60 Seconds Toy Review

Friday, September 19, 2025

Notebook Page, By Tranquil Learning Collective - REVIEW

Nature / Type: Stationery / Notepad

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 6 year-old ++

Who would love this: Anyone who loves beautiful and high-quality stationery

The “Notebook Page – A5 Handwriting Portrait” and “Notebook Page – A4 Graph” from Tranquil Learning Collective transform the humble notepad into something truly beautiful. These pages elevate everyday stationery into artistic pieces that are as visually captivating as they are functional.

Why I love ❤️ it:

(1) Crystal Clear Acrylic Notepads

These are genuinely the most aesthetically pleasing notepads I’ve ever come across. Crafted from crystal-clear acrylic, they almost look like floating sheets of glass—sleek, transparent, and utterly enchanting. Available in two sizes, these acrylic memos resemble a tablet or iPad at first glance, but they’re really just two solid, elegant “pages” that blend function with design. They serve as a stylish space to jot down your daily to-dos, reminders, or favorite quotes. I especially love the polished edges and the minimalist clarity that makes every handwritten note feel intentional and artful.

(2) Portrait-Style Lines & Grid Layout

The smaller A5 Notebook Page features delicate portrait-style lines, while the larger A4 version showcases a clean grid or graph layout with evenly spaced squares. The lined design is ideal for note-taking, offering clear separation between each line of text to enhance organization and readability. The grid pattern, on the other hand, is perfect for precise sketches or structured lists. Its symmetrical layout provides a versatile canvas for both creative and practical use. We especially love how both designs double as drawing surfaces—whatever you create, from a quick sketch to a full composition, appears like elegant line art suspended in glass, catching the light and casting subtle reflections. These aren’t just writing tools; they’re visual experiences.

(3) Colourful Wet-Erase Marker

Each Notebook Page comes with a colourful wet-erase marker, perfect for jotting down tasks or daily mantras. Crafted from high-quality, thick acrylic, the surface is durable, easy to clean—providing a fresh, clear slate every time. These boards are reusable writing surfaces that blend sustainability with everyday elegance.

(4) Convenient A5 & A4 Sizes

I love the convenient A5 and A4 sizes—they’re perfectly portable, easy to carry, and ideal for writing on the go.

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

Contact Tranquil Learning Collective

Enjoy the video!

Black Dragon, By Ari Games - REVIEW

Nature / Type: Card game

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 7 year-old ++

Who would love this: Anyone who enjoys a quick card game with strategy!

“Black Dragon” by Ari Games is a surprisingly fun card game—both familiar and refreshingly unique. Big thanks to Divisible by Zero for introducing me to this fantastic game!

Why I love ❤️ this game:

(1) Avoid Earning Points To Win

The game is played over several rounds, each made up of multiple hands. Your goal is to avoid earning points. In each hand, players play one card, and the “winning” player collects the pile for scoring later. This is a 3 to 6 players game, with 72-card deck. Blue, yellow, and orange cards are harmless with no point value. Green cards are trumps (bad news), red cards worth 1 point each, and black cards carry hidden dangers: spider (6 points), snake (10), and the dreaded black dragon (15!). At the start, players choose 3 cards they don’t want and pass them face-down to the right. Whoever holds the “Blue 1” leads the first hand. Players must follow the lead color if they can—otherwise, they may play any card. The highest card in the lead color (or the highest trump) takes the hand. After each round, tally your points. The player with the lowest score wins!

(2) Hidden Strategy & Depth

There’s plenty of hidden strategy and depth in the game. Choosing your three “unwanted” cards is your first tactical move. Sometimes it’s smart to play your highest card—especially if the hand is full of harmless cards. Other times, playing low is key to avoiding nasty devil or creature cards. Read the table, watch what others are playing, and get rid of high-value trumps as soon as you can! The 4 Safety cards are your best defense—they let you dodge winning a hand entirely and can be played any time, even if you have the lead color.

(3) Amazing Artwork

The artwork is a blast! The green trump cards feature a nasty-looking, sharp-toothed rat with a long tail. Red cards show a mischievous two-horned devil wielding a pitchfork and flaming mischief. The black creature cards are dripping with danger—each one oozing risk and menace.

