Creagami - Ladybug Origami Kit, By CreativaMente - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Cleverly-designed modular origami craft kit 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:  7 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Big fans of Origami/ Art & Craft, or any newbies who just want to try something new!  

I love origami and folding arts, although I MUST admit, I have not much of any natural talent when it comes to creativity and artistic crafts. I was delighted (but so very nervous) to test out this Creagami - Ladybug Origami Kit by CreativaMente (kindly gifted by Divisible by Zero). Oh that little joy of seeing these paper units formed into a spectacular ladybug!

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) Beautiful Modular Origami Craft - Modular origami is pure mastery of art; it combines wisdom, aesthetic, and limitless imagination into one. I never thought I would make one of such model one day (what’s more “teaching” my six year-old making one!). Included within are sheets with perforations, containing 113 individual pieces with pre-scored lines to guide us with the folding. I’m genuinely surprised with how easy it is to build the modular units; it took 3 seconds or less to create each of the module (or “basic unit” for the model creation). You can learn the steps from the included illustrated guide, or from Creagami / Modular Origami YouTube channel. 

 (2) Step-by-Step Guide - Once the simple individual units are completed, begin the “harder” part of assembling the modules into an integrated  3D model. But fear not, there is a step-by-step YouTube video to guide you through the entire process! I would recommend that you first learn up the basic “types of joints” from the illustrated guide before starting the combining process. Once we familiarised ourselves with the techniques of the various joints (normal, inverted, insert, empty pocket, double tip  etc), it is a breeze to follow the online tutorial. It took me over 1 and half hour to learn the tricks and complete this Ladybug. I must say, I am very pleased with the outcome! No glue is required for this craft, so if you make a mistake, just remove the units from the slots and start again! 

(3) Impressive Model - The interlocking of flaps and pockets built a certain tension and sturdiness into the model, holding the ladybug creation firmly. The product is made in Italy, and is nicely packaged in a cardboard box. The craft papers give a touch of premium “silkiness” and a glossy appearance to the finished product. 

Love it! ❤️ 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.thetherapystore.com.au/product/creagami-mini/ (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

Farm Animals Set, by PlanToys - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Beautiful farm animals, sustainably made using compressed sawdust 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:  12 month-old ++   

Who would love this: Parents looking for sustainably-made toys. This is a great first "farm animals set" for young kids. 

In this modern age where electronic and visually-stimulating toys seem to occupy a huge proportion of the toys market, it’s refreshing to see something simple, unassuming, timeless, and not “overdoing” it, like this “Farm Animals Set” from PlanToys .

Why I love ❤️ this set: 

(1) Beautifully Crafted Farm Animals - These farm animals are adorably chubby and heart-meltingly cute. Included is a bright pink, short-legged piglet (that reminds me of a classic “piggy bank”) with a nice flat snout. The wooly white sheep is probably my personal favourite; clouds-like, gentle-looking, and gives a calm quiet aura. The brown horse is a handsome fellow with thick black mane. There is also a black-and-white Holstein cow with distinctive spotted markings. They have an inexplicable “softness” in them, with zero sharp edges, smooth and solid to hold in hands. Each of the animal has a visible middle parting lines, each side symmetrical and identical to the other. My three-year-old thinks these figurines are gorgeous; my six-year-old wishes they can “do a bit more”. I feel that most kids would probably outgrow this toy pretty soon, but the great thing is, these animals has a “timeless” and heirloom character. They will stay as a beautiful decorative item for a long time, and can be passed down from one family to the next easily. 

(2) Sustainably Manufactured Using "PlanWood" - I love the sand-like pigment and the rustic-feel of these animals. These figurines are made of “PlanWood” - a sustainable material made from surplus sawdust and wood pieces, compressed under high pressures and heat, and added with organic colour pigments during the composite process. When you see a PlanToys, you think about sustainability, child-safe guarantee, and environmental-friendly. 

