Buildup Robot Lapis, By LaQ - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Build a robot - LaQ Set 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:  7 year-old ++   

Who would love this: LaQ fans and robot enthusiasts 

“Once you become a LaQ builder, there is no turning back. True story”. We started our LaQ journey in year 2021; it was a love at first sight, and our passion burns stronger each time we discover more about it. Today, I would love to talk about the “Buildup Robot Lapis” kit, kindly gifted by LaQ Australia for review, genuinely love by this family. 

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 

(1) 4 Super Cool Models - This set includes 310 pieces, 10 special Hamacron parts (wheels and shafts), and a step-by-step guide to build 4 cool models - Lapis (a medium size robot that can strike up impressive poses), a Mini Robot, a Falcon and a Jet Plane. We love how LaQ uses clever connecting techniques and Hamacron parts to create spectacular, flexible movements with articulated joints and various moveable parts. Lapis can bend its knees, spin its neck, rotate its waist, move its arms, and do all sorts of splits and Tai-Chi lookalike poses. The mini robot is cute as a button - I love that its legs can easily extend, and how it can flexibly turn its head and raise both its hands. The falcon is a simple model that can nod its beak and lift up its wings. The jet plane has rollable wheels and the colour combination is absolutely eye-catching. Lapis is definitely a must-have for all robot enthusiasts. 

(2) Easy to Intermediate Level - In term of building difficulty, I would classify this set as “easy to intermediate” level. The Lapis model is probably slightly challenging for beginners, but it’s not overly complex. The other 3 models are relatively straightforward, and should be quite simple once you get familiar with the 7 essential parts of LaQ. 

(3) Compatible With Other LaQ Sets - Like all LaQ sets, the pieces and parts contained in this kit are interchangeable and compatible with other LaQ sets. LaQ is mainly made up of 7 types of block / connecting parts (square, triangle and 5 kinds of connectors) that can be clicked together with an audible snap. The greatest thing about having expanded collection of LaQ pieces: you get to build all the models and placed them side-by-side with each other, without the need to dismantle any before starting a new one. I think LaQ is a fantastic investment! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://smartypantstoys.com.au/products/laq-robot-lapis?_pos=1&_sid=401ba9473&_ss=r (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

Cross Clues, By Blue Orange - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Word game 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:  7 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Anyone who loves word games (Codenames, Scrabble, and the like) 

There are certain types of games - you either love it or hate it. I think word games fall squarely into such category. Leisure Learning sent us this “Cross Clues” from Blue Orange for review recently. If you are a fan of “Codenames”, “Scrabble”, or any word games in general - THIS is for you! 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Fun Word Game - Cross Clues is a cooperative party game about finding links between pair of words. The rules are pretty simple; all players are both clue-giver and clue-guesser. Each player draws a Clue Card, think of a clever “clue word”; and everyone else work together to guess the location on the grid where two code words intersected. The “clue” must be a single word and must not share a root with either code word. The game can be rather frustrating when you are stuck with a series of non-sensical combinations. BUT, on those occasions when we figured out clever associations between pairs of random words, oh that sense of achievement is so incredibly satisfying! For example, the clue for “Pig” and “Small” for our family is “Peppa”; “Banana” and “Dessert” is “Fritters”, “Smart” and “Costume” makes “Tuxedo”. The game is easy to learn, suitable for kids as young as 7, and generally, quick and sweet! 

(2) No Downtime - I love that everyone can participate simultaneously as both clue-giver and clue-guesser. There is never a “downtime” or dull moment; everyone has a clue card, and can shout out a clue whenever a player is ready. Players can discuss / argue/ fight amongst themselves, before coming to a consensus for each guess. 

(3) Awesome Replay Value - This game has great replay value - there are plenty of words for different combinations (no two games are ever the same). Included within are 10 Axis Tiles, 25 Clue Cards, 50 Code Word Cards (double-sided, 4 words on each card), and a 5-minutes sand timer. We can start with an easy 3x3 grid, before moving on to the more challenging 4x4 and 5x5. Alternatively, if you want  to ramp up the challenge, use the sand timer! 

(4) Work Cooperatively - The kids love cooperative games - everyone wins or loses together. Everyone can have a great laugh whilst pushing themselves to the next level of words challenge! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

Leisure Learning (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

Numberblocks Plush, By hand2mind - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Numberblocks Plush Toys 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:  18 month-old ++   

Who would love this: Numberblocks fans!!! 

