Casdon Little Shoppers Post Office - Review

My five year old daughter loves role play so she was delighted to be sent the Post Office set from the Casdon Little Shoppers range to review. She was eager to get playing as soon as it arrived so I set it up for her, this did require some fitting together of the plastic parts and intricate folding of the tiny magazines and cards so I would suggest helping out younger children with this they don't started to get bored or frustrated before they begin playing.

The Post Office includes: Weighing Scales, Post Box, Cash Drawer, Stamper, Coins And Notes, Magazines, Newspapers, Stamps, Envelopes, Post Cards, Vehicle tax discs and Forms, pad and pencil.

It wasn't long before we were ready to go and Elizabeth announced her Post Office was open for business, she convinced her eight year old brother to play too and the fun started from there...

The attention to detail in this playset is magnificent, from the tiny magazines and newspapers to the little greeting cards with their own envelopes to address and stamp. Both Elizabeth and Ben took turn of being the proprietor and the customer, coming to apply for a passport, tax their car and post parcels to their cousins in Canada, I watched from afar as I saw then take it so seriously, each aspect of the playset helping to fuel their imagination further.

It wasn't just their imagination skills that were being utilised while playing their post office games, they were using number skills to count the change in the till, filling out forms and writing notes down with the pen and pad and using fine motor skills to post cards and packages.

Casdon has been around for seventy years this year and I remember playing with a very similar post office set to this over 25 years go during my own childhood, they still have what it takes and I love the to see my children playing with the same toys that entertained me so many years ago, as much as they love them sometimes, they really don't need technology and battery operated toys to have some good old fashioned fun!

The Casdon Little Shoppers Post Office retails at £12.00 which I believe is great value for a toy that has so many aspects to it and encourages imaginative role play, but if you shop around you can get an even better deal at places such as Amazon. I would highly recommend the Little Shoppers Post Office for children from the ages of 3 to 7. 

We were sent the Casdon Little Shoppers Post Office for the purpose of review. Contains affiliate link.

Schleich Horse Riding Arena Review

I've always loved horses, I took riding lessons as a child and I'd love my own children to follow in my footsteps and learn to ride. There is a riding school in our local park and my youngest always takes an interest when the horses come trotting past, I don't think it will be long before she is asking if she can start lessons. In the meantime she was delighted to be sent the Horse Riding Arena from the Schleich World of Nature range to play with and review.

What's in the Box?

The box contains:

Arena roof (comes flat packed)

Perimeter fencing (10 pieces)

Rider

Horse

2 x Jumps

Accessories (including; saddle, bridle, blanket, hay bale and carrot)

Imaginative Play

After setting up which didn't take long at all, Elizabeth couldn't wait to start playing. She loves making the rider and horse go over the jumps again and again and even got excited and started jumping them over the fences! After a while of working hard the horse had a well deserved rest and a much on some carrots while Elizabeth dismounted the rider and covered the horse with it's blanket.

It was really sweet to watch her play, she was chatting along all the time and  noticed she had named the horse Rosie!

Considering there is no interactive stimulus to this set and it all relies on imaginative play  was impressed with how long it held Elizabeth's attention, at almost four ad a half this is the first time I have seen her spend so long playing with toys like this without her brother's input.

Value for Money

We've had a variety of Schleich toys and always found them to be of great quality with fantastic attention to details and this set was no exception.

The Schleich Horse Riding Arena has an RRP of £24.99 and is sold at Amazon and other toy shops. Prices fluctuate so you may get a better deal if you shop around. I'd say that you get a lot of play value for this price and the pieces are all excellent quality and seem hard wearing and durable.  I especially love how easy it is to dismantle and pop it away in the box then get it out again to play another day.

Just for fun, here's a picture of me as a toddler with one of the first horses I rode...

This post contains an affiliate link.

Racing Truck Technokit from Interplay - Review

My son Ben loves to build things and the idea of constructing his own battery powered Monster Truck that he could then play with, delighted him!

The Racing Truck Technokit from Interplay comes neatly packed in a cardboard box. Inside the box you get:

• Die Cut Cardboard Panels
• Axles
• Pulleys
• Pulley insert
• Electric motor
• Motor mount
• Foam wheels
• Drive band
• Battery box
• Colour Instruction Manual

As the kit is aimed at children 8 years and over and Ben is still a few months off that, he roped in Daddy to help.

They illustrated instruction sheet was easy to follow and they started popping the cardboard panels out straight away, some of these were a little stiff so Daddy had to help. Once the cardboard parts were fitted together it was time to get started on the axles and wheels, Ben really enjoyed this part as he could see it becoming recognisable as a car.

Fitting the motor and drive band were again a little fiddly so again Daddy provided some assistance.

The finished article looks fab and Ben couldn't wait to take it for a spin, it was reluctant to move on the concrete outside so we brought it to the wooden floors in the kitchen for a smooth racing surface...

