60 Seconds Toy Review

Thursday, May 9, 2024

Cortex Challenge- Disney Edition, By Zygomatic Games - REVIEW

Nature/ Type: Challenge game for kids

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 6 year-old ++

Who would love this: Kids that love a brain challenge / collectors of anything Disney

There are a few different Cortex versions - fast-paced, with similar game rules, challenge the cognitive brainpower of players, and each with a different theme and target audience. Today, let’s talk about “Cortex Challenge- Disney Edition” from Zygomatic Games (a collectible for any classic Disney lovers!). Thank you VR Distribution for sending this over!

Why I love ❤️ this game:

(1) 80 Challenge Cards Covering Multiple Areas!

This set includes 80 challenge cards, 10 raised touch cards, 6 brain puzzles (24 pieces), and a rules booklet. Cortex is all about being quick-witted and sharp with the brain! Players race to complete a series of 8 challenges. Every time a player completes 2 of the same type, they get to acquire a quarter of a mini brain puzzle. The first person who completes the 4-piece brain puzzle wins the game. The challenges include identifying the matching reflection of a Disney character, the lasso that contains the most characters, the repeated character, an object that appears the most on a card, the odd character, characters joined by a maze, a memory test (naming 4 characters), and a “Touch challenge”. This is a game where players need to think fast, slam quick, and get the right answer in speed (although we did modify the rule so that both the kids get an equal opportunity to win and shine).

(2) Touch Challenge With Tactile Cards

The “Touch Challenge” is no doubt the kids’ favourite! They love touching the tactile cards (treasure chest, accordion, compartments of buttons, bowl of spaghetti noddles, etc) and doing a guess within 10 seconds. The challenge is harder than what it appears!

(3) Classic Disney Theme

Most importantly, the challenge cards are in Disney theme, covering the classics (101 Dalmatians, The Aristocrats, Bambi, Dumbo, Lady and the Tramp, Alice in Wonderland, The Jungle Book, Pinocchio, Lilo & Stitch). As a classic lover, I am all excited about this game! However, the kids are not familiar with these old animated films, and that makes some of the challenges slightly more difficult for them (eg naming the characters, and identifying the odd character). I think Disney is such a cool Cortex theme, and I can’t wait to see a potential new Cortex version in future covering some of the more modern Disney favourites!

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

https://www.gamesmen.com.au/cortex-challenge-disney-edition-card-games (Australia)

https://www.gumnut.com.au/products/cortex-challenge-disney-edition (Australia)

https://www.gamesworld.com.au/product/cortex-disney/ (Australia)

Enjoy the video!

Creagami - Cat Origami Kit, By CreativaMente - REVIEW

Nature/ Type: Craft kit

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 7 year-old ++

Who would love this: Craft/ origami lovers!

“Mum! We glued the eyes crooked, and now the kitten looks FUNNY!” - and the kids laughed SO HARD that they nearly rolled onto the ground. 🤦🏻‍♀️😅 As you can see, Creagami by CreativaMente is not just about the outcome. It’s about the building process - the patience, the concentration, the teamwork. Today, I would love to share about another Large Creagami set - “Cat Origami Kit” (thank you Divisible by Zero for sponsoring this set)!

Why I love ❤️ it:

(1) Large Cat Model Built With 632 Modular Units

If you have never seen a Creagami set before, it’s essentially an all-in-one modular origami set that involves two-stage paper folding technique. This set includes numerous craft papers with perforated lines, mostly in black and white (and some small sections in red and pink), and a few extra accessories (paper whiskers and eyes). The first stage is probably the most “daunting” and time consuming part. Guide by the perforated lines, we first separated the pre-cut papers into individual pieces, and then we folded them into modular units. To make this cat, we needed 632 of these modules! Once again, I got my two minions (5 and 7 year-old) to help out with the folding. Each unit requires only a few quick folds, and the pre-scored lines make the job a breeze for us!

