Showing posts with label Smartypants Toys. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Smartypants Toys. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 16, 2023

LaQ Mystical Beast Wyvern, By LaQ - REVIEW


Nature/ Type:          LaQ building kit 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:  5 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Any LaQ fans/ or any kids who enjoy building toys 

If I have to vote for an all-time favourite, highly-recommended, must-try building toy, it’s gonna be LaQ . LaQ is innovative, made-in-Japan, and elegantly-designed - it’s a building toy with just 7 basic parts that can make gorgeous structures of all-types! Today, I’m going to share about LaQ Mystical Beast Wyvern set, kindly gifted by LaQ (Australia) for review. 

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 

(1) LaQ Kit With Instructions To Build 5 Mystical Creatures  

I have tested out quite a few LaQ sets, and my favourite has always been their “live creature” kits; from exciting dinosaurs, venomously dangerous animals, to legendary mystical beasts that captured the imagination of generations - LaQ is fantastic component to create amazing models! I love how spectacular the models look using LaQ unique cursive joints, modular flat pieces, clever connection techniques, and special Hamacron parts (wheels and shafts). The Mystical Beast Wyvern set includes 260 pieces, 4 special Hamacron parts, and an instruction booklet to build 5 impressive-looking and interchangeable magical creatures - Wyvern, Chinese Dragon, Hippogriff, little Wyvern and a Salamander Dragon. 

As usual, LaQ captures the distinguished features and essence of these beautiful creatures: two-legged Wyvern with its majestic wings and sharp black claws, Hippogriff with its half-eagle and half-horse appearance, and my personal favourite the powerful Chinese Dragon with its long wavy body in lucky red. They are impressive-looking, formidable in their own distinctive way! 

(2) LaQ Kit- Intermediate Difficulty Level, Suitable for 5 Year-Old ++ 

My 7 year-old (a LaQ lover who has avidly constructed many models in the past) loves that this set is not too difficult to build and the models are relatively fast to complete. In term of difficulty level, the models are probably in the range of easy to intermediate, with not too many challenging techniques. This set is just right for the recommended age of 5 year-old ++. 

(3) Compatible with Other LaQ Kits - Potential To Expand! 

As usual, all LaQ kits are compatible with each other. We can supplement the set using LaQ pieces from other LaQ kits (like what we’re doing here!). We love the expandable potential, and how we can always “spice up” the models using other attractive LaQ colours if we like!

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

LaQ (Australia) 

Check out my reviews on other LaQ medium-size sets: 

Enjoy the video! 

Tuesday, July 25, 2023

LaQ Animal World Venom, by LaQ - REVIEW


Nature/ Type:          LaQ building kit with 6 models    

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age: 5 year-old ++   

Who would love this: LaQ fans, especially those who love venomously dangerous animals. 

Confession time: I am afraid of anything wiggly, twisty, crawly, scary, spooky, and yes, you get the picture! LaQ Animal World Venom from LaQ (Australia) is something that I always wanted to review, but my faint little heart was screaming “No”. I’m so glad that I took that BIG leap of courage 🤣 to test out this kit, and the result is venomously, dangerously AWESOME! 

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 

(1) LaQ Building Kit With 6 Models of Deadly Animals 

You probably have heard me said this before: I think LaQ is one of the best construction toys when it comes to creating spectacular life-like creatures - its cursive joints, modular flat pieces, and clever connection techniques set itself apart from other building toys in market. The models are gorgeous and hard to take your eyes off. This Venom set has 330 LaQ pieces in 5 colours, and an instruction booklet to make 6 of the deadly creatures. As usual, LaQ cleverly captures the distinguished features and the venomous characters of these beautiful (and hair-raising) creature. The Red Tail (Death Stalker) Scorpion is the largest model in the set. It’s visually-stunning with its red and orange legs and pincers, and that segmented tail that curved towards its back showcases its formidable power as a fatal stinger. The Redback Spider is quietly menacing and I’m captivated by the dash of blood red spot on its upper abdomen. You can also build a King Cobra, Poison Dart Frog (with striking, “warning” colours), Rearing King Cobra, and a deadly Blue Ringed Octopus. 