The Racing Truck Technokit from Interplay has an RRP of just £9.99 and is available to buy from Amazon. It's an ideal gift for a child of 8+ to enjoy independently or a younger child to enjoy with the help of an adult. Ben got a real sense of accomplishment from building something almost on his own that he was then able to play with and loved that it had it's own 'engine'! From doing something that he saw as fun he was also learning and getting a practical understanding of how technology worked. It was great to see father and son working well together to create something so cool.

One thing to note is the kit doesn't come with batteries, so two AA's are needed, I would suggest getting these ready before you start building or you may end up having to 'borrow' some from the remote control like we did!

Once built it is safe for younger to children to join in the fun too. The reinforced card is sturdy and even the rough play of Ben's four year old sister could not destroy it! This isn't just a toy for chidren, I would recommend this for big kids too as I believe my husband would have been quite happy putting this together all on his own and keeping as a trophy on his desk!

We were sent this kit from Interplay to review, all thoughts and opinions are our own. Affiliate link.

HABA is 75: Haba Doll Rainy Day set review...

We are big fans of HABA toys in our family, but before now I have associated them purely with wooden toys as that was the only part of the HABA brand that I had personally experienced. However, I was thrilled to learn that they have quite a vast range of toys and games that all seem to hold the same ethos as the wooden toys my children love so much. If your're not familiar with the brand they are a wood manufacturing company known for their high-quality baby and children's toys, as well as their children's games and furniture. You can find out more on their website www.haba.co.uk. Or by following on Twitter andfacebook. I love this quote from their brochure...

At HABA we design and invent what our research shows us that today’s children and parents really want - high quality toys that support children’s development in an enjoyable way that is age appropriate.

Do you know what? That is exactly what I want! Not faddy toys to go with the latest craze that will be broken or discarded in a matter of weeks...

As they are celebrating their 75th Year at the moment,  they have chosen 75 bloggers to share reviews of their lovely children's products. We have been sent three items and you'll be able to read the reviews here over the next few days.

Yesterday we shared our review of the HABA Charlotte Doll, today we have a lovely rainy day outfit made for Charlotte or any other 38cm HABA doll.

This is a really pretty set and looks lovely on the Charlotte Doll. The wellies fasten with velcro at the back so are really easy for Elizabeth to take on and off, the rain jacket is in the style of a cape with a velcro spot to fasten at the front and slits for the arms, again making it simple for tots to dress and undress their dolly. They are lovely bright colours and made from a lightweight lovely quality material. We haven't yet tested it out in a downpour to see if it is really waterproof but I will let you know when we do!

The third part to this set is the gorgeous red spotty umbrella  It has a plastic frame with a fabric covering the inner mechanism so little fingers cannot get trapped. The brolly is really easy to open and close and my daughter loves playing with it.

This is a lovely set and would make an ideal gift for a little one who has (or is going to have) a Lottie and friends or similar sized Dolly. The set is recommended for 38cm dollies. I'm not sure of the retail price as cannot find this set online  in the uk currently. I will update when I do.

HABA is 75 : Charlotte Doll Review

We are big fans of HABA toys in our family, but before now I have associated them purely with wooden toys as that was the only part of the HABA brand that I had personally experienced. However, I was thrilled to learn that they have quite a vast range of toys and games that all seem to hold the same ethos as the wooden toys my children love so much. If your're not familiar with the brand they are a wood manufacturing company known for their high-quality baby and children's toys, as well as their children's games and furniture. You can find out more on their website www.haba.co.uk. Or by following on Twitter and facebook. I love this quote from their brochure...

At HABA we design and invent what our research shows us that today’s children and parents really want - high quality toys that support children’s development in an enjoyable way that is age appropriate.

Do you know what that is exactly what I want! Not faddy toys to go with the latest craze that will be broken or discarded in a matter of weeks...

As they are celebrating their 75th Year at the moment,  they have chosen 75 bloggers to share reviews of their lovely children's products. We have been sent three items and you'll be able to read the reviews here over the next few days.

The first product we received was the Haba Charlotte Doll...

As a parent I am quite particular about the type of doll my children play with. I really don't like 'battery operated' plastic dolls that cry and burp and do lots more that would be much better placed in my child's imagination, and I'm not a fan of dolls that come with bottles either, my daughter didn't use a bottle so why should she be encouraged to feed her dolly with one? She happily holds dolly to her chest (or more like her tummy most of the time!) to feed. If I'm totally honest I just don't like plastic dolls in general. I much prefer soft fabric 'ragdoll' style ones instead and my daughter seems to agree!