(2) Step-By-Step Video Guide

The second and final stage is to assemble the units into an integrated 3D model. First, scan the QR Code that will lead you to a YouTube video; Now, follow the step-by-step tutorial video to slot and insert the units to build the cat! The boy loves learning the different slotting techniques (normal, inverted, insert, empty pocket etc). It was amazing to watch the cat coming into life, bit-by-bit. This Cat model is slightly more challenging than the previous Owl model I shared - the “neck” section is hard to build, we couldn’t properly connect the tail (we cheated - we used glue to secure it in the end), and we didn’t do the “eyes” correctly. 🤣 But overall, we enjoyed the process thoroughly!

(3) Made In Italy - Quality Craft Set!

As usual, we are very impressed with the interlocking technique, the strength, and the flexibility of the model. Creagami set is made in Italy, and nicely packaged in a cardboard box.

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

https://www.thetherapystore.com.au/product/creagami-large/ (Australia)

Check out my other reviews on Creagami:

Enjoy the video!

City Planner Puzzle, By Funyards Australia - REVIEW

Nature/ Type: Wooden puzzle

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 7 year-old ++

Who would love this: Brainteasers/ puzzle lovers

I am enchanted by this City Planner Puzzle since the first time I set my eyes on it. It’s a 3D vertical artwork that resembles a densely populated urban landscape of skyscrapers and high-rises. It’s abstract, yet strangely beautiful. Thank you Funyards Australia for sending this over.

Why I love ❤️ it:

(1) Packing Puzzle With 9 Unique Pieces + City Theme

This is a classic packing puzzle but with a three-dimensional touch. The puzzle comes with a wooden base with frames at 4 sides, 9 unique puzzle pieces, and a dowel pin. First, place the pin into any of the holes in the base. Now, let’s the challenge begin! Build a “city” around it using the 9 puzzle pieces, arrange them so that each will fit perfectly within the frame. All of the pieces are uniquely carved, with different shapes to create various placement combinations. The key is to observe the base of each piece, and “re-imagine” them as various shapes formed with 2D squares. The aim is to arrange these shapes to fit into a base of 7x7 grid. This is a refreshing and atheistic take of a classic puzzle.

(2) 13 Challenges & Easy Setting-Up

I love that there are 13 challenges in this set, and it’s super easy to set it up! Simply place the dowel pin in one of the 13 holes in the base, and get cracking! This is a brainteaser to sharpen critical thinking, encourage problem-solving, enhance visual perception, perfect hand-eye coordination. And if you ever get stuck - fear not! There is a one-page illustrated solutions included for all 13 challenges!

(3) Stunning Art Piece Of Cityscape

I am captivated by the beautiful shades of the wooden pieces - some have a natural darker grain, a few with lighter timber colours, and a few towers are painted in stunning red to give the cityscape a multi-layered, artistic touch. The final outcome looks different each time we re-assemble it.

(4) Long-Lasting Wooden Puzzle With Fantastic Craftmanship

The craftsmanship is precise and fantastic. Each puzzle pieces are carefully cut in impressive precision, smoothly-finished to high quality. Like other Funyards Australia products - this brainteaser set is lovingly-handmade by local artisans in Thailand. It is built for long-lasting play, durable and solid. It’s both a stimulating wooden puzzle and an artistic display at home.

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

Funyards Australia

Check out more reviews of similar wooden puzzle sets from Funyards Australia:

Enjoy the video!

Thursday, May 2, 2024

Numberblocks Rainbow Counting Bus, By hand2mind - REVIEW

Nature/ Type: Numberblocks-themed bus

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 3 year-old ++

Who would love this: Numberblocks fans!

Numberblocks holds a special place in our hearts; it helps the kids visualise complex maths concepts through adorable storylines and characters, and master number skills in a cute and fun way! Introducing this new Numberblocks Rainbow Counting Bus from hand2mind (thank you Clover Street for providing it).

Why I love ❤️ it?:

(1) Interactive Rainbow Counting Bus With 7 Seats

In this set, you get an interactive Rainbow Counting Bus and everyone’s favourite character “Seven”. Lucky “Seven” has 7 rainbow cubes (from red to violet) and 7 strings of multicoloured hair. He’s joyous, fearless, always ready to help - and definitely your top driver choice for some fun-filled adventures. The sky blue bus has 6 passenger seats plus a driver seat. It doesn’t come with the other Numberblocks characters, but we can add the figures separately from the “Numberblocks Friends” playsets. I tested it with all the figures from “One” through “Ten” - they all fit well in the bus seats.

