Pac-Man Quoridor, By Gigamic World - REVIEW

Nature / Type:             Board Games 

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️    

Recommended age:    8 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Pac-Man lovers & Anyone who enjoys a strategy game! 

Pac-Man Quoridor by Gigamic brings a nostalgic spin to the classic strategy game. With charming Pac-Man-themed pieces and all the strategic fun of the original, this version is a perfect blend of retro charm and competitive gameplay. Thank you VR Distribution for providing a copy! 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Classic Quoridor Game With A Pac-Man Twist

This set keeps the core mechanics of the classic Quoridor while adding a fun Pac-Man twist. The abstract pawns are replaced with Pac-Man’s infamous ghosts—Blinky, Inky, Pinky, and Clyde—and the walls are now Pac-Man-inspired blue! Played on a 9x9 grid, the objective remains the same: race to get your ghost to the opposite side of the board before your opponent. On each turn, players move their ghost one space in any direction or place a wall to block their opponent’s path. Walls, which cannot be moved once placed, are crucial for blocking routes, so every placement requires careful thought. This version stays true to original Quoridor, but bringing a new level of Pac-Man excitement to the timeless game.

(2) Bringing Video-Game Variant To The Tabletop!

There’s also an exciting alternate way to play- a variant that brings the essence of the classic video game to the tabletop in a fresh, two (or multi) player showdown! Pac-Man starts in the center, with the ghosts positioned at the edges of the board. Pac-Man moves two spaces per turn, racing to collect all four Power Pellets while avoiding the ghosts. Each time Pac-Man eats a Power Pellet, he gains the ability to move three spaces and can “eat” any ghost he touches, removing it from the board. But beware! If Pac-Man gets caught by a ghost, he loses a life, and the board resets—minus any eaten Power Pellets. The goal for Pac-Man is clear: collect the Power Pellets before he runs out of lives, while the ghosts do everything they can to stop him. 

(3) Wooden Components & Adorable Pac-Man Ghosts

With beautifully crafted wooden pieces plus adorable Pac-Man ghosts - the sturdy components and vibrant, colorful pieces make this game a treat to play and display! The board itself, with its unique 9x9 grid and raised edges, is a work of art, and the game’s storage solution is equally impressive, ensuring everything stays organized.

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/quoridor-pac-man-board-game

https://www.gameology.com.au/products/quoridor-pac-man

https://www.gamesworldsa.com.au/products/quoridor-pac-man

https://www.bigw.com.au/product/quoridor-pac-man-board-game/p/9900451940

Enjoy the video! 

Oceania Animals Series 1 - Kangaroo, By Let’s Play Games - REVIEW

Nature / Type:             Wooden puzzle 

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️    

Recommended age:    14 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Anyone who enjoys non-traditional, challenging & unique puzzles 

I recently had the pleasure of reviewing the Kookaburra puzzle from Let's Play Games , and I was delighted by the fresh twist it brings to traditional puzzle designs. Today, I’m excited to share about the Kangaroo puzzle - a charming, wildlife-inspired puzzle from the Oceania Animals Series 1. 

Why I love ❤️ this puzzle: 

(1) 200 Pieces Puzzle With Natural-Inspired Colours

This Kangaroo puzzle consists of 200 pieces. Unlike traditional jigsaw puzzles with clear borders, this one lacks the traditional straight frame, but the thick black outlines on some pieces provide a helpful hint for the kangaroo’s shape. The real challenge lies in sorting the pieces by the subtle and distinct patterns. The color palette is a rich tones of yellow, brown, and nature-inspired greens. Each piece features unique patterns drawn from nature and leaf prints —swirls, curvy lines, circular shapes, and symmetrical designs—that guide the placement of pieces within the kangaroo’s divided sections. I love how the puzzle beautifully integrates intricate, nature-inspired motifs, adding depth and complexity to the overall design.

(2) Irregular & Unique Shapes - Spot The Wildlife Surprises!

Each puzzle pieces is uniquely crafted, with twisting, irregular shapes that deviate from the standard tabs and blanks of mass-produced puzzles. The edges, random and uneven, add a layer of challenge, requiring us to rely on our spatial skills and intuition to piece everything together. As we progressed, we were treated to a series of delightful wildlife surprises (and not just Australian creatures!). You’ll spot, amongst others, a giraffe, spider, emu, lion, snail, koala, lizard, alligator, an Australian map, and even a tiny kangaroo—all cleverly integrated into the design. As we assembled the puzzle, we marveled at the hidden shapes and the thoughtfulness behind each piece, making the experience as much about discovery as it was about completion.

(3) High-Quality, Laser-Cut Wooden Pieces

This puzzle is crafted from high-quality, laser-cut wooden pieces. The vibrant colors and striking artwork make it visually captivating, while the pieces fit together smoothly, sliding effortlessly into place. Packaged in a compact wooden box, it offers both convenience and durability. We’s loving this! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.amazon.com.au/Lets-Play-Games-Australiana-Kangaroo/dp/B0BCZ6ML4Y

Enjoy the video! 

