Throw Throw Burrito, By Exploding Kittens - REVIEW

 

Nature/ Type:          A dodgeball card game 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:  7 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Kids and adults that enjoy chaotic party games (especially one that involves throwing stuffs around - LOL) 

Confession time: “Throw Throw Burrito” by Exploding Kittens “terrifies” me - it’s unapologetically chaotic, extremely messy! It’s the opposite of what I want in life - organised, methodical, orderly neat. BUT life surprises you when you least expect it! 😆 This insane burrito-throwing game has just taken its place as our current favourite game! Thank you VR Distribution for providing this! 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Chaotic Burrito-Throwing Card Game

If you haven’t guessed it, this game is not for the fainted-hearted. Be prepared to get active and jump into attack mode! Included are 120 Playing Cards, 2 Foam Burritos, 6 Burrito Bruises, a ”Fear Me Badge”, and Instructions. The aim of the game is to collect as many sets of 3 matching cards (by a series of “drawing and passing cards” actions, simultaneously done by all players). A set of 3 regular cards earn you one point, and a set of “battle cards” earns you 2 points and activates a round of burrito-chucking. Those who got hit get a “Burrito Bruise” which would cause a 1-point deduction. The game is played in two rounds (the winner of the first round gets a “Fear Me Badge”). And let’s be honest: who can resist watching a wild burrito 🌯 flying across the room? 

(2) Quick Game To Challenge Your Reaction Speed

I love that the game doesn’t treat itself (or anything) too seriously. To win this game, a fast reaction speed helps. There are 3 kinds of burrito battles depending on the set a player acquires; Each of the “Brawl”, “War” and “Duel” triggers different attack rules - but all involve throwing a soft and squishy burrito at another. I love that this game forces me to embrace a moment of silliness and forget about tidiness and order! 

(3) Card Games With CUTE Artworks

The two squidgy Foam Burritos with round innocent eyes are the cutest attack weapon I have ever seen. I also love the whimsical artworks and the adorable names given to the goofy characters (eg “MeowCow”, “LickyChicky”, “FloatyGoaty”). 

(4) Game With Organised & Sturdy Game Box

The most ironic thing is, despite the chaotic nature of this game, the package box is super sturdy and organised. Each of the compartments are clearly labelled with a little fun touch and clear arrows - “Burrito”, “Cards”, and “Put Other Stuff Here”. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.kmart.com.au/product/throw-throw-burrito-a-dodgeball-card-game-42925682/ (Australia) 

https://www.target.com.au/p/throw-throw-burrito/64173047 (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

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: 

• Buildout Robot Alex, By LaQ
• Buildout Robot Lapis, By LaQ
• Mystical Beast Griffin, By LaQ
• Dinosaur World Triceratops & Pteranodon, By LaQ

Enjoy the video! 

Mindblock, By Blue Orange - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Modified, 3D-version of the classic Rummy game 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:  8 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Older kids and adults that love strategy games, especially those involving number, pattern, and anything methodical. 

We are BIG FANS of number games! The boy loves counting, exploring patterns of numerical order, and discovering magic of equations and all things mathematical. So it’s not surprising that we were instantly drawn to Mindblock by Blue Orange, a modified 3D version of the classic Rummy card games. Thank you Leisure Learning for providing this awesome game for a review! 

Why I love ❤️ this game?: 

(1) Game Rules: Arrange Blocks According to Numbers/ Patterns

This game would attract anyone who finds number, pattern and anything methodical fascinating. Mindblock contains 56 blocks (in 7 sizes, 4 colours, 2 of each), 4 block trays, 1 cotton bag, and an illustrated rules. The aim is to create “Sets” (3 or 4 blocks of same size but in different colours) and “Runs” (3 or more blocks of the same colour in consecutive order) by combining blocks that range in height of 1 to 7. On each player’s turn, we must play a “Run” /“Set”, or play at least one block and re-arrange the current blocks on the table to make valid “Runs” / “Sets”, or add a block to your tray (randomly drawn by another player, or course). There is another condition: each of the “Set” and “Run” must have a total sum of at least 15 (for example - “4, 5, 6”, but not “3, 4, 5”). The first player who gets rid of all the blocks on tray wins the game. This game is the exact genre that we LOVE! 

