Sky Tower, By Funyards Australia - REVIEW

Nature / Type:             Wooden puzzle 

Rating:                        ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️    

Recommended age:    8 year-old ++ 

Who would love this:  Collectors of wooden puzzles & brainteasers 

There is some mystical charm about wooden puzzles - the lovingly crafted handmade quality, the beautiful natural timber material, and the wisdom behind each logical challenge presented. Today, let’s take a look at this captivating 3D puzzle - “Sky Tower” from Funyards Australia (thank you for providing). 

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) Packing Puzzle That Rises Upwards 

This is a packing puzzle that rises vertically upwards. It is said to be designed by W. L. Van der Poel, a Dutch computer scientist (be prepared to be amazed by the precision and ingenuity of the design!). It reminds me of a Japanese wooden pagoda with a touch of modernity, with classic multi-storey architectural charm completed with a curved roof at the top that accentuates the symmetrical balance of the completed structure. Once you remove the separable pieces bit by bit, you will discover 10 individual parts (plus a rooftop piece/ lid) of multiple unique geometric shapes, each piece composed of 1 to 6 number of cubes. The challenge is to re-arrange the puzzle pieces so that the 50 cubes would fit nicely in a columns of 5 in 10 levels, held securely within a wooden base with 4 vertical poles. It’s like a game of Tetris, but in 3D form. Sharp observation and immaculate pre-planning skills play a big part - but in case you are stuck, there is an illustrated solution provided to unlock the secrets. 

(2) Gorgeous Sky Tower Structure

This Sky Tower puzzle is stunningly tall (around 25.5 cm) and attention-grabbing. I am enchanted by the beautiful shades of the natural wooden pieces - a mix of dark timber, a few with hint of maroon touch, and some of a slightly lighter range. I love the gorgeous structure. This is more than just a challenging brainteaser - it also makes an exciting display piece at home. 

(3) Handcrafted by Local Artisans in Thailand

Like many other Funyards Australia wooden products - this brainteaser set is lovingly-handmade by local artisans in Thailand. It is built for long-lasting play, durable and solid, and precisely crafted. Go ahead and check out more about Funyards Australia - a family-owned business focuses on selling award-winning quality products, with a strong emphasis on STEM and wooden educational products.

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

Funyards Australia

Enjoy the video!

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! 

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! 

12 Puzzles In A Gift Box, By Funyards Australia - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:            Wooden puzzles 

Rating:                       ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:   10 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Collectors of timeless, wooden puzzles 

I am fascinated by the beauty of wooden brainteasers and Kumiki puzzles. They are timeless, ingenious, never go out-of-style! If you don’t know where to start your collection, have a look at the beautifully curated products at Funyards Australia - and don’t forget to check out its “12 Puzzles In A Gift Box” set! 

Why I love ❤️ this set: 

(1) 12 Wooden Puzzles In One Gift Box 

Well, what can I say? Imagine unlocking secrets of 12 mechanical puzzles, each unique and distinctive in its own right, all attractively wrapped-up in a handcrafted box completes with an enchanting white floral ribbon at the top. It’s hard not to get excited about these mesmerising puzzles; 7-piece 3x3 Soma cube in a container with lid (don’t forget to explore the 240 possible solutions available), the challenging Snake Puzzle (the included solution guide came to my rescue for this one!), Falling Star Burr Puzzle (my personal favourite), Round Saucers Puzzle (that looks a little like a mini wine barrel), Star Puzzle (really fun to build!), Lumber Jack, 2 different “Diamond Puzzles”, Squares Cube, Notched Stick, Soccer Puzzle, and the almost impossible “12 Puzzle”.

(2) Varying Difficulty Levels For All Ages 

I love that the puzzles are of varying difficulty levels. The 6-piece Star Puzzle is straightforward and I love how the pieces joined together in such believable clever way! The Soma Puzzle is pretty kids-friendly and the 7 polycubes can be stacked randomly to build various miniature structures. Don’t be deceived by the innocent-looking Lumber Jack and Diamond, and I have yet to figure out the steps to put this “12 Puzzle” (with an encased ball) back into its original structure. This is an awesome gift for anyone who enjoys stimulating brain activities and solving addictive logical challenges. There is an illustrated solutions included for all 12 puzzles. 