(Apart from "Seven", other Numberblocks characters not included in the set)

(2) 12 Sounds Including Numberblocks Theme Song

I avoid noisy toys like how my kids avoid broccoli. 😂 This bus comes with songs and sounds - BUT fear not, it is nowhere near the annoying type. The 12 sounds consist of counting from 1 to 7 by the respective character, few lines from the catchy Numberblocks theme song, a “Seven” song from the episode “Just Add One”, some short horn honking sound, and engine noises. There are 2 sound levels, and we can also switch the sound off. 2 AAA batteries are included. It took me a while to find the sound button - FYI: it’s the press-able rainbow grate on the front of the bus.

(3) Cute Features Including Fold-Out Rainbow & Hopscotch

I love the few thoughtful features included in the bus to increase its playability. There is a slider at the top front for the kids to select their destination (eg picnic, castle, circus, seaside etc). The wheels are rollable, and the rear folds out to reveal a full rainbow, and a “hopscotch” area with numbers 1 to 7.

(4) Stickers To Customise Your Bus

You will also find a sticker sheet in the set for the kids to customise their bus. The kids had a blast decorating the bus with numberlings, number symbols, rainbow wheels, rainbow plate, backpacks, luggage, and more! Well, what can I say? This is a collectible for any true Numberblocks fan!

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

https://www.thecreativetoyshop.com.au/products/numberblocks-rainbow-counting-bus (Australia)

Check out my other reviews of Numberblocks products from hand2mind:

Enjoy the video!

Creagami- Owl Origami Kit, By CreativaMente - REVIEW

Nature/ Type: Craft kit

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 7 year-old ++

Who would love this: Craft/ origami lovers

We have done a few Creagami sets from CreativaMente in the past (Dragon, Butterfly, Penguin, Ladybug). We LOVE the wisdom behind the folding mechanism. This time, we challenged ourselves with a LARGE set - “Owl Origami Kit”. I think I have just found my favourite craft kit! Thank you Divisible by Zero, this is amazing!

Why I love ❤️ it:

(1) Large Model Built With 657 Modular Units

This is the largest model I have ever built with Creagami, and I’m so glad to have my two recruited minions (5 and 7 year-old) helping with this project! The set includes craft paper sheets (purple, green, black, white, yellow), and a pair of paper eyes. The craft papers have perforated lines which can be separated into individual pieces, and be folded into modular units (to make this owl, you need 657 modules). The folding of basic units is probably the most “unexciting” part - it’s repetitive, but strangely, relaxing. Each of the module requires only a few quick folds, and the pre-scored lines make the folding a real breeze! There is an illustrative guide included for this.

(2) Step-By-Step Video Guide

Once the individual units are done, the REAL FUN begins! First, scan the QR Code and follow the tutorial video with step-by-step guide for the owl-building / paper slotting process. It’s a test of patience, concentration, and dexterity. It’s also an incredibly therapeutic experience - watching the beautiful purple owl coming into life, row by row - starting from the base, claws, chest, to head, before adding the final touches (yellow beak and gluing the eyes). I love the clever differentiation of colours (white chest and purple back intertwined with hint of black), the distinctive yellow claws and beaks, the almost “heart-shaped” face typical of an owl, and the “feathery” ear tufts at the top that gives the owl a really “smart” look. I’m very happy with the overall outcome. This is a two-day project that gives us a sense of achievement and remarkable bonding time.

(3) Amazing Interlocking Techniques With Strength

The interlocking technique gives strength to the paper model and also sufficient flexibility for us to “mould” the owl into the right shape. Creagami set is made in Italy, and nicely packaged in a cardboard box.

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

https://www.thetherapystore.com.au/product/creagami-large/ (Australia)

Check out my other reviews on Creagami:

Enjoy the video!

