Santa Cookie Elf Candy Snowman, Blue Orange - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:             Card Game

Rating:                       ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:   8 year-old ++ (but our 4 year-old enjoys this too!)

Who would love this: Anyone who loves fast-paced matching game & Christmas

WE LOVE THIS GAME - and it’s really beginning to look a lot like Christmas! This game is adorable, full of festive mood, and enjoyed by my entire family (4 to 40 ++ year old). Introducing: “Santa Cookie Elf Candy Snowman” by Blue Orange ! (Thank you VR Distribution for providing a copy.) 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Christmas Version of The Popular "Taco Cat" Game

This is the Christmas version of the wildly popular “Taco Cat” game. This game is all about SPEED, (ouchy) hand-slapping, and being silly! First, shuffle the cards and distribute them evenly between players. Players need to chant the 5 MAGIC WORDS in this sequence: “Santa - Cookie - Elf - Candy - Snowman”, whilst each player takes turn to flip over the top card and place at the centre of the table. For example, the first player says “Santa” and places the first card; the second player says “Cookie” when placing the second card, and so on. When a player flips a card matching the word they said, everyone race to slap the pile on the table. The last player to slap takes all the cards and add them into their personal draw pile. The game ends when a player with no remaining cards is the first to correctly slap a match or special card. I love the joyous holiday-theme, the multi-player (up to 8 or more) party game, and how fast-paced and hilarious this game is! 

(2) 3 Special Cards For Some Fun Twists! 

There are 3 special cards that require players to do an action before slapping the centre pile. When you see a Star (Silent Night), everyone puts a finger to their lips and says “shh”; if a “Drum” shows up, everyone taps the table and says “rum pum pum pum”; and if it’s a “Reindeer”, players make antlers with their fingers. I love how the game makes everyone constantly moving! 

(3) Super Cute Artwork 

The artwork is simply adorable! There are a few “deceptive” cards within; for example, a white COOKIE that resembles a snowman at a quick glance, ELF that wears a Santa red hat, Santa in green suit (that looks kind of like a gnome, according to my girl 😂). We laugh so hard each time when these silly (and confusing) cards show up! 

(4) Compact Travel-Friendly Game 

The box is compact with magnetic closing on the lid of the box. This is a perfect travel game for the holiday season! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.gamesworld.com.au/product/santa-cookie-elf-candy-snowman/ (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

Emoji Cube, By GiiKER - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:             Desk accessory/ fidget toy 

Rating:                       ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:   3 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Anyone! Especially those who love fidget toys & Christmas! 

If you are looking for some last minute stocking-filler that’s jam-packed with festive-mood and overloaded with irresistible cuteness, look no further! Check out - Emoji Cube from GiiKER - a non-electronic fidget toy with an adorable emoji twist! 

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) Green Cube + 4 Cute Emoji Stickers 

Emoji Cube comes in a unique Christmas-theme green cube and 4 clear stickers featuring lovingly illustrated facial expressions. First, peel the stickers and stick them on each of the 4 rotatable surfaces of the cube. Next, adjust the bright red and white winter earmuffs (or the cute headphone) so that the band is positioned right on top and across a “face”. Seriously, how super CUTE this Emoji Cube is! Our kids can’t stop admiring and smiling looking at the 4 cute Emoji faces - the blushing face with a hint of shyness, the crying face with tears flowing uncontrollably, a “lovey-dovey” expression with two heart-shaped eyes, and a rosy-cheeked face completed with a cheeky smile. I LOVE toys that display different emotions - they are great conversation starters with the kids, and the kids love mimicking the special expressions whilst adding some silliness onto them! This emoji cube makes my heart flutters with its enchanting cuteness! 

(2) Spin-able - Super Cute Fidget Toy!

Grip the cube by holding-on to the white parts of the earmuff with 2 fingers; Now, spin the cube, watch it rotates in quick motion, and guess which lucky emoji it will land on! This is probably one of the cutest fidget toys I have ever seen. It’s delightfully addictive to play with, and really satisfies our natural urge to spin, roll, and flip things around with our restless hands. This is an awesome stress-releaser - calming, reducing anxiety, engaging the senses, and keeping us focused in a surprisingly relaxing way. 

(3) Christmas Colours & Festive Mood 

I love the Christmassy colours of green and red! I also really love how tiny this cube is - this is a stylish desk accessory, a friendly on-the-go companion, a lovely bag charm, and a charming keychain charm. It fits comfortably in the palm of your hand, and slips effortlessly into pocket or backpack. I’m loving this compact little travel-companion! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://giiker.com/en-au/products/fidget-cube

Enjoy the video! 