If there’s one thing I wish the game did better, it’s the rules sheet: a few more examples or clarifications would’ve made learning the game faster and easier. That said, once you get the hang of it, everything else is smooth sailing!

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

https://www.cowtrees.au/card-games/897-black-dragon.html (Australia)

https://www.dragonflytoys.com.au/products/gi-get-it-exciting-new-numbers-game-copy (Australia)

Enjoy the video!

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Tiny Polka Dot, By Math For Love - REVIEW

Nature / Type: Maths learning resources

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 3-8 year-old ++

Who would love this: Parents looking educational learning resources for young kids

Tiny Polka Dot from Math For Love is an engaging way for children to fall in love with numbers. I was pleasantly surprised by how much my 6-year-old enjoys playing the games. Sometimes, simplicity is the key to great learning. Thank you to Divisible by Zero for providing a copy!

Why I love ❤️ it:

(1) 16 Games - Covering Counting/ Early Numeracy/ Arithmetic/ Logic

With 16 easy-to-learn games and colorful decks of cards, Tiny Polka Dot playfully teaches math—from counting and early numeracy to arithmetic and logic. Designed by a mathematician and approved by teachers, it’s a fun way to help kids build a lifelong love for numbers. The box includes instructions and play ideas. For example, with kids as young as 3, we play “Match the Dot” (matching cards with the same number of dots) and “Dot Memory” (a memory game with matching pairs). As they get older, we add games like “Power Dot” (highest number wins), “Dot Fives” (find two cards that add to five), and “Dot Tens” (match pairs that sum to ten).

(2) Games Progress In Difficulty- Suitable For Kids At Various Levels

I love how the games progress in difficulty, making the set suitable for kids at various levels. For example, “Dot 10 Memory” is great for children around 6 —players flip two cards at a time, looking for pairs that add up to 10. “15s Go Fish,” ideal for ages 7 and up, plays like classic Go Fish, but with a math twist: collect three cards that sum to 15. Our favorite is “21 or Bust”—inspired by blackjack—where players add up cards in their hand, aiming to get as close to 21 as possible without going over. Another fun challenge is “Pyramid Puzzle,” where you arrange 10 cards in a pyramid so each number is either the sum or the difference of the two cards beneath it.

(3) Eye-Catching, Colourful Cards With 6 Distinct Decks

I love the eye-catching, colorful cards. There are six distinct decks that each represent numbers in a unique way: the Green Deck uses dots of varying sizes in random arrangements, the Orange Deck arranges dots in a circle, the Blue Deck follows a ten-frame layout, the Teal Deck uses the classic dice pattern, the Red Deck features dots in two colors, and the Purple Deck shows standard numerals without any dots. These visual variations help children develop number sense from multiple perspectives.

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

https://www.cowtrees.au/educational-toys/540-tiny-polka-dot-toy.html

Check out more reviews of Math For Love products here:

Enjoy the video!

Monday, September 1, 2025

Who Flew the Coop, By Kaddo - REVIEW

Nature / Type: Card game

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 4 year-old ++

Who would love this: Kids that love cute card games (especially one with fascinating chicken facts!)

I never thought I’d find myself so fascinated by chickens. But then I met Who Flew the Coop? from Kaddo (an imprint of Quarto Kids ), and everything changed. Who would’ve thought that a few chickens making a break for it could spark so much chaos and hilarity?

Why I love ❤️ it:

(1) A Variety Of Ways To Play

The game’s rules mix the classic memory match and Old Maid with a twist of mystery - and we’re all about that suspense! You start by laying down 47 cards face-down, with 1 sneaky chicken hiding in an envelope. Then, it’s a race to flip, match, and eliminate until someone guesses the runaway chicken and declares victory. But our favourite way to play is the ‘Twisted Old Maid.’ The goal? Avoid getting stuck with the runaway chicken (the one in the envelope) - whose card has no pair to match. Shuffle the cards, deal them out, and start by matching pairs. Take turns picking cards from other players’ hands, discarding pairs as you go. The last player with a lone chicken card is cluck-ed out. We laughed so hard playing this! And for an extra dose of fun, there’s also a Pick-a-Chick magic trick to top off the excitement!