Friday, April 26, 2024

Imaginary Fauna - Jungle, By Lekkid - REVIEW

Nature/ Type: Magnetic building toys

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 3 year-old ++

Who would love this: Young kids that have BIG Imaginations + love building/ creating

Magnetic, clear acrylic blocks, solid timber, irregular shapes. “Imaginary Fauna - Jungle” from Lekkid ticks a few boxes that would guarantee to fascinate the kids and captured their attention for hours.

Why I love ❤️ this toy:

(1) 22 Magnetic Pieces To Build And Create

“Imaginary Fauna - Jungle” has its unique “wow” factor - inside the red cylindrical storage box, you would find 22 magnetic pieces of interesting building pieces. This set has parts that can make sea animals, crocodile, and other imaginary creatures or objects (it makes more than just “real animals”). There is a V-shaped wooden piece that resembles a crocodile pointed snout; a red fiery flat part that looks like a lion mane; a long timber piece that looks like a tail curving upwards; a forked-tail piece that is so common amongst sea creatures; a blue “propeller” part that can be used for jet plane, flat pieces that can turn into pair of legs, a red “fire” piece (kids love building “camp-fire” with it for their pretend marshmallow-toasting session), and more! I can’t verify whether “500,000 jungle creatures” can be created using this pack (as claimed on the box), but this toy sure has HUGE potential and possibilities - especially if your kids enjoy inventing wildly imaginative, silly, abstract, and outlandish objects that don’t really need to make sense to the adults!

(2) Wooden Material + Acrylic Pieces

I love the beautiful interaction between the two materials - the solidness of natural beech wood AND the playfulness of light shining through the translucent acrylic pieces.

(3) Explore The Inter-Connecting Magic Of Magnets

I was worried initially that the magnetic polarity of the pieces would be too frustrating for younger kids to handle - you need to constantly adjust and test out both sides of the pieces to fit them together magnetically. What I didn’t expect was how much the kids love the challenge and problem-solving experience; They experimented with the pieces, turned the parts around, and identified the correct sides for the inter-connecting magic to happen.

(4) Designed In Barcelona + Conforms With Toy Safety Standard

Lekkid is designed in Barcelona. The toy conforms to the international standard of toy safety including ASTM F963 and EN71. This is an exciting toy that we really love.

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

https://www.lekkid.com/imaginary-fauna-jungle/ (Website)

Enjoy the video!

Food Chain Island, By Button Shy / Even Toys And Games - REVIEW

Nature/ Type: Card game

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 8 year-old ++

Who would love this: Anyone who enjoys a challenge of strategy games!

I LOVE all Button Shy games I have tested: small, compact, always thought-provoking! But Food Chain Island is of another level - it’s ADDICTIVE and we seriously can’t get enough of this solo game! (Thank you Even Toys And Games ).

Why I love ❤️ this game:

(1) Creative Food Chain Theme

The food chain theme fits perfectly well with the game mechanism. Shuffle 16 Land Animals cards, arrange them faced up in a 4x4 grid, and placed 2 sea animals by the side. On your turn, move a card (the predator) orthogonally one space, and place it on top of another animal (prey) with value that’s 1 to 3 less. I love that each card clearly sets out the list of values that it can eat (eg a Fox (No. 9) can eat animals with value 6, 7, 8). Once a prey is being “swallowed” up, we can activate the special ability of the predator- which range from moving the card 1 space (Wolf), discard an unstacked animal (lizard), move card to any other space (bat) etc. The rules also include alternative starting layouts to really “spice up” the game”! Also, the artwork is unusually cute (one animal consuming another - how more disturbing can this get? 😂).

(2) Special Abilities - Use Your Sea Animals Wisely

Don’t forget you can activate the special abilities of the 2 Sea Animals at the side - Shark allows you to move any animal 1 space to eat, and Whale gives you power to move an animal to any other space, Octopus allows us to discard an unstacked animal and activate its ability etc. If that’s not enough - the set also includes “Air Animals” cards. The selected “Air Animal” must be used and discarded during the game. For example, A Buzzard, when used, requires the player to select next 3 predators with odd number.