CVC Bubble Boards, By Junior Learning - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:             CVC words learning resources 

Rating:                       ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:   4 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Parents looking for an interactive, fun learning aid for kids to explore CVC words 

My four-year-old has just commenced her alphabet and CVC words learning journey recently. I was excited to receive this CVC Bubble Boards set from Junior Learning and explored the wonder of word-forming with the kids using this tactile, sensory tool. 

 

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) Learn CVC Words In A FUN Way With 12 Double-Sided Bubble Boards 

So, what are CVC words? They are single syllable, three-letter words that follow the pattern of consonant, vowel, consonant (hence, the acronym, “CVC”). These are short, fun, punchy words that introduces young kids to the whole new universe of sounds-blending of individual letters. Examples of CVC words include cute things like “PIG”, “CAT”, “MOP”, and more serious objects such as “PIN”, “VAN” and “NET”. This set includes 12 double-sided Bubble Boards. Each bubble board has 3 pop-able bubbles on each side (6 on both sides), and every bubble has a letter printed on it. The 12 boards feature a total of 24 CVC words. They provide such engaging fun for young kids to “decode” the words. Kids can “pop” and sound each letter, one at a time, before blending them to form everyday familiar words (eg BUG, HAT, BAG, SUN, BED). 

(2) Light Weight & Compact 

I am genuinely impressed with how light weight and compact these 12 bubble boards are. They are easy to be stored away and brought around with us for on-the-go learning and practising. 

(3) Tactile Popping Experience - Keeping Kids Engaged & Focused 

I can’t tell you how much our kids (and the grown-ups in this house) enjoy the satisfying sound and tactile experience of popping. They keep the kids engaged and focused on segmenting individual letters with the popping process. I do wish the printed letters were a bit bigger in size, but the small font doesn’t seem to bother the kids too much. These boards are stress-releasing, delightfully “squeezable”, and addictive to play with in an adorable way. 

(4) Versatile Learning Resources 

I love how versatile these bubble boards are - they can be used individually for words and sounds learning, or combine with other Junior Learning resources for play and games. For example, I love using these bubble boards with the “Rainbow CVC Objects” set (stay tuned for my review on that, coming up soon) for words / pictures matching game. I’m loving these creative learning tools. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

Junior Learning (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

Be Herd, By Bailey Brothers Boardgames - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:           Board Game 

Rating:                      ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:   14 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Older kids/ adults who enjoy stress-free, cooperative games 

Looking for an ice-breaker / “get to know each other better” game for a stress-free evenings? Look no further. Allow me to introduce this joyful game by Bailey Brothers Boardgames - “Be Herd”! 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Cooperative Game - Get To Know One Another In A FUN Way!

This is a cooperative game that generates endless laughter and conversations. A fairly straightforward game - Each player takes turn to be the “Leader of the Herd”, draws 4 cards, and fixes a “Target” (an estimate of the number of players who will guess the “right” answer). All the players simultaneously vote for the card that best describes the Leader of the Herd by casting a cube of matching colour. Next, players get to build a “Herd Tower” together using the Herd Animal blocks / Snake blocks (depending on the actual number of players who has voted in the same way as the “Leader”). For example, in one game, my team was asked to vote amongst 4 values that best describes “yours truly” - Strength, Frugality, Optimism, Persuasiveness. (And if you want to know, everyone - including myself - voted for “Optimism”, unanimously). Since we had hit the “target”, we got to place a Herd Animal block and remove all annoying Snake blocks from the tower. The higher the tower, the stronger the herd! 

(2) 240 Cards & 8 Categories 

I love the insightful questions! The 240 cards are divided into 8 categories - “Bucket List”, “Character”, “Acts”, “Fears” and more. The game is targeting audience of 14 year-old and above, but I think they work for younger kids as well (as long as we first “filter away” the naughtier and complex questions). My 7 year-old’s favourite category is the “Bucket List” - it has fun selections like “drive the world’s fastest supercar”, “climb Everest”, and “Skydive”. I love the “Profession” group - it makes me want to re-evaluate my career choice - “Art Appraiser”, “Crane Operator”, “Makeup Artist- Theatrical”, “Forensic Psychologist” - how cool are they! 

(3) 18 Wooden Herd Animals Building Blocks 

I love the 18 wooden Herd Animals building blocks with puzzle base - colourful, vibrant, durable, and they make such awesome balancing game on their own. I am also really impressed with the adorable animals artwork. Super cute and irresistible! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.m-g.com.au/product/be-herd/ (Australia) 

https://www.baileybros.com.au/be-herd (Website) 

Enjoy the video! 

