MimiQ, By Four Esses - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:           Go-fish game with a fun twist 

Rating:                      ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:   4 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Kids (and adults) who enjoy silly and fun games, with a hint of strategy 

It’s rude to poke your tongue out at another, UNLESS, you’re playing the game of MimiQ by Four Esses. 🤣 Thank you Divisible by Zero for providing a copy for review! 

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) Go-Fish Game With A Silly & Hilarious Twist 

This is a game of Go Fish with a hilarious facial expression twist! The set includes an instruction sheet and 33 cards (featuring 3 matching sets each of 11 facial expressions). Similar to the rules of Go Fish (or the classic Happy Families card game), the aim is to collect as many sets of matching cards as possible. To set up, shuffle the cards, and each player draws 3 starting cards. On their turn, Player A is to ask another player (Player B) for a specific card (usually, a card identical to one that is in Player A’s hand). But, instead of naming the card requested, players need to pull their facial muscles and imitate the expression on their desired card. If Player B does not have the card requested, Player B will stick out the tongue and Player A can then draw a card from the deck. However, if Player B has one or two of the matching cards requested, Player B will have to surrender all of the matching cards to Player A. When 3 identical cards are collected, a match is made, and a player must place them on the table face-up. Player with the most match sets wins the game! I love that this game is easy to learn, quick to play, silly throughout, and requires a hint of tactical and memory skills to do well. 

(2) A Game About Twisting & Distorting Your Facial Muscles

Oh the insane laughter and BIG silliness that this game generates! It’s super entertaining to watch players puffing out their cheeks, grinning exceedingly wide, pulling their ears, touching their noses, sticking their tongue out whilst winking, and doing thumb-up with their lips tilted sideway. It’s a confusingly-fun game with everyone busy distorting their facial muscles and doing their best expression show! This game is for all ages, and I think it will make a pretty awesome ice-breaking game. 

(3) Amazing Artwork With A Sense Of Humour 

The artworks are colourful, adorable, and I absolutely love the sense of humour presented in those exaggerated expressions! I love how compact the cards game is, which makes this such a fantastic travel game. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.thetherapystore.com.au/product/mimiq/ (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

Spy Kid, By Laboludic - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:           Observation game for kids 

Rating:                      ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:   6 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Kids that enjoy speed/ memory/ observation games

I am hopeless with observation games. This is the game genre where the kids can easily compete on equal footing with the grown-ups (or even, outperform us with ease and in style). We tested out “Spy Kid” by Laboludic recently, and sure enough, both our kids excel in this game and beat the two adults mercilessly on each round! Thank you Divisible by Zero for providing a copy for review! 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Spot The Difference Game With 50 Double-Sided Cards 

The set comes with 50 double-sided cards. Each side of the card contains 5 random objects, with 4 out of the 5 images being the same on both sides of a card. To set up, place all 50 cards in a deck at the centre of the playing area. All players have 5 seconds to simultaneously observe the pictures on one side of the card. Now, turn the card over and spot the difference! The first player who shouts out the new image on the reverse side, wins the card. The game continues until a player wins their first 5 cards. This is a speed game that is head-spinning, not as easy it seems, and is awesome to train up visual memory and reaction. We had a fantastic time playing with this game - frantically pointing, screaming out words, and cracking out brains to identify the minor (and not very obvious) difference! This is a game that would guarantee loads of laughter and excitement. 

(2) Adorable Graphics With Hint Of Retro-Ness 

I am in love with the adorable and endearing graphics with a hint of retro-ness. According to the rules booklet, this game is inspired by the “Kim’s Game” as described by Rudyard Kipling in his novel Kim. In the story set in India, Kim is a sharp and crafty street orphan, training up to become a spy for the King of England. To practice his memory skills, Kim studies groups of precious gems and makes a list of the items based on memory. I love the European feel of the illustrations - from snowman with yellow scarf, blue police vehicle, trees from autumn season, iconic red telephone booth, spy kid with magnifying glass, portmanteau bag with travelling stickers, to yellow cab and more. 