(3) Legendary Creatures Expansion Set Included

If you are up to some intense challenge, add on the Legendary Creatures cards. The 4 Legendary land creatures must be placed face-down in specific locations, and can only be revealed when an animal adjacent to it gets eaten. Also, the legendary powers will only be triggered when it’s being eaten.

(4) Lost Beasts Expansion Set Included Too!

The set also includes “Lost Beasts” cards with eating restrictions: eg Dodo only eats lower even-numbered prey, and Archicebus can only eat when it has two or fewer adjacent animals.

Loving it!

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

https://www.aussiehobbies.com.au/products/food-chain-island-card-game (Australia)

https://morethanmeeples.com.au/product/food-chain-island-card-game/ (Australia)

https://www.gumnut.com.au/products/food-chain-island (Australia)

https://shop.goodgames.com.au/products/food-chain-island?variant=43348780908702 (Australia)

https://realtoys.com.au/collections/new-arrivals/products/food-chain-island (Australia)

https://www.unclepetestoys.com.au/food-chain-island (Australia)

https://www.gamesparadise.com.au/food-chain-island (Australia)

https://vaultgames.com.au/products/food-chain-island (Australia)

https://www.m-g.com.au/product/food-chain-island/ (Australia)

Check out more reviews of Button Shy games here:

Circle The Wagons- https://www.60secondstoyreview.com/2024/04/circle-wagons-by-button-shy-even-toys.html
Skulls of Sedlec - https://www.60secondstoyreview.com/2023/09/skulls-of-sedlec-by-button-shy-even.html
Sprawlopolis - https://www.60secondstoyreview.com/2023/09/sprawlopolis-by-button-shy-review.html

Enjoy the video!

Saturday, April 13, 2024

Double Dice Truck, By Funyards Australia - REVIEW

Nature/ Type: Wooden pull toy

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 3 year-old ++

Who would love this: Young kids / Collectors of timeless/ vintage wooden toys

I love timeless, vintage-looking wooden toys. You can get this “Double Dice Truck” from Funyards Australia - not only that it’s adorable in its non-flashy simplicity, this is also a functional and educational toy that can serve as a cute decor piece at home.

Why I love ❤️ this toy:

(1) 3D Wooden Puzzle + Stacking Toy + Dice

This adorable truck is a 3D wooden puzzle and a toddler-friendly stacking toy. It’s made up of 3 separate parts: Two removable dice, and a vehicle “base” with four rolling wheels and two vertical pegs where the two dice / cubes can slide in easily. I can imagine this being a lovely “first stacking toy” for toddlers to train up their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. I really love the chunky size of the dice; they are functional, with bright colourful pips on each surface, and ready to be used and incorporated into activities and games. I also really love the slightly concave appearance of the colourful dots/ pips. These dice are fun tactile toys, and would make great early learning resources for counting and colour-recognition.

(2) Classic Pull Toy For New Walkers

This Double Dice Truck is also a classic, good old-fashioned pull toy that can move around the house on its functioning, smooth-rolling wheels. I also love the long blue string attached to it with a wooden ball at the end for little hands to hold. I think this is a nice early companion for new walkers who are learning to take their first few steps with confidence.

(3) Quality Wooden Material

I love the sturdy, wooden quality of this truck. It’s solid and durable, not too heavy, made with beautiful craftsmanship and smooth finishes. I love the wooden material that gives each of the separate pieces some differing natural timber shades. This is a lovely toy for kids, and a minimalist decorative item at home that will never go out of style.

Funyards Australia is a family owned business located in the beautiful Blue Mountains in New South Wales, specialising in quality wooden toys and educational products. Check out their website for more beautiful handmade items that would guarantee to bring you smile!

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

Contact Funyards Australia

Check out more reviews of wooden toys for your little people from Funyards Australia:

Enjoy the video!

Circle the Wagons, By Button Shy / Even Toys and Games - REVIEW

Nature/ Type: Card game

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 8 year-old ++

Who would love this: Board-gamers who enjoy strategy games

Button Shy makes “small” games - like, 18-cards-only small games. We are BIG FANS of Sprawlopolis and Skulls of Sedlec. So when Even Toys and Games sent over a few more Button Shy games, we were THRILLED! Today, I’m going to start with “Circle the Wagons”.