(2) Fantastic Strategy Game For Kids & Adults

We love that this game relies very largely on strategy, visualisation skill, and playing around with numbers (adding, subtracting, and re-arranging equations etc). I love that we can stack up like-coloured blocks to “substitute” a higher number block (eg stacking up a blue “2 and “3”, and use it as a blue “5”) - which is a great tactic to deplete the blocks in the tray quicker!

(3) Board Game With Vibrant & Bright Wooden Components

The wooden components are simply fantastic! The blocks are chunky, vibrant in colours (but with a hint of “seriousness” / grown-up feel in it due to the unique tone of colours), carved with tactile ridges, and have a very pleasing quality in them. The presentation is visually-appealing. The player trays are made of nice quality timber with a very luxurious and natural appearance, and I love the cotton storage bag for the blocks. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.leisurelearning.com.au/mindblock

Check out the reviews of other Blue Orange games for older kids/ adults that I really love: 

• Tumblemaze, By Blue Orange 
• Dragon Market, By Blue Orange 
• Kingdomino Origin, By Blue Orange 
• Cloud City, By Blue Orange 
• Block Ness, By Blue Orange 

Enjoy the video! 

Kaleido-Craft DIY Timber Kaleidoscope, By Heebie Jeebies - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          DIY kaleidoscope kit 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:  6 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Kids that love art & craft, and those who would love to find out how a kaleidoscope works "behind the scene" 

Do you remember your first experience with kaleidoscope? That magical moment when you first saw the burst of colour, symmetrical pattern that moved with each spin, and the never-ending array of intricate arts? We are absolutely in love with “Kaleido-Craft DIY Timber Kaleidoscope” (provided by Heebie Jeebies), and I can’t wait to tell you about it today! 

Why I love ❤️ this set: 

(1) Make-Your-Own Kaleidoscope Kit - There is no better way to learn about the science behind a kaleidoscope than to “get your hands dirty” and make one yourself! Kaleido-Craft is a 17-piece experiment kit, a simple craft that allows us to discover the wonder of light and colour, an exploration that would leave us spellbound for hours! Through the DIY process, we learned how three inclined mirrors, arranged in triangular tilted angles, could create enchanting image with symmetrical pattern through repeated, reflecting surfaces. We learned what gorgeous optical scene an ordinary object (such as flower or leaves) can produce with the right assembly of mirrors. We learned how to  use the motion of loose and glittery pieces to create ever-changing visual art. We learned how to create a peephole, how to seal the objects within the glass discs, and how the device works “behind the scene”. 

(2) Experiment With Different Materials And be Mesmerised! - Once we have assembled the instrument, we can experiment with different materials by replacing the items on the discs. We were mesmerised by the incredible and stunning displays when the objects and light interact with each other, shifting each time when we rotate the wheel. We tested it out with wild flowers, leaves of all shapes, sparkly sequins, shiny foil, and colourful confetti. The potential is endless, the variations is infinite! Rumour says, we never see a same pattern twice through a kaleidoscope. 

(3) Great Components - I love how the simple components work together; we don’t need any glue or extra tool to assemble the device. I love the timber material, the reflective mirror surfaces that stick nicely on the timber pieces, the nut and bolt, the magnet embedded octagonal wheels that securely enclose the objects between the two discs, and the step-by-step illustrated instructions. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://professorplums.com.au/products/kaleido-craft-creator?_pos=1&_sid=bcac88951&_ss=r

Enjoy the video! 

CVC Tri-Blocks Tub, By Junior Learning - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Word-building blocks 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:  5 - 8 year-old 

Who would love this: Parents who are looking for multi-sensory, words-learning educational resources 

CVC words - the 3-letter words that follow the consonant/vowel/consonant pattern; the simplest form that introduces us to the magic of stringing-up alphabetical letters and building basic, everyday-words. If you are looking for cool educational resources that make words-learning engaging and stimulating, you should check out “CVC Tri-Blocks Tub” by Junior Learning. 

