Connect Four, By Funyards Australia - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:            Classic wooden game  

Rating:                       ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:   7 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Collectors of wooden / classic games 

We love fresh ideas and creative games. But sometimes, we just want to stick to the classic - the straightforward, easy-to-learn games that never go out of style. “Connect Four” falls within this category. It’s a game that our family always enjoys as a “filler”. Today, I’m going to share about another “Connect Four” set from Funyards Australia . 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Classic 2-Player Strategy Game 

Connect Four is a two-player strategy game- each player takes turn to drop a ball/ disc into one of the columns of a vertical board. The aim is to form a line of 4 discs of the same colour (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally), whilst trying to “block” your opponent from making a solid 4-in-a-row. It’s a game of “perfect information” - all games pieces and actions are open for clear view. Nothing is hidden, nothing is concealed. Funyards Australia has a few versions of “Connect Four” range of top quality (I previously reviewed one which includes 49 red/green timber balls). This set that I am reviewing today has similar design - with button screws and removable 6x7 game board that can be flat-packed or set-up vertically. It has a a slightly larger game board and includes 42 discs in two different natural wooden shades (21 discs for each colour). I love the chunky discs, smart convertible game board, and the handy discs compartment/ tray for each player. If you need a quick reminder of the rules, the set also thoughtfully includes a small instruction sheet for the game. 

(2) Convertible Design - From Flat-Pack To Vertical Frame 

I absolutely LOVE how the vertical frame and the discs can all be stored and folded away neatly in a small, travel-easy size. The base and the removable board are each marked with a red spot (the two red dots should be positioned right beside each other when the board is folded down). Insert/ lock the screws at the two sides of the base, and now the game is good to go! 

(3) Solid Rubber Wood Material - Sturdy & Long-Lasting 

I love the solid rubber wood material - from the base, board, screws, to the timber balls. This set is built for long-lasting play and will definitely stand the test of time. I love how sturdy and smooth the craftsmanship is, and I’m loving the aesthetic beauty of this wooden craft! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

Funyards Australia 

Check out also these classic games from Funyards Australia: 

• Bingo - Connect Four, By Funyards Australia 
• Logic Egg Tangram Set - By Funyards Australia 
• Wooden Sudoku, By Funyards Australia 
• Tic-Tac-Toe XO-5, By Funyards Australia 
• Makruk Chess, By Funyards Australia 
• Slide 15, By Funyards Australia
• Spinning Top Roulette, By Funyards Australia 
• Snakes & Ladders, By Funyards Australia 

Enjoy the video! 

LOGICO Piccolo & School Readiness, By LOGICO - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:             Learning games

Rating:                       ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:   5 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Parents looking for unique, screen-free learning tools! 

If you’re looking for something educational, not too ordinary, and can grow with the kids, then you should really check out the range at Logico (Australia) . Today, I would love to share about LOGICO Piccolo and one of its activity booklet - “School Readiness”. 

Why I love ❤️ this set: 

(1) LOGICO Piccolo - A Smartly-Designed Board With 10 Moveable Buttons 

Our kids love LOGICO Primo and solving multiple puzzles using the 6 buttons board. LOGICO Piccolo is a more advanced version of this screen-free board, targeting kids of the age range of 5 to 9 year-old. I LOVE that Logico “feels” like an IPad, but it’s absolutely non-electronic! The Piccolo board includes 10 colourful, tactile and chunky (but slightly smaller than Primo’s) buttons that can move around the frame. The board works with the Piccolo activity booklets and their learning game cards. It’s incredible to watch how my little “baby” girl grows from being a Primo-fan, to now a Piccolo-lover! She ENJOYS the activities - identifying the issues, recognising connection, matching the corresponding colours, and pushing the buttons to their correct spots. Piccolo is the great example of how kids can learn through play! 

