Iconic Doll Accessories Kit, By Make Me Iconic - REVIEW

Nature / Type:             Pretend play toys

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:     3 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Kids who love pretend play 

Iconic Doll Accessories Kit from Make Me Iconic stole my heart instantly! Watching the little ones engaged in pretend play with this set is like witnessing pure magic - It’s so heartwarming to see them nurture, care, and recreate their world with creativity.

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 

(1) 11 Charming Pieces For Your Baby Doll

This set includes everything a baby doll (or cuddly plush toy) could ever need, allowing your little one to fully immerse themselves in imaginative pretend play. Whether they’re pretending to be a loving parent or taking their toys on a grand escapade, this set is a real hit! Packed with 11 charming pieces, the kit includes 2 different-sized bottles (because you never know which one your baby will be in the mood for, right?), a sippy cup with adorable handles (perfect for those little hands taking their first sips of independence), a minimalist toy bowl, spoon, fork, plate with compartments (the perfect solution for those picky eaters who don’t want their foods to touch each other — you know if you know!), a comb, a hairbrush, a teething toy, and a clip-on pacifier. Every piece is crafted to inspire hours of imaginative fun, giving little ones the chance to step into their grown-up roles while bonding through delightful pretend play!

(2) Attention To Detail & Playful Design

I love the thoughtful attention to detail in the accessories, elevating the play experience to a whole new level. The hairbrush, with its soft ticklish bristles, feels just like the real thing, designed to gently glide through dolly’s hair for an authentic styling experience. But my personal favourite has to be the teether toy. Not only it’s visually appealing with its playful design, it’s also incredibly satisfying to touch with moveable beads that mimic the calming feel of a fidget toy. It stirs up a wave of bittersweet nostalgia (remember teething babies and those inevitable gum aches?). 

(3) Sturdy Wooden Items & Compliance With Safety Standards

I love the sturdy wooden items, the authentic design, and the soft pastel color scheme, especially the mint baby bowl and soothing chewing beads. The toy meets international safety standards. The sturdy cardboard storage box with ribbon handles is also a great touch for easy carrying by little ones.

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://makemeiconic.com/collections/all-products/products/iconic-toy-doll-accessories-kit

Check out my other reviews on Make Me Iconic toys: 

• Iconic Taco Kit, By Make Me Iconic
• The Iconic Toy Camp Fire, By Make Me Iconic
• Iconic Healthy Tummy Brekkie, By Make Me Iconic
• Australian Vehicles, By Make Me Iconic 
• Doll Nurturing Set, By Make Me Iconic
• Aussies Munchies, By Make Me Iconic 
• Natural Healer Kit, By Make Me Iconic

Enjoy the video! 

Monkey Palace, By Lego & Asmodee - REVIEW

Nature / Type:             Board game

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:     10 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Lego lovers & anyone who enjoys strategy games with stunning set-up! 

Lego and Asmodee have teamed up to bring something groundbreaking to the table – Monkey Palace! This is a brilliant fusion of strategy, fun, and the iconic creativity of LEGO pieces. Seriously, how cool is this! Big thanks to VR Distribution for sending over a copy. 

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) Collaborate To Build - With REAL LEGO Bricks!

Monkey Palace is a one-of-a-kind placement game where players collaborate to build, but with a competitive edge! The goal is to rack up the most banana points by constructing a staircase that earns Monkey Credits through monkey, trophy, and bonus cards. On your turn, you’ll build an ascending staircase using blocks, columns, and arches, topping it off with a decoration like bamboo leaves or a golden block. The more height you build (earn bonus points for columns with 5 or more blocks) and the more arches you use, the more credits you earn (which you can then spend on cards for additional building blocks -  both one-time and recurring). The set includes 80 arches, 80 1×1 bricks, 16 1×3 columns, 32 bamboo leaves in 2 colors, 16 1×1 round bricks, a monkey, butterfly, frog, 4 corner bricks, a baseplate, 84 cards, 4 player boards, and 2 double-sided ground maps. The player with the most banana points at the end of the game wins!

(2) Strategy, Strategy, Strategy

I’m in love with the strategic depth! There’s so much to consider: which cards to buy for the best mix of arches and blocks, whilst ensuring you earn enough banana points to win. Don’t forget the trophy cards for extra points and the mischievous critters that can disrupt your opponents—like the monkey that sits on top of a golden decoration block, the butterfly that hovers at the highest decoration block, and the frog that gives you a free column piece in exchange for -3 points.