Why I love ❤️ this set: 

(1) 90 Tri-Blocks To Form Short and Fun CVC Words - This set includes a big plastic tub of 90 Tri-Blocks® . Each of the block is in a unique triangular form, with a lower-case letter printed on each surface (total 3 letters on each block). I love that these attachable blocks provide kids with a visual, tactile, and multi-sensory way to explore the “mystery” of building words! I love watching my 4-year-old experimenting the combinations, and trying to sound the blend of consonants and short vowels. I love the clever connectable design; it’s easy to slide and snap the blocks together, or to take them apart. We make “small and short” words such as “man”, “net”, “cub”, “get”, “van” and many more. (And if your kids are ready to embark on something more challenging and complex, Junior Learning also has a “Phonics Tri-Blocks Tub” which I will share with you next time!). 

(2) Colour-Coded & Smart Connectors - The blocks are colour-coded; the beginning consonants are in dark blue, short vowels in red, and final consonant in light blue. We usually start by dividing the blocks into 3 categories based on colours before we commence building the words. I love the visual clarity; it’s easy to learn the CVC and spelling rules using these blocks. I love that the blocks are designed so that the 3 types of letters must be connected in one orientation and sequence (ie in the order of “CVC”). 

(3) Clever Spin-able Blocks - The blocks, once snapped together, are “spin-able” to create different words due to the clever triangular design. It is super fun to twist and manipulate the blocks, and discover how many other words we can form with just a change of one letter (for example, “cat” and “can”, “beg” and “bag”). Sometimes, with some luck, we can even create 2 to 3 valid words at the same time when we rotate the triangle set as a row! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://juniorlearning.com.au/products/jl176-cvc-tri-blocks-tub?_pos=1&_sid=25defb1f0&_ss=r

Enjoy the video! 

Rolly Poly, By Math For Love - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Counting game for young kids 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:  4 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Kids who love number and counting games (with a lots of Actions!) 

Our four-year-old is at that adorable developmental stage - she has BIG imagination, enjoys silly games, and loves counting things at any time of the day! Divisible by Zero sent us this brand new game called “Rolly Poly” by Math For Love, and oh, what I can say? Action-packed, cute and entertaining, full of laughter, simply awesome! 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Count, Play, Laugh - Get ready to move and be active - cause that’s what “Rolly Poly” is about! First, set up the counters in numerical orders (from 1 to 6); shuffle the deck, roll the die, pick a card, and perform the required action as many times as the number shown on the die (eg clapped 6 times). The set includes 36 “action cards” - some can be completed individually, some are to be done collectively as a team. The kids hugged, bowed, did some “star jumps”, gave each other high-fives, hopped (or attempted to hop) on one foot, took many “big steps”, made themselves dizzy with some spins, and named many types of food. Once a task is completed, put the action card under the corresponding number counter. The game ends (and everybody wins) when we “scored” and covered every counter. I love the cooperative nature of this game, and how young kids can learn counting through so much happy laughter, high energy and JOY! 

(2) Add-On Cards For Advanced Play - And when your kids are ready for something more challenging, pull out the “advanced play” cards and spice up the game with some adding-up exercises. Pick an add-on card (+1, +2, +3, +4, +5, +6); this time, roll a die, pick a card, and perform the required action as many times as the number shown on the die plus the “add-on” number (eg, if the add-on number is +3, and you roll a “6”, you do the action 9 times instead of 6). 

(3) Super Cute Components (Especially The Giant Plush Die) - My personal favourite part of this game is the bright orange, soft and squeezable, giant plush die. It’s fun to throw it around, roll it everywhere, or simply just squash it. (4) I also love the wooden number counters, the thick cardboard components, and the creatively-designed storage box with the game steps printed and illustrated on four sides of it. The quality of components is good, and the design is playful and fun! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

toys2learn (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

Wooden Sudoku, By Funyards Australia - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Wooden Sudoku set 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:  8 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Sudoku fans, and collectors of wooden / classic puzzles

Sudoku used to be my go-to game for every gaps and breaks; it is stimulating, unstoppable, frustrating; it requires patience, perseverance, and sometimes, a super methodical mind that I’m obviously lacking. It’s a forgotten passion of mine, and I’m grateful that it has been reignited recently, thanks to Funyards Australia! Today, I’m going to talk about this kindly gifted, beautifully-made Wooden Sudoku - a  must-have for any Sudoku enthusiast. 