(2) 16 Learning Cards In One Booklet Of Diverse Topics & Skills 

Piccolo covers a diverse range of interesting topics and stimulating activities. If you have a kid who is starting school soon (like my little girl over here), then the “School Readiness” booklet is an awesome choice for this holiday season! The set comprises 16 learning cards - covering activities such as putting pictures in order, matching tools to images, identifying a pattern, finding the missing “dominoes”, spotting the odd object in a row etc. The illustrations are colourful, and the activities are thought-provokingly fun! 

(3) Clever Self-Checking Feature For Independent Learning 

I LOVE the self-checking feature! Once the puzzles are done, kids can flip the cards over and confirm the answers independently by looking at the coloured buttons printed on the reverse of each card. 

(4) Light Weight & Travel-Easy 

This is a fantastic educational resources which would stand the test of time. Similar to the Primo frame - Piccolo board is light-weight, compact, with no loose components. It is a marvellous travel companion! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

LOGICO Piccolo Frame: https://www.logicotoys.com.au/collections/logico-piccolo/products/logico-piccolo-frame (Australia) 

LOGICO Piccolo: School Readiness Look And Thank: https://www.logicotoys.com.au/collections/logico-piccolo/products/school-readiness-look-and-think

Enjoy the video! 

Swan Lake Musical Puzzle, By Kaddo - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:             Musical puzzle 

Rating:                       ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:   4 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Music & puzzle lovers/ AND collectors of beautiful toys! 

I am in love with Kaddo - an imprint from the publisher of the well-known “Little People, BIG DREAMS” book series Quarto . Kaddo games and puzzles are uniquely elegant in a heart-melting, beautiful way. Today, I would love to share about “Swan Lake Musical Puzzle (The Story Orchestra)”. 

Why I love ❤️ this puzzle: 

(1) Beautiful & Unique Musical Puzzle With Sound-Clip Buttons 

Just like the Nutcracker Musical Puzzle that I had reviewed in October last year, Swan Lake is another enchanting puzzle from The Story Orchestra range. “Hidden” within the puzzle board are 4 music buttons, each has a 10-second sound clip that plays beautiful melody composed by Tchaikovsky for the world’s best loved ballet! Press the musical buttons to experience the romantic love between Odette and Siegfried, intertwined with the menacing scenes of Rothbart and Odile. The music is loud, vibrant, and captured the emotions of the sensational ballet performance perfectly. We are moved by the seamless transition of moods, from the graceful theme of “Flight of the Swans”, jumpy “Dances of the Swans”, the dangerous “Act III” where Rothbart revealed his nasty trick, to the emotional “Act IV”. We love the dynamics of the instruments (oboe, harp, bassoon). We are intrigued by the enticing beauty of the music. 

(2) Enchanting Illustrations - 48 Puzzle Pieces

This set comes with 48 puzzle pieces - 4 in unique shapes with circle cutouts that give access to the musical buttons on the puzzle frame, and 44 in mainly standard ribbon cut form. The puzzle was illustrated by Jessica Courtney-Tickle, a talented artist who illustrated a series of children’s books. The pictures are enchanting and captured the essence of the Swan Lake scenes. 

(3) Double-Sided Poster With Fascinating Information About Swan Lake 

The set comes with a double-sided poster with the full puzzle image on one side, and information (about the composer, a short summary of Swan Lake story, and description of the music clips) on the other side.

(4) Great Components & Sturdy Packaging 

I love the sturdy packaging - the box cover is glittery with golden holographic words. There is a thick cardboard insert with ribbon attached to keep puzzle pieces nicely contained within the lid, and the assembled puzzle pieces are held securely once they are fit onto the board. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.booktopia.com.au/swan-lake-story-orchestra-musical-puzzle-jessica-courtney-tickle/book/9780711287075.html (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

Mission Jungle, By Bioviva - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:             Board Game 

Rating:                       ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:   7 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Nature enthusiasts and trivia-lovers 