(2) 28-Page Chicken Booklet

We adore the 28-page chicken booklet! Packed with hilarious and quirky facts about 24 types of funky hens and roosters, this illustrated guide gives you a peek into their personalities. Meet BIG DADDY—the Sicilian Buttercup, a wild, high-strung bird with a very particular personality (warning: approach with caution). Then there’s NINJA, the Ayam Cemani from Indonesia, a sleek, mysterious escape artist. ROCKSTAR has the rebellious energy of a rockstar in their prime, while PECK-A-BOO is the shy, easily startled type.

(3) Cute Illustrations - Adorable Chicken Poses And Expression!

The illustrated chickens are beyond cute! True to Kaddo’s signature style, the two cards in each pair aren’t identical—they each have slight differences in pose and expression. You’ll be giggling at their goofy, zany looks. Take PUFFBALL, the Blue Cochin, with its gorgeous greyish-blue feathers and a submissive expression. Then there’s SNOWBALL, the round puff of fluffiness, and QUEENIE, who struts with beauty-pageant-level confidence, complete with a stunning black-and-white crest.

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

Booktopia (Australia)

Kinokuniya (Australia)

Check out more reviews of Kaddo's products here:

Enjoy the video!

Let’s Learn Measure Words 让我们学习量词, By Mandarin Prodigies - REVIEW

Nature / Type: Mandarin book for bilingual kids

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 5 year-old ++

Who would love this: Parents looking for engaging mandarin learning materials designed for bilingual kids

I’m thrilled to share about Let’s Learn Measure Words 让我们学习量词 - a wonderfully crafted bilingual book from Mandarin Prodigies that stands out not only for its engaging approach to Mandarin but also for its unique focus on measure words (量词), a concept often overlooked in language learning materials.

Why I love ❤️ it:

(1) 30 Essential Measure Words In Mandarin

This delightful board book introduces 30 essential measure words in Mandarin, covering a range of practical and commonly-used terms. Some examples include 个 (a general classifier for people and objects), 只 (often used for animals), 条 (for long objects like fish, roads, or rivers), 双 (for pairs, such as chopsticks, shoes, or hands), and 杯 (for cups or glasses, like those for tea or water). Each measure word is clearly presented in Chinese, Pinyin, and its English equivalent. The large, legible characters and helpful translations ensure that young learners can comfortably follow along and absorb both the meaning and usage of each word.

(2) Simple & Effective Sentences With Vibrant Illustrations

The book also incorporates simple yet effective sentences and vibrant illustrations that bring the measure words to life. Each sentence is presented in Mandarin, accompanied by Pinyin and a clear English translation, with colorful illustrations that visually reinforce the meanings. For example, 这一碗面看起来真好吃 — ‘This bowl of noodles looks so delicious,’ is paired with an enticing image of a bowl of Lamian. In addition, each page features two more examples of how the measure word can be used in different contexts—like 一碗汤 (a bowl of soup) and 一碗饭 (a bowl of rice)—with Pinyin, translation, and smaller illustrations to further clarify the terms.

(3) High-Quality, Thick & Durable Material

The board book is crafted from high-quality, thick, and durable material. Additionally, its compact size makes it the perfect choice for on-the-go learning, allowing children to explore new vocabulary and concepts wherever they are.

(4) Excellant Range Of Bilingual Learning Resources

Mandarin Prodigies offers an excellent range of bilingual learning resources, including board books in both Simplified and Traditional Chinese. With options like busy books, activity workbooks, and writing tools, there’s something for every learner. Be sure to check them out!

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

https://www.mandarinprodigies.com/collections/kristins-bilingual-books/products/lets-learn-measure-words-simplified-version

Check out more of my Mandarin Prodigies book reviews here:

Enjoy the video!