(3) Beautiful Craftmanship & Natural Wooden Material 

The craftsmanship of the puzzles is fantastic, and I especially love the natural wooden material of the products. The precision of the puzzle pieces is impressive, each smoothly-finished to high quality. (4) The gift box itself is an elegant work of art. It has two levels within, with individual compartment for each of the 12 puzzles. 

# 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 

Enjoy the video! 

51-Piece Pagoda Burr Puzzle, By Funyards Australia - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:            Wooden 3D puzzle 

Rating:                       ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:   8 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Collectors of wooden puzzles 

I received this 51-Piece Pagoda Burr Puzzle from Funyards Australia a while back, and I must confess: I was REALLY scared to test it out. There was a little voice kept bugging me - “there is absolutely NO WAY I would ever be able to re-build this model once it’s dismantled!”. Guess what? I did it, FINALLY. All I can say is: this puzzle is not for the faint-hearted; but once you have figured out the tricks and the steps, the experience is simply priceless! 

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) 51-Piece Puzzle With Sophisticated Interlocking System 

This puzzle is ridiculously hard, but strangely satisfying. Shape-wise, it looks like a Pagoda with its multifaceted, four-sided architectural structure; it also resembles a crystalline solid rock with symmetrical cut. It’s a burr puzzle of jumbo size, consisting of 51 individual segments that can be grouped into roughly 11 categories of shapes, sizes and lengths, once disassembled. There is an illustrative solution that came with this puzzle, and thanks to the power of YouTube, I also found a few videos online that provide some handy tips to assemble this painfully challenging puzzle. I am immensely impressed by the ingenuity of the design, the sophisticated interlocking system, the precisely-cut bars that mesh and connect so seamlessly together. Oh that JOY when I slid in and twisted the final piece that successfully “locked-up” the structure securely, turning the multiple pieces into a single solid object. The sense of achievement is indescribable! It’s a captivating mechanism that would intrigue all puzzle-lovers! 

(2) Aesthetically-Pleasing Decorative Item 

This geometrically perfect structure is mesmerising and aesthetically-pleasing. It’s a beautiful decorative item at home, and will sure captivate and keep any of your puzzle-loving guests entertained for an hour or longer! 

(3) Sturdy Quality & Handcrafted by Local Artisans In Thailand 

I love the slight rustic feel of the handmade product. I love the sturdy quality and the contrasting shades of the timber that really accentuates the beauty of natural wood. The puzzle is manufactured in Thailand, and elegantly handcrafted by local artisans.

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

Funyards Australia 

Enjoy the videos! 

How To Solve 51-Piece Pagoda Burr Puzzle Video: 

51-Piece Pagoda Burr Puzzle- Review Video: 

Ship - 3D Interlocking Wooden Puzzle - By Funyards Australia - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:            Interlocking Kumiki wooden puzzle 

Rating:                       ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:   6 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Collectors of wooden / Kumiki puzzles 

We are intrigued by the beauty and wisdom behind Kumiki puzzles - the ingenious way they come together using non-identical, seemingly unrelated parts and pieces; all interlocked cleverly to form a recognisable, decorative object. Today, I would love to share about this “Ship - 3D Interlocking Wooden Puzzle” from Funyards Australia . 

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 

(1) 16 Interlocking Puzzle - Easy/ Medium Version

The greatest thing about a Kumiki puzzle - it’s fun to assemble, but it’s also extremely fun to take them apart. We love testing and pushing, searching for any moveable piece(s) that can be pulled out from the model and get the ship model “dismantled”, bit by bit. The ship puzzle is made of 16 interlocking wooden pieces of various shapes and sizes. Compared to some of the similar puzzles that we have previously tested, we find this Ship version of be of a slightly-easier range in term of difficulty level. I think this is a perfect puzzle for a beginner who wants to have a first taste of solving a kumiki puzzle/ or kickstarts their timeless collection of wooden puzzles. Assembling the base of the ship is pretty straightforward; putting together the four “masts” in the middle requires a little “work” and careful arrangement. I love how all the pieces are held together securely, finally, once we insert the last two puzzle pieces that fill-up the remaining gaps. It’s fascinating to watch the pieces joining together flawlessly, in such a seamless and enchanting way! 