Why I love ❤️ this game:

(1) Maximise Your Scores With The Best Strategy!

“Circle the Wagons” feels similar to “Sprawlopolis” in a few ways - both games centred around a “building” theme and have similar placement rules. Each of the card has 4 quadrants on it, and each quadrant has a background represents a territory (Desert, Forest, Mountains, Plains, Snow, Water) and an icon (Beer, Fort, Gun, Pickaxe (Mines), Cow, Wagon). First, randomly select 3 cards to set the scoring objectives. Next, take turn to draft a card from a circle for your boomtown. Similar to Sprawlopolis, a newly placed card must touch or overlap an existing territory card. Players score 1 point per quadrant in their largest area of each of the 6 types of territories. Players may also score points (or get their points deducted) depends on the 3 scoring conditions (eg, you might get a “scoring condition” where 2 points will be earned for every Beer adjacent to a Wagon, but a point deducted for every Beer not adjacent to a Wagon).

(2) Clever Cards- Drafting Mechanism

I LOVE the cards-drafting mechanism that really elevate the strategic perspective of the game! Cards are arranged in a circle and each player draft the card in clockwise order. When it’s your turn to draft, you can choose the next card available, or skip over 1 or more cards. But there’s a catch: any cards you skip over are then immediately drafted by your opponent (and your opponent cannot say “no” to those cards)! It’s STRATEGY everywhere!

(3) LARGE Combinations Of Variables With Just 18 Cards

I love how the game creates large combinations of variables by using just 18 cards. Players need to formulate new strategy each round depending on the 3 objective cards being drawn and the order of the cards in the circle. We have played more than a dozen rounds of this game and each time it truly felt different! There is also rules included for a solo play variant.

(4) Light Weight & Compact

This game is light weight, compact, travel-friendly. Seriously, I can’t ask for more.

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

Aussie Hobbies (Australia)

Good Games (Australia)

https://morethanmeeples.com.au/product/circle-the-wagons-card-game/ (Australia)

https://realtoys.com.au/products/circle-of-wagons (Australia)

https://www.thepuzzlepeople.au/product-page/circle-the-wagons (Australia)

https://www.unclepetestoys.com.au/circle-the-wagons/ (Australia)

https://www.m-g.com.au/product/circle-the-wagons/ (Australia)

https://www.gamesworldbrisbane.com.au/circle-the-wagons (Australia)

https://www.presentsofmind.com.au/game/circle-the-wagons/ (Australia)

https://vaultgames.com.au/products/circle-the-wagons (Australia)

Enjoy the video!

Saturday, April 6, 2024

Fluffy Valley, By LOKI - REVIEW

Nature/ Type: Board game for kids

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 6 year-old ++

Who would love this: Young board-gamers, especially those that enjoy cooperative games!

LOKI makes spectacularly CUTE board games - complete with amazing artwork, creative use of game box, and incredibly adorable components. Thank you VR Distribution for providing Fluffy Valley - this is officially our latest most-demanded board game by the kids!

Why I love ❤️ this game:

(1) Cooperative Game - Mission To Get Ready For Winter!

We love a game with an important “mission” to accomplish! Fluffy Valley is a cooperative game where our little people work together in a team, helping a colony of hardworking prairie dogs to get their burrow ready for the harsh cold winter. The aim is to gather sufficient resources and fill-out the reserve (honey, berry, hay); but be warned: you have only 9 rounds to do that before winter kicks in (the season board is keeping tracked of it). In the process, you will meet weasels, foxes, badgers, and eagles - trying to sabotage and hinder our resources-collection progress by taking prairie dogs away from work, stealing resources, and blocking the holes.

(2) Interesting Decision-Making & Strategic Options

lt’s GREAT to see a board game for young kids equips with interesting decision-making options. In each round, we move the prairie dog figurines into other unoccupied holes face-down; each of the hole brings different special effects - draws a shrub token (and get either a ripe berry or a spoiled one), get a hay token, take a chance with Tunnel token, exchange a hay for a beaver upgrade, take an action twice using the River’s power, remove a weasel by seeking help from Piper the Viper, exchange spoiled berries with Roger the Hedgehog, or slide a resource token into the burrow. The actions are complex, but also comes naturally once we start playing with it. I love the fun strategy in a game full of choices and chance!