Our kids are emotionally attached to their collection of plush toys. They feed them, change their “nappies”, dress them up, have tea parties with them, and drag them to outings of all-sorts. These soft toys evoke warm and fuzzy feelings, and are incredibly fun companions. Today, I’m going to share about our latest additions from hand2mind - “Numberblocks One and Two Playful Pals Plush” and “Numberblocks Number One Plush” (kindly gifted by Clover Street). 

Why I love ❤️ these toys: 

(1) Adorable Numberblocks Characters (One & Two) - Two hands up 🙌🏻 if your family love NumberBlocks like ours! We are BIG fans of these block characters from the global hit TV series - they are entertaining, educational, and shows us that learning maths doesn’t need to be boring! “One” is a bright red block with single round eye. She’s cute as a button, sweet in nature, inquisitive, and full of curiosity. “Two” is made up of 2 orange blocks, and is also the BEST friend of “One”! He wears a trendy purple glasses, pair of white socks, and magical orange sparkly shoes. “One” and “Two” held a special place in our hearts - they are the first few characters that entered the show since Season 1. We were thrilled to have these familiar characters joining our plush toys family. You can get “One” on its own, or a slightly smaller “One” and “Two” pair from the Playful Pals Plush set. Our kids love them all, and have been affectionately giving them cute nicknames like “Big One-nie”, “Small One-nie”, and “Two-ey” 

(2) They Can Hold Hands! - “One and “Two” from the Playful Pals can hold their hands tightly like what best friends do (because everything’s better with two). I love that the characters have both their hands attached with hook-and-loop Velcro, so the two best friends can always clasp and fasten their hands to each other from either sides. 

(3) Glittery Shoes - I LOVE the touch of glitter on Two’s shoes, just like how it’s like in the show! 

(4) Cuddly & Soft - These NumberBlocks toys are stuffed with plush foam for a heart-warming, fuzzy hug; The fabric is velvety soft to touch, and the securely attached limbs are stuffed with polyester filling. I love our new cuddly, squeezable, perfectly-sized NumberBlocks companions! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

Numberblocks One And Two Playful Pals - https://sensorypoodle.com.au/products/numberblocks-one-and-two-playful-pals-plush (Australia) 

Numberblocks Number One Plush- https://sensorypoodle.com.au/products/numberblocks-number-one-plush?_pos=2&_sid=1c2a5babe&_ss=r (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

Building Genius Gift Box, by Moluk - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Silicone toys with whimsical design  

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:  2 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Kids with BIG and UNLIMITED imaginations - there are just so many ways to play with these!  

Moluk is the creator of all things wacky, whimsical, and fun. They are addictively squashy, quirky in an adorable way, and full of character. Today, I would love to share about this “Building Genius Gift Box” - a clever package of Moluk toys, kindly gifted by Divisible by Zero (thank you!). 

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 

(1) Whimsical & Clever - Hix, Mox and Oibo are three playful buddies with inimitable unique personalities. They are awesome on their own, but unbeatable when come together as a team! This set includes 9-piece of Moluk silicone toys - three each of Hix, Mox and Oibo, in 3 different colours (blue, red, yellow). Mox is a ball with ginormous mouth that bites and swallows, a nimble body that rolls and can “fly” across the room like a superhero, two curious big eyes, and constantly surprises us with its many incredible acrobatic talents. Hix (oh Hix!) is a peculiar cone-shaped wizard with two silly eyes. It transforms into multi-shape and configurations with just a press or flip. It can be inverted inside out, folded down, pressed down, stacked on top or half-hidden within one another. And last come Oibo - a rollable, squeezable, squash-able, grip-able cube-like elastic friend - all geared-up for a party! 

(2) So Many Ways To Play! - Together, the team of three creates next-level wonders and endless possibilities! Mox loves hiding within Oibo and balancing itself on the tip of Hix; Hix loves pretending to be a “party hat”, whilst Mox enjoys transforming itself into a funny big nose. They make crazy towers, they find creative ways to hide, they do crazy poses, they tumble down hilariously, and they have the most amazing combined expressions (peeping eyes 👀 , cheeky grin). 

(3) Grow With The Kids - These are awesome tactile, sensory and bath toys that can grow with the kids! They are light weight, easy to be stored away, and travel around with the family. Younger kids can grasp and bounce them around; older kids can sort them by colours and shapes, or stack them up like building blocks. 

(4) Good Material - These cute little guys are made from good grade silicone and are BPA-free, phthalate-free, latex-free. They are durable, dishwasher safe, loved by all ages! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.thetherapystore.com.au/building-genius

Enjoy the video! 