(3) Imaginative Play - These animals are lovely additions to any story-telling settings, especially one involving a good old farm. I think they make perfect first animals toy for young kids. I have previously written about the “Wild Animals Set”, that has quite a similar style to these farm animals. These farm animals would go beautifully-compatible to the wild animals, and make some great characters in any fable and fairy-tales with cheeky twists! 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.plantoys.com/ (Website) 

Enjoy the video! 

Eco-bricks Color 109 Piece, By Once Kids - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Sustainable wooden building bricks 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:  4 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Anyone who loves building/ construction toys (especially if you are looking for a more enviromentally-friendly option). 

Sometimes, what’s in my kids’ Santa wish list might not be something that the adults approve. Despite how endearingly beautiful some of the heirloom quality toys are, the sad truth is, many of them are probably just not as eye-catching as those light-blinking, battery-operated, low-cost plastic toys. Once Kids comes with a mission to bridge this gap, and I’m super delightful to receive this “Eco-bricks Color 109 Piece” from Artiwood for a review! 

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) Sustainable & Biodegradable - The amazing benefits of building bricks need no introduction. What sets Eco-bricks apart is its sustainable nature, durable, and biodegradable wooden material. Our six-year-old is a huge fan of Lego and other similar building bricks, but when he saw these Eco-bricks, he was genuinely excited - “Woah, it’s wooden!” Included within are a total of 109 pieces of bricks - 20 of 4-dot blocks (or what we commonly known as the 2x2 brick), 75 of 8-dot blocks (2x4 brick), 10 of 16-dot bases (2x8 brick), and 4 of 16-dot axle with wheels. It’s a novelty, something unique but also cool for the kids! This is a greener and more environmentally-friendly alternative to many other building bricks in market!

(2) Compatible With Other Plastic Blocks - The smooth texture of the wood exudes a “calming” effect. The bricks are compatible with other plastic blocks (our Lego mini figures were happy to go on an adventure ride on our wooden space buggy and hybrid robotic beast). The bricks might not have a similar strong clutch power in the classic plastic bricks, but they interlock well and are much easier for little hands to manage (pull apart or connect). The rolling wheels are great accessories to spice up the creations with moveable element. 

(3) The Lovely Colours! - I love the aesthetically pleasing rainbow-feel, bright pastel colour scheme. I love the soothing and heart-meltingly beautiful fuchsia pink, aqua blue, lawn green, and bright yellow. There are also some natural wood bricks that the kids can customise and decorate. These bricks are made with naturally dyed non-toxic water-based tint - a safe choice for kids! 

(4) Storage Box With Lid - I love the laser-engraved, sturdy and neat wooden storage box with a sliding lid. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

Common Circus (Australia) 

Artiwood: https://www.artiwood.com.au/eco-bricks-color-109-piece.html (Wholesale, Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

Insect- Grasshopper, By Calebou - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          3D paper puzzle  

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️  

Recommended age:  3 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Young kids who are exploring the wonder of paper craft 

We always enjoy 3D paper puzzles - they are simple and always bring a delightful smile. This “Insect- Grasshopper” kit from Calebou is another nice one that we have recently tested. 

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 
(1) Easy 9-Piece 3D Puzzle - Compared to the “DIY Pirate Ship” and “Tyrannosaurs Machine Beast” sets that I have previously reviewed, this Grasshopper kit is easier, more straightforward, and chunkier. There isn’t a step-by-step guide that goes with it; instead, what we got is a single illustration of the grasshopper model with labels of number showing the puzzle parts. There are only 9 individual pieces, each separately numbered, printed on thick paper padded with foam core. First, we “pop out” the pieces; next we slot and connect them by referring to the model illustration. The process probably took us 3 minutes or less. Compared to the other two Celebou sets that I have previous reviewed, this grasshopper set is comparatively “sturdier” and not so easy bendable because of how chunky the pieces are. The result is one larger-than-real-life insect that is actually quite fun for the kids (a perfect “giant monster” to be included in their small world play). I love that no scissors or tools were needed for this craft, which makes it child-friendly and easy to manage. 

