ClipCircuit Electro Lab, by Heebie Jeebies

Nature/ Type:          STEM toy that teaches us about electronic circuit! 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:  7 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Science lovers! 

I always wanted to be that COOL mum that kicks a soccer ball, swings on monkey bar, and builds an electronic circuit with the kids. 🤣 I am so grateful to Heebie Jeebies / Professor Plums for making one of the little dreams of mine comes true; thank you for sending me this ClipCircuit Electro Lab for review! This set is mind-blowing! 

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 

(1) 80 Experiments- The set comes with 28 electronic components including a transparent circuit board, battery packs, speaker, alarm IC, switches (dry reed switch activated by magnet, press switch, slide switch), red LED light, 2.5V lamp with mini bulb, motor, light-weigh fan, and connectors of different lengths. The 23-page instructions booklet contains 80 marvellous electronic experiments showcasing the wonder of electrical power, in a safe and kids-friendly way. I love the simple steps and easily-comprehensive explanations. We discovered differences between series and parallel circuit, explored how current flow can light a bulb and rotate a fan. Our ultimate favourite is the “Flying Fan” experiment; it’s exhilarating to watch how electrical power triggers spinning motion that lifts a fan off its motor. We love substituting and testing out the different switches, and changing configurations of the alarm IC to generate sounds of police car, machine gun, ambulance siren. I love the unique educational experience! 

(2) Snap-On Connectors- I love the quick snap-on connectors with press studs. No tools or soldering (meting of solder) are required for the electronics experiments. The components can be easily clipped-on using the circuit board as base. 

(3) Individually-Marked- Each components are colour-coded and individually marked with numbers (e.g. the green slide-switch is marked with “15”, and the yellow motor is labeled with “24”). The diagrams are clearly illustrated, with interesting explanations of outcomes and observations on how current travels. 

(4) Storage Box- The storage box has plastic insert that can fit all the components perfectly within. It’s organised and neat, exactly how I love it. 

Thanks Heebie Jeebies / Professor Plums , this is super cool! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.heebiejeebies.com.au/

https://professorplums.com.au/collections/circuits/products/clip-circuit-electrolab-80-electronic-experiments-kit

Enjoy the video! 

Wooden Egg Pressions Set, By QToys

Nature/ Type:          Cute wooden toy that teaches us about emotions/ expressions

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:  2 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Parents who love a great conversation with kids about emotions  

Kids are innocently simple, yet they can also get so emotionally complicated at times. The roller-coaster of feelings, overwhelming and out-of-control at one moment, calm and joyful the next. I am a big fan of facial expression toys. I love the meaningful conversations generated using these clever educational resources. QToys’s Wooden Egg Pressions Set captures all the BEST criteria that I’m looking for in an “expression” toy. This is my personal latest favourite addition!

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 

(1) Range of Emotions - Most of the “expression” toys focus on the obvious and easily discernible “positive” and “negative” emotions; the contrast between “happy” and “sad”, “angry” and “calm”. Egg Pressions bring us a range of emotions of different degrees and intensity; some of the feelings are “blended”, hard-to-read, subject to interpretation. I think that’s the exact reason why this set appeals to me immensely! There are 40 pieces of “half-face” which can be mixed and matched to create 20 faces featuring different expressions. We have the most extraordinary discussions playing with it; a raised eyebrow could be a sign of surprise, distrust, or “deep-in-thought”, a half-tilted lip gives an impression of satisfaction, but it might also suggest something “secretive” going on in a person’s mind. We had a mini competition creating the “cheekiest” and “scariest” face, and we named the created “characters” (“Mr grumpy”, “Sir Sleepy”). I love the fun dialogues of “what” and “why”. We soon realised that facial expressions are never as “straightforward” as what we always see in picture books. This is an amazing toy to develop emotional intelligence and to understand how everyone reads expression differently. 