(3) Replayability & Variety

I love the game’s replayability and variety. With four different game maps featuring unique layouts and ground types, each structure looks different every time. The shuffled cards each round provide new building pieces, keeping the gameplay dynamic and fresh. 

(4) Fun & Playful Style With Hint Of Humour

The game’s aesthetic is charming and playful, with LEGO’s signature humor and style shining through. The monkeys add a fun, goofy touch.

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.gamesworld.com.au/product/lego-monkey-palace/

https://www.ebgames.com.au/product/toys-and-collectibles/308122-lego-monkey-palace-board-game

https://www.zingpopculture.com.au/product/card-board-games/308122-lego-monkey-palace-board-game

Enjoy the video! 

Iconic Taco Kit, By Make Me Iconic - REVIEW

Nature / Type:             Pretend play toys

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:     3 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Kids who love pretend play + Taco!  

Everybody loves Taco Tuesday. This kit offers the ultimate way to create your very own Taqueria at home. With a perfect mix of customizable ingredients, the Iconic Taco Kit from Make Me Iconic offers endless possibilities for Taco lovers!

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 

(1) 21 Pieces - Mix & Match Your Taco Ingredients!

I’m truly impressed by the wide variety of Taco ingredients. This kit comes with 21 pieces that make mix-and-match play incredibly fun! You’ll get two stand-up wooden Taco shells, along with all the essentials—beef strip, beef mince, fish slice, cheese, red onion, tomato salsa, lettuce, and parsley—plus two grilled prawns on a stick for that extra special touch. What stands out to me is how stress-free the DIY process is: the cleverly designed standing taco shells allow for easy assembly, while the thin, sliced ingredients fit perfectly inside the shells without falling apart. The best part? There’s no need for knives or forks—just pile on your favorite toppings and enjoy! This is a kit that sparks creativity and brings friends together for a fun taco fiesta!

(2) Sauces & Garnishes

No playset is complete without the sauces and garnishes that bring all the flavors to life! This kit includes a red-hot wooden chili for that extra kick, a lime wedge for a squeeze of zesty juice, a bottle of Taco chili sauce to spice things up, and a jar of sour cream complete with a spoon and lid for the finishing touch. Whether you decide to use the wooden taco set as part of your kitchen setup or create a fun play restaurant, this toy lets you explore and experiment with flavors, making every taco experience uniquely your own!

(3) Mix Of Materials - Adding Different Textures To Toy

I love the thoughtful mix of materials that add different textures to the toy. The sturdy wooden taco shells, sliced ingredients, jar, and bottle give it a solid, high-quality feel, while the felt lettuce leaf and parsley bunch add a soft, tactile touch that’s perfect for little hands. And if that’s not enough, the set even includes two paper bags, cheekily labeled with ‘Taco Me,’ giving it that authentic take-away shop vibe. 

(4) Quality & Compliance With Safety Standard

Made with non-toxic paints and complies with AU/EU/US safety standard, this toy combines quality with peace of mind.

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://makemeiconic.com/collections/all-products/products/iconic-toy-taco

Check out my other reviews on Make Me Iconic toys: 

• The Iconic Toy Camp Fire, By Make Me Iconic
• Iconic Healthy Tummy Brekkie, By Make Me Iconic
• Australian Vehicles, By Make Me Iconic 
• Doll Nurturing Set, By Make Me Iconic
• Aussies Munchies, By Make Me Iconic 
• Natural Healer Kit, By Make Me Iconic

Enjoy the video! 

Deep River, By Laboludic - REVIEW

Nature / Type:             Board game 

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:     10 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Older kids/ adults who enjoy strategy games

French publisher Laboludic continues to impress with its knack for crafting unique themes, stunning artwork, and endless fun. Today, let’s talk about Deep River—a special thanks to Divisible by Zero for generously providing a copy!

why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) "Tug-Of-War" Strategy Game With A Bear

Deep River is a strategy game brimming with delightful depth. My kid calls it the ‘tug-of-war game with a bear.’ Guide your salmon or eel across the river while luring the Hungry Bear into your opponent’s territory to win! Start by randomly placing the river tiles, then take turns moving your fish by strategically choosing action tokens and applying river tile effects—all while the bear is tugged in two directions. Each time your fish reaches the opposite shore, the bear inches closer to your rival’s nest. The game ends when the bear reaches a nest or when two action tiles land in the salmon’s camp. A fast-paced, tactical 2-player experience, Deep River keeps you on the edge of your seat! 