(2) Decorative Item & Imaginative Toy 

This puzzle is a decorative item, and also an engaging toy to be incorporated into the kids’ imaginative small world creation. It’s chunky, adorable, with details such as windows, “masts” of varying heights, a steady base and hull. 

(3) Handmade Wooden Product From Thailand

I love the rustic touch of a handmade product. I love the precisely-cut pieces that can interlink and fit perfectly, the fine and sturdy quality, and the contrasting wooden shades that accentuate the beauty of natural timber. The toy is manufactured in Thailand, and elegantly handcrafted by local artisans. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

Funyards Australia 

Enjoy the videos: 

How to build the "Ship - 3D Interlocking Wooden Puzzle": 

Video Review: 

Kanoodle Head to Head, By Educational Insights - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:           2-player brainteaser / logical puzzle

Rating:                      ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:   7 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Competitive gamers/ logical puzzle lovers 

Our family is super competitive. We also LOVE logical puzzles tremendously. So imagine our thrill when we discovered this crazily FUN “Kanoodle Head to Head” from Educational Insights , combining the two best game elements into ONE . Thank you Clover Street for providing a copy - This is THE ultimate 2-player challenge and a marvellous festive gift for anyone who enjoys the adrenaline rushes of a competitive game! 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) TWO Players - Head-To-Head Puzzle Battle!

This set comes with a cleverly-designed game board that is divided into two sections for a two-player, head-to-head puzzle battle. Each player gets 8 colourful puzzle pieces. The puzzle pieces are in the form of 4 plastic beads, connected in a string of multiple arrangements. To play this game, select a challenge card, insert it into the slot separating the two board sections. Now, set up the puzzle pieces according to the arrangement depicted on the card. Once both parties are ready, yell “Go”, and race frantically against your opponent to assemble the remaining pieces so that all the beads would fit nicely onto the indentations of the playing boards. It’s a nail-bitingly intense game, jam-packed with competitive mode and excitement! 

(2) Special Button To Launch Your Opponent's Puzzle Pieces Into The Air 

Now, let’s talk about BEST part of this game - Whoever completed the puzzle first get to press a special button placed at the upper right side of each playing board, which would cause your opponent’s board to pop-up in a sudden, launching all the game pieces in the air! Our kids love this feature immensely - they laugh so hard watching the opponent’s pieces being tossed all over the place. 

(3) 80 Challenges Included

The set comes with 40 double-sided challenge cards - a total of 80 challenges. This game guarantees hours of laughter and nerve-wracking fun. I LOVE that it has fantastic replay value. 

(4) Compact & Sturdy Design - Great Travel Game! 

I love the sturdy components, and the vibrantly colourful puzzle pieces. I especially love the compact design of this puzzle - everything can be perfectly fit and securely locked within the storage areas underneath the two playing platforms. I love how light weight and portable this game is. This is an ideal on-the-go travel game - we’re loving it! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.gamesmen.com.au/kanoodle-head-to-head (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

Smart Sudoku, By GiiKER - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:           Sudoku with a technology twist 

Rating:                      ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:   6 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Sudoku lovers/ anyone who loves logical puzzles & fun brainteasers 

GiiKER - you’ve done it again! ❤️ GiiKER is an expert when it comes to incorporating technology into classic games, reinventing them into something extraordinary. We are BIG fans of its Super Slide, Super Blocks, Smart Four - and we now have a new FAVOURITE added to the list: Smart Sudoku - specially for the number enthusiasts! 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) 3D-Version Sudoku in 6X6 or 4X4 Grid

The gameplay is similar to traditional Sudoku, save that it is designed in a grid of 6x6 and 4x4, instead of the standard 9x9 format. The set comes with 3D number pieces from number 1 to 6 (6 each), and a battery-operated game board. First, select a challenge. Set up the board according to the layout shown on the LED display screen. Now, solve the puzzle by filling out the rest of the cells using the remaining number tiles so that each row, column and section contains all the digits from 1 to 6 without repetition. Each time when we place a number in an empty cell and selected the correct corresponding number indicator, the main screen displays a checkmark (or a cross if we make an error). We love the celebratory animation of lights and audio tune when we successfully completed a challenge. I also love how the screen would tell us the time we took to solve the puzzle. I love how we can quickly convert the 6x6 sudoku into a 4x4 format by simply sliding the clear cover into the board. 