(3) Compact Game With Elegant Design 

I love how compact this game is and the sturdy, elegant cardboard box. This is an an ideal travel game for family vacation! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.thetherapystore.com.au/spy-kid (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

Smart Sudoku, By GiiKER - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:           Sudoku with a technology twist 

Rating:                      ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:   6 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Sudoku lovers/ anyone who loves logical puzzles & fun brainteasers 

GiiKER - you’ve done it again! ❤️ GiiKER is an expert when it comes to incorporating technology into classic games, reinventing them into something extraordinary. We are BIG fans of its Super Slide, Super Blocks, Smart Four - and we now have a new FAVOURITE added to the list: Smart Sudoku - specially for the number enthusiasts! 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) 3D-Version Sudoku in 6X6 or 4X4 Grid

The gameplay is similar to traditional Sudoku, save that it is designed in a grid of 6x6 and 4x4, instead of the standard 9x9 format. The set comes with 3D number pieces from number 1 to 6 (6 each), and a battery-operated game board. First, select a challenge. Set up the board according to the layout shown on the LED display screen. Now, solve the puzzle by filling out the rest of the cells using the remaining number tiles so that each row, column and section contains all the digits from 1 to 6 without repetition. Each time when we place a number in an empty cell and selected the correct corresponding number indicator, the main screen displays a checkmark (or a cross if we make an error). We love the celebratory animation of lights and audio tune when we successfully completed a challenge. I also love how the screen would tell us the time we took to solve the puzzle. I love how we can quickly convert the 6x6 sudoku into a 4x4 format by simply sliding the clear cover into the board. 

(2) Classic Game With Smart-Technology Twist 

Using smart technology, GiiKER brings many exciting features that were impossible to be done using traditional method. First, we can do “head to head battle” by pairing up with another Smart Sudoku device. There is also a “hint function” that would give clues about position and number solution. We can also activate mute setting, change level settings (L1 to L5 for 6x6 sudoku), and skip / select a challenge. My favourite part? This smart device contains a massive number of 2500 challenges! 

(3) Innovative Gadget With Colourful Components 

I love the chunky and colourful number tiles (younger kids can play with it using colours as guide). I love the travel easy board with clear lid locking everything securely within. This is an innovative gadget that would provide hours of screen-feee fun for all ages! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://giiker.com/en-au/products/smart-sudoku (Use Discount Code: 60SREVIEW for 15% off) 

Enjoy the video! 

Escape From The Aquarium, By Professor Puzzle - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:           Escape Room for kids 

Rating:                      ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:   8-12 year-old 

Who would love this: Kids that enjoy logical puzzles, mystery-solving, mathematics. 

I LOVE Escape Room! I love that sense of achievement of clues-hunting, piecing jigsaws together, and deciphering the unknowns. I’m so glad that Professor Puzzle created a kid-version of that. Thank you Jedko Games for providing this “Escape From The Aquarium”! 

Why I love ❤️ this game:

(1) 11 Exciting Puzzles To Solve

The set contains 11 puzzles hidden within 4 aquarium-theme envelopes (“The Coral Zone”, “The Abyss”, “The Ice Zone”, “The Ocean Tunnel”). Our mission: to solve the 11 puzzles, uncover sets of 3 unique numbers, scratch off the relevant portions from the “Answers Booklet”, identify the secret ingredients, and break a nasty spell using a mysterious potion. Like a real Escape Room, the clues can come in all shapes and forms, and are “jumbled up”and scattered around different places. Players need to connect the dots and make sense of the clues with some serious analysing. For example, in one puzzle, we were asked to identify and “shade off” all exact sea creatures that we can find in the aquarium (ie from all the bits and pieces in the 4 envelopes) to uncover the 3 numbers. My personal favourite was the puzzle where we need to decipher a secret message by first “translating” the symbols into English letters, re-assemble a message, and look for the number hints in a separate folder.

(2) Logic, Maths, Observational Challenges 

I love that the puzzles cover a range of logic, mathematics, and observational skills. For example, in one puzzle, players need to add up two numbers at a time to form a pyramid of numbers; in another puzzle, players need to follow a series of directions and navigate around a map to uncover the numeral clues. And in another puzzle, we were asked to total-up the sum of tickets and souvenir purchases. 

(3) A First Taste Of "Escape Room" Adventure 

I love the interesting features included in the set; the “Puzzle Wheel” helps to “break the code” and provides a final key number for each puzzle. There is an instruction booklet and a separate guide for grown-up. I also really love the scratch-able “hint & solutions booklet” and “Answer Booklet”. This set provides an engaging and awesome way for our budding puzzler to have a first taste of the thrilling adventure of Escape Room! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.gamesworldsa.com.au/products/escape-from-the-aquarium (Australia) 

https://toyworldbendigo.com.au/products/game-escape-from-the-aquarium (Australia) 

https://www.gamesmen.com.au/escape-from-the-aquarium-escape-room-game-for-kids-board-game (Australia) 

Enjoy the video!