Wednesday, August 27, 2025

Go Bum + Go Bum: Animals Edition, By Go Bum - REVIEW

Nature / Type: Card game

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 4 year-old ++

Who would love this: Kids and adults that enjoy card games, especially games with hint of silliness!

You might think you know Go Fish - but wait till you check out Go Bum and its silly cousin, Go Bum: Animals Edition, created by 9-year-old and his dad from Canberra. This laugh-out-loud twist on the classic card game makes you blush, giggle, and impossible to keep a poker face on! Thank you VR Distribution for providing a copy.

Why I love ❤️ it?

(1) 25 Cheekily Named Bum Pairs!

Each set includes 50 cards with 25 delightfully illustrated, cheekily named bum pairs—silly, tasteful, and irresistibly funny. It’s classic Go Fish, with a hilarious twist: your mission is to match the most bums! Shuffle the deck and deal 7 cards each (2-3 players) or 5 each (4-5 players). On your turn, ask another player if they have a bum from your hand—something like, “Do you have a Prickly Bum?” If they do, they hand it over, and you place the pair down. If not, they say, “Go Bum!” and you draw from the pile. Match what you draw? Lay it down! The game ends when all matches are made. And yes, we couldn’t stop giggling while asking things like “Do you have a Stinky Bum?” or “Super Bum?” - it’s impossible to say with a straight face!

(2) 1 Point For Each Bum Pair - Except For Golden Bum

A little twist to keep things cheeky: each bum pair is worth 1 point - except for the prized Golden Bum, which scores you 2! But watch out for the Exploding Bum card. If it lands in your hand - you’ve got to place it in front of you, and it’s worth minus 1 point.

(3) Optional Rules To Shake Things Up

Go Bum is easy to learn in under a minute, but for extra laughs, there’s a set of optional rules that shake things up. Want more challenge and silliness? Try these: make a fart noise for a Tooty Bum match, pretend to scratch your backside for an Itchy Bum, give your best pirate “Arrr!” for Pirate Bum, or bust a move for Disco Bum. Our favourite? The “Rock Hard Bum” in the Animal Edition - score it, then challenge a player to rock-paper-scissors! Win for 2 points, or still get 1 if you lose.

(4) Quirky & Charming Illustrations

The hilarity starts with the illustrations—each bum is as quirky and charming as its name. From Disco Bum’s glowing pink outline with tiny disco ball, to Fairy Bun’s frilly pink cheeks with wings, the designs add instant fun. Fluffy Bum features an adorable kitten behind, while Bouncy Bum belongs to a springy kangaroo!

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

https://www.bigw.com.au/product/go-bum/p/9900645194 (Australia)

https://www.rainbowfun.com.au/go-bum-animals-edition-card-game (Australia)

Enjoy the video!

Saturday, August 23, 2025

Cockroach Poker, By Drei Magier - REVIEW

Nature / Type: Board game/ Card game

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 8 year-old ++

Who would love this: Adults/ kids that enjoy poker-inspired games with hilarious artwork

Alright kids - lying is bad… unless you’re playing Cockroach Poker from Drei Magier .I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first. The rules seemed too simple, but this delightfully devious little game completely exceeded my expectations and quickly earned a spot among our favourite quick-play staples. Huge thanks to Let's Play Games for sending over a copy!

Why I love ❤️ it:

(1) Chaotic Bluffing Game With Ugly Critters & Lots Of Laughter

Cockroach Poker is bluffing distilled to its purest, most chaotic form. The game comes with 64 cards—8 each of 8 critters. On your turn, you pass a card face down to another player and declare what it is—truthfully or not. They can either call your bluff or believe you. If they’re right, you get the card face up in front of you (bad news); if they’re wrong, it’s theirs. The loser of the exchange starts the next round. Here’s the twist: instead of guessing, a player can secretly peek at the card and pass it along to someone else, continuing the bluff—or changing the tactic. The final player can’t pass and must decide. It’s a game of lies, laughter, and ugly critters, and it ends when one unlucky soul collects four of the same creature. That person loses, and everyone else gets to revel in their misfortune.