Are you a nature enthusiast who gets excited about carnivorous plant, Amozonian forest, and adventurous expedition? Check out Mission Jungle by Bioviva! Thank you Divisible by Zero for proving a copy for review! 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) A Game With Fun Trivial Questions And Tactical Moves

Mission Jungle is a board game packaged with fun trivia questions, tactical moves, reflexes and speed, bluff and humour. Included within are a hexagonal game board, 39 jungle cards with questions / challenges, expedition / super expedition cards, Konga cards, off-limit card, “Pennants”, 2 multi-coloured dice, and a top secret envelope. In each round, players select and simultaneously reveal an Expedition Card showing one of the 7 chosen sites. The site chosen by the “Guardian” of that round is “Off-Limits” - any players who have selected that site will have to skip a turn. The rest of the players will take turn to tackle a challenge set out in a Jungle Card. Player who succeeds in a challenge claims the clues, and can prevent another player taking the same site. I love the interesting gameplay and twist incorporated into a “pub quiz” / challenge game. 

(2) Fascinating Questions On Nature Subjects + Challenges 

The jungle cards include a range of multiple-choice questions and challenges. The questions are specific, fascinating, and often zoom into the rare and unusual nature subjects. There are questions about the Philippines galeopithicus (a lemur), Kimaru (a plant-eating piranha) in Guyana, and Taga palm in South American Equatorial forest. There are also selections of challenges such as throw a dice into a lid, find your way with eyes closed, “sniff” and guess a player etc. 

(3) Konga Game To Break A Tie

We love playing the “Konga” game (which is used to decide the “winner” when two or more players selected the same expedition card / or have a tie). To play this mini game, roll the two multi-coloured dice, and race to touch the Konga card with colours correspond to the dice. 

(4) Storyline With A Mission & Top Quality Components From Recycled Materials 

I love the mission to uncover clues about a secret expedition, and the top secret envelope as prize for the winner. I also love that the game is designed and manufactured in France, with components made from recycled materials printed using vegetable-based inks.

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

Contact Divisible by Zero (Wholesale, Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

All You Can Eat, By Professor Puzzle - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:             Card Game

Rating:                       ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:   12 year-old ++ (But my 7 and 4 year-old love this game too!) 

Who would love this: Strategy gamers & food lovers!

Sushi Go, Go Nuts for Donuts, Picky Eaters - it’s no secret I’m a HUGE fan of food-theme games. Nothing tastes more delicious than claiming victory in a game of mouthing-watering cuisines and calculative planning. Allow me to introduce our newfound favourite - “All You Can Eat” from Professor Puzzle (Thank you Jedko Games for another awesome recommendation!) 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Strategy Game - Collect Good Cuisine Cards & Avoid Bad Clumsy Waiters! 

To win this game, players race to collect the “good” cuisine cards, plan your way with combo cards, tread carefully with “risky” chilli cards, and avoid clumsy waiter cards. Each player takes turn to be the “server” who strategically creates columns of cards (some face-up, some face-down). Next, starting with the player to the server’s left, each player selects a column of their choice and takes it into their hands. Now, watch all the cards “unfold” and see how the selection affects the outcome of the feast! It’s amazing to watch how each player makes their choices: some play it safe, some take a risk, some have obvious “trust” issues 😂, some just love it random. I love the competitiveness, unpredictability, and a cheeky element of bluffing. 

(2) Wide Variety Of Cards To Spice Up The Game

I love the wide variety of cards included that really “spice” up the game. My 7-year-old (a risk-taker in nature) loves the chilli cards - 5 points would be deducted if a player collected 4 chilli cards, BUT you get to earn a whopping 10 points if you manage to collect 5 of them! Everyone loves dessert cards (who doesn’t love a sweet extra point?), and the player who collects the biggest set of cuisine cards wins one of 4 matching trophies of extra 3 points. 