(2) Building Toy With Intermediate Difficulty Level For 5 Year-Old ++ 

Venom set is a building kit with intermediate difficulty level. The models don’t take too long to build; The scorpion, cobra and spider are probably slightly more challenging for LaQ beginners, but the rest of the models should be easily manageable by young kids. There is no Hamacron part in this set (no wheels and shafts); there are some minor moveable parts on the models, but nothing too overly complicated. 

(3) Building Kit Compatible With Other LaQ Sets 

We LOVE that LaQ kits are compatible with each other. Most LaQ pieces can be replaced / substituted using pieces from other LaQ sets, so we can always “supplement” the pieces in the set or even spice up the colour combinations of the models! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://smartypantstoys.com.au/products/laq-animal-venom?_pos=1&_sid=511308f9e&_ss=r (Australia)

Check out my reviews on other LaQ medium-size sets: 

Enjoy the video! 

Tuesday, June 20, 2023

Dinosaur World Tyrannosaurus, By LaQ - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          LaQ set with cool dinosaurs theme! 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:  7 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Kids and adults that enjoy building/ construction toys/ LaQ fans / dinosaur enthusiasts 

We were bitten by the “Dinosaur Bug” many years ago, and have never stopped loving  these prehistoric creatures. LaQ has an exciting range of Dinosaur World collection, and we are so grateful to have added this “Dinosaur World Tyrannosaurus” to our collection (thank you LaQ Australia for providing it). 

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 

(1) Spectacular LaQ"Live Creature" Models Of 6 Dinosaurs

Amongst the many construction toys that I have tested, I think LaQ has one of the best designs to make spectacular-looking “live creatures” models; It uses unique cursive joints, modular flat pieces, clever connection techniques, and special Hamacron parts (wheels and shafts) for its designed models. I’m always amazed at the outcomes - the “liveliness” and the inimitable LaQ style. This set includes 300 pieces, 4 special Hamacron parts, and an instruction booklet to build 6 impressive-looking dinosaurs. The models cleverly capture the distinguished features of these beautiful (and fearsome) creatures:

Tyrannosaurs is the largest character - with oversized and muscular jaw, disproportionately tiny arms, massive tail, and I am captivated by its menacing expression and powerful posture! Archaeopteryx has magnificent tail, Deinonychus has huge jaws, Carnotaurus has two horns above the eyes, Plesiosaurus has flipper-like limbs and long neck, and my favourite Ankylosaurus has its distinctive armoured and pointy body. 

(2) LaQ Set Of Intermediate Difficulty Level

In term of difficulty level, the models are probably in the range of easy to intermediate. Some techniques are required to create the variety of articulated movements (eg tyrannosaurus has flexible neck and tail, and Archaeopteryx’s body and tail are moveable). I think the set is just right for 7-year-old - it’s a little challenging, but not too overly complex to make it unmanageable. 

(3) Compatible With Other LaQ Sets

As usual, all LaQ kits are compatible with each other. Most LaQ pieces can be replaced / substituted using pieces from other LaQ sets. In other words, instead of dismantling a Dino model before we can start a second one, you can simply “supplement” the set using pieces from other LaQ kits in your collection (or even spice up the colour combinations of the models!). 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://smartypantstoys.com.au/collections/dinosaur-world/products/laq-dinosaur-tyrannosaurus

Check out my reviews on other LaQ medium-size sets: 

Enjoy the video! 

Sunday, June 4, 2023

LaQ Crystal 400, By LaQ - REVIEW


Nature/ Type:          LaQ construction set in clear pieces 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️  

Recommended age:  5 year-old ++   

Who would love this: LaQ builders - this is an awesome enhancement set! 

The kids love things that glitter, the dreaminess of translucent objects, the mystery and fascination of that little glint under the light. We were super excited to receive this LaQ Crystal 400 from LaQ (Australia) - I can’t wait to tell you more about this unique set! 

Why I love ❤️ this set: 

(1) 400 LaQ Pieces In Crystal Clear Colours - They are mesmerising, beautifully translucent building parts that can make crystal-like models. Included in the set are 400 LaQ pieces in 4 crystal colours (Clear Yellow, Clear Red, Clear Blue, Clear). We already owned quite a few LaQ “glittery” pieces (accumulated from other LaQ sets throughout the years), but we had never seen a FULL set of crystal pieces in all 7 LaQ parts! This is a rare addition and a must-have for all avid LaQ builders. 