(2) Simple Game With Surprising Layer Of Strategy

For such a simple game, the game hides a surprising layer of strategy and social nuance. As more cards hit the table, it gets easier to sniff out lies—players start revealing patterns, certain critters become scarce, and you can begin to piece together who’s desperate to offload what. The “one loser” element flips the usual competitive mindset. Temporary alliances form, often unspoken, as everyone quietly conspires to pass the pain elsewhere.

(3) 8 Repulsive Critters With A Twisted Sense Of Humour

The game features 8 wonderfully repulsive critters—cockroaches, rats, spiders, bats, frogs, flies, stinkbugs, and scorpions—all illustrated with a twisted sense of humour. Every card oozes personality: even cards of the same creature have subtle differences in expression and pose, making each one feel unique.

(4) Compact & Portable

With just a single deck of cards in a small box, it’s the kind of game you can throw in your bag or even your coat pocket and be ready for instant fun wherever you go.

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

Find your local game stores here: https://www.localgamestores.com.au/

https://www.gamesworld.com.au/product/cockroach-poker/ (Australia)

https://www.goodgames.com.au/products/cockroach-poker?variant=36688329506974 (Australia)

https://www.m-g.com.au/product/cockroach-poker/ (Australia)

Enjoy the video!

Thursday, August 14, 2025

Zombie Kidz Evolution, By Scorpion Masque - REVIEW

Nature / Type: Board game / Card game

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 7 year-old ++

Who would love this: Young board game lovers who enjoy cooperative games

Zombie Kidz Evolution from Scorpion Masque is the first legacy-style game we’ve ever seen made just for kids! As you team up to defend your school from goofy zombies, the game grows with you—unlocking wild new missions, secret surprises, and awesome upgrades. Big thanks to Let's Play Games for sending us this epic adventure in a box!

Why I love ❤️ it:

(1) Cooperative Game - Defend Your School From Zombie Invasion!

Kids work cooperatively defending your school from a chaotic zombie invasion! Start in the middle of the board, place zombies at the school’s doors, and keep a few in the “zombie reserve.” On your turn, roll the die to see where a new zombie sneaks in—unless you roll a blank (phew, no zombie this time!). Move to a new room or stay put, then blast away up to two zombies in your room and send them back to the reserve. But watch out—if three zombies pile into one room, it’s blocked! Team up with a buddy at an entryway, high-five (the best part!), and lock it down. Lock all four doors before the zombies run out, and you win!

(2) Stickers + Secret Envelopes

The BEST part? After each game, you get to stick a brain sticker on your progress chart in the rulebook. When you reach a special spot - open a secret envelope and discover something new. The game evolves as you play, adding fresh twists that make it more exciting each time. Soon, your heroes gain awesome powers, and even the zombies level up into Super Zombies! You also get to earn trophy sticker when you completed a special mission!

(3) Double-Sided Game Board & Amazing Components

We love the components! The game comes with a double-sided board (the two-player side has secret shortcuts between rooms). The characters, cards, and manual all look great, and the real highlight? Those mystery envelopes! Kids go wild peeling them open to reveal the next big surprise. It’s like getting a present every time you level up!

(4) Bright, Bold, Adorable Artwork

The art is bright, bold, and totally adorable! Each kid hero wields silly, kid-friendly zombie-fighting gear. It’s a clever twist on the classic zombie movie vibe, but made fun (not scary!) and perfect for a schoolyard setting. The standee characters are full of personality, with a nice mix of styles. It’s spooky-ish... but in the most giggle-worthy way!

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

Find your local game stores here: https://www.localgamestores.com.au/

https://www.goodgames.com.au/products/zombie-kidz-evolution?variant=36679210860702 (Australia)

https://www.bigw.com.au/product/zombie-kidz-evolution-board-game/p/9900717726 (Australia)

Enjoy the video!

Crok Crok Crok, By Bioviva - REVIEW

Nature / Type: Board game

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 5 year-old ++

Who would love this: Young kids that love speed games

“Crok Crok Crok”- a game that blends quick thinking with memory skills—perfect for curious little minds! Created by Bioviva, it’s a delightful way to introduce kids to the eating habits of their favorite animals (and human!). Big thanks to Divisible by Zero for sending us a copy!