(2) Classic Game With Smart-Technology Twist 

Using smart technology, GiiKER brings many exciting features that were impossible to be done using traditional method. First, we can do “head to head battle” by pairing up with another Smart Sudoku device. There is also a “hint function” that would give clues about position and number solution. We can also activate mute setting, change level settings (L1 to L5 for 6x6 sudoku), and skip / select a challenge. My favourite part? This smart device contains a massive number of 2500 challenges! 

(3) Innovative Gadget With Colourful Components 

I love the chunky and colourful number tiles (younger kids can play with it using colours as guide). I love the travel easy board with clear lid locking everything securely within. This is an innovative gadget that would provide hours of screen-feee fun for all ages! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://giiker.com/en-au/products/smart-sudoku (Use Discount Code: 60SREVIEW for 15% off) 

Enjoy the video! 

Escape From The Aquarium, By Professor Puzzle - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:           Escape Room for kids 

Rating:                      ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:   8-12 year-old 

Who would love this: Kids that enjoy logical puzzles, mystery-solving, mathematics. 

I LOVE Escape Room! I love that sense of achievement of clues-hunting, piecing jigsaws together, and deciphering the unknowns. I’m so glad that Professor Puzzle created a kid-version of that. Thank you Jedko Games for providing this “Escape From The Aquarium”! 

Why I love ❤️ this game:

(1) 11 Exciting Puzzles To Solve

The set contains 11 puzzles hidden within 4 aquarium-theme envelopes (“The Coral Zone”, “The Abyss”, “The Ice Zone”, “The Ocean Tunnel”). Our mission: to solve the 11 puzzles, uncover sets of 3 unique numbers, scratch off the relevant portions from the “Answers Booklet”, identify the secret ingredients, and break a nasty spell using a mysterious potion. Like a real Escape Room, the clues can come in all shapes and forms, and are “jumbled up”and scattered around different places. Players need to connect the dots and make sense of the clues with some serious analysing. For example, in one puzzle, we were asked to identify and “shade off” all exact sea creatures that we can find in the aquarium (ie from all the bits and pieces in the 4 envelopes) to uncover the 3 numbers. My personal favourite was the puzzle where we need to decipher a secret message by first “translating” the symbols into English letters, re-assemble a message, and look for the number hints in a separate folder.

(2) Logic, Maths, Observational Challenges 

I love that the puzzles cover a range of logic, mathematics, and observational skills. For example, in one puzzle, players need to add up two numbers at a time to form a pyramid of numbers; in another puzzle, players need to follow a series of directions and navigate around a map to uncover the numeral clues. And in another puzzle, we were asked to total-up the sum of tickets and souvenir purchases. 

(3) A First Taste Of "Escape Room" Adventure 

I love the interesting features included in the set; the “Puzzle Wheel” helps to “break the code” and provides a final key number for each puzzle. There is an instruction booklet and a separate guide for grown-up. I also really love the scratch-able “hint & solutions booklet” and “Answer Booklet”. This set provides an engaging and awesome way for our budding puzzler to have a first taste of the thrilling adventure of Escape Room! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.gamesworldsa.com.au/products/escape-from-the-aquarium (Australia) 

https://toyworldbendigo.com.au/products/game-escape-from-the-aquarium (Australia) 

https://www.gamesmen.com.au/escape-from-the-aquarium-escape-room-game-for-kids-board-game (Australia) 

Enjoy the video!

Kanoodle Duplexity, By Educational Insights - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:           Logic puzzle 

Rating:                      ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️  

Recommended age:   8 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Older kids and adults who enjoy matching games & colourful components 

I like all the Kanoodle puzzles I’ve tested so far; I LOVE a few more than the others (eg Kanoodle Flip and Kanoodle Fusion), and some of them appeal to my kids more than the rest (eg. Kanoodle Jr and Kanoodle Gravity). Kanoodle Duplexity from Educational Insights is probably one of the the toughest amongst the range. We’re loving these unbelievably challenging puzzles (thank you Clover Street for another great recommendation. 