(2) Egg-shaped & Easter Feel- if you are thinking of an Easter-themed toy, these egg-shaped, Humpty-Dumpty lookalike faces is a great choice! They are cute to look at, fun to balance, and can be used in various versatile and open-ended ways. 

(3) Quality & Safety- QToys is synonymous with quality. I love the non-toxic, sturdy plantation timber material, and the strict safety standard compliance. 

(4) Storage Bag - The set also comes with a burlap bag storage with drawstring. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.qtoys.com.au/shop/by-age-group/3-to-5-years-of-age/wooden-egg-pressions-set-of-20/

Enjoy the video! 

Doll Nurturing Set, By Make Me Iconic

Nature/ Type:          Wooden pretend toy for caring kids

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:  3 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Kids with a nurturing nature / curious about potty training 

I am BLOWN AWAY by this Doll Nurturing Set from Make Me Iconic . Seriously, how adorable these beautiful items are! The kids spent hours wiping, applying cream, changing nappies, sanitising hands, and repeating the process uncountable times. Our living room was converted into a daycare (or nappy changing factory) with loads of plush toys waiting to be “served”. It was a pleasing sight to see the nurturing potential of the duo, although I was secretly grateful that it wasn’t a real baby that they were trialling on 🤣. 

Thank you Make Me Iconic for gifting us this amazing set. 

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 

(1) Beautiful potty training set- This set comes with 13 accessories with a cute potty training theme. For each “emergency nature call”, the doll was invited to the soft quilted change mat for removal of nappy, before moving to his beige wooden potty throne. The boy was insistent that this was the best time to tie the grey felt-fabric crown on our baby king. Next up, it was a flurry of activities back on the change mat. The wooden wipe box has a slide-able lid at the bottom where 4 cotton wipes can be inserted, and pulled out from the top like a tissue box. There is also a cream tube with removable lid, a press-able hand sanitizer spray bottle, and a “sleep spray” pump bottle. 2 fabric nappies were included with hook and loop fasteners for quick “wrapping-up”. I love how complete and creative the set is. This toy brings loads of laughters and inspiring imaginative play! 

(2) Royalty theme- I love the little humorous touch of “royalty” theme; we call the doll the baby “King”, and I feel it can’t be more aptly named (parents, you know what I mean! 🤣). Each of the nappies and change mat are also thoughtfully embroidered with a golden rim of crown, which is absolutely gorgeous! 

(3) Wooden / natural materials- Material wise, most of the items (wipe box, potty, bottles and tube) are made of natural timber. The wipes, nappies and change mat are made of soft quality fabric. (4) The toy meets the Australian, NZ and other international (EU and US) safety standards. (5) I also love the sturdy cardboard storage box. 

Another fantastic toy from Make Me Iconic ! 

NOTE: Doll is not included. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://makemeiconic.com/

Enjoy the video! 

Aussie Munchies, by Make Me Iconic

Nature/ Type:          Wooden food-themed pretend toy! 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:  3 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Food lovers!!!  

Make Me Iconic, you’ve done it again! ❤️❤️❤️ This Aussie Food set by Make Me Iconic transports us straight to the foodie journey of Possum Magic. I had NEVER seen such complete menu of Australian foods before. This is a MUST-HAVE for fans of sizzling barbie and quirky black spread! 

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 

(1) Unique Aussie Food Feast- Get ready for the ultimate feast of Aussie munchies! Enjoy a morning toast with signature “Mite Toast Spread”. Have a sweet treat of Lamington sponge cake layered with strawberry jam and coated in desiccated coconut, fairy bread triangles with their “Hundreds and Thousands”, and chewy crisp Pavlova topped with kiwi-berry. Next up, grilled sausage in sliced bread, meat pie, 11 hot chips of all shapes and sizes in “paper” cup, served with tomato sauce. Last but definitely not least, classic burger with top and bottom buns, lettuce, beef patty, beetroot, pineapple, cheese, egg, all nicely stacked on top of a paper burger tray. Oh bliss! Now, who’s hungry? 