Why I love ❤️ this game:

(1) A Fast-Paced Game - Collect 5 Food Tokens To Win

This game turns mealtime into playtime! Five friendly animals—and one hilariously hungry little boy—gather around the table, where a colorful spread of apple, egg, carrot, banana, and snow peas awaits. Roll the die to see who’s up: if it’s the monkey, grab that banana fast! The rabbit munches on peas and carrots, the worm wriggles toward apples, and the donkey enjoys both apples and carrots. The pig is a bit pickier—no bananas for him—but he’ll eat just about everything else. And the boy? He’s a total foodie—he’ll eat it all! Players race to grab the correct foods based on each character’s diet. Collect all five food tokens to win! It’s fast-paced game that usually ends in giggles… or dramatic groan of a sore loser!

(2) Delightful Food Theme With Chunky Food Pieces

I love the delightful food theme and the irresistible, chunky wooden food pieces—perfect for little hands to grab! Inside the box, you’ll find 6 charming wooden food toys, 30 colorful food tokens, a sturdy wooden die, a clever foldable guide card, and game rules. The guide card stands up on the table like a mini menu, making it super simple for kids to see who eats what at a glance. Everything feels high-quality and built to last, a truly tactile treat.

(3) Simple Game With A Sneaky Challenge

Don’t be fooled by its simple look—this game packs a sneaky challenge! Kids might just outmatch the grown-ups with lightning-fast grabs. Watch out for the human—he eats everything, so speed is key if you want to win in a single turn! Want the snow pea token? You’ve got to grab both peas at once! But choose carefully—grab the wrong food, and you’ll have to give a token back.

(4) Eco-Friendly Game Proudly Made In France

Best of all, it’s made by Bioviva—a trusted name for eco-friendly fun. Proudly made in France, their games use recycled materials, sustainable wood, plant-based inks, and minimal packaging. It’s a game you can feel great about, inside and out!

#gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

https://www.dragonflytoys.com.au/products/bioviva-the-nature-game-copy (Australia)

Check out more games from Bioviva:

Enjoy the video!

Saturday, July 26, 2025

Cow Pop, By Tranquil Learning Collective - REVIEW

Nature / Type: Crotchet sensory toy

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 3 year-old ++

Who would love this: Kids who love plush toys/ cute animals/ crotchet sensory toys

I love toys that spark a bit of imaginative joy—those soft, cuddly companions that offer comfort and sweetness. This adorable Cow Pop, kindly provided by Tranquil Learning Collective , is a heartwarming amigurumi creation that truly captures the heart and brings a smile.

Why I love ❤️ it:

(1) Adorable Cow Toy With Charming Details

Cow Pop is packed with charming details—from the rounded pink nose and adorable ears peeking out on either side, to the tiny white “horns” up top and shiny beady eyes full of personality. Its legs are accented with white patches, and when you turn it around, there’s even a delightfully bushy little tail. This fun, crocheted amigurumi creation invites imaginative play and delivers a special kind of joy that’s hard to put into words.

(2) Plush, Squishy, Huggable - Softest Crocheted Toy Ever

This is easily one of the softest crocheted toys I’ve ever touched—plush, squishy, and irresistibly huggable. Its gentle texture naturally encourages focus and calm, offering a soothing tactile experience that’s both relaxing and engaging. The unique crochet weave adds a layer of sensory delight, making it perfect for restless hands or anyone seeking a bit of comfort. That’s the magic of amigurumi—Cow Pop’s soft, snuggly design makes it an ideal companion for hugging and cuddling, especially during anxious moments. It’s not just a toy; it’s a comforting presence that supports imaginative play and emotional growth.

(3) Handmade Product - Each One Is Unique

What makes Cow Pop even more special is that it’s handmade—each one is unique, just like the child who treasures it. That one-of-a-kind quality helps build a deeper emotional bond. I also love that it’s thoughtfully designed with little hands in mind. Lightweight and perfectly sized, it’s easy for kids to grasp, hold, and carry wherever they go—whether it’s to the park, on a car ride, or snuggled up at bedtime. Having an easy-to-carry companion like this brings a comforting sense of familiarity and security to young children.

