Balancing Cactus

I am a big fan of wooden toys and I absolutely love the Balancing Cactus I was sent to review from Plan Toys.

It is a simple strategy game whereby players aged from three years take turns to build the cactus without it toppling over.

The pieces are brightly coloured and very pleasing to handle.

It is very well made and the pieces fit together easily in a multitude of combinations into the base - some constructions offering more stability than others!

Both my little ones (and dad!) enjoyed playing the game, taking great care to position their pieces and with the predictable whoops of delight when the whole thing eventually toppled over.

From an educational perspective, the game certainly encouraged turn taking, manual dexterity, precision and planning.

My daughter was very happy to remove the competitive element and sit quietly on her own creating interesting designs.

I like how this toy looks so much I am considering displaying it as a funky ornament when the children are not using it. My environmentally conscious side was satisfied to see that it was made from chemical free, replenishable rubberwood.

We have had many toys that the children have enjoyed playing with, grown out of and have since been donated to our local charity shop. Unfortunately for the charity shop, the Balancing Cactus will NOT be finding it's way onto their shelves any time soon. This is definitely a toy I will hold onto for the day I  put together  a 'grandma's toybox' to entertain any future grandchildren in the years to come.

Tumblekins Fire Station

I love wooden toys and having found myself with a son after five daughters, I am loving toys with a more masculine appeal. The Tumblekins Fire Station (suitable from ages 1+) from Great Gizmos is exactly the sort of 'boy toy' that I am enjoying having around.

The three piece wooden set comprises a chunky Fire Engine, a friendly Fire Chief and a Fire Station with ramps down which the Fire Chief can roll! The pieces are solidly constructed, vibrantly coloured and beautifully detailed. The rotund little Fire Chief is a perfect shape and size to hold in your hand. It is a very tactile toy that invites exploration.

My son, Dylan, was instantly attracted to the vehicle - he loves anything with wheels. I particularly like the way the wheels have been styled with the inner circle offset from the centre, giving it a quirky fun feel when it moves. It also has a clever design that makes the Fire Chief tumble and roll when he is placed inside to drive along. Dylan and his big sister were fascinated by this. They also found it hilarious to watch the Fire Chief roll down the Station ramps and into his Fire Truck (or on the floor!)

My only criticism is that the paint is already starting to chip from over enthusiastic play, although in some ways that adds to the appeal - every bump and knock tells a story of a happy child with a well loved toy.

Available from www.brightsparktoys.co.uk

I'm Toy Wooden Scooter

From an aesthetic point of view, I would much rather have wooden toys in my house than their plastic counterparts.

We have a lovely wooden dolls house and castle that my grown up children had when they were younger. I kept them because I couldn't bear to part with them and convinced myself that they'd come in for the grandchildren. Little did I know at the time that I would become a mum again to a girl and a boy who will have many years of enjoyment from them (....and still no sign of any grandchildren!).

I was delighted to be sent an 'I'm Toy' Wooden Scooter to review for Izziwizzi Kids.

This is our vlog review.

Since making this video, my little girl has really got to grips with the scooting action and can get up to quite a speed. Her steering leaves something to be desired but no doubt that will come in time. She still can't quite get her head round the difference between a 'skateboard' and a 'scooter' but I don't think she cares. It's all just fun to her.

I think this is a lovely toy with a really solid feel to it. If those grandchildren ever make an appearance, I'm sure it will be ready and waiting to take on a whole new generation of fun seekers.

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