Buildup Robot Alex, By LaQ - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Innovative made-in-Japan construction toy 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:  7 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Avid LaQ builders or any robot enthusiasts 

 “Oh YES, another LaQ robot!” We recently reviewed and shared about the LaQ “Buildup Robot Lapis” (our amazing blue robotic friend!). Today, I’m going to share about another heart-throbbing and exciting set from the LaQ (Australia) robotic series - “Buildup Robot Alex”.

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 

(1) 4 Impressive Models - The best thing about LaQ building sets - you never truly know what you are getting until a model is completed. Similar to the Lapis set, the Alex set includes 310 pieces, 10 special Hamacron parts (wheels and shafts), and a step-by-step guide to build 4 cool models. There are - Alex (a stunningly red, medium-size robot with a formidable expression), a Mini Robot, a Dog, and a Race Car. As usual, LaQ is a genius when it comes to creating thrilling, flexible and moveable structures using clever connecting techniques and Hamacron parts. Alex, our coolest robot ever, have articulated and humanoid joints that can bend, spin, and strike up a variety of impressive poses for some spectacular photos shoots! The super cute Mini Robot has rotatable head and waist, and I absolutely love the extendable legs that can transform its height in a split second. I also love the simple but equally cool-looking Race Car, and the heart-meltingly adorable red puppy with black tail.

(2) Intermediate Level - In term of building difficulty, this is an “intermediate” set, probably a bit difficult for LaQ beginners, but not too overly complicated to make it impossible. Alex (the main character) is the most challenging models amongst the 4. But once you get through Alex, the other 3 models are relatively straightforward. 

(3) Compatible With Other LaQ Sets - Like all LaQ sets, the pieces and parts are interchangeable and compatible with other LaQ kits. LaQ is made up of 7 main types of block / connecting parts (square, triangle and 5 kinds of connectors) that can be clicked together securely with an audible snap. The more LaQ collections you have, the more you can build without the need to dismantle any model before starting a new one (like what we did here!). If you are thinking about investing in a creative, expandable, full-of-potential construction toy - LaQ is your fantastic choice! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://smartypantstoys.com.au/collections/sets-for-advanced-builders/products/laq-robot-alex

Check out also my review on LaQ - Buildup Robot Lapis ! 

Enjoy the video! 

Buildup Robot Lapis, By LaQ - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Build a robot - LaQ Set 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:  7 year-old ++   

Who would love this: LaQ fans and robot enthusiasts 

“Once you become a LaQ builder, there is no turning back. True story”. We started our LaQ journey in year 2021; it was a love at first sight, and our passion burns stronger each time we discover more about it. Today, I would love to talk about the “Buildup Robot Lapis” kit, kindly gifted by LaQ Australia for review, genuinely love by this family. 

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 

(1) 4 Super Cool Models - This set includes 310 pieces, 10 special Hamacron parts (wheels and shafts), and a step-by-step guide to build 4 cool models - Lapis (a medium size robot that can strike up impressive poses), a Mini Robot, a Falcon and a Jet Plane. We love how LaQ uses clever connecting techniques and Hamacron parts to create spectacular, flexible movements with articulated joints and various moveable parts. Lapis can bend its knees, spin its neck, rotate its waist, move its arms, and do all sorts of splits and Tai-Chi lookalike poses. The mini robot is cute as a button - I love that its legs can easily extend, and how it can flexibly turn its head and raise both its hands. The falcon is a simple model that can nod its beak and lift up its wings. The jet plane has rollable wheels and the colour combination is absolutely eye-catching. Lapis is definitely a must-have for all robot enthusiasts. 

(2) Easy to Intermediate Level - In term of building difficulty, I would classify this set as “easy to intermediate” level. The Lapis model is probably slightly challenging for beginners, but it’s not overly complex. The other 3 models are relatively straightforward, and should be quite simple once you get familiar with the 7 essential parts of LaQ. 

(3) Compatible With Other LaQ Sets - Like all LaQ sets, the pieces and parts contained in this kit are interchangeable and compatible with other LaQ sets. LaQ is mainly made up of 7 types of block / connecting parts (square, triangle and 5 kinds of connectors) that can be clicked together with an audible snap. The greatest thing about having expanded collection of LaQ pieces: you get to build all the models and placed them side-by-side with each other, without the need to dismantle any before starting a new one. I think LaQ is a fantastic investment! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://smartypantstoys.com.au/products/laq-robot-lapis?_pos=1&_sid=401ba9473&_ss=r (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

Botley 2.0 Coding Robot, By Learning Resources - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Coding robot for young kids!  

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:  5 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Parents/ young kids who are looking for a smart coding / STEM/ screen-free technology / robotic toy with BIG potential! 

Our local toy library has a first generation Botley, and it has always been the boy’s favourite item to bring home (if we are lucky enough - because Botley is super popular and is always “on loan”.). Thanks to Clover Street, we have now officially “adopted” a Botley 2.0 Coding Robot from Learning Resources ! We are OVER THE MOON, and I can’t wait to tell you more about this smart robot that has just joined our family! 