She absolutely loves the Charlotte Doll from HABA and has been carrying her around everywhere with her since she arrived. Like many children her age (her brother was the same) Elizabeth loves undressing dolls (or teddy bears etc) to find out what's underneath (even when they are sewn on!) The clothes on the Charlotte Doll are designed to be taken on and off and are mostly easy for Elizabeth who is two and a half to do herself. This in itself is a game for Elizabeth as there are so many different items of clothing: Charlotte comes with a lovely soft kitted hat, a scarf, a cord waistcoat, a blouse, skirt, panties, shoes and socks. What a selection!

All of the clothing is beautiful quality, well made and of such an intricate design, the fastenings are all velcro to  allow small hands to undo and refasten them easily. I wouldn't mind an outfit like Charlotte's myself...   In a bigger size of course!

The Charlotte Doll itself is made from fabric with soft stuffing and a bean filled bottom. Her hair is lovely and wild and made from chenille which feels velvety to the touch and Elizabeth LOVES to stroke it, especially at bedtime! Her features are embroidered and so detailed with a wide eyed inquisitive expression and smile, she even has freckles and an embroidered belly button! Her bright blue eyes will appeal to young children and because there are no small parts she is actually suitable from 18 months. At approximately 38cm tall, she is just right for small hands to carry everywhere they go. I think this would be a lovely age to introduce the Charlotte Doll as a companion for cuddles and to start to encourage Imaginative play.

At Elizabeth's age (2 1/2) Charlotte is the perfect dolly to encourage imaginative play and support her development. She has tea parties with her, gossip's away to her, 'reads' her stories and of course undresses her and tucks her in to bed. I can see Charlotte being a companion for Elizabeth throughout her childhood as there are no faddy features for her to outgrow. This is a doll made to last, not just in material and design but in a child's imagination too!

From a parent's point of view I have to say I love the doll! Although not the cheapest (retailing currently on amazon the Charlotte Doll is around £37) You do get what you pay for and I think it is great value. This is the doll that you would buy your son or daughter for their childhood not just for Christmas! The doll can be handwashed in hot water as can her clothes so you I don't need to worry too much if Elizabeth gets a bit too enthusiastic when sharing her dinner with her!

A beautiful product that will last a childhood and could even get handed down to my grandchildren one day!

Come back tomorrow to see our review of one of the additional outfits available for Charlotte and her HABA friends....

Due to computer issues I have not been able to upload all the photo's that I wanted to, so more will be added soon.

I was sent this doll for review purposes, all opinions are my own.

How do you Make Time To Play?

Making time to play is important for any family but for us I find it even more significant because the time we get to spend together is so limited. As working parents we are out of the house from dawn till dusk most days and both the children spend weekdays in childcare. We only have the weekends and around an hour a day during the week so I try to make the most of it.

Play does not have to be heavily planned or involve expensive props or toys. Anything from a tea party with imaginary friends to playing catch in the playground, building with some bricks or going on a nature walk in the local park will help to build your child's confidence, develop their social skills and help them understand the world around them.

I love impromptu play with my children, when we are walking home from nursery my 5 year will start to tell his sister a silly made up story about a trip to the moon or his job as a train driver or we'll play eye spy or a shopping game. We can quite often be found walking down the street in fits of giggles listing the things we bought from the shops! As well as a fun way to pass the time on our daily walks I believe this has helped to develop my daughters language and communication skills. At two and a half she is a little chatterbox and it's often observed that her language is very mature for her age.

I make time to play because I feel it is an important part of my children's development and it's also lots of fun!

Launched in 2010 by the British Toy and Hobby Association, Make Time 2 Play aims to promote to parents the many benefits that play has for the healthy development of children. 

So why is play so important?

Dr Gummer explains why play is so important for kids and not just a reward or a waste of time...

In the past, little thought was given to the importance of play and how it contributed to the developing child, so it is natural that some parents see it as simply a fun activity, a reward, or even a waste of time.

However, the government, teachers and Ofsted have all realised that play helps children learn.  Incorporating fun themes to children’s learning makes the experience more memorable for them and also less daunting so they will be more likely to do it again – bingo, they’re learning!

Think about your own childhood… Did sitting writing under the instruction of a teacher help you prepare for adulthood, or was it the real-life experiences where they developed new skills and understanding?

Did reading a parenting book prepare you for changing their child’s nappy perfectly, or was it through the trial and error of practical application?

There is a difference between helping a child to learn and pushing a child to learn. Books such as “Einstein Never Used Flash Cards…” explain how children who are pressured early on do not fare any better than children who are allowed to take their time.

The advice is simple: children learn best through simple playtime which enhances problem solving skills, attention span, social development and creativity.

When it comes to play, what’s most important are the social skills children learn. Relationships are the bedrock of society and children who play develop mutually rewarding relationships learn to compromise, communicate and negotiate, all of which give them much better outlooks for future careers and mental health.