(4) Eco-Friendly Fidget Toy - Kind To The Planet!

Cow Pop isn’t just adorable—it’s also an eco-friendly, non-plastic fidget toy that’s as kind to the planet as it is to its owner. Made from soft, thick yarn, it’s completely safe for kids to enjoy. It’s a toy you can truly feel good about.

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

Contact: Tranquil Learning Collective

Enjoy the video:

Tuesday, July 22, 2025

Dragomino, By Blue Orange- REVIEW

Nature / Type: Board game

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 5 year-old ++

Who would love this: Young kids who enjoy matching / dominoes-type games + cute dragons

Dragomino by Blue Orange is a cute, kid-friendly twist on the award-winning Kingdomino. It keeps all the fun of the original, with rules simplified just right for little gamers. We first tried it four years ago—and we love it even more now! Thank you VR Distribution for providing a copy.

Why I love ❤️ this game:

(1) Match Landscapes + "Crack Open" A Dragon Egg

Dragomino is easy to learn—even preschoolers can pick it up in minutes! Each turn, you pick a tile to grow your island and try to match the landscapes. Match them right, and you get to crack open a dragon egg! Will it be an adorable baby dragon or just an empty shell? The player who finds the most baby dragons wins! And if you find a shell, you get the Mommy Dragon token, which lets you go first next round—and scores you a bonus point at the end! No tricky math here—just count your dragons (plus one if you’ve got Mommy Dragon) to see who wins!

(2) Sneaky Strategy & Maths Lessons - Hiding In The Fun

There’s sneaky strategy hiding in all the fun! Kids quickly start noticing patterns—like how some landscapes seem to hatch more baby dragons than others. Every terrain has exactly 7 baby dragons, but the number of egg tokens (which include both dragons and empty shells) changes based on how common that terrain is on the dominoes. So terrains like forests have more egg tokens overall, but your chances of finding a dragon is lower. Rarer terrains, like the red volcanoes, have fewer total eggs, so the odds of scoring a dragon are higher! It’s a perfect little lesson in probability, cleverly disguised as dragon hunting. Kids soon started making strategic decisions, and even tracking which dragons have already been found to help decide what to pick next.

(3) Delightful Artwork & Sturdy Quality Tiles

The artwork and quality are delightful! The tiles are made of sturdy, thick cardboard, and oh those baby dragons! - each have their own unique poses, expressions, and little personalities. It’s the kind of whimsical detail that sparks imagination and keeps everyone giggling.

(4) Great Packaging With Custom Slots For Each Components

The packaging is top-notch! Everything has its own perfect place—tiles, eggs, tokens—all neatly stored in custom slots designed for each piece. Even the different types of egg tokens have their own special compartments, which makes packing up just so satisfying!

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

https://www.bigw.com.au/product/blue-orange-games-dragomino-kids-children-interactive-fun-play-tile-game-5y-/p/9900557297 (Australia)

Enjoy the video!

Friday, July 11, 2025

Sunny Side Up, By Danspil - REVIEW

Nature / Type: Board game

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 3 year-old ++

Who would love this: Young kids / parents looking for first educational game for their younger kids

Some games sneak up on you—you don’t expect much at first, but the moment you start playing, you’re completely hooked! Sunny Side Up by Danspil may be made for ages 3 and up, but this game is surprisingly engaging, and we couldn’t stop laughing while playing! Huge thanks to Divisible by Zero for this delightful surprise!

Why I love ❤️ it:

(1) An Adorable Game - Roll The Die, Match Egg Cup, Fry An Egg!

Sunny Side Up is a simple yet adorable game for 2 to 4 players, designed for small kids - but trust me, even grown-ups won’t want to stop playing! The goal? Be the first to “fry” all your eggs and clear your basket. Roll the die, place eggs in the matching egg cups (unless someone else got there first—uh-oh, back to your basket it goes!), and if you’re lucky enough to roll a 6, you get to fry an egg with a super satisfying thump! Sounds easy, right? It is! But somehow, this game is ridiculously addictive—I can’t figure out why, and honestly, I don’t care. It’s just that fun!