KAPLA Art Book 1 - Red, By KAPLA - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Art book with KAPLA models 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:  6 year-old ++   

Who would love this: KAPLA fans looking for inspiring ideas / techniques 

Since the day we discovered KAPLA, we have been experimenting with various construction methods, trying our best to elevate our KAPLA buildings with hint of sophistication. The question of “what other cool things can we do?” has always been lingering in our minds. 😊 We’re so glad to receive a range of KAPLA Art Books from KAPLA Australia recently to inspire our KAPLA constructions! Today, I’m going to share about “KAPLA Art Book 1 - Red”. 

Why I love ❤️ this book: 

(1) New & Challenging KAPLA Techniques - KAPLA Art Books are beautiful, inspiring, therapeutically calming. Within the stunning red hardcovers of this volume 1 book, you will find 28 pages of exclusive KAPLA models in colour photographs, and hand-sketched technical drawings that give us a rare glimpse of the “dissected” views from different angles, stages and perspective for some of the more complex structures. We were thrilled testing out many of the novel techniques that we never knew existed prior to this. We built a pyramidical structure that looks like an unconventional Christmas Tree, adopting a new method of consistently manipulating the weight distribution of the planks from two edges. We learnt to make wacky architectural design, balancing a plank horizontally whilst searching for the mid point between two planks leaning against (and balancing on) each other vertically. Our favourite model is the mischievous-looking, enormous African wild dog model that looks gravitationally impossible at first glance. We learned the technique of building a “makeshift base support” which got removed eventually (like a game of Jenga!), once the main structure achieved sufficient weight and balance to hold itself up.

(2) Medium-Level Difficulty - This Art Book features a range of medium-level difficulty models - There is a snail model with intricate pattern arrangement on its shell, the “lord of the mountain” that reminds me slightly of the Earth Giant from Frozen, an elegant-looking camel, classic Japanese house, and many more! 

(3) Quality Art Book- The Art Book has a quality feel. It’s artistically-designed and printed, and would definitely make a great coffee table book, as well as a useful guide for any KAPLA builders. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://kaplaaustralia.com/products/kapla-art-book-1-red

Check out my other reviews on KAPLA: 

• KAPLA & Colours Set - Blue + Art Book 
• KAPLA Book and Colours Set - Red + Orange 
• KAPLA 200 Box: 200 Natural Planks
• KAPLA Book and Colours Set - Green + Yellow

Hamacron Constructor - Fire Station, By LaQ - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Innovative, made-in-Japan construction toy

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:  7 year-old ++   

Who would love this: LaQ fans / or anyone who loves building & construction toys in general 

If you have been following our play journey for a while, you would probably have seen me shared about our LOVE for LaQ - an innovative, made-in-Japan construction toy that can build the coolest things imaginable!  Today, I would love to talk about “Hamacron Constructor - Fire Station” set, kindly provided by LaQ (Australia) . Our verdict? LOVE IT x 1000! 

Why I love ❤️ this set: 

(1) 15 Super Cool LaQ Models - With LaQ, you never know what exactly you are getting until a model is completed! Included in this set are 1040 pieces and 57 special Hamacron parts, and an instruction manual with step-by-step illustrative guide to make 15 models - including Fire Boat, All Terrain Rescue Vehicle, Fire Engine, Crawler Crane, and many more! Oh, what joy it was to see those 2D images came into life. They are not just “ordinary” vehicle models - most of them have flexible, moveable, articulated joints: the “Fire Station” has cool spin-able gadgets fixed on the rooftop, the “Firefigter Airplane” has secret compartment that releases “water droplets”, the “Firefighter Trailer Truck” has smart foldable doors that can be transformed into ramps, and the “Rescue Transport Helicopter” has two gigantic sets of rotatable rotor blades. If these advanced-technique models sound too intimidating to you, fear not! The booklet also contains easy 2D and basic mini 3D models to kick start your creative LaQ journey. 

(2) Special New Pieces & Parts - We were thrilled to discover the never-seen-before, new 4-way connectors that provide a new possibility to the construction! We also love the special “glittery” pieces that give the models a touch of “glam”, and the Hamacron parts that make various exciting movements and configurations possible. This set also comes with a sturdy storage case - which is really handy and awesome! 