(2) Fresh New Round Each Time With Reshuffled Tiles & Tokens

I love how each round feels fresh, thanks to the reshuffling of tiles and tokens! The random placement of river tiles changes the board and strategy, while action tiles - flipped each time they’re activated - add more layers to the game. River tiles have unique effects—some require two fish to activate, others let you flip a chosen action tile, move the bear, or give your fish extra movement. There’s also a special rule where you can ‘occupy’ your opponent’s fish token, taking control of it—just watch out for tiles that can reverse the position! Though the rules seem simple, the combinations quickly become mind-boggling. 

(3) Unique Artwork & Original Theme

Deep River features unique artwork that instantly grabs your attention. The salmon and eel theme is refreshingly original, and it fits perfectly with the tug-of-war mechanic. The concept of salmon and eels struggling to survive is thoughtfully executed and adds a compelling layer to the game.

(4) Wooden Bear & Quality Components

I love the beautifully crafted wooden bear figurine, which perfectly symbolizes the looming danger. Deep River comes in a compact box but packs high-quality components—the tokens and tiles are thick, durable, and built to last.

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.cowtrees.au/games/841-deep-river.html

Check out more reviews on Laboludic games: 

• Kamakai, By Laboludic
• Lucky Jack, By Laboludic 
• Golden Creek, By Laboludic 
• Micronimo, By Laboludic 
• Spy Kid, By Laboludic 
• Kezao, By Laboludic 
• Coco Candy, By Laboludic

Enjoy the video! 

Star Shard Puzzle Pieces, By Tranquil Learning Collective - REVIEW

Nature / Type:             Mathematics teaching/ learning resources 

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️    

Recommended age:    5 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Parents seeking creative resources for learning factions. 

 “Oh wow! These are beautiful!” My 5-year-old couldn’t take her eyes off the glittering Star Shard Puzzle Pieces from Tranquil Learning Collective . This is the most enchanting educational manipulative I’ve ever had the pleasure of discovering. The way it captures both imagination and learning is nothing short of magical.

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) Laser-Cut Factional & Symmetrical Parts 

Included are 3 complete star pieces (four, five, and six-pointed), along with fractional and symmetrical parts that come together like a puzzle to form additional nine sparkling stars. We can explore fractions—like cutting a star in half to understand 1/2, or crafting a shimmering Ninja Star with 1/4 pieces. The pieces, each laser-cut with perfect precision, are a joy to handle, and their beauty turns learning into an enchanting experience. Designed by a qualified teacher, this set transforms fractions into a visually captivating concept. We can stack, mix, and match the equivalent shards to create unique constellations of pure joy. What a delightful challenge! 

(2) Sparkling Acrylic Pieces With Glimmering Confetti

The sparkling acrylic pieces truly bring these translucent shards to life, with glimmering confetti nestled inside that enhances their luminous beauty. Each piece catches the light, refracting in a dance of radiant hues. Whether under natural light or gentle sensory lighting, these pieces radiate a quiet enchantment, offering one of the most serene and captivating ways to explore the magic of light and reflection.

(3) Building Blocks For Endless Fun!

To my kids, these star shard pieces are more than just a puzzle—they’re building blocks for endless creative adventures. With a sprinkle of imagination, they’ve crafted everything from a little prince in a red robe, T-Rex chasing a rainbow star, a multi-coloured Diplodocus, to an acrobat juggling star pieces. The perfectly-sized angles and geometric shapes allow for endless symmetrical or whimsical creations. It’s amazing to watch them learn about shapes, angles, fractions, and creativity in such a visually playful and engaging way!

(4) Blue Cotton Storage Bag

The set also comes with a charming blue cotton bag to neatly store everything, along with a helpful instruction guide filled with fun play suggestions

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://tranquillearningcollective.com.au/

Enjoy the video! 

Dodo, By Thames & Kosmos - REVIEW

Nature / Type:             Board game for kids  

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️    

Recommended age:    6 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Young board gamers who love speed + memory games

This is a delightful game where players team up to build bridges to save a dodo egg. With clock ticking and zero down-time, the game keeps everyone on their toes. Check out Dodo from Thames & Kosmos (thanks to VR Distribution for providing a copy!)

