Cortex Challenge- Disney Edition, By Zygomatic Games - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:            Challenge game for kids 

Rating:                       ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️   

Recommended age:   6 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Kids that love a brain challenge / collectors of anything Disney  

There are a few different Cortex versions - fast-paced, with similar game rules, challenge the cognitive brainpower of players, and each with a different theme and target audience. Today, let’s talk about “Cortex Challenge- Disney Edition” from Zygomatic Games (a collectible for any classic Disney lovers!). Thank you VR Distribution for sending this over! 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) 80 Challenge Cards Covering Multiple Areas! 

This set includes 80 challenge cards, 10 raised touch cards, 6 brain puzzles (24 pieces), and a rules booklet. Cortex is all about being quick-witted and sharp with the brain! Players race to complete a series of 8 challenges. Every time a player completes 2 of the same type, they get to acquire a quarter of a mini brain puzzle. The first person who completes the 4-piece brain puzzle wins the game. The challenges include identifying the matching reflection of a Disney character, the lasso that contains the most characters, the repeated character, an object that appears the most on a card, the odd character, characters joined by a maze, a memory test (naming 4 characters), and a “Touch challenge”. This is a game where players need to think fast, slam quick, and get the right answer in speed (although we did modify the rule so that both the kids get an equal opportunity to win and shine). 

(2) Touch Challenge With Tactile Cards 

The “Touch Challenge” is no doubt the kids’ favourite! They love touching the tactile cards (treasure chest, accordion, compartments of buttons, bowl of spaghetti noddles, etc) and doing a guess within 10 seconds. The challenge is harder than what it appears! 

(3) Classic Disney Theme 

Most importantly, the challenge cards are in Disney theme, covering the classics (101 Dalmatians, The Aristocrats, Bambi, Dumbo, Lady and the Tramp, Alice in Wonderland, The Jungle Book, Pinocchio, Lilo & Stitch). As a classic lover, I am all excited about this game! However, the kids are not familiar with these old animated films, and that makes some of the challenges slightly more difficult for them (eg naming the characters, and identifying the odd character). I think Disney is such a cool Cortex theme, and I can’t wait to see a potential new Cortex version in future covering some of the more modern Disney favourites! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.gamesmen.com.au/cortex-challenge-disney-edition-card-games (Australia) 

https://www.gumnut.com.au/products/cortex-challenge-disney-edition (Australia) 

https://www.gamesworld.com.au/product/cortex-disney/ (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

Creagami - Cat Origami Kit, By CreativaMente - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:            Craft kit 

Rating:                       ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️   

Recommended age:   7 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Craft/ origami lovers!  

“Mum! We glued the eyes crooked, and now the kitten looks FUNNY!” - and the kids laughed SO HARD that they nearly rolled onto the ground. 🤦🏻‍♀️😅 As you can see, Creagami by CreativaMente is not just about the outcome. It’s about the building process - the patience, the concentration, the teamwork. Today, I would love to share about another Large Creagami set - “Cat Origami Kit” (thank you Divisible by Zero for sponsoring this set)! 

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) Large Cat Model Built With 632 Modular Units

If you have never seen a Creagami set before, it’s essentially an all-in-one modular origami set that involves two-stage paper folding technique. This set includes numerous craft papers with perforated lines, mostly in black and white (and some small sections in red and pink), and a few extra accessories (paper whiskers and eyes). The first stage is probably the most “daunting” and time consuming part. Guide by the perforated lines, we first separated the pre-cut papers into individual pieces, and then we folded them into modular units. To make this cat, we needed 632 of these modules! Once again, I got my two minions (5 and 7 year-old) to help out with the folding. Each unit requires only a few quick folds, and the pre-scored lines make the job a breeze for us! 

(2) Step-By-Step Video Guide 

The second and final stage is to assemble the units into an integrated 3D model. First, scan the QR Code that will lead you to a YouTube video; Now, follow the step-by-step tutorial video to slot and insert the units to build the cat! The boy loves learning the different slotting techniques (normal, inverted, insert, empty pocket etc). It was amazing to watch the cat coming into life, bit-by-bit. This Cat model is slightly more challenging than the previous Owl model I shared - the “neck” section is hard to build, we couldn’t properly connect the tail (we cheated - we used glue to secure it in the end), and we didn’t do the “eyes” correctly. 🤣 But overall, we enjoyed the process thoroughly! 