Why I love ❤️ this set: 

(1) Sudoku in 3D Wooden Form - I have done printable Sudoku on paper, beat-the-clock online Sudoku, and daily newspaper version.  But a Sudoku in 3D wooden form? This is a FIRST and I’m completely intrigued! The Wooden Sudoku comes in a gorgeous board of 9x9 grid with drilled holes, and 81 pegs. Each of the puzzle piece (the peg) features a same number (1 to 9) in black and red on opposite ends, which makes the setting-up and solving of the puzzles visually easier and clearer. The physical, tangible pegs help players to keep track and cross-check the numbers. They also help us to focus on the logical sequence of the moves, and have oversight of the entire grid in a more visible way. 

(2) Sudoku Puzzles Included - The set also includes an instruction sheet and 4 Sudoku puzzles in four different levels (easy, medium, hard, and very hard), together with the solutions. Of course, we can always challenge ourselves with different Sudoku puzzles (which can be easily obtainable from online resources these days). It’s a bliss to set up the challenge (insert the pegs and arranged them according to the pattern as indicated), and extremely addictive to solve (fill out the rest of the cells using the remaining numbered pegs so that each row, column and quadrant contains all the digits from 1 to 9 without repetition). This is a classic, timeless brain game that would never go out of style! 

(3) Handcrafted Wooden Puzzle Set - I love the handcrafted wooden material, its durability, and that inimitable rustic beauty. I love that the base can be flipped over and used as a lid to keep all the items (pegs and instruction sheet) neatly stored inside a portable box. This delightful set deserves a place in any puzzle-loving home. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

Funyards Australia 

Check out the reviews of other similar wooden classic games and puzzles from Funyards Australia: 

• Tic-Tac-Toe XO-5, By Funyards Australia 
• Numbers Sort Brainteaser, By Funyards Australia 
• Makruk Chess, By Funyards Australia 
• Slide 15, By Funyards Australia 
• Spinning Top Roulette, By Funyards Australia 
• Snakes and Ladders, By Funyards Australia

Enjoy the video! 

Carla Caramel, By LOKI - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Ice-cream theme, cooperative game 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:  4 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Kids who love sweet treats and board games with a cool theme 

Carla Caramel from LOKI has just become the most in-demand game in our family; ice cream with 4 flavour bombs, eye-catching vendor stall set-up, a relatable theme that resonates dearly with the “sweet tooth” clan. Carla Caramel has EVERYTHING irresistible to kids and adults. Thank you VR Distribution , this game is fantastic! 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Exciting Ice Cream Theme - We LOVE the ice cream theme with clear objective; this game captures the hearts of both my kids (4 and 7 year-old). First, set up the ice cream stand with the Sun token placed at the left-most space on the canopy. Players take turn to roll the special chunky dice - add a scoop of ice cream on a selected cone if you roll a “flavour”, move the sun one space to the right if you get the “Sun”, and serve an ice-cream cone to a kid waiting in queue if the dice shows a “Kid”. The goal is to race against the “Sun” to serve all 5 kids with the most “completed” and marvellous-looking ice-cream (preferably with 3 scoops on each cone!). But beware, the “Sun” melts an ice cream for good when it moves onto the canopy space facing a cone with 3 scoops. The game ends when you get 5 happy kids with their delicious treats, OR when 2 out of the 6 ice cream are melted by the Sun. Players then count the final score of the game based on the number of scoops served, and receive their “medal” of the day (“Popsicle” medal for the lowest score, and “Master Scooper” medal for the team with 18 to 20 points). 

(2) Cooperative + Strategy Game - It was GREAT fun watching the kids discussing passionately, trying to agree to the BEST strategy to win. They figure out plans to accumulate more points and to avoid melted ice-cream, and decide together whether a “risk” is worth taking (e.g should we pass a turn when we roll a “Kid”, and try to get more scoops up on the cones?). 