(2) Really Clever and Engaging Design- I love the interactive and creative design; the yellow toast spread jar has a removable lid and comes with a wooden knife, the 3-part lamington is separable and stackable with Velcro fasteners, the Pavlova can be sliced into 4 equal pieces and re-connected with Velcro, the sausage can be wrapped in soft felt bread, the squarish fairy bread (with Velcro) can be divided into two cute triangle pieces. When we turn the tomato sauce bottle upside down, an adorable squeeze of “red sauce” dropped from within the bottle 🤣. The kids have loads of imaginative moments serving up weird combo of Aussie treats (fairy bread in burger and chips on pavlova, anyone?), and laughing at their craziest ever of food ideas! 

(3) Wooden Toy- Material wise, most of the pieces are made of durable wood. The slice bread for sausage, egg, cheese, and lettuce are made of felt fabric. I wish that the burger tray were made of something sturdier than paper. Other than that, I am really happy with the quality of the set. I also love the cardboard box for neat storage. (4) The toy complies with Australian, NZ, European and US safety standards. 

Thanks for sending this over for review! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://makemeiconic.com/

Enjoy the video! 

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!! 

Leaps and Ledges, by MindWare

Nature/ Type:          Super fun family board game  

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️  

Recommended age:  8 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Board game families 

I needed to bring a game for our post-lock-down gathering. Few conditions: the game can’t drag on for too long (because as typical Asian-style reunion, we devote most of our time, ehem, eating); it needs to satisfy the competitive instinct of a bunch of adult cousins, but it must also be entertaining for a five-year-old. It must be light-hearted, with soft strategising elements (not “win by pure luck” sort of game). I chose “Leaps and Ledges” by MindWare , and ohhh, the joy! 

Thanks Leisure Learning for recommending and gifting this awesome game to me so that I can share my experience here! 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Competitive Game: This game stresses on competitiveness almost to a “brutal” (but super fun) level; there are loads of “knock the opponent down” and unpredictable moments. Players take turn to move their pawns up the 16-level tower, whilst “sabotaging” the opponents’s progress along the way. Some cards allow us to move other player down a few levels, some allow us to knock everyone off in a “rampage” while climbing the ledges, some give us the greatest power to swap position with another player. The first player to get all four of their pawns to the top wins the game. I love the combination of luck and skill (each player has 3 cards to choose from each round), and how it makes my five-year-old counting the entire night 🤣. Everyone laughed, felt frustrated, and laughed again. 

(2) Visually Stunning: The rainbow-coloured tower is visually stunning. I love the uniqueness of how the game is set up vertically. The base is sturdy, the translucent platforms are bright, vibrant and fit together nicely. The meeples pose in four different styles which is an interesting touch. One issue; the blue and green meeple look relatively alike under the refraction of the coloured ledges, which can be a little confusing. 

(3) Organised Storage Box: The game comes packaged in a box with plastic insert to keep all components organised (which is great), but the box might seem a bit bulky and larger than most other board games. 

Overall, this is a great family game (one that you can definitely bring to your Christmas feast). 

For 2 to 4 players.

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.leisurelearning.com.au/leaps-and-ledges

Enjoy the video! 

Stress Relief Sticky Balls, by Tastic Toys

Nature/ Type:          Sticky and Squeezable sensory toy

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:  3 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Anyone! 

I recently discovered this unique online toy store called Tastic Toys ; When I looked at its website, what captured me instantly is the comparatively small array of product selections, but each toy and puzzle made me pause and eagerly wanting to learn more. They are rare-to-find, probably hot-trending in TikTok at the moment (which I for sure wouldn’t know much about), and have so much interesting features pending to be explored. So when Tastic Toys agreed to send me a box of miscellaneous innovative toys and magic bean puzzles in exchange for review, I WAS THRILLED! For today, I’m going to share about these super squishy and addictive 5.5cm Stress Relief Sticky Balls. 