(3) Made In Italy - Quality Craft Set! 

As usual, we are very impressed with the interlocking technique, the strength, and the flexibility of the model. Creagami set is made in Italy, and nicely packaged in a cardboard box. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

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

Check out my other reviews on Creagami: 

• Creagami - Dragon Origami Kit 
• Creagami - Ladybug Origami Kit 
• Creagami - Penguin Origami Kit 
• Creagami - Butterfly Origami Kit 
• Creagami - Owl Origami Kit 

Enjoy the video! 

City Planner Puzzle, By Funyards Australia - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:            Wooden puzzle 

Rating:                       ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️  

Recommended age:   7 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Brainteasers/ puzzle lovers 

I am enchanted by this City Planner Puzzle since the first time I set my eyes on it. It’s a 3D vertical artwork that resembles a densely populated urban landscape of skyscrapers and high-rises. It’s abstract, yet strangely beautiful. Thank you Funyards Australia for sending this over. 

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) Packing Puzzle With 9 Unique Pieces + City Theme 

This is a classic packing puzzle but with a three-dimensional touch. The puzzle comes with a wooden base with frames at 4 sides, 9 unique puzzle pieces, and a dowel pin. First, place the pin into any of the holes in the base. Now, let’s the challenge begin! Build a “city” around it using the 9 puzzle pieces, arrange them so that each will fit perfectly within the frame. All of the pieces are uniquely carved, with different shapes to create various placement combinations. The key is to observe the base of each piece, and “re-imagine” them as various shapes formed with 2D squares. The aim is to arrange these shapes to fit into a base of 7x7 grid. This is a refreshing and atheistic take of a classic puzzle. 

(2) 13 Challenges & Easy Setting-Up 

I love that there are 13 challenges in this set, and it’s super easy to set it up! Simply place the dowel pin in one of the 13 holes in the base, and get cracking! This is a brainteaser to sharpen critical thinking, encourage problem-solving, enhance visual perception, perfect hand-eye coordination. And if you ever get stuck - fear not! There is a one-page illustrated solutions included for all 13 challenges! 

(3) Stunning Art Piece Of Cityscape 

I am captivated by the beautiful shades of the wooden pieces - some have a natural darker grain, a few with lighter timber colours, and a few towers are painted in stunning red to give the cityscape a multi-layered, artistic touch. The final outcome looks different each time we re-assemble it. 

(4) Long-Lasting Wooden Puzzle With Fantastic Craftmanship 

The craftsmanship is precise and fantastic. Each puzzle pieces are carefully cut in impressive precision, smoothly-finished to high quality. Like other Funyards Australia products - this brainteaser set is lovingly-handmade by local artisans in Thailand. It is built for long-lasting play, durable and solid. It’s both a stimulating wooden puzzle and an artistic display at home.

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

Funyards Australia 

Check out more reviews of similar wooden puzzle sets from Funyards Australia: 

• 51-Piece Pagoda Burr Puzzle, By Funyards Australia 
• Ship- 3D Interlocking Wooden Puzzle, By Funyards Australia 
• Wooden Stacking Puzzle - Tower of Pisa, By Funyards Australia 
• Airplane - 3D Interlocking Wooden Puzzle, By Funyards Australia  
• Helicopter- 3D Interlocking Wooden Puzzle, By Funyards Australia 
• 12 Puzzles In A Gift Box, By Funyards Australia 

Enjoy the video! 

Numberblocks Rainbow Counting Bus, By hand2mind - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:            Numberblocks-themed bus 

Rating:                       ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️  

Recommended age:   3 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Numberblocks fans! 

Numberblocks holds a special place in our hearts; it helps the kids visualise complex maths concepts through adorable storylines and characters, and master number skills in a cute and fun way! Introducing this new Numberblocks Rainbow Counting Bus from hand2mind (thank you Clover Street for providing it). 

Why I love ❤️ it?:  

(1) Interactive Rainbow Counting Bus With 7 Seats 

In this set, you get an interactive Rainbow Counting Bus and everyone’s favourite character “Seven”. Lucky “Seven” has 7 rainbow cubes (from red to violet) and 7 strings of multicoloured hair. He’s joyous, fearless, always ready to help - and definitely your top driver choice for some fun-filled adventures. The sky blue bus has 6 passenger seats plus a driver seat. It doesn’t come with the other Numberblocks characters,  but we can add the figures separately from the “Numberblocks Friends” playsets. I tested it with all the figures from “One” through “Ten” - they all fit well in the bus seats. 