Kanoodle Head to Head, By Educational Insights - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:           2-player brainteaser / logical puzzle

Rating:                      ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:   7 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Competitive gamers/ logical puzzle lovers 

Our family is super competitive. We also LOVE logical puzzles tremendously. So imagine our thrill when we discovered this crazily FUN “Kanoodle Head to Head” from Educational Insights , combining the two best game elements into ONE . Thank you Clover Street for providing a copy - This is THE ultimate 2-player challenge and a marvellous festive gift for anyone who enjoys the adrenaline rushes of a competitive game! 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) TWO Players - Head-To-Head Puzzle Battle!

This set comes with a cleverly-designed game board that is divided into two sections for a two-player, head-to-head puzzle battle. Each player gets 8 colourful puzzle pieces. The puzzle pieces are in the form of 4 plastic beads, connected in a string of multiple arrangements. To play this game, select a challenge card, insert it into the slot separating the two board sections. Now, set up the puzzle pieces according to the arrangement depicted on the card. Once both parties are ready, yell “Go”, and race frantically against your opponent to assemble the remaining pieces so that all the beads would fit nicely onto the indentations of the playing boards. It’s a nail-bitingly intense game, jam-packed with competitive mode and excitement! 

(2) Special Button To Launch Your Opponent's Puzzle Pieces Into The Air 

Now, let’s talk about BEST part of this game - Whoever completed the puzzle first get to press a special button placed at the upper right side of each playing board, which would cause your opponent’s board to pop-up in a sudden, launching all the game pieces in the air! Our kids love this feature immensely - they laugh so hard watching the opponent’s pieces being tossed all over the place. 

(3) 80 Challenges Included

The set comes with 40 double-sided challenge cards - a total of 80 challenges. This game guarantees hours of laughter and nerve-wracking fun. I LOVE that it has fantastic replay value. 

(4) Compact & Sturdy Design - Great Travel Game! 

I love the sturdy components, and the vibrantly colourful puzzle pieces. I especially love the compact design of this puzzle - everything can be perfectly fit and securely locked within the storage areas underneath the two playing platforms. I love how light weight and portable this game is. This is an ideal on-the-go travel game - we’re loving it! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

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

Enjoy the video! 

Triangular Kapok-Filled Pillow, By Funyards Australia - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:           Thai pillow 

Rating:                      ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:   All  

Who would love this: Anyone looking for a firm and great quality backrest 

Today, I’m going to share about something a little “different”- a durable household item that I genuinely believe is a must-have for families, especially for those exhausting parents who consistently suffer from backache and shoulder tension (just like myself and many others around). Introducing: Thai Triangular Kapok-Filled Pillow - one of the most ergonomic mobile backrest I have ever seen. Thank you Funyards Australia for providing another awesome product for review. 

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) Triangular Pillow For Excellent Ergo Back Support 

This unique pillow is triangular in shape and weighs around 2kg. It is made up of 10 individual stuffed tubular compartments stitched together in a pyramidal arrangement. The first thing that excites me most is its exceptional firmness. Lean your back against it, and you will immediately experience that excellent ergo-support that goes well with the natural curvature posture. It is surprisingly soothing for the head and neck, a perfect companion for a stress-releasing and relaxing moment for the exhausting mind. We wish we had discovered this fantastic cushion earlier! 

(2) 100% Natural Kapok Fibre Insert 

The pillow is stuffed with 100% natural Kapok fibre insert. I didn’t know much about Kapok prior to this, so I did some information digging and online research. Kapok is an organic material obtained from the seed pods of the kapok tree. It’s biodegradable, light weight, fluffy, and hypoallergenic. Kapok can be harvested without damaging the tree -hence it’s an eco-friendly option compared to other synthetic fillings that were often tainted with chemicals. Kapok fibres is firm with hint of fluffiness, and it does not compress as easily as cotton or other artificial stuffings. 

(3) Quality Product Handmade By Local Artisans In Thailand 

These gorgeous products are handmade by local artisans in Thailand. I am intrigued by the intricate fabric patterns and elegant golden lines with exquisite cultural touch. The craftsmanship is incredible! 

(4) Versatile & Multi-Purposes 

So, what can you use this triangular pillow for? Apart from being a backrest with the perfect angle for spinal cord, it’s also an awesome leg rest, and for my kids- a portable play cushion and cubby-house accessory of unlimited potential! Loving how versatile it is! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

Funyards Australia 

Enjoy the video! 

Find The Fairies, By Kaddo - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:           Fairy-theme memory game 

Rating:                      ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:   4 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: A must-have for fairy lovers! 

Our kids love the tales of fairies - their secretive habitats, clever camouflage, beauty of magic. “Find The Fairies” by Kaddo (an imprint of Quarto) is one of the most captivating Memory Games I have ever seen, and I can’t wait to share about it with you! 

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) 20 Pairs Of Fairies From Around The World! 