(2) Nice Touch of Strategy

Think this is just a mindless roll-and-go game? Think again! Sunny Side Up sneaks in a touch of strategy. If you successfully place an egg in an empty cup or fry one in the pan, you get to roll again (as an option) —but here’s the catch. The more eggs already sitting in the cups, the riskier it gets! One unlucky roll could send extra eggs straight back to your basket. But if the board is looking empty? Well, maybe it’s worth taking a gamble! A little risk, a little reward!

(3) Two Dice - Classic Pips & Actual Numbers

The set comes with two dice—one with classic pips and one with actual numbers (1 to 6)—making it a perfect way for little ones to practice counting, matching, and recognizing numerals.

(4) Bright, Colourful, Brilliantly Thought-Out (Genius Fry-An-Egg Hole!)

I’m in love with the game’s design—bright, colorful, and brilliantly thought out! Each basket and cup has a little concave space to keep the eggs from rolling away (no messy chaos here!). The eggs themselves look just like the real thing, with one rounded end and one pointed end. And let’s talk about the best part—the genius fry-an-egg hole in the pan! Dropping an egg in and hearing that satisfying plonk never gets old. And those exasperated hens laying comically oversized eggs shown on the box cover —absolutely adorable!

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

https://www.cowtrees.au/games/844-sunny-side-up.html (Australia)

Dragonfly Toys (Australia)

Enjoy the video!

Friday, July 4, 2025

MAPOMINOES - Asia & Australia, by WildCard Games - REVIEW

Nature / Type: Board game / Card game

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Recommended age: 8 year-old ++

Who would love this: Geography enthusiast / gamers with a love for travel

MAPOMINOES is an innovative game that offers a unique way to explore the world from the comfort of home. Whether you’re a geography enthusiast or someone with a love for travel, this portable game will captivate your imagination. Check out MAPOMINOES - Asia & Australia by WildCard Games (kindly provided by Divisible by Zero)

Why I love ❤️ it:

(1) A "Dominoes" Game - Connect Country Cards & Transit Cards

The game includes 51 country cards and 14 transit cards. Players are dealt country cards (minus one starting card) and two transit cards, and must place countries adjacent to ones they border in real life. Each country is represented by a card, and the card lists the countries that border it. For example, Laos’ card lists its bordering countries, such as Cambodia and Thailand, which can be placed next to it. If you get stuck, transit cards can represent countries or bodies of water, like oceans. For instance, you can use a transit card to link Australia to the Indian Ocean. The game plays like dominoes, where you connect countries to build a continental map. No prior geography knowledge is needed—everything you need is on the cards!

(2) Strategy! Strategy! Strategy!

This is a game of strategy! Block opponents by holding onto “high-value” cards like China (country with the most countries at borders), or try to get rid of cards with few borders (eg Brunei or Qatar). Use transit cards wisely to connect your remaining cards, and aim for ‘double connections’ (play a card that connects two or more cards on table) to earn extra turns. With limited space on the table, planning around the edges gives a strategic advantage. Every game is unique due to the different border connections, ensuring replayability. Plus, there’s option of sand-timer to add an extra level of urgency!

(3) Learn Country's Name / Flag / Capital / Population & More!

Each card features the country’s name, flag, capital, area, population, a map, and its neighboring countries. The cards are visually clear and easy to read. Plus, the rules include a reference map, helping you see the bigger picture and learn as you play.

(4) Expandable With Other Continental Versions

Mapominoes can expand to include other continental versions, letting you connect the whole world. The consistent art style ensures compatibility between versions.

# gifted in exchange for review

Where to buy this:

https://www.mindgamesgeelong.com.au/purchase-games-online/games/travel/display/8680-mapominoes-asia-and-australia (Australia)

https://www.cowtrees.au/educational-toys/489-mapominoes-asia-australasia.html (Australia)

Enjoy the video!