Let’s Learn Opposite Words, By Mandarin Prodigies - REVIEW

Nature / Type:             Mandarin book for bilingual kids

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️    

Recommended age:    3 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Parents looking for mandarin learning resources designed for bilingual families  

Mandarin Prodigies is a true gem in the world of children’s learning resources. Today, I’m excited to share my thoughts on Let’s Learn Opposite Words—a delightful bilingual children’s book that introduces young learners to the concept of opposites in a fun and accessible way.

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) 30-Page Board Book Featuring 15 Pairs of Opposite Words

This book is designed with bilingual children in mind—perfect for families like mine. Let’s Learn Opposite Words is a charming 30-page board book that introduces 15 pairs of opposite words, such as 多/少 (many/few), 大/小 (big/small), 上/下 (on top/below), 哭/笑 (cry/laugh), and 重/轻 (heavy/light), among others. Each word is presented in Chinese, Pinyin, and English, making it an ideal choice for beginners. The large, easy-to-read characters and helpful translations ensure young learners can easily follow along. 

(2) Sentences With English Translation And Vibrant Illustrations 

The book also includes useful sentences and vibrant illustrations that bring the opposite words to life. These simple sentences are perfect for young learners, while also offering a great starting point for more advanced students who are looking to practice sentence formation. Each sentence is written in Mandarin, accompanied by Pinyin and a straightforward English translation, along with delightful illustrations that reinforce the concepts.

(3) High Quality & Durable Material

The board book is made from high-quality, thick, and durable material, ensuring it can withstand the wear and tear of frequent handling. Its compact size makes it perfect for on-the-go learning. 

(4) Wonderful Range Of Resources For Bilingual Learning

Mandarin Prodigies offers a wonderful range of resources for bilingual learning and classrooms, including board books in both Simplified and Traditional Chinese. Whether you’re looking for board books, busy books, activity workbooks, or writing tools, their collection has something for every learner. What I truly appreciate about this creative, bilingual-focused range is how thoughtfully it’s crafted. The founder, Kristin Yu, is a mother of three and a Montessori-certified early learning teacher, which is evident in the way the books are designed. I highly recommend these books for any family looking to introduce Chinese to their little ones. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

Mandarin Prodigies

Enjoy the video! 

The Sleeping Beauty Musical Puzzle (The Story Orchestra), By Kaddo - REVIEW

Nature / Type:             Musical puzzle 

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:     4 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Kids that enjoy puzzles + music + beautiful fairy tales  

I’m smitten with Kaddo, a line from the publisher of the beloved Little People, BIG DREAMS series (Quarto). Their games and puzzles are beautifully crafted, with a unique elegance that’s truly heartwarming. Today, let’s talk about “The Sleeping Beauty Musical Puzzle (The Story Orchestra)”! 

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) Puzzle With Tchaikovsky's Music Clips

Like the Nutcracker and Swan Lake puzzles, The Sleeping Beauty from The Story Orchestra is a magical experience. Hidden within the puzzle are four music buttons, each playing a 10-second clip from Tchaikovsky’s iconic ballet. From the eerie curse of the evil fairy to the famous waltz (Once Upon a Dream), and the perilous moment Aurora pricks her finger, the music is both dramatic and beautiful. As you complete the puzzle, the enchanting illustration of the prince awakening Princess Aurora comes to life, accompanied by the vivid sound of Tchaikovsky’s full orchestral score.

(2) 48 Puzzle Pieces Including Uniquely-Shaped Cutouts

This set includes 48 puzzle pieces: 4 uniquely shaped pieces with circle cutouts for the musical buttons, and 44 standard ribbon-cut pieces. The illustrations by Jessica Courtney-Tickle beautifully capture the essence of Sleeping Beauty. The puzzle frame offers a concise retelling of the story—from Princess Aurora’s birth and curse by the evil fairy Carabosse, to her fateful prick on her sixteenth birthday, and the lilac fairy’s role in breaking the curse.

(3) Poster - Learn About The Composer & The Music

The set includes a double-sided poster: one side features the full puzzle image, while the other offers details about the composer, a brief summary of Sleeping Beauty, and descriptions of the music clips. Flip it over to discover more about the story’s happy ending, along with a biography of Tchaikovsky and how his music brings the tale to life.

(4) Great Packaging & Components

I love the sturdy packaging - the box cover is stunning, featuring glittery details and golden holographic lettering that instantly catches the eye. Inside, there’s a thick blue cardboard insert, which helps keep the puzzle pieces neatly contained within the lid. Once the puzzle is assembled, the pieces fit securely onto the board, ensuring they stay in place during play or storage. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

Dymocks (Australia)

Booktopia (Australia)

Check out more reviews of Kaddo's products here: 

• Dream Big Bingo!
• Match The Mermaids
• The Poetry Play Kit
• Little People, Big Dreams - Amazing Women: A Memory Game 
• Little People, Big Dreams: Who Am I
• Swan Lake Musical Puzzle 
• Find The Fairies 
• Cat Family Christmas - Lift The Flap Puzzle 
• The Nutcracker Musical Puzzle (The Story Orchestra)

Enjoy the video! 

