Kawaii Creatures, By Kaddo - REVIEW

Nature / Type:             Jigsaw puzzle  

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:     8 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Anyone - kids or adults - who LOVES cute / super kawaii jigsaw puzzles 

How cute can a puzzle be? “Kawaii Creatures”, a 300-piece puzzle by Kaddo (an imprint of Quarto Group), might just have the answer. Every piece bursts with charm, showcasing whimsical characters and playful colours that invite smiles and spark joy.

Why I love ❤️ this puzzle: 

(1) 300 Cute & Uniquely-Shaped Puzzle Pieces

Kawaii Creatures is a Cute Cluster Puzzle made up of 300 uniquely shaped pieces. Each one is its own tiny character, carefully designed to resemble an adorable animal or a whimsical fantasy creature. You’ll find a Shiba Inu puppy, a strawberry plush toy, a blue bat with delightfully spread wings, a pink mermaid bunny, a big blue whale flashing an even bigger grin, and a lion dashing along with a bib-like mane. It’s a heart-melting mix of cute chaos! The kids were convinced each piece could be turned into a bestselling plush toy.

(2) 57 x 57 cm With Long Border Pieces 

The Kawaii Creatures puzzle measures 57 x 57 cm and comes with a fold-out poster that shows the complete image. One of my favourite features is the set of long border pieces. These act as a guide, helping us visualize the full size and layout of the puzzle area. They also keep the pieces neatly within the frame, making it easier to get started without feeling overwhelmed. It’s a small but clever detail that adds a layer of organization and makes the whole assembling process more enjoyable. 

(3) Play "I Spy" - Super Kawaii Characters!

Once the puzzle is complete, the fun doesn’t stop—it’s the perfect setup for a game of “I spy with my little eye.” We took turns spotting and describing different characters, giving clues and making guesses. “Can you find the purple elephant?” “How about the green-and-pink panda?” There’s a lime-bellied frog, a red bird that looks like it flew out of an Angry Birds game, a mysterious blue blob with a round little mouth, and an overload of cuteness in the form of a giraffe. The puzzle becomes a playground of imagination, packed with endless moments of observation, laughter, and shared discovery.

(4) Sturdy, Well-Designed Storage Box

The puzzle comes packaged in a sturdy, well-designed box and even includes a paper bag to keep all the pieces neatly together. It’s a thoughtful touch that makes storage easy and keeps everything in one place.

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this:  

https://www.dymocks.com.au/kawaii-creatures-by-angela-nguyen-9781836001669 (Australia) 

https://www.booktopia.com.au/kawaii-creatures-angela-nguyen/book/9781836001669.html (Australia) 

Check out more reviews of Kaddo's products here: 

• Who Flew The Coop
• Brilliant Bugs - Playing Card
• Little People, BIG DREAMS Double-Sided Puzzle
• The Sleeping Beauty Musical Puzzle (The Story Orchestra)
• 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! 

Decorative Heart Affirmation Puzzle, By Tranquil Learning Collective - REVIEW

Nature / Type:             Affirmation puzzle 

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:     5 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Parents looking for games/ toys that promote positive mindset

My 5-year-old, with her deep love for all things sweet and heartwarming, is completely enchanted by the Decorative Heart Affirmation Puzzle from Tranquil Learning Collective. It’s such a simple yet captivating puzzle, beautifully designed to soothe the soul and calm the mind. Each piece feels like a little moment of peace, making it the perfect addition to our cozy moments together.

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) Heart-Shaped Puzzle Featuring Powerful Affirmation

The set includes a heart-shaped outer border and six beautifully crafted heart-shaped puzzle pieces, each in its own soft shade of pink and featuring a powerful affirmation. Place the “My heart is” piece in the center, then surround it with the other qualities we hold dear—“respectful”, “kind”, empathetic”, “hopeful”, and “honest. These values are such precious lessons to share with the kids, reminding them of the importance of empathy, kindness, staying positive, and always being truthful. I love how each piece fits together so enchantingly, with the heart shapes shifting in perfect harmony. The subtle colour gradient—from the deeper pinks on the left to the softer hues on the right—provides a thoughtful visual clue that makes the experience both calming and rewarding.

(2) Acrylic Pieces - Laser-Cut With Precision

The pink acrylic pieces have a lovely translucent quality at the border, which enhances their luminous beauty. Each piece, perfectly laser-cut with precision, is a delight to handle. This set takes a simple puzzle and transforms it into a visually captivating, affirming experience.

(3) Follow The Instruction Sheet Or Simply Be Creative!

The instruction sheet provides a guide to complete the puzzle, but for my 5-year-old, the real fun lies in discovering different ways to arrange the five affirmative words within the heart frame. Whether it’s mixing up the colour gradients, flipping the words upside down, or letting their creativity run wild, there’s always a new way to explore. I’m amazed at how the kids turn what seems like a simple game into an endless creative adventure. Watching their imagination flourish is truly inspiring!

(4) Sturdy Cardboard Storage Box

The set arrives in a sturdy cardboard box. It also includes a single-page illustrated guide, offering helpful tips for making the most of the puzzle.

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

Contact Tranquil Learning Collective

Enjoy the video! 

Qwirkle, By MindWare - REVIEW

Nature / Type:             Board game 

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:     6 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Anyone that enjoys strategy / abstract games 

I’m not usually drawn to abstract games. But Qwirkle from MindWare, broke through my biases. With its clean, classic design and satisfyingly smooth mechanics, it feels like something that’s been around forever. But surprise—it only came out in 2006! I genuinely think Qwirkle deserves a permanent spot on everyone’s game shelf! Thank you VR Distribution (asmodee Australia) for a copy!

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) Abstract Game Bursting With Colours & Shapes!

Qwirkle is abstract, but it’s also bursting with colour and super accessible, even for younger players. There’s no board, just a linen bag filled with 108 chunky wooden tiles, each showing one of six shapes in six vibrant colors. Gameplay is simple to grasp: draw six tiles, take turns placing them Scrabble-style in rows or columns by matching either shape or colour (such as all blue tiles of 6 different shapes, or all square in 6 different colours in a row)—no duplicate of a same tile allowed in a row! Score points as you build, and land a satisfying ‘Qwirkle’ (a full set of six) for a bonus. Keep replenishing your hand until the tiles run out, and whoever scores highest wins. Easy to learn, endlessly replayable

(2) Clever Strategic Punch

The game packs a clever strategic punch. Like many great tile games, it’s all about making the most of your turn: picking the perfect spot, holding out for a Qwirkle, or knowing when to ditch your bad tiles for a fresh hand. Sometimes, the best move is a bold swap—tossing out a few (or all!) of your tiles to come back stronger. There’s just enough decision-making to keep things interesting without ever feeling overwhelming.

(3) Chunky Wooden Tiles With Vibrant Colours

One of Qwirkle’s quiet triumphs is just how good it feels to play. The chunky wooden tiles have a satisfying weight and smooth texture that makes them a joy to handle. Bold shapes, vibrant colors, and sturdy design give the game serious table presence—it looks as good as it plays!

(4) Big, Sturdy Drawstring Cloth Bag

Even the tile bag deserves a shout-out—it’s big, sturdy, and actually built to last. No flimsy fabric here; this drawstring cloth bag is tough enough to handle all 108 chunky wooden tiles and roomy enough for even the largest hands to fit in without a struggle. It’s a small detail, but one that makes a big difference.

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.bigw.com.au/product/qwirkle-board-game/p/807798 (Australia) 

Enjoy the video!