(3) 4 Types Of Cuisine - Culturally Diverse 

The game features 4 types of cuisines: Mexican, Mediterranean, East Asia, and South Asia. We LOVE foods from around the world and the diversity displayed on the cards: Churro, Egg Tarts, Nachos, Ramen, Pizza, Dumplings, and more! 

(4) Compact Game - Family-Friendly & Travel Easy

I love that the cards and instructions are compactly packed within a small and travel-friendly box. This is a great family game - it’s recommended for older kids from 12 year-old ++, but trust me, younger kids “get” the game and enjoy it too. This is a delightfully yummy game! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://cookiejar.com.au/products/all-you-can-eat-tasty-card-gam (Australia) 

https://www.dicksmith.com.au/da/buy/cookie-jar-all-you-can-eat-tasty-card-gam-8255459918053/ (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

Rainbow CVC Objects, By Junior Learning - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:             Objects that represent CVC words 

Rating:                       ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:   4 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Teachers/ Parents / Kids who are exploring the magic of word-forming 

Junior Learning has a range of exciting resources that are versatile, open-ended, and SUPER FUN to play with. Today I would love to share about this amazing “Rainbow CVC Objects” set - a learning tool that our family really loves. 

Why I love ❤️ it? 

(1) 40 Objects - Short & Fun Words That Follow Pattern of CVC 

Unseal the box and you will find 40 objects of various sizes, shapes and types - all brightly coloured and visually-appealing. The kids were intrigued by these seemingly unrelated objects. They picked up the pieces one at a time, observed them closely, identified and named them, and finally, discovered the common connection - these are all CVC objects! Each object represents a three-letter CVC word which follows the pattern of consonant + vowel + consonant (hence, the acronym, “CVC”). They are short, fun, punchy words that young kids love making the sound of - such as “PIG”, “LEG”, “FAN”, and “BIN”. CVC words introduce young kids to the whole new world of sounds-blending 3 individual letters. I really love how adorable the illustrated objects are. My personal favourites are the cheese-stealing RAT, the cute BAT with two vampire fangs, and the friendly FOX with a smile. 

(2) Made of Quality Thick Cardboard With Foam Board 

The objects were made of thick cardboard with foam board, which gives them a chunky 3D feel. The BEST part? There are magnetic sheets at the back of these objects. The kids can stick the pieces on whiteboard, fridge, magnetic dry erase board, and more! The magnetic feature provides the kids with numerous play possibilities. 

(3) Multi-Purpose & Versatile - Many Ways To Learn And Play!

I LOVE how multi-purpose and versatile these CVC objects are! My four-year-old loves sticking them on a white board to create random (and sometimes ridiculous) stories, and it was great fun to watch her using her imagination in such creative way! We can also challenge the kids to write the CVC words on the white board, or use them together with other Junior Learning products such as the CVC Tri-Blocks, CVC Bubble Boards, and the magnetic Phonics Tiles for some words / pictures matching games! I love how the products work so well together. 

(4) Light Weight & Easy To Be Stored Away 

I love how light weight the pieces are. The box is easy to be stored away, and does not take up much space. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://juniorlearning.com.au/products/rainbow-cvc-objects?_pos=1&_sid=9890f5d82&_ss=r

Enjoy the video! 

Santa Cookie Elf Candy Snowman, Blue Orange - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:             Card Game

Rating:                       ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age:   8 year-old ++ (but our 4 year-old enjoys this too!)

Who would love this: Anyone who loves fast-paced matching game & Christmas

WE LOVE THIS GAME - and it’s really beginning to look a lot like Christmas! This game is adorable, full of festive mood, and enjoyed by my entire family (4 to 40 ++ year old). Introducing: “Santa Cookie Elf Candy Snowman” by Blue Orange ! (Thank you VR Distribution for providing a copy.) 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Christmas Version of The Popular "Taco Cat" Game

