Cow Pop, By Tranquil Learning Collective - REVIEW

Nature / Type:             Crotchet sensory toy 

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️  

Recommended age:     3 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Kids who love plush toys/ cute animals/ crotchet sensory toys 

I love toys that spark a bit of imaginative joy—those soft, cuddly companions that offer comfort and sweetness. This adorable Cow Pop, kindly provided by Tranquil Learning Collective , is a heartwarming amigurumi creation that truly captures the heart and brings a smile.

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) Adorable Cow Toy With Charming Details

Cow Pop is packed with charming details—from the rounded pink nose and adorable ears peeking out on either side, to the tiny white “horns” up top and shiny beady eyes full of personality. Its legs are accented with white patches, and when you turn it around, there’s even a delightfully bushy little tail. This fun, crocheted amigurumi creation invites imaginative play and delivers a special kind of joy that’s hard to put into words.

(2) Plush, Squishy, Huggable - Softest Crocheted Toy Ever

This is easily one of the softest crocheted toys I’ve ever touched—plush, squishy, and irresistibly huggable. Its gentle texture naturally encourages focus and calm, offering a soothing tactile experience that’s both relaxing and engaging. The unique crochet weave adds a layer of sensory delight, making it perfect for restless hands or anyone seeking a bit of comfort. That’s the magic of amigurumi—Cow Pop’s soft, snuggly design makes it an ideal companion for hugging and cuddling, especially during anxious moments. It’s not just a toy; it’s a comforting presence that supports imaginative play and emotional growth.

(3) Handmade Product - Each One Is Unique

What makes Cow Pop even more special is that it’s handmade—each one is unique, just like the child who treasures it. That one-of-a-kind quality helps build a deeper emotional bond. I also love that it’s thoughtfully designed with little hands in mind. Lightweight and perfectly sized, it’s easy for kids to grasp, hold, and carry wherever they go—whether it’s to the park, on a car ride, or snuggled up at bedtime. Having an easy-to-carry companion like this brings a comforting sense of familiarity and security to young children.

(4) Eco-Friendly Fidget Toy - Kind To The Planet!

Cow Pop isn’t just adorable—it’s also an eco-friendly, non-plastic fidget toy that’s as kind to the planet as it is to its owner. Made from soft, thick yarn, it’s completely safe for kids to enjoy. It’s a toy you can truly feel good about.

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

Contact: Tranquil Learning Collective

Enjoy the video: 

Dragomino, By Blue Orange- REVIEW

Nature / Type:            Board game 

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:    5 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Young kids who enjoy matching / dominoes-type games + cute dragons

Dragomino by Blue Orange is a cute, kid-friendly twist on the award-winning Kingdomino. It keeps all the fun of the original, with rules simplified just right for little gamers. We first tried it four years ago—and we love it even more now! Thank you VR Distribution for providing a copy. 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Match Landscapes + "Crack Open" A Dragon Egg

Dragomino is easy to learn—even preschoolers can pick it up in minutes! Each turn, you pick a tile to grow your island and try to match the landscapes. Match them right, and you get to crack open a dragon egg! Will it be an adorable baby dragon or just an empty shell? The player who finds the most baby dragons wins! And if you find a shell, you get the Mommy Dragon token, which lets you go first next round—and scores you a bonus point at the end! No tricky math here—just count your dragons (plus one if you’ve got Mommy Dragon) to see who wins!

(2) Sneaky Strategy & Maths Lessons - Hiding In The Fun

There’s sneaky strategy hiding in all the fun! Kids quickly start noticing patterns—like how some landscapes seem to hatch more baby dragons than others. Every terrain has exactly 7 baby dragons, but the number of egg tokens (which include both dragons and empty shells) changes based on how common that terrain is on the dominoes. So terrains like forests have more egg tokens overall, but your chances of finding a dragon is lower. Rarer terrains, like the red volcanoes, have fewer total eggs, so the odds of scoring a dragon are higher! It’s a perfect little lesson in probability, cleverly disguised as dragon hunting. Kids soon started making strategic decisions, and even tracking which dragons have already been found to help decide what to pick next.

(3) Delightful Artwork & Sturdy Quality Tiles

The artwork and quality are delightful! The tiles are made of sturdy, thick cardboard, and oh those baby dragons! - each have their own unique poses, expressions, and little personalities. It’s the kind of whimsical detail that sparks imagination and keeps everyone giggling.