(2) 15 Opaque Models Of Different Difficulty Levels - We love the instruction booklet with step-by-step guide to build 15 opaque models that sparkle! The models range from the easy, beginner-level kinds (such as Snowflakes in 2D-style, Glass Slipper and Frog); the slightly more challenging ones (Swan, Jewellery Box and Spider); and the relatively complex models (such as Pegasus, Teddy Bear, and Castle). My personal favourite is the exquisite Rose Bracelet; The boy loves the regal-looking Crown and exciting Crystal Geoball. The translucent parts elevate the completed models into something incredibly vibrant that we would never had dreamt of! 

(3) Great Enhancement Set - The set has no special Hamacron parts, no advanced-level LaQ techniques, no moveable or rotatable parts. The models are quick to be built and can be done by young LaQ builders. However, we do need to point out that the LaQ clear parts “feel” different from the regular LaQ pieces - the material components that provide the “visual clarity” seem to have made the pieces less bendable and hence, need a little more effort to click-snap them. My personal view is this set is probably not the best kit for a new beginner, but more of an “enhancement set” for existing LaQ builders. I am absolutely loving the stunning effect created by these clear pieces. I love that they are compatible with other LaQ sets for unlimited potential to create visually-stunning models with hint of spark! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

LaQ (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

Monday, May 22, 2023

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! 

Sunday, April 30, 2023

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! 

Thursday, April 27, 2023

Hamacron Constructor - Fire Station, By LaQ - REVIEW


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

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:  7 year-old ++   

Who would love this: LaQ fans / or anyone who loves building & construction toys in general 

If you have been following our play journey for a while, you would probably have seen me shared about our LOVE for LaQ - an innovative, made-in-Japan construction toy that can build the coolest things imaginable!  Today, I would love to talk about “Hamacron Constructor - Fire Station” set, kindly provided by LaQ (Australia) . Our verdict? LOVE IT x 1000! 

Why I love ❤️ this set: 

(1) 15 Super Cool LaQ Models - With LaQ, you never know what exactly you are getting until a model is completed! Included in this set are 1040 pieces and 57 special Hamacron parts, and an instruction manual with step-by-step illustrative guide to make 15 models - including Fire Boat, All Terrain Rescue Vehicle, Fire Engine, Crawler Crane, and many more! Oh, what joy it was to see those 2D images came into life. They are not just “ordinary” vehicle models - most of them have flexible, moveable, articulated joints: the “Fire Station” has cool spin-able gadgets fixed on the rooftop, the “Firefigter Airplane” has secret compartment that releases “water droplets”, the “Firefighter Trailer Truck” has smart foldable doors that can be transformed into ramps, and the “Rescue Transport Helicopter” has two gigantic sets of rotatable rotor blades. If these advanced-technique models sound too intimidating to you, fear not! The booklet also contains easy 2D and basic mini 3D models to kick start your creative LaQ journey. 

(2) Special New Pieces & Parts - We were thrilled to discover the never-seen-before, new 4-way connectors that provide a new possibility to the construction! We also love the special “glittery” pieces that give the models a touch of “glam”, and the Hamacron parts that make various exciting movements and configurations possible. This set also comes with a sturdy storage case - which is really handy and awesome! 

(3) Compatible With Other LaQ Sets - The GREATEST thing is - all LaQ kits are compatible with each other. LaQ mainly consists of 7 basic parts (square, triangle, 5 types of connectors) with audible click and snap feature. It’s absolutely OKAY to combine, mix up the pieces, and substitute / “spice up” the models with different LaQ colours (should I try to build a green fire truck one day 😉 ?) 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

LaQ (Australia) 


Check out my other LaQ reviews: 

Enjoy the video! 

Tuesday, February 21, 2023

Mystical Beast Griffin, By LaQ - REVIEW


Nature/ Type:          LaQ building kit 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:  5 year-old ++   

Who would love this: LaQ fans/ or any parents & kids who want to explore new innovative building toy with unlimited potential! 

The “Mystical Beast Griffin” from LaQ (Australia) has been in my “must-buy” list for a long time. So last year, in a “measured impulse” moment, I decided to pamper myself with a Christmas gift and ordered this fantastic set, finally! 