(2) Grasshopper Insect Theme - Whilst this grasshopper might not be as intricate and cool as the previous two Calebou sets that I wrote about, I love that it pays attention to the basic anatomical features. The 9 separate pieces include 6 parts for the legs (3 pairs of 3 different sizes). I love the details of the segmented legs, the front legs being the smallest, and the hind legs being the largest. The grasshopper has a pair of antennae on its capsule head, a green body, and wings. Like any paper products, they might not be the most long-lasting toys, but this is an engaging craft set nevertheless.  

(3) Light Weight & Flat-Pack - The grasshopper is light weight, and came in an unassuming flat pack. There isn’t much information online about the manufacturer, save that it is a business in China specialising in paper products (mainly 3D puzzles), and the products have passed international standards such as EN71 and ASTM. 

Where to buy this:

 

http://www.calebou.com/ (Website) 

Enjoy the video! 

Numberblocks Stampoline Park Activity Set, by hand2mind - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Stamping activity kit to create your favourite Numberblocks characters!  

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:  3 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Numberblocks fans (definitely!) / And any kids who love stamping activity 

If you have a kid like my 3-year-old who loves stamping away and creating one-of-a-kind artworks and prints, then you would love this “Numberblocks Stampoline Park Activity Set” by hand2mind (kindly gifted by Clover Street).

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 

(1) Create Your Favourite Numberblocks Characters - Any NumberBlocks fans here remember the episode about “Stampolines” and the adorable scene of the characters happily bouncing off from a “trampoline ink pad”, and stamping themselves against sheets of canvas? It excites us to see Hand2Mind has turned this cheeky invention from the famous Numberland into something that the kids of this planet can play with! Our 3-year-old whipped out the activity guide and stamped away excitedly, copying the unique features of each characters. The set includes 20 stamps (a face stamp and a square stamp each for every characters from 1 to 10), and 12 ink pads (10 NumberBlocks colours and 2 large ink pads - black and red - for facial features). Oh the fun we have creating curious “1”, yellow “3” with jester hat, and our ultimate favourite - Lucky “7” who is always so vibrantly colourful! We also got to create the all white “10” using a sheet of darker paper, which the girl thought was pretty awesome. 

(2) Mathematics & Numbers - I love the mathematics and counting theme. Just like in the episode, the kids learned that every big number is made up of “ones” - it all begins with one “square” stamp at a time! There are also bonus activity sheets that we can download from Hand2Mind website: you get to stamp the missing Numberblocks, complete the picture of “5 Frame Friends”, and test out how many different arrangements that a character can “shapeshift” into. I love the “learn by doing” method whilst exploring the wonder of numbers! 

(3) Carry Case - I love the handy and organised carry case with dedicated storage spaces for each item. The lids of the ink pads can be easily lifted up by little hands, and the ink is washable. 

(4) Versatile & Educational - Apart from building NumberBlock characters, these colourful ink pads, stamps and adorable facial expressions can be used for multi-purpose art and craft creations. I’m loving how versatile and educational this stamping set is! 

# Gifted in exchange for a review 

Where to buy this: 

Little Blossoms Toys (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

Wooden Latches Board, By Melissa & Doug - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Wooden board with 6 types of latches 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:  3 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Perfect for kids who love playing with latches and locks / And parents who are looking for a unique busy board with interesting latches  

My two-year-old loves this Wooden Latches Board by Melissa & Doug , and it’s easy to see why. Imagine doors of opportunity waiting to be unlocked, multiple puzzles pending to be unraveled, and tons of excitements ready to be discovered. This  board is one impressive toy full of non-stop surprises. 

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 

(1) 6 Different Latches - The wooden board comes with 6 different types of latches; First, the kids are invited to tackle a classic toggle latch, lifting the fastener at the right angle and removing the loop from the base plate. The next challenge is a rarely-seen round latch which requires some strength to slide the specially-designed hook out of the attached plate. The third unlocking test is probably the easiest - a cabin hook that we commonly used for gates or cupboard doors. Moving downwards to the bottom row, it’s the barrel bolt obstacle, where some serious concentration is needed to lift and slide the bolt out of the cylindrical socket. Next, it’s the door chain challenge, followed by the hasp and staple with an easy lift. It’s series of lively dexterity activities for kids who love latches and unlocking fun. 