This is the Christmas version of the wildly popular “Taco Cat” game. This game is all about SPEED, (ouchy) hand-slapping, and being silly! First, shuffle the cards and distribute them evenly between players. Players need to chant the 5 MAGIC WORDS in this sequence: “Santa - Cookie - Elf - Candy - Snowman”, whilst each player takes turn to flip over the top card and place at the centre of the table. For example, the first player says “Santa” and places the first card; the second player says “Cookie” when placing the second card, and so on. When a player flips a card matching the word they said, everyone race to slap the pile on the table. The last player to slap takes all the cards and add them into their personal draw pile. The game ends when a player with no remaining cards is the first to correctly slap a match or special card. I love the joyous holiday-theme, the multi-player (up to 8 or more) party game, and how fast-paced and hilarious this game is! 

(2) 3 Special Cards For Some Fun Twists! 

There are 3 special cards that require players to do an action before slapping the centre pile. When you see a Star (Silent Night), everyone puts a finger to their lips and says “shh”; if a “Drum” shows up, everyone taps the table and says “rum pum pum pum”; and if it’s a “Reindeer”, players make antlers with their fingers. I love how the game makes everyone constantly moving! 

(3) Super Cute Artwork 

The artwork is simply adorable! There are a few “deceptive” cards within; for example, a white COOKIE that resembles a snowman at a quick glance, ELF that wears a Santa red hat, Santa in green suit (that looks kind of like a gnome, according to my girl 😂). We laugh so hard each time when these silly (and confusing) cards show up! 

(4) Compact Travel-Friendly Game 

The box is compact with magnetic closing on the lid of the box. This is a perfect travel game for the holiday season! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.gamesworld.com.au/product/santa-cookie-elf-candy-snowman/ (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

Emoji Cube, By GiiKER - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:             Desk accessory/ fidget toy 

Rating:                       ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:   3 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Anyone! Especially those who love fidget toys & Christmas! 

If you are looking for some last minute stocking-filler that’s jam-packed with festive-mood and overloaded with irresistible cuteness, look no further! Check out - Emoji Cube from GiiKER - a non-electronic fidget toy with an adorable emoji twist! 

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) Green Cube + 4 Cute Emoji Stickers 

Emoji Cube comes in a unique Christmas-theme green cube and 4 clear stickers featuring lovingly illustrated facial expressions. First, peel the stickers and stick them on each of the 4 rotatable surfaces of the cube. Next, adjust the bright red and white winter earmuffs (or the cute headphone) so that the band is positioned right on top and across a “face”. Seriously, how super CUTE this Emoji Cube is! Our kids can’t stop admiring and smiling looking at the 4 cute Emoji faces - the blushing face with a hint of shyness, the crying face with tears flowing uncontrollably, a “lovey-dovey” expression with two heart-shaped eyes, and a rosy-cheeked face completed with a cheeky smile. I LOVE toys that display different emotions - they are great conversation starters with the kids, and the kids love mimicking the special expressions whilst adding some silliness onto them! This emoji cube makes my heart flutters with its enchanting cuteness! 

(2) Spin-able - Super Cute Fidget Toy!

Grip the cube by holding-on to the white parts of the earmuff with 2 fingers; Now, spin the cube, watch it rotates in quick motion, and guess which lucky emoji it will land on! This is probably one of the cutest fidget toys I have ever seen. It’s delightfully addictive to play with, and really satisfies our natural urge to spin, roll, and flip things around with our restless hands. This is an awesome stress-releaser - calming, reducing anxiety, engaging the senses, and keeping us focused in a surprisingly relaxing way. 

(3) Christmas Colours & Festive Mood 

I love the Christmassy colours of green and red! I also really love how tiny this cube is - this is a stylish desk accessory, a friendly on-the-go companion, a lovely bag charm, and a charming keychain charm. It fits comfortably in the palm of your hand, and slips effortlessly into pocket or backpack. I’m loving this compact little travel-companion! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://giiker.com/en-au/products/fidget-cube

Enjoy the video! 