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 

(1) Amazingly-Designed Mystical Beast Models - LaQ makes the most spectacular “live creatures” models due to its unique cursive joints, connection techniques, and innovative design that gives the structures a sense of personality and “liveliness”. This set includes an instruction booklet containing 5 mystical beast models (Dragon, Cockatrice, Griffin, Anzu and Fenrir), and 380 LaQ pieces. We thoroughly enjoyed building and admiring the re-creation of these impressive-looking legendary creatures. Each of the model captures the essence and distinguished features of the majestic beasts; we were immediately drawn to the formidable Griffin and its distinctive eagle-lion combined characteristics; Anzu - its prominent crest and wide-spread wings; Fenrir and its wolf-like features and articulated neck; dragon with its magnificent wings; and the mysterious cockatrice with its dramatic serpent’s body and rooster’s head. 

(2) Rare LaQ Lavender Pieces - I am in love with the rare lavender pieces! I’m so thrilled to add this new colour into our collection to expand the limitless possibilities of LaQ! 

(3) Compatible With Other LaQ Kits - The GREATEST thing is, all LaQ kits are compatible with each other. I love the simplicity of the 7 basic parts (square, triangle, 5 types of connectors), the audible click and snap feature, and the special Hamacron parts! The boy didn’t want to disassembled any of these cool creatures (which were all originally designed to be in bright purple), so we decided to “spice” up the creations by “supplementing” the kit using other LaQ coloured pieces- red, orange, green, blue, pink and more! 

(4) Intermediate Difficulty Level - In term of difficulty level, the construction of these models is manageable, probably a little more challenging than most other 5-year-old LaQ range, but comparatively easier than some of the advanced and complex LaQ kits. The instruction also comes with a few 2D models for quick and easy build. 

Overall, we are really pleased with this set! 

Where to buy this: 

https://smartypantstoys.com.au/collections/creatures-dragons/products/laq-mystical-griffin (Australia) 


Check out my other LaQ reviews: 


Enjoy the video! 

Wednesday, July 27, 2022

LaQ Basic 2800, by LaQ - REVIEW



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

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:  5 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: LaQ fans who want to expand their collection / OR anyone who needs more LaQ in their life (who doesn't?) 

“Mummy, if there is a “LaQ Masters” competition (you know, something like the Lego Masters we watched on TV), can you be my teammate?” ❤️❤️❤️ That’s one of the sweet little things the boy said to me recently! If you have been following our play journey for a while, you knew we LOVE LaQ , and it has always been one of the TOPS in our list of favourite toys! Today, I’m going to talk about LaQ Basic 2800 set that we have recently received for review. 

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 

(1) 2800 Pieces! - For those who have never heard of LaQ, it is an innovative made-in-Japan construction toy with 2 major base parts (square and triangle) which can be attached using 5 types of connectors to give the structure different forms and shapes. Combined with its special Hamacron parts, we get the most impressive, articulated, flexible, moveable and cursive models that most other construction toys can never achieve. If you already tested out the magic of LaQ and want to invest in something BIG and complete, this Basic 2800 is a fantastic choice! You get 2800 pieces in 12 colours and 60 special Hamacron parts with 3 sizes of wheels and shafts. This set is MASSIVE! 

(2) Instructions for 30 Models- The set comes with step-by-step instructions to make 30 models. So far, we have built a super cool gigantic sky buggy, a sports car with liftable canopy door, an adorable treehouse in sweet pastel colours completes with moveable swing and elevator, pirate ship with a slightly 3D skull on the sail, a spin-able Ferris wheel, and a huge robot with clever mechanical pincer, rolling wheels and rotating body! We are obsessed with LaQ building and the addictive “click and snap” sound! Stay tuned for more posts/ reels of our creations! 

(3) Medium-Sized Wheels + Plastic Container + Tool- This set ticks off a few of our LaQ wish list: Firstly, we love our new medium-sized wheels. There is also a sturdy plastic container, and an awesome “Parts Remover” tool to help with disconnecting tricky cubes and other firmly connected pieces. Most importantly, we now have more LaQ parts to build BIGGER and CRAZIER structures without the constant dilemmas of having to destruct our built models! 

Love Love Love this set! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://smartypantstoys.com.au/collections/basic/products/laq-basic-2800 (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

Whet else can you build using LaQ Basic 2800? Watch the video to find out. 

Wednesday, March 30, 2022

Dinosaur World Triceratops & Pteranodon, by LaQ

 


Nature/ Type:          Made-in-Japan construction toy with 7 repeated parts  

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:  7 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Construction toy lovers (if you like Lego, then YES, this is for you!)  