(2) Hidden Objects Behind Windows & Doors - Once the kids have successful navigated the latches, there are numerous hidden objects to be uncovered. The first window revealed a purple pony, second door has 2 blue dogs beneath, followed by 3 yellow cats, 4 red rabbits, 5 green frogs and 6 orange fish. I love the familiar animal theme combined with number counting and colours recognition. 

(3) Wooden Material - The toy is generally well-made. The wooden board is solid and sturdy, the hinges are cleverly designed to avoid little fingers being jammed, and the board is smoothly-sanded. This is one durable toy that would last for a good many years, ready to be passed down to the next deserving family. 

The doors / windows are built within close proximity, so an opened door or latch component can easily get into the way of the adjacent door. This can be “resolved” by encouraging kids to unlock each door following the sequential direction from left to right. The board is also kind of heavy, another thing for parents to bear in mind if you have little kid at home. 

[This review was first written and published in Instagram on 2 November 2021] 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.melissaanddoug.com/products/wooden-latches-board (Website) 

Enjoy the video! 

Jack and the Beanstalk - Deluxe, By SmartGames

Nature/ Type:          Brainteaser with a fairy-tale PLUS tumble-down-the-ladder twist!  

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:  4 - 7 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Any kids (and adults) who love a creative brainteaser challenge 

Everyone in this family has our favourite SmartGames , but for the kids, their favourites are hands down the fairytales and fables inspired games (e.g. Three Little Piggies, Little Red Riding Hood, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty). My heart skips excitedly when I saw this “Jack and the Beanstalk - Deluxe” game, kindly provided by Leisure Learning. This game is unbeatable AWESOME! 

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) Tumble-Down-The-Ladder FUN - Remember the classic “tumble down the ladder” toys? This set ingeniously incorporates the vintage game into a brainteaser. I have never seen a game such as this before! Included are 10 double-sided puzzle pieces, ladders frame, challenge booklet and picture book. The object of the game is to arrange the puzzle pieces to reflect the illustrated challenge, BUT, in a vertical upright way using the “tumble-down” concept. When you drop a puzzle piece from the top, it would flip and rotate each time when it falls on a step. What you need is to plan ahead, count the steps, decide the initial orientation, and release the pieces one by one. It’s so enchanting to watch the pieces tilt and traverse down in such whimsical fun! 

(2) 60 Challenges With Different Levels - The 60 challenges have different levels of difficulty: half of them show white outlines (indicating the position of each puzzle pieces), and half without the outline (which means the kids need to mentally-visualise the division). There are Starter, Junior, Expert and Master levels. Some pieces have identical (but mirrored) image on both sides, some have special figures on one side (e.g. Giant or Jack), and some have beanstalk images that twist and bend to different directions. The challenges are not too easy, but completely achievable by young kids once they figure out the process. 

(3) Fairy Tale - How can one resist a good old fairy tale? I love the “building upwards” construction, the familiar elements in the artworks (golden harp, golden egg), and the 3D castle in the cloud - which is such an iconic touch! The components are of great quality, and the design is visually striking! 

(4) Picture Book - Our girl loves the wordless picture book that comes with the game. It's nicely illustrated, with little touch of humour and a modern twist. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.leisurelearning.com.au/jack-the-beanstalk (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

Learning Clock, by Little Tikes - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Colourful chunky first clock for kids 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:  2 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Parents looking for versatile toys for colours recognition, number-learning and time-telling - all in one.  

Little Tikes is a childhood memory; the unapologetic chunkiness, cheerful colours,  light-weight plastic, and the lovely vibrancy that appeals to young kids immediately. Granted, you probably would never find a Little Tikes on the shelf of a Montessori classroom or an Instagram page of a nature-play advocate; but a Little Tikes brings joy to the little people, and they are childhood memories. Some real, beautiful memories. One of my personal favourites is this vintage and hard-to-find Little Tikes Learning Clock. 