CVC Bubble Boards, By Junior Learning - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:             CVC words learning resources 

Rating:                       ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:   4 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Parents looking for an interactive, fun learning aid for kids to explore CVC words 

My four-year-old has just commenced her alphabet and CVC words learning journey recently. I was excited to receive this CVC Bubble Boards set from Junior Learning and explored the wonder of word-forming with the kids using this tactile, sensory tool. 

 

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) Learn CVC Words In A FUN Way With 12 Double-Sided Bubble Boards 

So, what are CVC words? They are single syllable, three-letter words that follow the pattern of consonant, vowel, consonant (hence, the acronym, “CVC”). These are short, fun, punchy words that introduces young kids to the whole new universe of sounds-blending of individual letters. Examples of CVC words include cute things like “PIG”, “CAT”, “MOP”, and more serious objects such as “PIN”, “VAN” and “NET”. This set includes 12 double-sided Bubble Boards. Each bubble board has 3 pop-able bubbles on each side (6 on both sides), and every bubble has a letter printed on it. The 12 boards feature a total of 24 CVC words. They provide such engaging fun for young kids to “decode” the words. Kids can “pop” and sound each letter, one at a time, before blending them to form everyday familiar words (eg BUG, HAT, BAG, SUN, BED). 

(2) Light Weight & Compact 

I am genuinely impressed with how light weight and compact these 12 bubble boards are. They are easy to be stored away and brought around with us for on-the-go learning and practising. 

(3) Tactile Popping Experience - Keeping Kids Engaged & Focused 

I can’t tell you how much our kids (and the grown-ups in this house) enjoy the satisfying sound and tactile experience of popping. They keep the kids engaged and focused on segmenting individual letters with the popping process. I do wish the printed letters were a bit bigger in size, but the small font doesn’t seem to bother the kids too much. These boards are stress-releasing, delightfully “squeezable”, and addictive to play with in an adorable way. 

(4) Versatile Learning Resources 

I love how versatile these bubble boards are - they can be used individually for words and sounds learning, or combine with other Junior Learning resources for play and games. For example, I love using these bubble boards with the “Rainbow CVC Objects” set (stay tuned for my review on that, coming up soon) for words / pictures matching game. I’m loving these creative learning tools. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

Junior Learning (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

Be Herd, By Bailey Brothers Boardgames - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:           Board Game 

Rating:                      ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:   14 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Older kids/ adults who enjoy stress-free, cooperative games 

Looking for an ice-breaker / “get to know each other better” game for a stress-free evenings? Look no further. Allow me to introduce this joyful game by Bailey Brothers Boardgames - “Be Herd”! 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) Cooperative Game - Get To Know One Another In A FUN Way!

This is a cooperative game that generates endless laughter and conversations. A fairly straightforward game - Each player takes turn to be the “Leader of the Herd”, draws 4 cards, and fixes a “Target” (an estimate of the number of players who will guess the “right” answer). All the players simultaneously vote for the card that best describes the Leader of the Herd by casting a cube of matching colour. Next, players get to build a “Herd Tower” together using the Herd Animal blocks / Snake blocks (depending on the actual number of players who has voted in the same way as the “Leader”). For example, in one game, my team was asked to vote amongst 4 values that best describes “yours truly” - Strength, Frugality, Optimism, Persuasiveness. (And if you want to know, everyone - including myself - voted for “Optimism”, unanimously). Since we had hit the “target”, we got to place a Herd Animal block and remove all annoying Snake blocks from the tower. The higher the tower, the stronger the herd! 

(2) 240 Cards & 8 Categories 

I love the insightful questions! The 240 cards are divided into 8 categories - “Bucket List”, “Character”, “Acts”, “Fears” and more. The game is targeting audience of 14 year-old and above, but I think they work for younger kids as well (as long as we first “filter away” the naughtier and complex questions). My 7 year-old’s favourite category is the “Bucket List” - it has fun selections like “drive the world’s fastest supercar”, “climb Everest”, and “Skydive”. I love the “Profession” group - it makes me want to re-evaluate my career choice - “Art Appraiser”, “Crane Operator”, “Makeup Artist- Theatrical”, “Forensic Psychologist” - how cool are they! 