TOSSIT Game Original Starter Pack, by TOSSIT - REVIEW

Nature / Type:             Target game 

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:     5 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Adults and kids that enjoy fun & competitive target sports  

It’s not every day that a toy comes along that challenges both hand-eye coordination and physical skill, so when TOSSIT reached out with the chance to review their exciting TOSSIT Game Original Starter Pack, I couldn’t wait to dive in! I’m thrilled to see how much enjoyment the kids can have while sharpening their speed and precision!

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 

(1) 1 Black Jack Dart + 6 Darts In Two Colours

This set includes 1 black Jack dart, 6 Tossit darts in two colors, and a carrying bag. The game is a fun mix of pétanque and darts, where players take turns tossing their darts to get as close as possible to the Jack (a special Tossit dart). Each team has 3 darts, and the goal is to reach 13 points. The team with the closest Tossit to the Jack wins the round and scores a point for every dart closer than the opponent’s closest. The winning team throws the Jack for the next round, keeping the action moving!

(2) Variety Of Ways To Play

The best part about these darts is the variety of ways to play! Tossit offers fun alternatives, and my kids have come up with their own wild ideas. I love how the game gets them off screens and into active play. You can try Battle mode, where players race to score 21 points with speed and accuracy, or Tic-Tac Dart, a colorful twist on classic tic-tac-toe. There’s also Stick & Reach mode, challenging kids to see how high they can stick darts to a wall, and Rainbow Ring mode for creative color and shape designs!

(3) 100% Food-Grade Silicone With Smart Design!

The Tossit darts are made from durable, 100% food-grade silicone with strong suction cups that stick to smooth surfaces. The design is optimized for aerodynamics and precision, making them easy to master and accurate on target. While we haven’t quite perfected our throwing skills yet, our family still has a blast tossing them around! Practice definitely helps, and the darts are dishwasher-safe, so they’re easy to clean and ready for the next round!

(4) Play Anywhere & On The Go

Play anywhere—just find a flat, non-porous surface like tiles, windows, tables, or even the fridge! The game is super portable with an included tote bag, making it easy to take on the go. With no setup required, you can start playing right away, whether indoors or outdoors. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://tossit.game/en-au/collections/all

Enjoy the video: 

Speedomino, By Families Play Forever - REVIEW

Nature / Type:             Board Game

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️    

Recommended age:    6 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Kids and adults that enjoy speed & matching games  

If you’re a fan of fast-paced matching games, then you must try Speedomino. Huge thanks to Families Play Forever for creating such a hit, and to Divisible by Zero for sending over a copy!

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) Match All 60 Tiles To Their Colour Bars

This game keeps everyone on their toes from start to finish! First, shuffle all 60 tiles face down, divide them evenly among the players, and you’re ready to go. The youngest player picks a starter tile and places it face-up in the centre of the playing field. Now, everyone races to match your tiles as quickly as possible to the colour bars on the tiles in the center. There are no turns here—everyone plays at once, so you’ll need to move fast to win! The result? A chaotic, high-energy race where the fastest and most frenzied player takes the victory. 

(2) Trickier Than It Looks - Extra Rules To Keep It Challenging!

Speedomino may seem simple at first, but don’t be fooled—it’s trickier than it looks! Each black tile has up to 6 potential spots where color bars can appear, with the number of bars varying from 1 to 6. You must not match a colour bar to a “no-bar” (black) side only, and you can’t connect 2 dominoes on both their blank edges either. Once a domino is played, it’s locked in place—no moving it around. As the game progresses and more tiles fill the playing field, it gets increasingly difficult to find the right match, making the game even more intense and strategic. 

(3) Endless Ways To Play - Check Out The Different Varieties!

Speedomino offers endless ways to mix up the action! You can match dominos on their long sides only, or short sides only. Add a twist by making a specific color a “prohibited” color, or challenge yourself to match only black-to-black spaces. For quick and intense fun, crown the winner as the first to get 3 tiles to touch. Want more variety? Go solo and create your own formation, or invent your own custom rules. 

(4) Durable & Good Quality Tiles

The components may not be the flashiest, but they have a certain mature charm. The black tiles are thick and durable, giving off a satisfying “click-clack” sound when stacked. I love the Mahjong-style material, which adds a tactile, classic feel to the game. Plus, the components meet all safety standards, conforming to ASTM F963, so you can play with peace of mind.

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.thetherapystore.com.au/speedomino

https://www.cowtrees.au/games/474-speedomino.html

Enjoy the video!