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 

(1) Cleverly-Designed Clock with Pop-Out Barrels - I love how educational and versatile this toy is! This is a fantastic and cute learning tool that my two kids really love; the 12 numbers were printed in big white font on twelve separate removable barrels in vibrant rainbow colours. Simply turn the clock around, pop the round number pieces out, and start the “challenge”. The kids love matching the colours and fixing the puzzle. The design is clever and thoughtful with the little details; for example, each of the numbers needs to be aligned and positioned at the correct angle facing forwards before the cylindrical blocks can be securely fitted into the slots. In other words, the numbers would always look vertically “upright” around the circular shape (just like a proper clock) once the numbers are clicked onto the allocated slots. This is an amazing toy for colour-recognition, number-learning, sequence and hand-eye coordination training. 

(2) Rotatable Hour & Minute Hands - When we rotate one of the clock hands, the other hand would also move in the same direction but in a different speed, just like how the minute and hour hands run simultaneously around a circumference in relative speed in a real clock. This is a great first clock for young kids to get a general idea on how a true functional clock works. 

(3) Chunky Handle - I love the adorable and chunky handle of the clock for easy portability. This is one truly exciting and visually-appealing clock. 

[This review was first written and published in Instagram on 9 February 2022] 

Where to buy this: 

Unknown, but its official website is here: https://littletikes.com.au/

Enjoy the video! 

Mechanics Motion Recycled Magnetic Gears 96, By Geomag

Nature/ Type:          STEM toy using magnetic repulsion to create mechanical movement 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:  7 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Parents & kids looking for unique, sustainable, and cleverly- done construction + STEM toys

Geomag is one of my favourite brands that is known for making science approachable and entertaining for kids. Each of its range focuses on different physics and mechanic principles, using exciting experiments to demonstrate specific outcomes. “Geomag - Mechanics Motion Recycled Magnetic Gears 96” is a unique STEM toy that I truly enjoyed! 

Why I love ❤️ this set: 

(1) Magnetic Repulsion - We know how a classic gear mechanic works - it usually involves interlocking toothed wheels pushing each other, creating chain mechanical reaction that spins. Geomag boldly modifies the traditional gear mechanism, and uses the invisible force of magnetic repulsion to create similar movement. First, construct the suggested model using the bits and pieces included (there is a total of 96 cylindrical parts, modular connectors, magnetic rods, steel spheres, clear spinning bases etc). Next, test out the polarity of the magnetic rods - make sure that the repulsion end is facing outwards (i.e. the part that acts as the “teeth” of the gear). Once this is done, we can spin the first “gear” and watch how it interacts with the other structures to trigger a chain movement with the invisible force of magnetism (and it’s so mesmerising to watch, even for adults!). We have played with many magnetic tiles and blocks before which use the principle of magnetic attraction for structure-building. But this is the very first toy that I have tested that uses the principle of magnetic repulsion. Suffice to say, I’m excited and absolutely loving the new experience! 

(2) 3 Models To Construct - The instruction booklet includes 3 building ideas; the first model has two spinning structures that push (or repel) each other away, causing a graceful “merry-go-round” movement. The second model uses magnetic force to create two “angry crocodiles” that snap repeatedly, and the third model reminds me of an amusement park “swing around” ride that triggers a circling motion of another spinning wheel. 

(3) Recycled Plastic - This set is proudly made of 80% recycled plastic - a fantastic sustainable toy. It is made in Switzerland and aligned with the most stringent European and international safety standards. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.onlinetoys.com.au/product/geomag-mechanics-motion-recycled-magnetic-gears-96 (Australia) 

https://www.geomagworld.com/en/mechanics/motion-recycled/ (Website) 

Enjoy the video! 