I Want My Teeth Back, By Exploding Kittens - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:           Board game for kids 

Rating:                      ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:   4 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Kids that enjoy games with a mix of luck and strategy + a SUPER cute theme! 

“I Want My Teeth Back” - what a giggly FUN name! This is another fantastic, loved-by- the-kids game from the popular Kitten Games series from Exploding Kittens , and I seriously can’t wait to tell you more! Thank you VR Distribution, this is pretty awesome! 

Why I love ❤️ this game? 

(1) CUTE Theme About Monster Meef & Teeth-Collecting 

We love the cute story and theme of “helping Meef the monster to get his teeth back” - it is fun, silly, and refreshing! To set up the game, place the spinner and the deck of 57 cards at the centre of table, and throw two teeth tokens on the landing mat. Each player takes turn to draw a card, and decides if they want to play it / or save it for later. Some cards allow us to spin the spinner for a specific number of times, some allow us to place extra teeth on the landing mat, some give us additional spinning chances if we collect matching set of cards. If a spinner stops and points at one of the two blue lucky tooth sections - you get to collect all the teeth from the landing mat (and don’t forget to refill the mat with 2 teeth tokens right after). The first player who collects 12 teeth and brings a BIG grin back to Meef - wins the game! This game is easy to learn, quick to play, and would guarantee a giggling-filled moment! 

(2) A Game With Good Mix Of Luck & Strategy 

I love the good mix of luck and strategy in this game - nothing too complex for young kids, but interesting enough to train up some critical thinking and decision-making skills of our little people. There are 4 different kinds of tooth cards - each card rewards a player with a single spin, but 2 matching cards would give you 3 spins, and 3 matching cards for 5 spins! Our young players need to adopt the best strategy to outsmart each other - should you play a single card for an instant spin, or wait and collect matching cards for more spinning chances? And don’t forget to take advantage of the fluctuating number of teeth tokens on the central board (not all spins are equal!). 

(3) Fantastic Artwork & Components 

The artwork is super CUTE! We love that the teeth tokens have a variety of expressions on them, the monster Meef is adorable, the short story gives us a smile, and the separate instructions for grown-ups and little ones are such a nice touch! Awesome game indeed! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.gamesworld.com.au/product/i-want-my-teeth-back/ (Australia) 

https://www.gamesmen.com.au/i-want-my-teeth-back-card-game (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

Little Wonders Story Torch, By Moulin Roty - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:           Story torch

Rating:                      ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:   4 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Kids that enjoy story-time and story-creation

Ahhh, the wonder of Story Time: Fairy Godmother, beautiful Mermaids, and amazing superheroes Moulin Roty (Australia) has the perfect stocking-filler for your little people. Introducing - the “Little Wonders Story Torch”, where the magic begins! 

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 

(1) Story Torch + 3 Circus-Themed Projection Discs

The set includes a “torch-light” and 3 miniature, circus-themed projection discs. This adorable toy ignites GREAT imagination; simply insert a disc into the torch slot, switch off the light, switch on your torch, and enjoy the fantastical moments of story-telling through the illuminated images projected onto the wall / ceiling. Each disc includes 8 rotatable pictures with loveable, heart-warming, vintage-style illustrations! Disc one depicts a circus troupe coming to town -train with almost endless trailers, bringing carriages of elephants, dancing bear, gorgeous golden lion, clown with balloons, and more into town! Disc two shows a panic-filled and chaotic scene of escaped animals. Disc three shows the frantic circus workers chasing and running haphazardly, whilst attempting to capture a lion at large! The pictures are comical, whimsical, cuteness-overloading! It was real fun to listen to the kids sprinkle unexpected colours onto the enchanted tales, adding their unique twist of hilarious and nonsensical details to the story! 

(2) Adjustable Focal Length 

I love the adjustable focal length of the torch light - The farther the distance is, the larger the image projected. The torch is small and easy to be manipulated by little hands. 

(3) One Torch, Different Ways To Play 

I love how versatile the torch is! Apart from being an engaging story projector, it’s also our kids’ indoor “camping light”, a tool for “shadow puppet show”, and a “torchlight” for nighttime exploration. The light is compatible with all Moulin Roty story lamps - a great potential to expand your marvellous story set! 

(4) Compact Toy For Vacation & Sleepover Parties 

I love the compact and small packaging (perfect as a stocking filler or as part of an advent calendar surprises!). I also really love the cute illustrations on the box - an adorable circus scene with a touch of retro-ness. This is an awesome on-the-go toy for travel with kids or any sleepover parties! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://moulinrotyaustralia.com.au/

Enjoy the video! 

