in a visually-stunning way! 

(2) Easy-To-Follow Guide- The step-by-step guide is easy to follow and accompanies with clear illustrations. Our six-year-old is slowly getting the hang of doing this DIY build independently (with some minor “interventions” from mumma when he got stuck sometimes). The structural integrity and sturdiness of the truck is impressive and makes such beautiful decorative desk model! 

(3) Awesome Design- We especially love the meticulous design, such as the gigantic tires that were built using 16 separate pieces for each wheel! There is also a front bumper, an inner “skeleton”/ frame, outer body layer, the seat, the roof. The attention to detail is absolutely fantastic! 

(4) Compact - I love the compact flat-pack box made of eco-friendly and recyclable cardboard - light weight, exquisite, and makes such elegant gift! 

This is a great educational STEM toy! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

Funyards Australia 

Enjoy the video! 

Cloud City, By Blue Orange - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Family-friendly board game 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:  10 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Board game lovers in general, especially those that love a "skyscrapers / tall-buildings" theme 

I love game with a “mission”. Such types of games always come up at the top of our favourites list. We love board games with fire-rescuing theme, kingdom expansion theme, dragon-eggs saving theme, and escape from crocodile trap theme. The day I received this Blue Orange “Cloud City” game from Leisure Learning , I knew this is a guaranteed HIT for this family. This is a game that we get to plan, design, build and watch our city shoots up beyond and through the cloud - a FUN and exciting mission that makes us want to play and replay numerous times in a row! 

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 

(1) Easy-To-Learn Rules- Despite the recommended age of 10 year-old, I’m surprised at how simple and straightforward the rules are! The aim is to lay the “foundation” by strategically position the selected tiles in a 3x3 grid, then add the building pieces on the corresponding lot, build walkways to connect structures of same height, and count your “votes” based on the lengths of the walkways. We thoroughly enjoyed our day as “architects”, competing with each other to form the longest and most ambitious walkways, connecting our high-rising skyscrapers in style and splendour! It gives us a sense of achievement (even if we didn’t win), just by looking at our project coming to “life” in visually-appealing and spectacular 3D form. So satisfying! 

(2) Quality Components- Blue Orange has amazing game components! The set comes with 96 building pieces of 3 heights, 93 walkways in blue river, green forest, and pale sand colours, 48 cloud tiles, 10 special request cards, and illustrated rules. All completed city models look futuristic, modern, contemporary, and absolutely gorgeous! I really love the tiny details on the building pieces; the dotted facade, rectangular windows, and slim tall arch design. 

(3) Strategy- This is a game of strategy and planning; my 6-year-old has no issue playing with the easy and light version of the rules. But the game also includes special request cards that give the game some advanced “twist” for adults or more serious board-gamers. 

(4) Great Storage Box- As usual, Blue Orange has sturdy and thoughtfully-designed storage box. I love how tidy and organised everything is! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

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

Enjoy the video!