Peacock Mosaic Puzzle, By Doron Layeled - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Vintage wooden puzzle with a lovely peacock theme 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:  2 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Classic wooden puzzle collectors / first puzzle for small kids 

There is something about this Peacock Mosaic Puzzle by Doron Layeled. Perhaps it’s the vintage look, the simplicity of it, or the child-friendly dark outline. My two-year-old loves this puzzle and finds it particularly fascinating. 

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 

(1) 12 Large Pieces - I love how the puzzle looks so deceivingly easy at first glance; after all, there are only just 12 large and chunky pieces to arrange, how difficult could this puzzle be, right? But we soon found out the hidden cheekiness behind the design. The peacock plumage was not divided symmetrically at each side despite what it seems to be. The “orange” feather piece is not the “centrepiece” even though it is positioned to look as such; if we “divide” the peacock train into half (6 on each side) and make a comparison of both divisions, we would soon discover that the pieces on both sides are almost identical but not quite the same when it comes to size and colour sequence. It’s a little confusing, challenging for the kids (and sometimes adults), but definitely beautiful when the puzzle is completed. My two-year-old loves this puzzle but finds it frustrating at times, although she’s usually able to complete the puzzle eventually (with a great proud smile) after some trials and errors. 

(2) Chunky Knobs - I love the big knobs on each of the feather piece. Not only that they make holding and manipulating the puzzle pieces easier for young kids, the protruded pegs also create a little 3D effect on the “eyes” of the feathers. 

(3) Material & Quality - I love the wooden material and the very sturdy base of the puzzle. The set looks high quality, and can be displayed vertically by leaning against a flat surface (eg a wall) like a piece of art. This is a great toy with heirloom quality to be passed down from one generation to another. 

(4) Black Outline - I also love the black outline on the peacock picture and the individual pieces. The outline accentuates the uniquely circular shape of the feathers, making them look more apparent, vibrant, and engaging. 

(5) Light Weight & Good Size - The puzzle measures 30 cm wide x 24 cm high, just the right size for a two-year-old. It is also light in weight to be safely carried around by the little ones. 

[This review was first written and published in Instagram on 25 October 2021] 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.doronlayeled.com/product/peacock-wooden-knobs-puzzle/ (Website) 

Enjoy the video! 

Climb the Mountain, By Londji - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Path-building board game with unique mountain-climbing theme 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:  7 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Older kids and adults that enjoy path-building games 

I LOVE road-building games; there is just something about seeing multiple continuous paths being formed, slowly and progressively, in segments and pieces. “Climb the Mountain Strategy Game” by Londji incorporates path-building into exciting mountain-climbing theme, together with other adorable elements (such as fairy and Yeti) that would guarantee a smile. Thank you Antipoda Co for providing this to us. 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Path-Building Game With Interesting Elements - A confession: I get a little nervous every time when I see a game with long instructions. “Climb the Mountain” is probably the most complex Londji game I have ever tried so far. We spent time reading and digesting the rules. The great thing is, once you have learnt the rules, the playing comes “naturally”. Included are 115 double-sided mountains pieces in equilateral triangle (forest, rock, and snow tiles), 5 mountaineer, 3 dice, and other tokens and interlocking pieces. We throw the dice, build a path, and move the climbers up. There are also provisions to accumulate along the way; grumpy bear, villainous snake, and scary Yeti to run away from; and fairy token to collect. The game is full of decision-making, strategising, forward-planning, and it takes 50 minutes (or more!) to complete. This is probably not a game for everyone (especially those that prefer something short and sharp), but our 6-year-old and this mumma are loving it. 

(2) Competitive + Cooperative - I love the “competitive plus cooperative” concept of this game. We race to be the first to reach the summit, but at the same time, we are required to make collective decisions, reach agreement, and work collaboratively to build the final path up the peak. There is a chance that all players might lose together. This game has some interesting life lessons for us to learn as a family. 