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 

(1) Versatile Sensory Toy: This is a versatile sensory toy that goes beyond for just being squishy and sticky and really fun to squeeze. We can throw it at any hard surface without fear of collateral property damage or accidental “ouchy” moment for kids (the advantage of being so weightlessly soft). Their inherent stickiness create various potentials; we can watch the balls stick to each other in a lump of tower before collapsing one at a time, or throw it against a wall or glass window surface and see how it slides down in fascinating slow-motion. 

(2) Calming: When my two-year-old threw an angry “nap-deprived” tantrum recently, she asked for “sticky balls”. I was amazed at the immediate calming effect these balls produce. I read that these tear-resistant fidget balls can reduce stress, relieve anxiety, and are helpful for kids with ADD / ADHD, and people with OCD, high stress or anxiety level. 

(3) Glow in Dark: The balls GLOW IN THE DARK! I’m loving how these balls can turn themselves into luminescent orbs emitting beautiful lights in fluorescent colours in the dark. (4) Like any sticky thing, the balls attract dust and all sorts of random impurities. I find the washing part really therapeutic; once the balls get a great rub under running water, they would restore into their original sticky selves. (5) According to its website, the balls are made of high‑quality plastic material, nontoxic, and free of BPA. 

Stay tuned for more Tastic Toys reviews! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://tastictoys.com.au/products/stress-relief-sticky-ball

Enjoy the video: 

Apple Twist, by SmartGames

Nature/ Type:          Really clever and visually appealing brain teaser  

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:  5 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Puzzle & the very hungry caterpillar lovers 

We LOVE THIS GAME!!!! Apple Twist by SmartGames elevates the concept of abstract puzzle game, transforming an ordinary into an adorable, visually-stunning, brain-stimulating challenge, with a nostalgic “Hungry Caterpillar” theme! Thank you Leisure Learning for generously gifting this set to me for review. 

Why I love this game: 

(1) Loved by Kids and Adults: This is one rare gem - not only does it look cool, it’s also interesting for adults, yet sufficiently simple for a 5-year-old. The set comes with a double-sided apple game board (which has 5 horizontal segments that each can be rotated 180 degree), 3 caterpillars that can be bended in different ways, a booklet with 60 challenges / solutions. First, choose a challenge, create the depicted game board by turning the apple segments. Next adjust the 3 caterpillars into the right shapes and forms so that their entire bodies can fit into the dimples on the board. The rules are so straightforward it requires not much explanation. The kid got into action right away, and is really proud to be able to complete the starter level. 

(2) Wide difficulty Levels: I love the wide difficulty levels. The easiest challenges offer hints about the position of the bendy game pieces with coloured circles representing their heads. The master level shows only heads in white of certain caterpillars. We had so much fun twisting the caterpillars, figuring out the orientations, whilst ensuring that the caterpillars have the curvy side of their heads nicely fit within the dimples (the presence of antennae means the caterpillar can’t be placed upside down).

(3) Great Game Components: The game components are top-notch! The game board design is ingenious, with a possibility of 32 different setups. Both the game board and caterpillars are fun to manipulate. The game can also be played without using the challenge booklet; just mix up the board randomly and place the delightfully flexible caterpillars onto the board. It’s outrageously fun! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.leisurelearning.com.au/apple-twist (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

EasyRead 29cm Wall Clock, by EasyRead Time Teacher

Nature/ Type:          Functional Clock and Teaching Tool 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:  5 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Perfect for parents and teachers, and kids who love to learn

I grew up in a culture where we read time a little differently. Even after years of residing in Melbourne, I still struggle whenever I hear the expression of “minutes past” or “minutes to” - my brain freezes whilst it frantically trying to convert the information into my preferred “time format”. So when I see this EasyRead Time Teacher , my heart skips excitedly. I knew instantly this is something I must share! Thank you EasyRead Time Teacher for sending this EasyRead 29cm Wall Clock to me for a review and write-up. 