(3) 18 Wooden Herd Animals Building Blocks 

I love the 18 wooden Herd Animals building blocks with puzzle base - colourful, vibrant, durable, and they make such awesome balancing game on their own. I am also really impressed with the adorable animals artwork. Super cute and irresistible! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.m-g.com.au/product/be-herd/ (Australia) 

https://www.baileybros.com.au/be-herd (Website) 

Enjoy the video! 

Kanoodle Head to Head, By Educational Insights - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:           2-player brainteaser / logical puzzle

Rating:                      ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:   7 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: Competitive gamers/ logical puzzle lovers 

Our family is super competitive. We also LOVE logical puzzles tremendously. So imagine our thrill when we discovered this crazily FUN “Kanoodle Head to Head” from Educational Insights , combining the two best game elements into ONE . Thank you Clover Street for providing a copy - This is THE ultimate 2-player challenge and a marvellous festive gift for anyone who enjoys the adrenaline rushes of a competitive game! 

Why I love ❤️ this game: 

(1) TWO Players - Head-To-Head Puzzle Battle!

This set comes with a cleverly-designed game board that is divided into two sections for a two-player, head-to-head puzzle battle. Each player gets 8 colourful puzzle pieces. The puzzle pieces are in the form of 4 plastic beads, connected in a string of multiple arrangements. To play this game, select a challenge card, insert it into the slot separating the two board sections. Now, set up the puzzle pieces according to the arrangement depicted on the card. Once both parties are ready, yell “Go”, and race frantically against your opponent to assemble the remaining pieces so that all the beads would fit nicely onto the indentations of the playing boards. It’s a nail-bitingly intense game, jam-packed with competitive mode and excitement! 

(2) Special Button To Launch Your Opponent's Puzzle Pieces Into The Air 

Now, let’s talk about BEST part of this game - Whoever completed the puzzle first get to press a special button placed at the upper right side of each playing board, which would cause your opponent’s board to pop-up in a sudden, launching all the game pieces in the air! Our kids love this feature immensely - they laugh so hard watching the opponent’s pieces being tossed all over the place. 

(3) 80 Challenges Included

The set comes with 40 double-sided challenge cards - a total of 80 challenges. This game guarantees hours of laughter and nerve-wracking fun. I LOVE that it has fantastic replay value. 

(4) Compact & Sturdy Design - Great Travel Game! 

I love the sturdy components, and the vibrantly colourful puzzle pieces. I especially love the compact design of this puzzle - everything can be perfectly fit and securely locked within the storage areas underneath the two playing platforms. I love how light weight and portable this game is. This is an ideal on-the-go travel game - we’re loving it! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.gamesmen.com.au/kanoodle-head-to-head (Australia) 

Enjoy the video! 

Triangular Kapok-Filled Pillow, By Funyards Australia - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:           Thai pillow 

Rating:                      ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:   All  

Who would love this: Anyone looking for a firm and great quality backrest 

Today, I’m going to share about something a little “different”- a durable household item that I genuinely believe is a must-have for families, especially for those exhausting parents who consistently suffer from backache and shoulder tension (just like myself and many others around). Introducing: Thai Triangular Kapok-Filled Pillow - one of the most ergonomic mobile backrest I have ever seen. Thank you Funyards Australia for providing another awesome product for review. 

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) Triangular Pillow For Excellent Ergo Back Support 

This unique pillow is triangular in shape and weighs around 2kg. It is made up of 10 individual stuffed tubular compartments stitched together in a pyramidal arrangement. The first thing that excites me most is its exceptional firmness. Lean your back against it, and you will immediately experience that excellent ergo-support that goes well with the natural curvature posture. It is surprisingly soothing for the head and neck, a perfect companion for a stress-releasing and relaxing moment for the exhausting mind. We wish we had discovered this fantastic cushion earlier! 