The boy beamed in pride looking at his LaQ triceratops and requested for a picture with it so that we can “keep a photo in our scrapbook” 😊. This “Dinosaur World Triceratops & Pteranodon” by LaQ (Australia) is another exciting set that we REALLY enjoy building. Each model brings smile and real satisfaction. Thank you LaQ (Australia) for gifting us another amazing set so that we can share our experience here. 

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 

(1) 7 dinosaur models - The set comes with 300 pieces in 5 colours (brown, yellow, orange, white, pink), 4 Hamacron pieces (wheels and axles), an instruction booklet for 7 dinosaur models. We were excited to add this kit into our LaQ collection because of the large number of rare brown pieces in it. We love how impressive each model looks: The triceratops can nod its head, swing its tail, and is armoured with three formidable horns; Pteranodon has flexible jaw and proud-looking wings, dilophosaurus has unique frills around its neck, Pachycephalosaurus has dome-like skull, the under-water Elasmosaurus has distinctive long neck, Parasaurolophus has prominent crest at the top of head, and protoceratops has flattened crest at the rear of skull. We love that each model captures the distinguished features of the species. We have so much educational moment studying the remarkable appearance of the dinosaurs. 

(2) Intermediary difficulty level- In term of difficulty level, this set is slightly more challenging than most of the 5-year-old LaQ range, but comparatively easier than “Dinosaur World Dino Kingdom” that I have previously reviewed. The models are also smaller so they don’t take as much time to build. If you are looking for an “intermediary-level” LaQ set for your dinosaur enthusiasts that is not too overly complex or advanced, than this is the set for you. The instruction also comes with 2 pages of 2D dinosaur models for some quick and easy build. 

(3) Compatible with other LaQ kits- The pieces are compatible with other LaQ kits and can be mixed together for more elegant, spherical, geometrical creative building in future. I love the simplicity of the 7 parts- square, triangle, 5 connectors, and the really awesome audible click and snap feature. 

# gifted in exchange for review 


Where to buy this: 

https://smartypantstoys.com.au/ (Australia) 

Enjoy the video!! 

Sunday, December 5, 2021

Sweet Collection - Sweets Party Set, by LaQ



Nature/ Type:          Made-in-Japan innovative construction toy

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:  5 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: If you love Lego, you probably will love LaQ equally (or more!) 

Our two-year-old has just learnt how to click and connect LaQ pieces, and oh you should have seen that delightful smile and the super-satisfying exclamation of “I did it!”. The five-year-old, on the other hand, is a self-proclaimed world’s biggest fan of LaQ. We received this Sweet Collection - Sweets Party Set from LaQ (Australia) recently. Imagine those joyful moments of “birthday” celebrations and random tea parties, bursting with delectable cakes, tarts, and candies! Yes, we are in LOVE, again!!!! 

Why I love ❤️ this set: 

(1) Sweet Treats Collection- This set is sweet, unique, and full of party mood! The kit comes with a massive 825 LaQ pieces to make 15 collection of delicious models; a lovely two-tiered cake completes with whipped cream and candles, a parfait in a beautiful blue tall glassware layered with ice cream, cherry, wafers, canned fruits and probably honeycomb. Next up, soft serve in cone, strawberry sponge cake, raspberry mousse, popcorn and juice, fruit tart, pudding, crepes, and Millefeuille. It was great fun seeing all the exciting sweets-of-all-sorts appearing after hours of clicking and snapping. The booklet of instruction is clear and accurately labelled, with a few actual-size 2D diagram and plenty of marvellous 3D treats. The set is suited for a 5 year-old and the models are not too complex. 

(2) Pastel Colours- I absolutely love the unique pastel colour scheme. The pink, sky blue, lime green, and white pieces sprinkle some soft and sweet touches on all the inviting treats; they are mouth-watering and heart-melting at the same time. But what made us real excited was the few translucent red and yellow pieces. They made perfect flicker for the candle “flame” and gave such a lovely touch to the “candy wrappers”. 

(3) Compatible with other LaQ sets- As per usual LaQ set, the pieces consist of 7 parts: 2 base (square and triangle) and 5 joints (straight with 2 different widths, 90 degree turn, three-sided, and cursive connector). They are compatible with all other LaQ sets and is an awesome addition to our LaQ collection. 