The mistake that many people make is to believe that because you don’t always know what the child is going to learn through play, they’re not learning anything.

Even the most frivolous activity is beneficial for children as it helps them understand themselves better – learning what makes you happy and what makes you laugh helps children cope with challenges and acts as a buffer against mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.

So remember – play is vital to a child’s healthy development and not just something to be done as a reward or an afterthought.  

The Make Time 2 Play campaign uses many channels to get the message across to parents ad children with @maketime2play on twitter, Facebook and a website www.maketime2play.co.uk 

They now also have a new play app full of free play ideas for parents to fit into their children’s’ day

If want to find out more then you can take a look on the website by clicking on the below badge....

I'd love you to comment tell me your quick and easy play ideas... 

How do YOU make time to play?

Fun with Jungle Junction - Toy Review

If you've got a pre-schooler it's likely you'll be familiar with Jungle Junction, one of Disney Juniors most popular shows! And if you anything like me you've probably spent a day or two with the catchy theme tune stuck in your head! (Yes I have been caught singing it at the bus stop!)

If you're not familiar with Zooter, Ellyvan, Bungo, Taxicrab and the rest of the Jungle Jungle gang then here's a quick catch up...

Jungle Junction follows a group of part animal, part vehicle characters as they embark on fun, fast moving adventures around the jungle. The BAFTA nominated animated series encourages children to recognise signs and symbols and 'help' the friendly characters find their way!

Now children can create their own Jungle Junction adventures at home as Flair have launched a range of fantastic new Jungle Junction toys and play sets!

We were sent a selection of the new Jungle Junction toy range to review, here's what we thought of them...

Zooter Plush Toy

This cute and cuddly soft toy comes with inline wheels attached just like the loveable character from the show! Suitable from 10 months this is an ideal toy for younger Jungle Junction fans! The bright colours catch their attention and the soft ears are ideal for little hands to grab hold of. The facial features are all embroidered on so are safe even when little monsters decide to have a chew! Elizabeth is 14 months and loves cuddling up to her new pink fluffy friend and her older brother Ben likes to show her how it can race across the floor! This is also available in Bungo and retails at £9.99.

Pull Back Ellyvan

Perhaps my favourite character from Jungle Junction, The Pull back Ellyvan is a favourite with both my children! Suitable from 12 months this friction powered vehicle also has opening doors inside which Ben loves to hide smaller toys, and a movable trunk that Elizabeth enjoys turning round and round to create a clicking noise which always makes her burst into giggles! The moving parts and pull back mechanism encourage her to explore and discover! This chunky toy is a great size for a toddler of Elizabeth's age to handle while also being sturdy and quite light if she should drop it! (Which she has done a few times!) We have had hours of imaginative play with this and I am sure we have lots more to come! This at £7.99 which I think is a really good price for a great quality toddler toy.

 

 

Wheel Around Fun Set

When Ben saw the Wheel Around Fun Set he got very excited! He at this point decided that all the other toys were 'baby' toys for Elizabeth but this was for him! And he was right, as due to the small parts this set is only suitable from age 3+. The set includes 3 small wheelie characters, (Ellyvan, Zooter and Bungo) a selection of Road signs, a scenery playmat and stickers! Ben loves racing the characters around the play scene with Bungo holding the signs and directing the others! This set really encourages imaginative play and I was amazed at how may different scenarios Ben came up with from just this small set!

The only negative this I have to say about this, is that the playmat is made of relatively thin card and like many young children mine can get a bit over excited sometimes which did cause this to get ripped. We popped some tape on it and are still able to play with it so it wasn't really a problem.
 This great little set retails at £9.99 and would make a great gift for any three or four year old!

 

 

Taxicrab bath Squirter

This cute and fun Taxicrab bath squirter is one of five that can be collected! Also available in Hippobus, Ellyvan, Zooter and Toadhog, they're suitable from 12 months and provided lots of splashy bathtime fun for both Ben and Elizabeth! At just £3.99 each these are a great pocket money buy!

 

 

 

Also available in the range are the Jungle Playset, Hippobus and bettlebugs playset and Roadsigns with Bungo and Zooter, visit Flair's website   to find out more about these...

The Jungle Playset

Overall the whole range was a hit with the Mymummyspennies family! Ben loves the wheel around fun set and even after the playmat was damaged he still loves to make his own little roads and courses for the characters! While Elizabeth's favourite has to be the Zooter plush, as she has being carrying around with her everywhere!

 

 

I like the fact that there is a selection of different types of toys suitable for a wide age range and going from pocket money items to the larger playsets that would make an ideal birthday gift!

These are really fun toys that encourage imaginative play in both younger toddlers and pre-schoolers, and they aren't likely to break after a few uses (well not the important bits anyway!)

 

We were set these lovely Jungle Junction toys from flair in exchanging for this review, all opinions are my own.