(3) Awesome Components & Ingeniuos Game Box Conversion

Loki is a true expert in converting a seemingly ordinary-looking game box into part of the game. Place the Prairie board on top of the plastic inserts, and the box will instantly transform into an adorable game setting with harvest table, token slot with slide to the burrow, holes with special effects - oh and I just can’t resist the cuteness of the prairie dog figurines, peeking out from the holes with their cheekiest, playful look!

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

https://starfishstore.com.au/products/loki-fluffy-valley (Australia)

Check out my other reviews on LOKI games:

Enjoy the video!

12 Puzzles In A Gift Box, By Funyards Australia - REVIEW

Nature/ Type: Wooden puzzles

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 10 year-old ++

Who would love this: Collectors of timeless, wooden puzzles

I am fascinated by the beauty of wooden brainteasers and Kumiki puzzles. They are timeless, ingenious, never go out-of-style! If you don’t know where to start your collection, have a look at the beautifully curated products at Funyards Australia - and don’t forget to check out its “12 Puzzles In A Gift Box” set!

Why I love ❤️ this set:

(1) 12 Wooden Puzzles In One Gift Box

Well, what can I say? Imagine unlocking secrets of 12 mechanical puzzles, each unique and distinctive in its own right, all attractively wrapped-up in a handcrafted box completes with an enchanting white floral ribbon at the top. It’s hard not to get excited about these mesmerising puzzles; 7-piece 3x3 Soma cube in a container with lid (don’t forget to explore the 240 possible solutions available), the challenging Snake Puzzle (the included solution guide came to my rescue for this one!), Falling Star Burr Puzzle (my personal favourite), Round Saucers Puzzle (that looks a little like a mini wine barrel), Star Puzzle (really fun to build!), Lumber Jack, 2 different “Diamond Puzzles”, Squares Cube, Notched Stick, Soccer Puzzle, and the almost impossible “12 Puzzle”.

(2) Varying Difficulty Levels For All Ages

I love that the puzzles are of varying difficulty levels. The 6-piece Star Puzzle is straightforward and I love how the pieces joined together in such believable clever way! The Soma Puzzle is pretty kids-friendly and the 7 polycubes can be stacked randomly to build various miniature structures. Don’t be deceived by the innocent-looking Lumber Jack and Diamond, and I have yet to figure out the steps to put this “12 Puzzle” (with an encased ball) back into its original structure. This is an awesome gift for anyone who enjoys stimulating brain activities and solving addictive logical challenges. There is an illustrated solutions included for all 12 puzzles.

(3) Beautiful Craftmanship & Natural Wooden Material

The craftsmanship of the puzzles is fantastic, and I especially love the natural wooden material of the products. The precision of the puzzle pieces is impressive, each smoothly-finished to high quality. (4) The gift box itself is an elegant work of art. It has two levels within, with individual compartment for each of the 12 puzzles.

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

Funyards Australia

Check out more reviews of similar wooden puzzle sets from Funyards Australia:

Enjoy the video!

Wednesday, April 3, 2024

Numberblocks Race to Pattern Palace!, by hand2mind - REVIEW

Nature/ Type: Board game for kids

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 3 year-old ++ (but my two kids, 5 and 7 year-old, love it too!)

Who would love this: Kids that love games and maths. A must-have for all Numberblocks fans!

Numberblocks is one of the selected few TV animated programmes that I truly enjoy watching with the kids - it’s witty, cute, and educational! Clover Street sent us this new “Race to Pattern Palace!” from hand2mind recently - and I can’t wait to tell you more about this spectacular game today!

Why I love ❤️ this toy:

(1) Learn Counting/ Colours/ Patterns In A Fun Way!