(4) Great Quality - Quality wise, it is top notch, made-in-Japan, and comes with a handy pink travel storage case. 

# gifted in exchange for review 


Where to buy this: 

(Australia) https://smartypantstoys.com.au/

(Singapore) Amazon Singapore 

Enjoy the video! 

Sunday, November 7, 2021

Basic 101, by LaQ




Nature/ Type:          Really clever, made-in-Japan construction kits

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:  5 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: 2D models building/ construction lovers for LaQ beginners 

Our boy is officially a HUGE LaQ fan! He loves all his cool and spectacular 3D models, but he also enjoys building quick and easy 2D models for his little sister. If you intend to explore and test out LaQ for the first time, this Basic 101 might be an excellent start! The recommended age for this set is 5-year-old, but I think a 3-year-old would be able to accomplish most of the flat 2D models without much difficulties. 

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 

(1) Actual Life Size 2D Diagram- This set includes 185 pieces and two double-sided instruction sheets. What I love most is that the instruction sheets show images in actual life size 2D diagram, so the kids can easily identify and match the LaQ pieces. This set comes with two shapes (square and triangle) and two connectors of different widths. It provides beginners an introductory understanding and chance to familiarise themselves with the basic construction process (shape + connector + shape…) before moving on to the more complicated building structures. My five-year-old started his LaQ journey with this set. He is intrigued by the snapping sound when the pieces clicked and connected securely together in a snap. 

(2) Interesting Models - We love the wide variety of models that can be built using the pieces in this basic beginner set: the boy’s absolute favourite dinosaurs, vehicles (fire truck, ambulance, rocket, and even a UFO!), a robot, animals (crab, giraffe, elephant, turtle, penguin etc), bouquet of flowers, butterfly, and many more. There is a total of 46 2D images to keep the kids busy and creative. 

(3) Multiple Colours- The pieces come in 10 exciting colours. My personal favourites are the special “pastel” shades, i.e sky blue, baby pink, and lime green. These are fantastic addition to the other LaQ construction sets if you would like some bright unique pieces of different colours! 

Thank you LaQ (Australia) for providing this really remarkable toy for my review. This is a real quality, made-in-Japan product that I highly recommend! 


# gifted in exchange for review 


Where to buy this: 

(Australia) https://smartypantstoys.com.au/

(Singapore) Amazon Singapore 


Enjoy the video! 

Basic 511, By LaQ




Nature/ Type:          Really clever, made-in-Japan construction kits

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:  5 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Models building/ construction lovers (If you love Lego, you probably would  love this too!)


The universe of toys is full of wonderful surprises and incredible ingenuity! It’s these clever and creative toys that keep me passionately testing, playing, writing, reviewing and rating! LaQ (Australia) sent me this made-in-Japan Basic 511 recently in exchange for an honest review, and oh that joy that this inspiring toy imparts! My five-year-old sat still for HOURS during the weekend building one model after another, we had to “forcefully” drag him out for a playground break! 

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 

(1) 7 LaQ Pieces- Whilst Lego requires advanced techniques and sometimes specialised elements to achieve building outcome with cursive surface or rotational / different degrees turn, LaQ makes them possible like a “piece of cake” by just repeatedly using 7 different parts: Square and triangle pieces, five types of “connectors” (three-sided clips, 90 degree turn, cursive, and “ordinary” joints of two different widths). The set has a massive 650 pieces in 6 primary colours (Including 30 unique parts consisting of mini and large wheels / shafts). The instruction booklet has 12 intriguing models. Once we became familiarised with the parts (which didn’t take long since there are just 7 types), we get the Dinosaur, Dump Truck, robots and other self-created models completed breezily and almost stress-free (even my five-year-old thinks some of the structures were surprisingly “too easy”). We are impressed and loving the super cool models that can be done by this product of true genius! 

(2) Storage Case- The set includes a blue plastic storage case divided into three compartment for the major shapes, connectors, and special elements. I find it handy and organised. 

(3) Great Instructions - the instructions are thorough, well-illustrated, and labelled-accurately with number references for each part. The pieces can be easily snapped (with sound!), clicked, and pulled apart. Even the boy can independently build substantial parts of the models just by following the pictorial instructions. 

Thank you LaQ Australia for introducing us such a game-changer toy! 


# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

(Australia) https://smartypantstoys.com.au/

(Singapore) Amazon Singapore 


Enjoy the video!