(Apart from "Seven", other Numberblocks characters not included in the set)

(2) 12 Sounds Including Numberblocks Theme Song 

I avoid noisy toys like how my kids avoid broccoli. 😂 This bus comes with songs and sounds - BUT fear not, it is nowhere near the annoying type. The 12 sounds consist of counting from 1 to 7 by the respective character, few lines from the catchy Numberblocks theme song, a “Seven” song from the episode “Just Add One”, some short horn honking sound, and engine noises. There are 2 sound levels, and we can also switch the sound off. 2 AAA batteries are included. It took me a while to find the sound button - FYI:  it’s the press-able rainbow grate on the front of the bus. 

(3) Cute Features Including Fold-Out Rainbow & Hopscotch 

I love the few thoughtful features included in the bus to increase its playability. There is a slider at the top front for the kids to select their destination (eg picnic, castle, circus, seaside etc). The wheels are rollable, and the rear folds out to reveal a full rainbow, and a “hopscotch” area with numbers 1 to 7. 

(4) Stickers To Customise Your Bus 

You will also find a sticker sheet in the set for the kids to customise their bus. The kids had a blast decorating the bus with numberlings, number symbols, rainbow wheels, rainbow plate, backpacks, luggage, and more! Well, what can I say? This is a collectible for any true Numberblocks fan! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.thecreativetoyshop.com.au/products/numberblocks-rainbow-counting-bus (Australia) 

Check out my other reviews of Numberblocks products from hand2mind: 

• Numberblocks Race To Pattern Palace!, by hand2mind 
• Numberblocks MathLink Cubes 1-10 Activity Set, by hand2mind
• Numberblocks MathLink Cubes 11-20 Activity Set, by hand2mind
• Numberblocks Stampoline ParkActivity Set, by hand2mind
• Numberblocks Reusable Clings, by hand2mind
• Numberblocks Plush, by hand2mind

Enjoy the video! 

Creagami- Owl Origami Kit, By CreativaMente - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:            Craft kit 

Rating:                       ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️  

Recommended age:   7 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Craft/ origami lovers  

We have done a few Creagami sets from CreativaMente in the past (Dragon, Butterfly, Penguin, Ladybug). We LOVE the wisdom behind the folding mechanism. This time, we challenged ourselves with a LARGE  set - “Owl Origami Kit”. I think I have just found my favourite craft kit! Thank you Divisible by Zero, this is amazing! 

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) Large Model Built With 657 Modular Units 

This is the largest model I have ever built with Creagami, and I’m so glad to have my two recruited minions (5 and 7 year-old) helping with this project! The set includes craft paper sheets (purple, green, black, white, yellow), and a pair of paper eyes. The craft papers have perforated lines which can be separated into individual pieces, and be folded into modular units (to make this owl, you need 657 modules). The folding of basic units is probably the most “unexciting” part - it’s repetitive, but strangely, relaxing. Each of the module requires only a few quick folds, and the pre-scored lines make the folding a real breeze! There is an illustrative guide included for this. 

(2) Step-By-Step Video Guide 

Once the individual units are done, the REAL FUN begins! First, scan the QR Code and follow the tutorial video with step-by-step guide for the owl-building / paper slotting process. It’s a test of patience, concentration, and dexterity. It’s also an incredibly therapeutic experience - watching the beautiful purple owl coming into life, row by row - starting from the base, claws, chest, to head, before adding the final touches (yellow beak and gluing the eyes). I love the clever differentiation of colours (white chest and purple back intertwined with hint of black), the distinctive yellow claws and beaks, the almost “heart-shaped” face typical of an owl, and the “feathery” ear tufts at the top that gives the owl a really “smart” look. I’m very happy with the overall outcome. This is a two-day project that gives us a sense of achievement and remarkable bonding time. 

(3) Amazing Interlocking Techniques With Strength 

The interlocking technique gives strength to the paper model and also sufficient flexibility for us to “mould” the owl into the right shape. Creagami set is made in Italy, and nicely packaged in a cardboard box. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

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

Check out my other reviews on Creagami: 

• Creagami - Dragon Origami Kit 
• Creagami - Ladybug Origami Kit 
• Creagami - Penguin Origami Kit 
• Creagami - Butterfly Origami Kit 

Enjoy the video!