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) Matching Puzzle With Colourful & Refreshing Magnetic Take 

This is a matching puzzle with a familiar concept but with a refreshing magnetic take! Included within are 28 two-colour magnetic pieces, 100 double-sided challenge cards, and a carrying case that doubles as a game board. First, select a challenge card, place it on the magnetic game area. Now, use the two-tone magnetic pieces to recreate (and fill-up) the image shown on the card. It sounds deceptively simple, but trust me - this is tough! It requires loads of patience and resilience - reorienting, re-arranging, re-sorting, resetting - to complete each challenge! I love that this game is easy to set up and straightforward to play. 

(2) User-Friendly Magnetic Game Board & Puzzle Pieces 

I love that the game board and puzzle pieces are magnetic - so we can “lock” the position of the pieces when solving. 

(3) 200 Challenges - Hours Of Fun Guaranteed! 

I love that there are 200 challenges (hours of fun guaranteed!). There are 7 colours in it, each colour has its own “double tile” (eg green + green), and each also shares a tile with another colour (eg green + red, green + blue etc). I haven’t figured out the key of completing the challenges other than by trials and errors. Some puzzles are simpler, some are ridiculously hard, and some seem unsolvable. Personally, I wish there were solutions provided, but overall, I am enjoying the process of solving them.

(4) Sturdy & Smartly-Designed Carry Case/ Game Board 

I love the smartly-designed carry case design. It has a convenient handle, a special slot to store the challenge cards, magnetic surfaces to stick the tiles, and a lid that locks everything securely within. Whilst this might not be a game that I would put in my handbag everyday (given how weighty it is), this is nonetheless a great portable game for a car and plane journey. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.gamesmen.com.au/kanoodle-duplexity (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

Succulents, By Professor Puzzle - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:           Logic puzzle 

Rating:                      ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:   12 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Older kids and adults who enjoy quiet puzzle-solving moment 

There is something intriguing about “Succulents” from Professor Puzzle - it has the enchanting effect of slowing down time, calming the mind, and allowing us to appreciate the serenity of nature in our own quiet room. Thank you Jedko Games, this is a beautiful puzzle. 

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) A Game Of Patience & Mindfulness 

Succulents is different from many other logical puzzles I had tested in the past. Included within are 45 triangular pieces, 50 challenge cards, and instructions. Each of the puzzle pieces features 3 small parts of 3 separate succulent plants (in red, green, blue, or purple), positioned at 3 corners of a triangle. All the pieces are marked with a number at the reverse side, from 1 to 45. To start, select a challenge card, lay out the starting pieces shown on the puzzle card (using the number references as a guide). Now, rotate the orientation of the starting pieces until the corners of the touching triangles match with each other (eg a corner with red succulent to match with another corner with succulent plant of the same red colour). Now, work out the missing pieces using logic to assemble a stunning succulent scene. The solution is provided on the other side of each challenge card. It’s a game of patience, mindfulness, and really - it’s not as simple as it looks! 

(2) Aesthetically Pleasing Artwork

Succulents is probably one of the most aesthetically pleasing logical puzzles I have ever seen! When 6 triangular pieces match and touch their pointed corners at a tip, it will form a complete symmetrical flower with delightful beauty. The real charm comes from the thrill of suspense - we often do not know how exactly the final scene looks like until we fully complete a challenge. It’s a calming, therapeutic exercise that takes time; and the joy of seeing a gorgeous succulent pattern comes into shape is simply amazing! This is a beautiful game for a plant and nature lover who enjoys peacefulness in life and a moment to unwind. 