(3) Stunning & Quality Game Components - I LOVE the innovative and visually-appealing presentation of this game; I love how the ordinary box can be cleverly transformed into an exciting 3D ice-cream stand with partitioned “tubs” of ice cream. I also love the wooden “ice cream” scoop in crescent shape, wooden dice, the sturdy cardboard cones, and the adorable graphics. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://shop.goodgames.com.au/products/carla-caramel (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

BrainBox The World, By BEZZERWIZZER Studio - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Fun facts around the world 

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️  

Recommended age:  8 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Kids who love fun facts and travel 

 “BrainBox The World” from BEZZERWIZZER Studio is an intriguing game for kids and adults who love fun facts about different nations and cultures, and enjoy quizzes and competitive race! Thank you Leisure Learning for providing this game for a review! 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) 55 Picture Cards Featuring Countries Around The World - The set includes 55 picture cards, each focuses on a specific country with brightly-painted pictures and labels of iconic items associated with it - such as famous landmarks, cultural costumes, flag, map, native animals, musical instrument, and many more. For example, on the “China” card, you would see the “Great Wall of China”, a giant panda, Beijing the capital on the map, a Terracotta warrior, a pagoda, and a farmer harvesting rice. There are also cards about USA, Costa Rica, United Kingdom, Turkeys, and many more. I love how succinct, easy to read, and appealing the cards are. Kids are drawn to the interesting cards immediately; they enjoy studying the pictures whilst searching for their “dream travel destinations”. 

(2) 440 Questions - Now let’s the true FUN begin! The kids spend 10 seconds (or more) observing the visual clues on the card; then flip the card around, throw the dice, and answer one of the 8 questions printed at the reverse side of the card (depending on which number is rolled). There are a total 440 questions, covering a mix of range. Some test the eye for detail and observation skills (eg. what’s the colour of the butterfly’s wings? How many Orchids are shown?); Some test your memory and geography knowledge (eg which sea is to the north of Panama? Name the capital city), and some are the mix of both (what colours are the stripes on the flag?). Both of my kids love the challenges, and my 4 year-old even outshines the brother in most questions about colours and objects! 

(3) Quality Of Components - The quality of the components are decent and sturdy. The 55 picture cards are made of thick durable cardboard, and there is also a ten-second sand timer, and a 8-sided translucent dice in cobalt blue included. 

(4) Unique Cube-Shaped Package Box - I love the cube-shaped package box that gives the game a wacky character, and I really love the magnetic closure on the lid that keep things neat! 

Check out also my review on:

BrainBox Maths, by BEZZERWIZZER Studio 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.leisurelearning.com.au/brainbox-the-world (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

100s Bubble Board, By Junior Learning - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Pop-it board with numbers  

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️  

Recommended age:  5 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Kids who are learning to count & anyone who loves pop-it toys 

There is some hard-to-explain satisfaction behind the science of bubble-wrap popping. Imagine if we can combine the pop fidget and mathematics into ONE light weight, portable toy? This 100s Bubble Board from Junior Learning has fast becoming our four-year-old’s best companion since it arrived at our house recently. If you have a pre-school kid that enjoys “Pop-It” toys and counting, THIS is FOR YOU! 

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 

(1) Counting Up To 100 - Ascending & Descending Orders - Our girl loves numbers and has always been trying to “count up to 100” whenever she has a chance; however, given her short attention span, her counting attempts have constantly been disrupted by distractions and almost always ended with the question “where did I stop?”. This 100s Bubble Board is the answer to her counting goal! The pop-it bubbles guide the counting and keep her focused from 1 to 100, and it’s just so unbelievably satisfying to pop the bubbles one-by-one, from one row to the next! The double-sided board features numbers printed in ascending order on the front (arranged in grid of 10x10); once it’s done, flip it around and count it in descending order from 100 to 1. 

(2) Versatile & Multiple Uses - There is just so much potential in this seemingly simple board with 100 bubbles! I love the versatility of it - do skip counting with it and learn about the basic of multiplications, do addition and subtraction in a visual way using the bubbles, identify vertical rows of odd and even numbers, learn about place value, and find the number bonds to 100. I can’t wait to explore more about the magic of numbers with the kids using this board! 

(3) Travel-Friendly & Light Weight - We love bringing this travel-friendly board around - it’s light weight, keeping the kids occupied and happy, and stress-releasing. We love the durable, easy to clean, and “squeezable” silicone material. We love the addictive popping sound, and the never-ending flipping around and popping. I also love its good large size (20.32 x 20.32 cm). 

(4) Simple Blue - I have seen many similar pop-it boards in the market with multi-colour rainbow options, but I personally think nothing beats the single colour of blue. It’s calming, less distracting, and functional with minimal design. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://juniorlearning.com.au/products/hundreds-bubble-board?_pos=1&_sid=dbb6912f6&_ss=r

Enjoy the video! 