(3) Compatible With Other LaQ Sets - The GREATEST thing is - all LaQ kits are compatible with each other. LaQ mainly consists of 7 basic parts (square, triangle, 5 types of connectors) with audible click and snap feature. It’s absolutely OKAY to combine, mix up the pieces, and substitute / “spice up” the models with different LaQ colours (should I try to build a green fire truck one day 😉 ?) 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

LaQ (Australia) 

Check out my other LaQ reviews: 

• LaQ Basic 2800 
• Dinosaur World Triceratops & Pteranodons 
• Sweet Collection - Sweet Party Set 
• LaQ Basic 101 
• LaQ Basic 511 
• Mystical Beast Griffin 

Enjoy the video! 

BrainBox Maths, By BEZZERWIZZER Studio - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Mathematics / speed game  

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:  8 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Kids that enjoy learning through games + anyone that loves maths 

Leisure Learning recently provided us this “BrainBox Maths” by BEZZERWIZZER Studio / BrainBox that is (surprisingly) really engaging and kept both of the kids intrigued for a really long time! If you are looking for something educational, not too “action-packed” but fun nevertheless, then this is your game! 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) All About Maths! - Included within are 55 picture cards, each focuses on a specific mathematics concept, concisely summarised and accompanied by helpful and interesting graphics. For example, there is a card that explains the relationship between different length measurements (m, cm, mm), a card that taught us about directions (north, east, south, west), a card about how to interpret “bar chart”, a card that features the different types of prisms (rectangular, circular, hexagonal, triangular etc), a card about weight/ mass (kg and g) and many more! The cards are succinctly-written and easily comprehensible for some short and sweet maths lessons! 

(2) 8 Questions On Each Card - At the reverse side of each of the picture cards, you will find 8 questions (total 440 questions). To play the game, the kids spend 10 seconds observing and memorising the visual clues on the card, throw the dice, and answer the specific questions. I love that the questions cover a mix of range - some test the eye for detail by testing your memory and observation skills (eg “what colour is the crayon?”, “is the pen longer than the pencil?”), and some focuses on maths itself (eg “how many centimetres are in one metre?”, and “what is the abbreviation for centimetres?”). This is a great way to learn through play, and I love that even the little ones can participate too! 

(3) Good Quality - The quality of the components are reasonably decent and sturdy. The 55 picture cards are made of thick durable cardboard, the ten-second sand timer adds a thrill element, and my personal favourite is the uniquely-done, 8-sided translucent dice in cobalt blue. 

(4) Storage Box - I absolutely love the cube-shaped package box that gives the game a touch of personality and wacky character. I also love the magnetic closure on the lid that keeps the box tightly shut and everything nicely organised within. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.leisurelearning.com.au/brainbox-maths (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

Go Fish Science, By KOSO Games - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Go-fish card game with a "science" twist 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:  7 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Anyone who loves science and wants to learn it in a fun way 

If you are a fan of “Go Fish” or “Happy Families”, you would LOVE KOSO Games! I previously wrote a review on “Go Fish Dinos” - a must-have for all dinosaur enthusiasts. Today, I’m going to talk about “Go Fish Science”, another awesome game that would attract anyone who loves science and its wonderment! 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) "Go Fish" Game with A Science Twist - Like the classic “Go Fish” game, the player that collects the most groups of 4 cards, wins the game. One major difference: instead of shouting out numbers, we fish for science categories! Included within are 52 cards, divided into 13 categories (of 4 cards each) related to science. We get to learn about “Natural Disasters”, “Dangerous Plants”, “Precious Gems”, “Fast Land Animals” etc. I am loving the wide range of subjects covering different branches of knowledge. I love that each category is colour coded (eg all the “Big Discoveries” cards have light blue frames on them). This game would appeal to older kids who are discovering their favourite branches of science, and who want to learn more about all things in general. I love how the cards combine interesting knowledge in an engaging way! 

(2) 4 Fun Facts On Each Card - Each card features a picture and 4 fun facts of a specific subject. For example, the category of “Danger: Sharks” includes 4 cards - Great White, Bull, Tiger, and Hammerhead. From the “Hammerhead” shark card, we learned that the shark is named after its uniquely shaped head, they have 360 degree of vision, they can tan from light brown to black in shallow water, and they are known to attack people even if not provoked. I LOVE the simple language and cool facts! 

(3) Strategy Game - The classic “Go Fish” rules apply - the objective is to gather the most groups of 4 cards by asking another player (player B) for a category of cards, or drawing from the pile when player B does not have the requested cards. The game incorporates strategy, decision-making, memory skill, and a touch of luck. 

(4) 2 Other Ways To Play - The game also includes 2 alternative ways to play - “Big Fish” and “The Big Tuna”, which essentially involves a player reading the clues and the other to earn points by guessing the subjects. 