The set includes 40 cards - featuring 20 pairs of fairies from around the world. The rule is similar to the classic memory game; Arrange the cards face down, flip two card over - if you find a pair, keep the cards. If you don’t, turn them face down again, but do remember the location of the fairy cards so that you can make a match on your next turn. One unique feature of the cards: the images of the pair are not exactly the same; For example, for the “Nereid” (ocean fairy) pair - the first card features a female Nereid riding a dolphin on an adventurous journey, and the second card features a male Nereid sitting on a sea stack, enjoying the tranquility of sea. I love the intricate details of the illustrations - the distinctive costume, patterns of the wings, the diverse natural habitats, the distinguished facial features. I love the careful thoughts given to the design and the geographical coverage of the fairies - from Alpine meadows, Sahara Desert, High Himalayan slopes, to the shallow African lakes. This is a must-have for all fairy fans around the globe! 

(2) "Find The Fairies" Booklet With Interesting Fun Facts 

I love the “Find the Fairies” illustrated booklet included in the set. This handy guide gives us fascinating fun facts about the fairies - habitat, home, features, habits. For example, do you know the Blue Mountain Fairy from Australia wears lefty clothing to blend in among cliffside’s vegetation? Have you heard about the Cherry Blossom Fairy from Japan whose wings change colour throughout the year (pink and white in Spring, red and orange in autumn).

(3) "Fairy Finding Tips" - Be Close To Nature! 

My personal favourite is the “Fairy Finding Tips” in the booklet. The tips encourage our kids to pay attention to the nature - e.g. listen for birdsong (which may actually be the chattering of fairies) and beating of fairy wings. 

(4) Beautiful Packaging 

The packaging box is amazingly done with beautiful artwork and sturdy quality. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.booktopia.com.au/find-the-fairies-memory-game--emily-hawkins/book/9780711287877.html (Australia) 

https://www.dymocks.com.au/book/find-the-fairies-by-emily-hawkins-and-jessica-roux-9780711287877 (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

Cat Family Christmas - Lift The Flap Puzzle, By Kaddo - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:           Unique Christmas-theme puzzle 

Rating:                      ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:   4  -7 year-old 

Who would love this: Any kids & puzzle lovers (especially one that LOVES Christmas!) 

Kaddo (a gift imprint from Quarto) has recently launched a series of enchanting puzzles. Today, I would love to share about this “Cat Family Christmas - Lift The Flap Puzzle” with you. 😊 🎄 

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) Unique Lift The Flap Puzzle With 12 Surprise Windows

This is a unique 76-piece “lift-the-flap” puzzle with 12 hidden surprise windows to explore. We had an awesome time piecing the puzzle together and discovering the charming Christmas preparation scenes: - gorgeous Christmas tree adorned with baubles and fairy lights, the cheeky moment of having a peek at a Christmas gift, knitted stockings on garland-draped mantel, gingerbread man and other delightful cookies, hanging ornaments, Christmas tree star topper, and more! But the most special part is, undoubtedly, the joy of revealing the 12 miniature scenes on activities done by the cat family leading up to Christmas; From family visiting, last minute shopping, carol singing, greeting card making, to the essential Christmas baking and decorating! I also really love the size of the puzzle (33 x 33 cm) that fits just neatly on a standard size table. 

(2) A Picture Book About Counting Down From 12 Days Before Christmas 

I love the 28-page, illustrated booklet that tells the adorable story on how the Cat Family getting ready for the holiday season, counting down from 12 days before Christmas. We read about the tradition of making pomander oranges, putting up wreath, baking Christmas cake infused with flavoursome spices, writing letters to Santa (asking nicely for something from the elves’ workshop), singing songs of good tidings, harvesting for Christmas feast, and so much more! The imagery is cute, and the story of full of cheerful details! 

(3) Sustainable Christmas-Theme Activity Ideas Included 

I love the sustainable “activity ideas” included on each page, such as using simple materials to make pomander oranges (oranges, red ribbon, toothpick, cloves), using pretzels to make reindeer antlers for baking decoration, menu planning (roast potatoes, Brussel sprouts, butters carrots), recipe of making bath salts (Epsom salt, coarse sea salt, baking soda, essential oil) etc. 

(4) Sturdy & Good Quality Puzzle Box & Packaging 

I love the sturdy and very lovely puzzle box, completes with a green festive-feel paper bag to keep all the puzzle pieces neatly. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.dymocks.com.au/book/cat-family-christmas-puzzle-by-lucy-brownridge-and-eunyoung-seo-9780711287853 (Australia) 

https://www.qbd.com.au/cat-family-christmas-puzzle/lucy-brownridge-eunyoung-seo/9780711287853/ (Australia) 

Enjoy the video!