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 

(1) Learn Coding / Pre-Programming - Botley is a coding robot for kids as young as 5. The set comes with a 6-directional “remote programmer”. BUT, this is not your usual remote control - It doesn’t give us “instant satisfaction” or free movement command. To make Botley moves and performs tricks, we need to plan ahead and key in the instructions in advance. And that’s exactly what sets Botley apart from most RC monster trucks / robots in market. Kids can learn about sequencing, creating algorithms, and pre-programming. Botley is screen-free, meaning, no iPad or tablet or any downloadable app is needed. The kit includes other accessories such as removable “head gears”, detachable arms, coding cards, obstacle pieces etc. The new Botley can follow a sequence of up to 150 steps (130 steps for previous version), and perform a new skill of “45-degree turns”. It can push a ball around, navigate a maze, detect and avoid obstacles (with OD sensor).

(2) Night Vision & Light Up In The Dark - Botley 2.0 has night vision and light up eyes. We love to devise our visually-colourful light-show. There is also a “ghost” mode (with cute sound effect and “spooky” blue light in the dark) when we key in the secret code. 

(3) Pre-Set "Secret" Codes - The instruction guidance has pre-set codes that can transform Botley into a police car (with blaring siren), choo-choo train, shark attack (with bubbling water sound), stomping dinosaur and many more! Our favourite is the hilarious “yikes” mode - Botley would funnily roll away in “disgust” no matter what random item we placed in front of it. 

(4) Follow The Black Line - I love the “line mode”. Botley has sensor that can detect black line on white paper and it would scoot gracefully along the line (the kit includes 6 white boards with lines for this fun experiment!). 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

The Creative Toy Shop (Australia) 

OfficeMax (New Zealand)

Enjoy the video! 

Wooden Robot, by Kids & Co

Nature/ Type:           Wooden Flexible Robot  

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:  3 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Robot lover  

An aunt got us this super cute wooden robot by Kids & Co purchased from Kmart few years back. This is one lovely item that the kids and adults both enjoy randomly folding, bending, and transforming anytime anywhere. 

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 

(1) Right Size For Travel - it has the perfect size to fit into any handbag, a great “on the go” toy when you are out running errand or travelling with a young kid. 

(2) Wooden Material - this little robot is made of light-weight wood, with elastic-band at each limb and joint to create different adorable, crazy, yoga-lookalike, or impossible poses. We are loving that confused-expression on this robot. 

(3) Lovely Colours - I also love the colour scheme of this tiny toy: earthly wood, lemon yellow, sky blue and denim blue. It’s pleasing to the eyes, and looks cute displaying anywhere in the house. 

There are quite many different brands and designs of similar bendable robot in market. I think this is one of the few cuter-looking versions. 

Botley The Coding Robot, by Learning Resources

Nature/ Type:       Coding Robots  

Rating:                 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Recommended age: 5 year-old ++

Who would love this: Anyone who loves smart things! 

Meet Botley the Coding Robot from Learning Resources . At the time of this review, there is already a Botley 2.0 in the market with enhanced features, but today, we are going to talk about this original and first version of Botley. 

Why I love ❤️ this: 

(1) Coding in a Screen-Free Way. We don’t need an iPad or tablet, or any downloaded app. All we need is to key in the instructions using the remote programmer comes with the set. I like that the instructions booklet is easy to follow. Even my four-year-old can understand the steps and functions of each buttons quite easily. 

(2) Smart Robots: This is a smart robot with many obvious and hidden talents: it can follow the pre-programmed directions, detect and follow a black line, avoid an object when pre-programmed to do so, push things around using detachable arms, spin and turn around, and say “hi”. The robot is cute to look at, and keeps the kid entertained and occupied for a very long time. 

Where to buy this: 

The Creative Toy Store (Australia) 

Enjoy the video below to see the coding robot in action! 

Alpha-Bots, by Lakeshore Learning

Nature/ Type:         Alphabet Learning 

Rating:                 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Recommended age: 3 year-old ++

Who would love this: Robot / transformer lovers + Parents who want to introduce ABC to their kids with great fun way!

Now finally, it comes to a stage where learning to read and knowing alphabetical letters become an important step for your kids. Next question: how do we get to learn? After all, that’s only that much interest we can spark by repeating the centuries-old “A for Apple, B for Boy, and C for the cat that miaows”. Books are useful of course, but what if we can make it sooo fun that the kids are happy to sit still and gaze at the amazement of alphabetical letters like they are the coolest stuffs in the world ever? 

Well, this Alpha-Bots from Lakeshore Learning might be your answer! 

Why I love ❤️this: 

(1) Clever Transformation: Ordinary letters transformed into robots - just give them a few twists and turns, and ta-da, a cool-looking robot appears! Each is unique on its own, colourful and fun to hold. My kid is now excited about “turning the B into a robot, and the green one back into a J”. Learning while playing, perfect match. 

(2) Good Small Size: Each Alpha-bot is around 5 cm tall. Great size to bring around. 

Enjoy the video below and see how these ordinary-looking letters can change themselves into colourful cool robots with a few clever twists and turns!