(2) 100% Natural Kapok Fibre Insert 

The pillow is stuffed with 100% natural Kapok fibre insert. I didn’t know much about Kapok prior to this, so I did some information digging and online research. Kapok is an organic material obtained from the seed pods of the kapok tree. It’s biodegradable, light weight, fluffy, and hypoallergenic. Kapok can be harvested without damaging the tree -hence it’s an eco-friendly option compared to other synthetic fillings that were often tainted with chemicals. Kapok fibres is firm with hint of fluffiness, and it does not compress as easily as cotton or other artificial stuffings. 

(3) Quality Product Handmade By Local Artisans In Thailand 

These gorgeous products are handmade by local artisans in Thailand. I am intrigued by the intricate fabric patterns and elegant golden lines with exquisite cultural touch. The craftsmanship is incredible! 

(4) Versatile & Multi-Purposes 

So, what can you use this triangular pillow for? Apart from being a backrest with the perfect angle for spinal cord, it’s also an awesome leg rest, and for my kids- a portable play cushion and cubby-house accessory of unlimited potential! Loving how versatile it is! 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

Funyards Australia 

Enjoy the video! 

Find The Fairies, By Kaddo - REVIEW

Nature/ Type:           Fairy-theme memory game 

Rating:                      ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Recommended age:   4 year-old ++ 

Who would love this: A must-have for fairy lovers! 

Our kids love the tales of fairies - their secretive habitats, clever camouflage, beauty of magic. “Find The Fairies” by Kaddo (an imprint of Quarto) is one of the most captivating Memory Games I have ever seen, and I can’t wait to share about it with you! 

Why I love ❤️ it: 

(1) 20 Pairs Of Fairies From Around The World! 

The set includes 40 cards - featuring 20 pairs of fairies from around the world. The rule is similar to the classic memory game; Arrange the cards face down, flip two card over - if you find a pair, keep the cards. If you don’t, turn them face down again, but do remember the location of the fairy cards so that you can make a match on your next turn. One unique feature of the cards: the images of the pair are not exactly the same; For example, for the “Nereid” (ocean fairy) pair - the first card features a female Nereid riding a dolphin on an adventurous journey, and the second card features a male Nereid sitting on a sea stack, enjoying the tranquility of sea. I love the intricate details of the illustrations - the distinctive costume, patterns of the wings, the diverse natural habitats, the distinguished facial features. I love the careful thoughts given to the design and the geographical coverage of the fairies - from Alpine meadows, Sahara Desert, High Himalayan slopes, to the shallow African lakes. This is a must-have for all fairy fans around the globe! 

(2) "Find The Fairies" Booklet With Interesting Fun Facts 

I love the “Find the Fairies” illustrated booklet included in the set. This handy guide gives us fascinating fun facts about the fairies - habitat, home, features, habits. For example, do you know the Blue Mountain Fairy from Australia wears lefty clothing to blend in among cliffside’s vegetation? Have you heard about the Cherry Blossom Fairy from Japan whose wings change colour throughout the year (pink and white in Spring, red and orange in autumn).

(3) "Fairy Finding Tips" - Be Close To Nature! 

My personal favourite is the “Fairy Finding Tips” in the booklet. The tips encourage our kids to pay attention to the nature - e.g. listen for birdsong (which may actually be the chattering of fairies) and beating of fairy wings. 

(4) Beautiful Packaging 

The packaging box is amazingly done with beautiful artwork and sturdy quality. 

# gifted in exchange for review 

Where to buy this: 

https://www.booktopia.com.au/find-the-fairies-memory-game--emily-hawkins/book/9780711287877.html (Australia) 

https://www.dymocks.com.au/book/find-the-fairies-by-emily-hawkins-and-jessica-roux-9780711287877 (Australia) 

Enjoy the video!