Wooden Firetruck, Funyards Australia - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:           Wooden fire truck 

Rating:                      ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️  

Recommended age:   3 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Kids that enjoy imaginative play & moving vehicles!  

Do you have a little persons at home who are fascinated by BIG mega trucks and moving vehicles? What about a bright red fire engine with exciting features that bring out the FUN of imaginative play for this Christmas and holiday seasons? Check out this gorgeous Wooden Firetruck from Funyards Australia - chunky, high quality, and attention-grabbing! 

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) Classic Fire Truck With Extendable & Rotatable Ladders 

This is a classic fire truck model in stunning red, completes with 4 rolling wheels, and two fire fighter figures. My favourite feature is, hands down, the smartly-designed extendable and rotatable ladders. Attached to a swivel base for flexible movement, I love that the two straight ladders can be joint together with the included plastic connector - they are adjustable in height, leaning angles, and directions. They can also be “folded” and placed neatly on the truck’s roof when not in used. I love that the feature creates numerous possibilities to play, and I especially love that the fire crew figure can be placed on the ladder to elevate the imaginative fun of a fire-fighting pretend scene. 

(2) Water Hose With Rolling Handle 

We love the rollable water hose attached to the rear of the truck. The kids love manipulating the white rolling handle, and watch the rope / hose loosen and wound up around the rotating “winch”. 

(3) Thoughtful & Other Minute Details 

I also love the other careful and minute details on the truck model: the fire extinguisher painted at the door, the added black lines indicating the common compartment storage place, the water hose symbol, and the blue “flashing light” at the top of the cab. One of the fire fighters holds an axe, and the other has a walkie-talkie in his hand - they are both so adorable with their friendly smile! 

(4) Wooden Truck Of Durable Quality 

I love that the truck and figures are made of wooden material. This is a lovely toy that would make a durable and long-lasting heirloom item to be passed down for generations to come! Another awesome toy from Funyards Australia! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

Funyards Australia 

Enjoy the video! 

Kanoodle Duplexity, By Educational Insights - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:           Logic puzzle 

Rating:                      ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️  

Recommended age:   8 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Older kids and adults who enjoy matching games & colourful components 

I like all the Kanoodle puzzles I’ve tested so far; I LOVE a few more than the others (eg Kanoodle Flip and Kanoodle Fusion), and some of them appeal to my kids more than the rest (eg. Kanoodle Jr and Kanoodle Gravity). Kanoodle Duplexity from Educational Insights is probably one of the the toughest amongst the range. We’re loving these unbelievably challenging puzzles (thank you Clover Street for another great recommendation. 

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) Matching Puzzle With Colourful & Refreshing Magnetic Take 

This is a matching puzzle with a familiar concept but with a refreshing magnetic take! Included within are 28 two-colour magnetic pieces, 100 double-sided challenge cards, and a carrying case that doubles as a game board. First, select a challenge card, place it on the magnetic game area. Now, use the two-tone magnetic pieces to recreate (and fill-up) the image shown on the card. It sounds deceptively simple, but trust me - this is tough! It requires loads of patience and resilience - reorienting, re-arranging, re-sorting, resetting - to complete each challenge! I love that this game is easy to set up and straightforward to play. 

(2) User-Friendly Magnetic Game Board & Puzzle Pieces 

I love that the game board and puzzle pieces are magnetic - so we can “lock” the position of the pieces when solving. 

(3) 200 Challenges - Hours Of Fun Guaranteed! 

I love that there are 200 challenges (hours of fun guaranteed!). There are 7 colours in it, each colour has its own “double tile” (eg green + green), and each also shares a tile with another colour (eg green + red, green + blue etc). I haven’t figured out the key of completing the challenges other than by trials and errors. Some puzzles are simpler, some are ridiculously hard, and some seem unsolvable. Personally, I wish there were solutions provided, but overall, I am enjoying the process of solving them.

(4) Sturdy & Smartly-Designed Carry Case/ Game Board 

I love the smartly-designed carry case design. It has a convenient handle, a special slot to store the challenge cards, magnetic surfaces to stick the tiles, and a lid that locks everything securely within. Whilst this might not be a game that I would put in my handbag everyday (given how weighty it is), this is nonetheless a great portable game for a car and plane journey. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.gamesmen.com.au/kanoodle-duplexity (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

Colour Crazy, By Games + Design - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:           Card game with creative colours theme 

Rating:                      ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:   8 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Adults and kids that enjoy a mind-twisting challenge, speed games, and colours! 