(3) Quality & Sustainability - I love the quality and solid game components. The illustrations are, as per usual Londji standard, fun and whimsical. I love the cotton drawstring bag and sturdy storage box that keep everything neat and tidy. I love that Londji products are made in Spain, using FSC paper, recycled cardboard, beech wood from sustainable forests and water-based stains. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

Antipoda Co (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

Wooden Stacking Stones, By Tooky Toy - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Wooden stacking stones with soft unique colours 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:  3 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Kids and adults that love balancing game  

I love it when a toy displays artistic quality that makes charming decor indoor whilst serving its true purpose as versatile learning tool. Today, I am going to talk about these lovely and intriguing Wooden Stacking Stones from Tooky Toy. 

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 

(1) Beautiful Stacking Stones - This set comes with 16 beautiful wooden stacking stones in assortment of sizes and interesting range of colours that truly capture my heart. Included are 4 large stones in mint green, teal green, lemon yellow, and natural beech wood. There are also 6 medium stones and 6 smaller stones, each in unique colours combination such as peach, rhubarb red and azure blue. The stones are polyhedrons, with polygonal/ flat-cutting surfaces, multiple sides, straight edges and smooth corners. They are perfect for stacking and pretty inspiring for kids. My three-year-old loves telling a story using these stones as symbols of her characters and objects; my five-year-old thinks it is really cool that all 16 of the stones can be piled up into an awesome tall tower. The beauty of the toy is unspeakable; it stimulates children’s creativity, builds aesthetically-pleasing architectural structures, and can be used as tokens for many challenging and engaging games. 

(2) Aesthetically Pleasing - These stones are true artworks! They are really classy in the loveliest of colours. They can be freely and effortlessly arranged and stacked up in various ways, and look amazingly beautiful in all angles. 

(3) Wooden - Quality wise, the stones are made of durable wooden material. They are nicely crafted, with smooth finishes, light weight and natural-looking. 

(4) Fine Motor Skills Training - This is a wonderful toy to train up patience, fine motor skills, and hand-eye coordination; all done in a fantastic fun way! 

[This review was first written and published in Instagram on 22 March 2022] 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.eleganter.com.au/wooden-stacking-stones (Australia) 

https://www.tookytoy.com/ (Website) 

Enjoy the video! 

Spinning Top Roulette, by Funyards Australia - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Classic wooden tabletop game  

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:  6 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Anyone who enjoys a quick, simple (but addictive) game. 

I didn’t expect much of this game initially; after all, it’s just a game involving spinning top in a wooden tray - simple and unsophisticated, nothing to shout about, right? As it turns out, we spent more than an hour spinning and attempting to perfect our skills. It’s mesmerising, addictive, and we couldn’t get enough of it. This is “Rollele Roulette” (also known as Spinning Top Roulette) from Funyards Australia. 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Intriguing Game - The set comes with 10 miniature balls (2 red, 2 blue, 6 natural), a beautifully crafted wooden spinning top, and a uniquely-designed wooden base with 8 “divots”, and 4 “pockets” at each corners that linked to the main board through a hole. The divots are perfectly carved with indented holes that can “capture” the balls. Each of the divots and pockets are labeled with a different point value. The rules can’t be simpler; First, place the 10 balls in the centre of the wooden base; turn the spinning wheel, and watch the momentum and inertia of the wheel knock the balls around, bouncing them off randomly to all directions. When the balls finally settle down, calculate the total points depending on the positions where the balls have landed. I love that this game requires a combination of skill and chance! If you are looking for something unusual that can be enjoyed by all ages and doesn’t take long to learn - this intriguing little game is a superb choice! 

(2) Maths & Counting - My six-year-old enjoys counting the scores by the end of each game; balls that landed in the outer “chambers” (or pockets) yield the most points (100, 75, 50 or 25), and those that landed in one of the circular divots would earn you various points from 2 to 16. We can also modify the rules by giving “double points” (or penalty with points deduction) to certain balls (eg red or blue balls). The first player reaches the score of 1,000 points wins. This is a fantastic way to practise mathematics skills in an entertaining way. 

(3) Material & Quality - This classic-looking game is handmade in Thailand from teak/ samena wood. It’s light weight, a bit of a rustic feel, and would make a delightful tabletop decoration. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

Funyards Australia 

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