Why I love ❤️ this clock: 

(1) Clever Design: I love the cleverly revamped clock surface that helps us identify time in nearest minutes but in a straightforward and “obvious way”. The circular clock is divided into two major colour zones - the “green zone” on the right points us to the “minutes past”, and the left “red zone” tells us the “minutes to” time. I have never seen any clock that focuses on telling time in such a conversational and traditional English style before. First, read the number at the end of the long hand, and observe if it is pointing towards the green or red zone. Then read the number at the end of the short hand. For example, the first picture above shows a time of “14 minutes to 5” (long hand pointing to 14 at the outer ring of red zone, and short hand pointing towards the big “5” area). My 5 year-old is not quite yet familiar with numbers beyond 20, but he can sort of grasp the idea of how this works. I think this is an amazing educational resources that we will be using for the next good many years! The fact that it is an actual workable clock means we can use and immerse time-learning in our daily routine. 

(2) Silent Clock: I love how silent this clock is, without any distracting ticking sound. 

(3) Lovely Colours: I love the 12 major numbers are in exciting rainbow colours against a white background. (The clock is also available in a plainer version of red, blue, white and grey colours scheme).

 (4) Versatile: The clock can be mounted on wall as a regular clock, but it’s also light enough to be held in hands as a learning tool. 

The EasyRead range also includes an alarm clock (which I will write about soon) and watches. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.easyreadtimeteacher.com/buy/easy-read/wall-clock/

Enjoy the video! 

Natural Healer Kit, By Make Me Iconic

Nature/ Type:          Unique and wooden natural healer set for imaginative play 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:  3 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Kids full of imaginations and love pretend-play

This Natural Healer Kit from Make Me Iconic is truthfully, absolutely, undisputedly the most ICONIC pretend play toy I have ever seen! The kids laughed so hard trying to mix and create their “itchy-cure lotion” and “wonder coughing syrup”. It was a non-stop process of crush and grind, squeeze and stir. Thank you Make Me Iconic for gifting this amazing toy to us for review. We are 100% IN LOVE with it! 

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 

(1) Unique Theme: I have never seen a toy that focuses on the theme of natural healing ingredients before. This set is unique and original. We savour some “simmering” bone broth with nutritious greatness, rub on hint of Epsom salt using a mini scoop, inhale the sweet aroma of Manuka honey, have a taste of Elderberry Syrup remedy, pump out some “boo boo lotion” (my two-year-old LOVES the super cute name), apply tea tree oil using the specially-made dropper top, try out soothing arnica cream, enjoy citrusy vitamin C pills, complemented with a bowl of awesomely blended tea (made of two tea bags, squeeze of lemon wedge, mint leaves, garlic bulb, ginger, and aloe vera, - all nicely crushed up with pestle and mortar 🤣). 

(2) Educational: I love the variety of healing ingredients and the originality of the toy. We learned so much about the benefits and healing effects of these natural ingredients, from treating scrapes and bruises, improving digestive system, reducing inflammation, to boosting immune power. I love how the inspiring kit encourages imaginative play whilst promoting educational values of using nature-based elements. 

(3) Wooden materials: I love the wooden materials of the jars, tubes, pestle and mortar, spoons, scoop, lids, and vitamin pills. They are durable and beautifully-crafted. The felt material of the ginger, garlic, mint leaves and aloe vera stem give a soft, squeezable and playful texture. I also love the sturdy cardboard box. 

(4) Safety: The toy is in compliance with Australian and New Zealander toy standards. (4) I love the little thoughtful touches like the press-able pump bottle of the boo-boo lotion, good-sized scoop for the Epsom salt jar, and adorably-made tea bags with thick strings. 

We LOVE it, Make Me Iconic ! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://makemeiconic.com/products/iconic-toy-natural-healer-kit

Enjoy the video! 

TreeMendous Ornament Decorator, By Zing Toys

Nature/ Type:          Patent-pending smart decorator device 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:  6 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Those who loves Christmas + arts 

We are counting down to Christmas! What perfect timing to receive this TreeMendous Ornament Decorator and Refill Pack Combo from Zing Toys for a review (thank you!). We are genuinely impressed with how smooth this clever gadget works! 