This game has 4 of our favourite Numberblocks characters as “heroes”- racing to the glamorous “Pattern Palace”, building bridges, whilst solving a series of maths-related problems! Seriously, how great is that! First, each player selects a Numberblocks Pawn (One, Two, Three, or Four) and places it on the starting space of the game board. Now, each player takes turn to press the dice popper. If you roll a colour, move your Numberblocks character to the next space with that colour/ or a multicolor space (whichever’s the nearest). If you roll a “6”, draw a “Six’s Tricks Card” and follow its directions (e.g. go forward 4 spaces, go back 3 spaces, roll again, skip a turn, move to the next bridge, and more). Along the way, players would also need to build “pattern bridges” to cross the rivers. The game reminds me slightly of the classic “Snakes and Ladders” game - but with more twists and turns, more cheerful and adorable graphics, and more “hidden” learning opportunities!

(2) Build Your Pattern Bridges With Challenge Cards

The kids absolutely LOVE building their pattern bridges! The set includes 4 bridges, 25 bridge tiles (5 colours), and 40 pattern challenge cards (divided into 2 levels of 20 each). Each bridge has empty spaces where 6 tiles can be clicked onto it. Level 1 is pretty straightforward (eg patterns with two colours alternating between each other), and level 2 consists of mostly challenges with three colours and trickier patterns (and also a chance to create your own pattern bridge!). Solutions are provided. This is a GREAT game to promote pattern and colour recognition.

(3) Great Components (Including A Durable Dice Popper)

My two kids are “aggressive” dice-throwers - I love the idea of a Dice Popper that keeps the dice safe within a durable plastic dome. I also love the foldable game board and the solid storage box.

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

https://sistersensory.com.au/product/hand2mind-numberblocks-race-to-pattern-palace-board-game/

Check out my other reviews of Numberblocks products from hand2mind:

Enjoy the video!

Multiplication By Heart, By Math For Love - REVIEW

Nature/ Type: Multiplication learning kit

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 3 - 8 year-old ++

Who would love this: Parents / teachers looking for creative multiplication learning resources.

Mathematics used to be THE subject that I feared the most. Hence, I’m very excited each time when I discover a new learning aid that shows the fun part of maths. Today, I would love to show you “Multiplication By Heart” by Math For Love (thank you Divisible by Zero for another fantastic product!).

Why I love ❤️ it:

(1) Creative System To Learn Multiplication

The set includes 3 decks of cards (total of 162 cards), a spinner, and a box with sorting pockets. These are more than just ordinary flashcards. It’s a learning system, with different visual representations, teaching kids about multiplication in a non-overwhelming and effective way. It encourages short and sweet daily practice, starting with the simplest numbers, and gradually adding more (complicated) cards to build up confidence! First, shuffle the first deck of cards, and separate them into those that the kids got it right (grouped under tab “b”), and those that the kids got it wrong (tab “a”). On day 2, kids will start with cards in tab b, and again, divide the cards into those that they got it right (moved to tab”c”), and those that they got it wrong (moved to tab”a”). Next, follow the same pattern for cards in tab a. The spinner shows which tabs to practise for each day (day 1 to 20). The aim is to slowly move all the cards into the final “mastered” tab, where the kids would have done sufficient daily practise by then and “mastered” their multiplication skills.

(2) 3 Decks Of Cards, 3 Ways To Learn

I LOVE the design of the 3 decks. Deck 1 (25 cards) covers 1x1 to 5x5 using “equal groups of” visualisation (eg 3x5 cards shows three green circles (groups) with 5 white dots within each group, and the answer on reverse side). Deck 2 has 100 cards covering 1x1 to 10x10 with “grid” representation (5x6 shows 5 columns and 6 rows of purple squares, and the reverse side shows the relevant timetable sums 6, 12, 18, 24, 30). Deck 3 has 37 cards visualise prime factors (eg 4x6 is paired with 3x8, 2x12; factors of 2 is represented in green, and factors of 3 in orange).

(3) Compact Set With Mini Games Included

The instruction guide also includes mini games. I LOVE the organised, compact and solid box - easy to bring around to keep the daily practice going!

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

https://www.thetherapystore.com.au/multiplication-by-heart (Australia)

https://www.sensoryoasisforkids.com.au/multiplication-by-heart/ (Australia)

Enjoy the video!