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! 

Kezao, By Laboludic - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Colourful card game  

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️  

Recommended age:  6 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Kids and adults - anyone who loves a quick & simple game with gorgeous artworks! 

I love games with playful graphics and a hint of aesthetic touch. Recently, Divisible by Zero sent me Kezao from Laboludic - and I’m SO IN LOVE with it! This is a game that goes beyond and transcends all ages; everyone in the family enjoys this game - both kids and adults! 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Quick, Easy & FUN Game - This is a simple game with easy rules. To start the game, distribute 7 cards to each player; pick two of the four dice, roll them, and race to find the card that depicts the colours combination indicated by the dice (for example, “with blue, but without yellow”). The first player to get rid of all their cards wins. This is an awesome game for colour recognition, brush up observation skills, and improve reaction time and reflexes. This game is “fast and furious” - dice are launched and thrown around, players frantically search their cards at the same time, and everyone plays simultaneously, with NO downtime. 

(2) Different Ways To Play - I love that there are a few different “dice combinations” depending on which 2 dice we are using. We can choose two “colour dice” that would indicate the two colours that must be present in a picture; we can pick two dice with “crossed out colour” which shows the two prohibited colours; or we can use a colour dice and a “crossed out colour” dice. We also tested out using 4 dice at the same time (which was challenging but fun), and created a “slow and relax” variant to make it easier for our 4 year-old. 

(3) The Gorgeous Artworks!!! - My favourite part? The quirky and artistic artworks by the French designer Aurelien Jeanney ! They are modern, vibrant, elegant, complete with clean lines and non-overlapping colours. It was a real joy admiring the wonderful wealth of illustrations on these 60 cards. The pictures range from the simple and straightforward (eg. green apples and yellow background), the slightly more complicated types (3-tiered birthday cake in no fewer than 4 colours and a bright red background), and the complex and exciting kinds (eg. colourful parrot / joker card). 

(4) Awesome Travel Game - The cards are thick and are of good quality. I love how compact and portable the game is, which makes Kezao an ideal travel game! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://sistersensory.com.au/product/kezao/ (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

Elephant Pull Toy, By Funyards Australia - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:          Elephant 3D puzzle and pull-toy   

Rating:                     ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️  

Recommended age:  2 year-old ++   

Who would love this: Young kids, and adults that love vintage-looking wooden toys

There is something magical about a simple, timeless, non-trendy toy that quietly captures your heart in an unassuming way. We were given this “Elephant Pull Toy” for review recently by Funyards Australia (a family owned business located in the beautiful Blue Mountains in New South Wales, specialising in quality wooden toys and educational products). It’s a cute little thing that makes us smile, transcends all ages, and I’m loving the simplicity of it! 

Why I love ❤️ this toy: 

(1) 3D Puzzle & Horizontal "Stacker" Toy - This adorable elephant is a 3D puzzle and a horizontal “stacker” toy. The elephant is made up of four separate parts. The base has rolling wheels on it, and is attached to the rear of the elephant with hind legs, a little yellow roped tail, and two extended long pegs. There are 3 removable and chunky puzzle pieces that can slide into the pegs (the body, front legs, head), and come together to form a complete elephant model. I love the dots of red eyes, the curvy trunk, and the smooth rounded finishes at the corner of the puzzle pieces. The “assembling” process requires some hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, slightly challenging than the usual vertical ring stacker toys in market, but not too overly frustrating for the kids since there are only 3 pieces to be put together. 

(2) Beautiful Pull Toy - This elephant is also a “vintage” pull-toy that can move around the house on its functioning wheels and a long red string attached to a wooden ball. Little Elephant is a faithful companion and quiet friend that can take a walk with the kids, ignites the children’s imagination, provides hours of entertainment in our created small world, and perfect for any new walker learning to take their steps with confidence. 

(3) Sturdy Wooden Material - I also love the sturdy, wooden quality of this little elephant. It’s solid and durable, not too heavy, and I think the craftsmanship is refined and simply beautiful. I love the natural wooden grain and texture that fits well with the design of the elephant. This is a lovely toy for kids, and a classic decorative item at home. 

Sometimes, simplicity is JOY. Nothing beats a minimalist toy that is done right! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

Funyards Australia 

Enjoy the video!