(4) Great Packaging With Custom Slots For Each Components

The packaging is top-notch! Everything has its own perfect place—tiles, eggs, tokens—all neatly stored in custom slots designed for each piece. Even the different types of egg tokens have their own special compartments, which makes packing up just so satisfying! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.bigw.com.au/product/blue-orange-games-dragomino-kids-children-interactive-fun-play-tile-game-5y-/p/9900557297 (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

Sunny Side Up, By Danspil - REVIEW

Nature / Type:             Board game 

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:     3 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Young kids / parents looking for first educational game for their younger kids 

Some games sneak up on you—you don’t expect much at first, but the moment you start playing, you’re completely hooked! Sunny Side Up by Danspil may be made for ages 3 and up, but this game is surprisingly engaging, and we couldn’t stop laughing while playing! Huge thanks to Divisible by Zero for this delightful surprise!

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) An Adorable Game - Roll The Die, Match Egg Cup, Fry An Egg!

Sunny Side Up is a simple yet adorable game for 2 to 4 players, designed for small kids - but trust me, even grown-ups won’t want to stop playing! The goal? Be the first to “fry” all your eggs and clear your basket. Roll the die, place eggs in the matching egg cups (unless someone else got there first—uh-oh, back to your basket it goes!), and if you’re lucky enough to roll a 6, you get to fry an egg with a super satisfying thump! Sounds easy, right? It is! But somehow, this game is ridiculously addictive—I can’t figure out why, and honestly, I don’t care. It’s just that fun!

(2) Nice Touch of Strategy

Think this is just a mindless roll-and-go game? Think again! Sunny Side Up sneaks in a touch of strategy. If you successfully place an egg in an empty cup or fry one in the pan, you get to roll again (as an option) —but here’s the catch. The more eggs already sitting in the cups, the riskier it gets! One unlucky roll could send extra eggs straight back to your basket. But if the board is looking empty? Well, maybe it’s worth taking a gamble! A little risk, a little reward!

(3) Two Dice - Classic Pips & Actual Numbers

The set comes with two dice—one with classic pips and one with actual numbers (1 to 6)—making it a perfect way for little ones to practice counting, matching, and recognizing numerals. 

(4) Bright, Colourful, Brilliantly Thought-Out (Genius Fry-An-Egg Hole!)

I’m in love with the game’s design—bright, colorful, and brilliantly thought out! Each basket and cup has a little concave space to keep the eggs from rolling away (no messy chaos here!). The eggs themselves look just like the real thing, with one rounded end and one pointed end. And let’s talk about the best part—the genius fry-an-egg hole in the pan! Dropping an egg in and hearing that satisfying plonk never gets old. And those exasperated hens laying comically oversized eggs shown on the box cover —absolutely adorable!

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.cowtrees.au/games/844-sunny-side-up.html (Australia) 

Dragonfly Toys (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

MAPOMINOES - Asia & Australia, by WildCard Games - REVIEW

Nature / Type:            Board game / Card game 

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️     

Recommended age:    8 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Geography enthusiast / gamers with a love for travel 

MAPOMINOES is an innovative game that offers a unique way to explore the world from the comfort of home. Whether you’re a geography enthusiast or someone with a love for travel, this portable game will captivate your imagination. Check out MAPOMINOES - Asia & Australia by WildCard Games (kindly provided by Divisible by Zero) 

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) A "Dominoes" Game - Connect Country Cards & Transit Cards

The game includes 51 country cards and 14 transit cards. Players are dealt country cards (minus one starting card) and two transit cards, and must place countries adjacent to ones they border in real life. Each country is represented by a card, and the card lists the countries that border it. For example, Laos’ card lists its bordering countries, such as Cambodia and Thailand, which can be placed next to it. If you get stuck, transit cards can represent countries or bodies of water, like oceans. For instance, you can use a transit card to link Australia to the Indian Ocean. The game plays like dominoes, where you connect countries to build a continental map. No prior geography knowledge is needed—everything you need is on the cards!

(2) Strategy! Strategy! Strategy!

This is a game of strategy! Block opponents by holding onto “high-value” cards like China (country with the most countries at borders), or try to get rid of cards with few borders (eg Brunei or Qatar). Use transit cards wisely to connect your remaining cards, and aim for ‘double connections’ (play a card that connects two or more cards on table) to earn extra turns. With limited space on the table, planning around the edges gives a strategic advantage. Every game is unique due to the different border connections, ensuring replayability. Plus, there’s option of sand-timer to add an extra level of urgency!

(3) Learn Country's Name / Flag / Capital / Population & More!

Each card features the country’s name, flag, capital, area, population, a map, and its neighboring countries. The cards are visually clear and easy to read. Plus, the rules include a reference map, helping you see the bigger picture and learn as you play.

(4) Expandable With Other Continental Versions

Mapominoes can expand to include other continental versions, letting you connect the whole world. The consistent art style ensures compatibility between versions.

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.mindgamesgeelong.com.au/purchase-games-online/games/travel/display/8680-mapominoes-asia-and-australia (Australia) 

https://www.cowtrees.au/educational-toys/489-mapominoes-asia-australasia.html (Australia) 

Enjoy the video!