Another awesome game! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.kosogames.com/ (Website) 

Enjoy the video! 

Clicks - Retractable Markers 10, by Crayola - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Innovatie retractable marker pens 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:  3 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Parents who have enough of missing marker caps, and desperately need a smart solution! 

We have a large “tool-box” chest fills with felt-tip pens of all brands and types. We love our coloured art markers, but we hate missing caps and dried-out waste. Hence, I am super grateful when Crayola provided us this “ Clicks - Retractable Markers 10” for a review. These markers are such eye-opener, and it’s probably our current favourite art pens. If you find missing caps and messy stains annoying, this product is FOR YOU! 

Why I love ❤️ this set: 

(1) Click To Use, Retractable Pens - Anyone else habitually enjoys clicking a ballpoint pen and obsesses with the rhythmic sound of retractable pen? I love how Crayola combines the wisdom of cap-less pens in traditional art markers. This set includes 10 retractable markers - simply click and push the button at the end of the pen downwards to extend the nib. In other words - no more incidents of misplaced caps, consequential dried-up ink, and unfortunate wastage. I love that the tips can stay fresh and last a little longer within the protective barrels. If your kids are like mine who just can’t keep their marker caps in order, these clicking pens would be a game changer and a great value product to invest in! 

(2) Chunky & Durable Pen Barrels - The barrels of the pens are slightly chunkier than many classic marker pens. The clickable buttons are also longer in length compared to the common retractable pens. They are easy to be handled and manipulated by little hands (my four-year-old has no issue clicking and using the pens). I’m loving how mess-less and child-friendly the design is. 

(3) Bright Quality Ink - As per usual Crayola standard, the ink is vibrant, strong, and deliver richly beautiful results. I also love that this set is “washable” - ie the ink can be easily washed or wiped-off from skin, clothing and most surfaces. The conical tips also allow us to control the thickness of the lines, making these pens a truly versatile product (be it colouring in large areas or doing measured thin lines or dots). 

(4) 10 Colours - This set includes a good basic 10 colours - Red, Orange, Marigold, Blue, Violet, Magenta, Turquoise Surf, Green, Brown and Black colours. These are some awesome selection of colours for casual or serious artworks! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.crayola.com.au/browse-products/10-clicks-retractable-markers.aspx

Enjoy the video! 

My First Dice - Soft Blue & Soft Mint, By Jellystone Designs - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Silicone dice  

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:  9 month-old ++   

Who would love this: Small kids exploring the magic of numbers  

I’m a big fan of Jellystone Designs silicone sensory toys - they are irresistibly squishy and squashy, encourage open-ended play, versatile and stimulating! Today, I would like to share about “My First Dice - Soft Blue & Soft Mint”. Seriously, how CUTE are these dice! 

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 

(1) 2 Dice With Numbers & Images - “My First Dice” comes in a pack of 2 dice, each in the dimension of 6x6x6 cm. I love the adorable and chunky size - they are fun to hold and even funner to throw. The blue dice has numeral symbols 1 to 6 on each face, and I love the thoughtful tiny mark included at the bottom right of each of the number (which can help kids to identify the orientation of each numeral). For example, there is a small dot next to the lower part of number “6”, and a tiny square at the bottom right of “4”. The other dice in soft mint has a number of shapes on each face (matching the number 1 to 6), for example, “5” is represented by image of five triangles, “2” by two 5-sided pentagons, and “3” by three stars. There are so many ways to use these dice - roll them around and knock something down, play hopscotch with them, match up the symbols and the number of shapes, count the numbers, play a game of classic “snake and ladder”, or simply create new games with these multi-purpose dice! 

(2) Tactile Images - The images on the surfaces are tactile in nature (slightly raised), providing an additional layer of sensory experience! These dice are soft enough for chewing, but sturdy enough to stay in their original cube shape. The cubes are durable and watertight - perfect for playdough, water, or any sensory activities! 

(3) Beautiful Colours - I have been provided with the “Soft Blue & Soft Mint” dice for review. But like many Jellystone products, these dice also come in other colour ranges - “Bubblegum and Peach”, “Blush and Snow”, and “Sage and Berry”. There is sure a range that would capture your heart! 

(4) Safe Material - Jellystone products are crafted using FDA approved, dishwasher-safe, toxic-free silicone. They are free from nasties (BPA, PVC & Phthalates), and in compliance with Australian standard for toy safety. I love that these dice are safe to go in bubs mouth and in bath.

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://jellystonedesigns.com.au/collections/play/products/my-first-dice

Enjoy the video!