(3) Quality Wooden Material

I love that the puzzle pieces are made of quality wooden material for durability and thickness. The pieces are bright, vibrant and lovely in so many ways. It’s hard not to fall in love with this charming puzzle set. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this:

https://www.gamesmen.com.au/ttg-peace-by-peace-succulents (Australia) 

https://jedko.com.au/ (Wholesale, Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

Kanoodle Flip, By Educational Insights - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:           Unique brainteaser with flipping mechanism 

Rating:                      ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:   7 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Kids and adults that love brainteaser/ puzzle challenges 

Clover Street sent me Kanoodle Flip by Educational Insights , and we are in LOVE with the game. It’s compact, travel-easy, clever - the kids and I had hours of fun flipping and turning the blocks to solve the challenges! 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Unique Braintaser With Flipping Mechanism & Engaging Challenges 

I love the not-so-commonly seen “flipping” mechanism of this puzzle (I tested a remotely-similar “flipping” puzzle a few years back, but I definitely prefer this Kanoodle Flip version MORE!). The rules are straightforward: Pick a challenge card and matching puzzle piece; set them up by placing the card on the base and close the cover, so that the card is visible through the translucent game board from the top. Now flip the block around until it lands on the finish space marked with a trophy. Each of the challenge card also has a number in a star at the top right corner that represents the “fewest moves possible” to complete the specific challenge. In other words, not only that we have to flip the puzzle block end-over-end to the finish position, we also need to get it done in the fewest moves possible! But there’s more to this game - there are 2 “obstacles” (or “untouchable” spaces) in the challenges where we have to avoid when rolling the blocks around! 

(2) 100 Challenge Cards & 3 Puzzle Blocks - For Different Difficulty Levels 

The set includes 100 challenge cards in progressive difficulty. The 3 blocks come in different colours, shapes, sizes - to be used in different levels of challenges. I love that this engaging game is deceptively simple - the challenges can really turn your brain “topsy turvy” especially the last few hardest ones! The set doesn’t provide any solutions (in other words, no chance of cheating!), but we can usually figure out the solutions eventually. 

(3) Solid & Visually Appealing Components 

I love how solid the components are, and I really love the bright “neon” feel of the blocks that give the set a cool “futuristic”appearance. The game board is smartly-designed with raised hurdles on the two “untouchable” squares, and physical ridges along the grid which make it easy to flip and move the blocks around. 

(4) Compact & Travel-Easy Design 

I love the compact, pocket-sized, and travel-easy design. All the items can be stored securely within the case / game board. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.gamesmen.com.au/kanoodle-flip (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

Wooden Stacking Puzzle - Tower of Pisa, By Funyards Australia - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:           Wooden stacking puzzle 

Rating:                      ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:   5 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Collectors of wooden / handmade puzzles 

This is a beautiful thing that captures my heart instantly and gives me an inexplicable warm fuzzy feeling. This lovingly-made wooden stacking puzzle is also known as the “Tower of Pisa”, and is available at Funyards Australia if you would love to grab one before it runs out. 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Unique 3D Wooden Puzzle With 18 Puzzle Pieces 

This 3D packing puzzle features 18 rectangular wooden sticks, a base with a long pole standing vertically in the middle, and a specially-carved top piece that serves as a secure “lid” for the completed structure. The objective of the game is pretty straightforward: simply remove the separable pieces from the base, and reassemble them into a 9-storey tower. The 18 puzzle pieces can be categorised into 4 types: 1 x whole piece, 6 pieces with a single indentation, 7 pieces with double indentations, 4 pieces with three notches (2 on one side and 1 on the reverse side). The key is to observe the pattern of each piece, plan and arrange the sticks by stacking them up - two on each level, in a “criss-cross” manner so that each pieces would fit nicely on top of each other. A simple rule to follow: two “cutout” parts cannot be placed on top of each other, nor 2 “whole” parts without cutouts. This puzzle is fresh, innovative, but definitely “sticky”! 

(2) A Tower of Pisa In Natural Wooden Shades

I am truly enchanted by the beautiful shades of the wooden pieces - some have a natural darker grain, a few with lighter timber colours, and three of them were painted in stunning red to give the puzzle a unique touch. From a quick glance, the final structure resembles the multi-layered architectural appearance of the Tower of Pisa, save that it is not leaning (or rather, it should not be leaning if we have solved the puzzle correctly!). I love how gorgeous the tower is, and how the final structure looks slightly different each time when we reassemble them (depends on the position and orientation of the different coloured sticks). 

(3) Lovingly-Handmade By Artisans In Thailand 

Like the 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, precisely crafted, and makes an artistic display at home. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

Funyards Australia 

Enjoy the video!