Insect- Grasshopper, By Calebou - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          3D paper puzzle  

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️  

Recommended age:  3 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Young kids who are exploring the wonder of paper craft 

We always enjoy 3D paper puzzles - they are simple and always bring a delightful smile. This “Insect- Grasshopper” kit from Calebou is another nice one that we have recently tested. 

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 
(1) Easy 9-Piece 3D Puzzle - Compared to the “DIY Pirate Ship” and “Tyrannosaurs Machine Beast” sets that I have previously reviewed, this Grasshopper kit is easier, more straightforward, and chunkier. There isn’t a step-by-step guide that goes with it; instead, what we got is a single illustration of the grasshopper model with labels of number showing the puzzle parts. There are only 9 individual pieces, each separately numbered, printed on thick paper padded with foam core. First, we “pop out” the pieces; next we slot and connect them by referring to the model illustration. The process probably took us 3 minutes or less. Compared to the other two Celebou sets that I have previous reviewed, this grasshopper set is comparatively “sturdier” and not so easy bendable because of how chunky the pieces are. The result is one larger-than-real-life insect that is actually quite fun for the kids (a perfect “giant monster” to be included in their small world play). I love that no scissors or tools were needed for this craft, which makes it child-friendly and easy to manage. 

(2) Grasshopper Insect Theme - Whilst this grasshopper might not be as intricate and cool as the previous two Calebou sets that I wrote about, I love that it pays attention to the basic anatomical features. The 9 separate pieces include 6 parts for the legs (3 pairs of 3 different sizes). I love the details of the segmented legs, the front legs being the smallest, and the hind legs being the largest. The grasshopper has a pair of antennae on its capsule head, a green body, and wings. Like any paper products, they might not be the most long-lasting toys, but this is an engaging craft set nevertheless.  

(3) Light Weight & Flat-Pack - The grasshopper is light weight, and came in an unassuming flat pack. There isn’t much information online about the manufacturer, save that it is a business in China specialising in paper products (mainly 3D puzzles), and the products have passed international standards such as EN71 and ASTM. 

Where to buy this:

 

http://www.calebou.com/ (Website) 

Enjoy the video! 

DIY Pirate Ship, By Calebou - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          3D puzzle / model made of thick quality paper    

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:  3 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Art & Craft/ 3D models hobbyists  

 “So….. what’s next?” - that’s the sort of questions the kids love asking (even after a flurry of non-stop, exhausting activity) - 😳 Those are the time when I’m grateful to have little creative things like this “DIY Pirate Ship” 3D puzzle craft kit from Calebou in the house as a quick and relaxed “time-filler” activity (seriously, kids and their limitless energy 🤦🏻‍♀️). 

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 

(1) Super Easy-To-Build Model - This is probably one of the easiest 3D model we had ever built. In fact, it was so simple there isn’t even a step-by-step guide that goes with it. What’s included is a single illustration of the pirate ship model with labels of number showing the puzzle parts. There are a total of 21 individual pieces, each separately numbered, printed on quality thick paper padded with foam core. The whole process involved “popping out” the independent pieces, bending and shaping, fitting and slotting, to form a cool-looking pirate ship! I worked together with my six-year-old, and it took us around 10 minutes to complete the model. Everything was relatively straightforward. Granted, some of the parts (like the masts) were slightly twisted when we were trying to push them into the slots, and this is probably not the most “durable” model (which is quite inevitable given the soft material type), but overall, the parts were well-fitted. I love that no scissors or tools were needed for this craft, which makes it really child-friendly and easy to manage. 

(2) Beautiful Design - The end result is small in size but meticulous in details. From the bowsprit extension at the bow, Jolly Roger flag, masts and sails, quarterdeck at the stern, potholes and so on. It is a lovely decorative item that stands well, visually attractive, and looks amazingly cool! 

(3) Light Weight Paper Product - I also love that it is a paper product, light weight, and came in an unassuming flat pack. There isn’t much information online about the manufacturer, save that it is a business in China specialising in paper products (mainly 3D puzzles), and the products have passed international standards such as EN71 and ASTM. 

Overall, this is a cute little thing that makes me smile! 

Where to buy this: 

http://www.calebou.com/ (Website) 

Enjoy the video! 

Tyrannosaurus Machine Beast 3D Puzzle, By Calebou - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          3D puzzle made of thick paper and plastic connectors 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:  6 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Machine/ Dinosaur + Paper Craft lovers 

I have some mixed feelings about this “Tyrannosaurus Machine Beast” 3D puzzle from Calebou. On the one hand, the end result is super cool-looking. I love that it is an inventive paper craft with clever nuts and bolts that makes things extra exciting. But on the other hand, the process of constructing this beast is (unfortunately) downright frustrating! I’m glad that I persevered and got this built! I hereby present you, the marvellous - T-Rex Machine Beast! 

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 

(1) Clever Use of Connectors - We were excited and full of anticipation testing out this kit. Like other Calebou products, the set contains sheets of thick paper padded with foam core with removable pieces that are separately numbered. We popped out the independent pieces, and fitted them together to form an amazingly cool robot, by following the illustrated guide. What I particularly love about this kit is the very innovative plastic nuts and bolts and connectors that give the built models some articulated joints with flexible movements: the jaw, the limbs, the neck, the tail - they are all moveable or rotatable, and so much fun to play with! 

(2) DIY Craft Kit - We love DIY craft kit and puzzle, and the instructions are generally not too difficult to follow. But what I dislike about this set is the relatively flimsy material; some of the papers on the top layer peeled off at the edges from the foam boards. A few puzzle pieces bended and got slightly damaged when we tried to fit the corners into the connecting slots (and this is despite us being consciously careful and gentle with them). It was a great sigh of relief to see an impressive outcome after some frustrating (and a little painful) building process! 

(3) Cool Model - There isn’t much information online about the manufacturer, save that it is a business in China specialising in paper products (mainly 3D puzzles), and the products have passed international standards such as EN71 and ASTM. I must admit the paper 3D model is quite visually stunning, and I like that it stands well with bright attractive colours! 

Overall, I’m happy with the end result, but I wish the building process is a bit more enjoyable. 😊🤦🏻‍♀️

Where to buy this: 

http://www.calebou.com/ (Website) 

Enjoy the video!