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 

(1) Innovative Device- The set comes with 9 plain Christmas baubles, 8 marker pens, patent-pending design TreeMendous Ornament Decorator (operated with 3 AA batteries), and a refill pack of additional 12 ornaments. The concept reminds me of a spinning pottery wheel. I am loving how TreeMendous adopted the traditional technique and invented such smart device that can be used by young kids. First, secure the ornament onto the TreeMendous machine by aligning the slotted groove on the specially-designed bauble with the indicated lines on the device. Switch on Treemendous, apply the tip of the marker to the spinning ornament, and watch the magic performs! We were surprised by how easy it is to create amazingly-looking bulbs that look exciting and artistically appealing! I love its uniqueness, the smooth motion, and ease of use. 

(2) Unique Ornaments- The decorator creates ornaments that are practical, personalised, one-of-a-kind and fit for the season. I love that each of the decorated ornament turns out different and unique. They are beautiful keepsakes that can be kept for many years to come. I love how TreeMendous encourages meaningful family activity where each member can take turn to customise our special ornament before hooking them up to the tree. 

(3) Non-Toxic Marker Pens- The 8 marker pens (red, orange, yellow, lighter green, dark green, blue, purple and pink) are non-toxic and have no overwhelming odour. 

(4) Refill Pack- The original TreeMendous set includes 9 baubles. Refill pack in 12 can be purchased separately. It means we can have more decorations for the tree, or even make the decorating activity a yearly tradition! 

(5) Sustainable Packaging- I also love Zing Toys’s sturdy and sustainable recyclable cardboard packaging, which can be reuse for storage of the ornaments after the festive season is over. 

Overall, we are really happy with this product! Thanks Zing Toys for the very fascinating gift! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://zingtoys.com.au/

Enjoy the video!

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! 

Turing Tumble

 

Nature/ Type:          Smart battery-less device showing how computer works 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:  8 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: STEM lovers 

My five-year-old calls this the coolest thing ever! Turing Tumble presents mechanical process of computers in a visual but screen-free way. It’s a puzzle, a learning experience, and marvellous programming class with zero battery / electronics. Thank you Turing Tumble for sending this awesome set in exchange for honest review! 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Showing how computer works in visual way- The concept and the ingenious challenges make this “toy” a timeless piece that can be played by kids and adults. Turing Tumble shows us how computer works in visual, non-abstract way. Using red and blue marbles, different bits and pieces, booklet with 60 challenges, a white “computer” board with removable stands, we watch how this clever device generates patterns, solves “problems”, “pre-programs” outcomes. First, arrange the different components according to selected puzzle; next, plan your path using specified parts to complete an “objective” (create a pattern of “blue, red, blue, red”; intercept the 4th blue ball etc). The solutions revealed through running marbles are super satisfying to watch. 

(2) Awesome instruction booklet- The booklet combines Japanese-manga feel sci-fi into the challenges; the level of difficulties increases gradually. I love that the booklet takes time to explain the purpose of each component, with clear illustrations accompanying the texts. The instructions, puzzles and storyline interweave seamlessly. Make sure you involve your kids in the initial set up of the board to give a clear idea of how each distinct pieces interlink.

(3) Clever components- Each solid piece serves different purposes; the ramp directs ball to a pre-planned direction, crossover piece allows ball to come out from opposite exit, bit sends a ball to one direction and swings the next ball to another; an interceptor captures a ball, and gears create mind-boggling outcomes. 

(4) Organized storage- We LOVE that each component has its special pocket in the storage box. It’s organised and neat! 

The only shortcoming is that the balls are difficult to be retrieved from the board (we wish there were a removable ball catcher tray at the bottom.) 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

(Australia) https://store-au.turingtumble.com/discount/60-Seconds

(Official US site) https://www.turingtumble.com/

Enjoy the video!