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Stunning Tabletop Setup - With Cliff Edges & Spiralling Bridges

The stunning vertically-oriented tabletop setup took my breath away! The mountain, with its steep, treacherous cliff edges and protruding outcrops, forms the perfect backdrop for the spiralling bridges. At the top, the dramatic peak showcases a cute dodo standing proudly. The best part? When you’re ready to roll the egg down, simply tip the dodo forward to watch it gaze down the mountain, sending the egg tumbling out of its nest. It’s comical with a playful tension! 

(2) Flurry Of Action- Be Quick To Save The Falling Dodo Egg!

I love how the adorable theme fits perfectly with the gameplay. Kids work together to quickly build bridges and save the falling dodo egg. The process is a flurry of action: roll the die, flip the tokens, gather the right materials, match icons, and complete the bridge sections before the egg tumbles off the mountain. Once all the bridges are built, you bring the boat over, moor it on the dock, and catch the egg with it! It’s simple enough for kids to understand, with clear, colorful resources and well-labeled components. A game full of frantic fun, it encourages teamwork, speed, and memory!

(3) Wobbly Egg With Unpredictable Movements

The wobbly egg is the star of the game, with its unpredictable, threatening movements that keep you on edge. Sometimes it rolls along merrily, other times it slows to a crawl, making it hard to predict when disaster will strike. The frantic real-time bridge-building adds a hilarious rush, when you scrambling to stay ahead of the egg whilst trying to remember the location of your tokens. The egg’s weight tilts the boat comically as you try to catch it, turning the final win into a moment of laughter!

(4) Adjustable Difficulty Levels

I love the adjustable difficulty modes! In easy mode, you can skip the skull spaces for faster play. The Expert mode adds more memory challenges, cranking up the stress as you race to complete the six bridges, each getting progressively harder with more spaces to fill!

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

Big W (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

The Iconic Toy Camp Fire, By Make Me Iconic - REVIEW

Nature / Type:             Wooden pretend play toys 

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️    

Recommended age:    3 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Little camp fire/ S'more lovers 

Imagine the warmth of a crackling campfire, the sound of laughter under a starlit sky — all recreated in the comfort of your home! The Iconic Toy Camp Fire lets you bring those cherished outdoor memories to life, without the mud or the wet sleeping bags. Huge thanks to Make Me Iconic for providing this delightful toy for review!

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) Sweet Memories Of Camping Trips

This pretend campfire set is a sweet throwback to childhood camping trips, packed with 22 fun pieces that let you cook up all your favourite campfire treats! From sizzling prawns and sausages (two each included) on the skewer to a gooey, irresistible S’more with heat-melted chocolate. You’ll find everything you need to create the perfect camping feast: graham crackers (x2), chocolate (x1), and marshmallows (a giant one for ultimate S’more-building and 2 of a smaller size). Whether you’re roasting marshmallows over the fire or enjoying a classic camping snack, it’s all the fun of the outdoors without the bugs or rain!

(2) Make Your Tea Over The Campfire Flame

No campfire is complete without the perfect flame! The set includes 3 red flames in different sizes, 3 timber logs, and a tripod for hanging your Billy Can (with removable lid). The Billy Can is a classic Aussie tool for boiling water or making tea, while the enamel mug (with a fun “BOIL THE BILLY” slogan) is the perfect heat-resistant companion for sipping your campfire brew. I love the authentic charm and touches of a real outdoor cooking experience! 

(3) Felt Marshmallows & Collapsible Tripod

The thoughtful design details make this set extra fun! The felt marshmallows have a perfect mix of firmness and squish, making them a joy to touch. I love the variety of marshmallow sizes and the two skewer sticks for endless mix-and-match play. The different flame sizes and logs add layers of excitement as you create your campfire, and the collapsible tripod is super handy — it pops up easily for play and folds down neatly for storage. Such a clever, thoughtful touch!

(4) Sturdy Wooden Material & Compliance With Toy Safety Standards

I love the wooden construction with an authentic design and neutral colours. The toy is made with non-toxic paints, meets Australian toy standards, and complies with both European and American safety regulations.

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://makemeiconic.com/collections/all-products/products/iconic-camp-fire

Check out my other reviews on Make Me Iconic toys: 

• Iconic Healthy Tummy Brekkie, By Make Me Iconic
• Australian Vehicles, By Make Me Iconic 
• Doll Nurturing Set, By Make Me Iconic
• Aussies Munchies, By Make Me Iconic 
• Natural Healer Kit, By Make Me Iconic

Enjoy the video!