This game is wow, just, WOW. I played this over 20 times with my 7 year-old in a week, and we can’t get enough of it. It has the combination of everything that we love: a mind-twisting speed game, reaction match, colour recognition race. Introducing today - “Colour Crazy” by Games + Design . 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Speed Matching Game In A Uniquely Colourful Way

Have you heard of the “Stroop effect”? When I was young, I loved playing this speed game where players were asked to quickly name the colour of a set of printed words. The twist? The printed words are also names of some different set of colours. For example, the word “BLUE” may be printed in green, and the player was to call out the word “green” rather than reading the word “BLUE”. Trust me, it was hard, but super FUN! In Colour Crazy, you get coloured cards with name of a different colour printed on them. Shuffle and distribute cards amongst players, flip over the starting cards of a number of matching piles (eg. for a 2 player game, there will be 3 matching piles). Players then race to “match” the cards (colour to name, or vice versa) and be the first to get rid of all your cards in hand. For example, a yellow card can match with a blue card with a word that read “YELLOW” on it; a red card with the word “BLUE” can go on top of a blue card. We cannot match cards with similar colour or with same word on it (eg a red card cannot go on top of another red card etc). The result: mind-boggling, confusing, brilliantly FUN! 

(2) Unique Colour Selections 

I love the unique colour selection for the cards. Apart from the standard “Uno” colours, the game also includes “non-ordinary” types such as turquoise, teal, lime, orange, purple, magenta, and indigo. 

(3) Special Power Cards To Spice Up The Game 

I love the “special power” cards: “Wild” that can be matched with any cards, “Master” that can be matched with cards of the same colour or colour name, expanded “Complex Cards” to add more colour challenge, and “Block” card that can be used to block an active pile from being played. 

(4) A Compact & Travel-Easy Game 

I’m impressed with how compact the packaging is. I love the colour sorting system, card separators, and markings on the cards that make it such an ease to organise them. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.colourcrazygame.com/

Enjoy the video! 

Succulents, By Professor Puzzle - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:           Logic puzzle 

Rating:                      ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:   12 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Older kids and adults who enjoy quiet puzzle-solving moment 

There is something intriguing about “Succulents” from Professor Puzzle - it has the enchanting effect of slowing down time, calming the mind, and allowing us to appreciate the serenity of nature in our own quiet room. Thank you Jedko Games, this is a beautiful puzzle. 

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) A Game Of Patience & Mindfulness 

Succulents is different from many other logical puzzles I had tested in the past. Included within are 45 triangular pieces, 50 challenge cards, and instructions. Each of the puzzle pieces features 3 small parts of 3 separate succulent plants (in red, green, blue, or purple), positioned at 3 corners of a triangle. All the pieces are marked with a number at the reverse side, from 1 to 45. To start, select a challenge card, lay out the starting pieces shown on the puzzle card (using the number references as a guide). Now, rotate the orientation of the starting pieces until the corners of the touching triangles match with each other (eg a corner with red succulent to match with another corner with succulent plant of the same red colour). Now, work out the missing pieces using logic to assemble a stunning succulent scene. The solution is provided on the other side of each challenge card. It’s a game of patience, mindfulness, and really - it’s not as simple as it looks! 

(2) Aesthetically Pleasing Artwork

Succulents is probably one of the most aesthetically pleasing logical puzzles I have ever seen! When 6 triangular pieces match and touch their pointed corners at a tip, it will form a complete symmetrical flower with delightful beauty. The real charm comes from the thrill of suspense - we often do not know how exactly the final scene looks like until we fully complete a challenge. It’s a calming, therapeutic exercise that takes time; and the joy of seeing a gorgeous succulent pattern comes into shape is simply amazing! This is a beautiful game for a plant and nature lover who enjoys peacefulness in life and a moment to unwind. 

(3) Quality Wooden Material

I love that the puzzle pieces are made of quality wooden material for durability and thickness. The pieces are bright, vibrant and lovely in so many ways. It’s hard not to fall in love with this charming puzzle set. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this:

https://www.gamesmen.com.au/ttg-peace-by-peace-succulents (Australia) 

https://jedko.com.au/ (Wholesale, Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

Mysterium Kids, By Libellud & Space Cow - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:           Board game for kids 

Rating:                      ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:   6 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Kids who love detective games, especially one with cute Halloween-feel theme 

If you are looking for a not-too-spooky game for Halloween with an adorable concept, look no further! “Mysterium Kids - Captain Echo’s Treasure” by Libellud and Space Cow is an amazing choice for kids that would guarantee loads of laughter and overflowing of creativity. Thank you VR Distribution for another fantastic recommendation. 

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) Adorable "Treasure Hunt" Game With Cute Haunted Mansion Story  

This game is a HUGE success in our family. Both of my kids (7 and 4-year-old) LOVE it. I love the cute story that goes with the game. So legend has it that this mysterious old mansion is home to a fabulous treasure. Our young adventurers decided to spend a night at the haunted house for a “chilling” treasure hunt, guided by the ghost of Captain Echo who communicates with the “eerie” sound of a tambourine-lookalike instrument. And that, sets the backdrop of this fun detective game. Each player rotates the role as the silent “ghost”, giving clues to the Noise Card by producing sound using only the handheld drum. The story and concept is captivating and unlike anything that we had ever seen before.

(2) Unique Sound Clues Using Tambourine Instrument 

The most prominent twist of this game is, undoubtedly, the sound-based clue system using the drum. I was pleasantly surprised with the variety of creative ways that the kids can use to “replicate” the various sounds correspond to the 78 Noise Cards: Could it be a cat scratching the wall? Cornflakes pouring onto a bowl? The sound of teeth-brushing? Bubble popping? Or paper-ripping? It was hilarious to watch the kids scratch the drum’s surface, knock on it gently, bang on it loudly, tap on it repeatedly, and many more! 

(3) Double-Sided Board For Different Difficulty Levels 

The Manor Board is double-sided - “Calm Nights” for beginner level, and “Stormy Nights” for the more experienced young players. Sometimes, players have to make and guess 2 different noises in a turn. I love the easy-to-learn structure that makes the game accessible to younger players, and the subtle complexity that makes it appealing to older kids. I love that this is a cooperative game where all players work together as a team to decipher clues. 

(4) Great & Fun Components 

The components are great, and the artwork of this game is adorable and charming! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.gameology.com.au/products/mysterium-kids-captain-echos-treasure (Australia) 

https://www.gamesworld.com.au/product/mysterium-kids-captain-echos-treasure/ (Australia) 

Enjoy the video!  

Simulation Toolbox Kit, By Funyards Australia - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:           Wooden pretend play toolset 

Rating:                      ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️  

Recommended age:   4 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Kids who enjoy building/ constructing & pretend play  

My four-year-old girl was never a fan of toolset or any construction toys; things like screwdrivers and spanners barely sparked any interest in her, and she had never fit a pretend nut and bolt together before this. Hence I was sincerely surprised to see her happily exploring and having so much great fun playing with this “Simulation Toolbox Kit” from Funyards Australia . 

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 

(1) Fun Way To Learn About Building With Toolset 

This adorable toolset includes a Flat Head Screwdriver, a Philips Screwdriver, a Hammer, a Saw, a Ruler, a Wrench, a Spanner, a Plier, and a combination of building blocks, wheels, bolts, nuts, and assembly pieces. Whilst these building tools are obviously built as toys for younger kids, they display the basic features and functions of the real tools. For example, the tips of two screwdrivers can be inserted into the corresponding bolt heads for tightening and loosening the bolts. The wrench fits perfectly onto the Hex Head Bolts, and can be used to grip and fasten the bolt with a twist. The girl learned how to put a bolt and nut together for the very first time in her life; she learned about “clockwise” and “counterclockwise”, and how she can tighten and loosen screws and bolts by  manipulating and turning them in the correct direction. We built vehicles of all sorts and sizes, jet plane and helicopter, windmill and other random objects (such as toilet seat and “Sydney Harbour Bridge). We pretended to saw and hammer, and measure the length of our models with the ruler. This is a great toolset that generates big creativity, and brings on great imaginative fun! 

(2) Adorable Design - Bright & Happy

This is probably the cutest pretend toolset I had ever seen! The colours are bright and vibrant, and I absolutely adore the cute facial expressions on each of the tools! 

(3) Great Wooden Craftmanship 

The toolset is made of sturdy beechwood completes with smooth edges. They are chunky, rounded, and are easy to be handled by small hands. 

(4) Quality Carry Case With Compartments 

I love the quality wooden carry case with compartments and elastic bands that keeps the items nicely organised within the container. The case can be fastened securely with the clasp locks, and I love the very handy rope carry handle. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

Funyards Australia 

Enjoy the video!