Toy Reviews

Science Mad! Science Kits Review & Giveaway

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Finding toys and activities which spark children’s curiosity and allow them to follow their passions while having fun is a win-win for both parents and children. I love to see my kids exploring their interests and developing their knowledge, and the Science Mad! Science kits enable them to do just that. 

These are great quality Science kits for older kids of age 10+ who would like to go deeper into scientific experiments and offer a brilliant opportunity for kids to be able to do just that. 

Let’s take a closer look at some of the Science Mad Science kits available from Smyths

Science Mad! Science kits for kids

The really great thing that stands out about the Science Mad! collection of products is that it offers kids real scientific equipment and enables them to use real kits with working features. 

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STEAM toys with Bright Minds

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When it comes to buying toys for the kids Anna and I always do some research before committing. We are very inclined into the learning aspect of the toys and what how they can complement our existing toys.  Bright Minds specialise in STEAM;  science toys, Technology, Engineering, Arts & crafts and Maths toys, plus not forgetting wooden toys, role play & board games that are fun to use but also encourage learning and development, – all backed by a unique 90 day no-quibble guarantee, unmatched by any other retailer on the web.

Every potential product is opened up and tested to feel the quality. To make the grade, it has to inspire children to be curious about the world around them or encourage creativity and develop their skills at their own pace in a relaxed and fun way. This creates a loving space, which is the best way for children to learn, grow and discover their passion in life. If you are looking for a few ideas of super cool toys read on!

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5 Rainy Day Activities for Kids with Very

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Keeping the kids entertained during the colder and wetter half of the year can be tricky, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be a lot of fun!

When it’s cold and wet outside, the last thing many parents want to do is go outside with their kids. And that’s understandable. Who wants to play out when it’s raining and cold? You’re much better off staying in where it’s warm, cozy, and dry.
The problem with this line of logic is that when you stay in for too long, your kids will get bored. And boredom can lead to trouble. The solution? Stock up on some new rainy day activities to keep the little ones entertained and engaged.
rainy day toys for kids

I chose the above toys and games from Very which were a huge hit with my 4 year old daughter N, and each one kept her busy playing for ages.

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Crystalina Fairy Dolls Review

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Crystalina fairy dolls are a new brand of light-up fairy dolls that are themed around the powers and magic of Crystals.

We were sent the Turquoise (Healing) and Amethyst (Wisdom) dolls and N (age 4) was so excited to play with them. You can also collect the Crystalina dolls Rose Quartz (Love) and Aventurine (Luck)

Crystalina amethyst and turquoise

I was instantly attracted to the concept too, as I have been learning more about the meanings of crystals in spirituality. These dolls are a great concept that can be shared together for mother and daughter play and bonding.

The Crystalina Fairy Dolls combine the empowering energy of crystals with LED lights, bringing bring together the fun of role play with collectable dolls

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Hape Monster Math Scale Review

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The Monster Math Scale from Hape is a fun and educational wooden toy, teaching young children the basics of math and gravity, as they work out how many weights the monster can hold in each arm.

This toy is an ideal hands on way to get to grips with early mathematical and numeracy concepts, through play and experimentation.

Hape Monster Math Scale

The scale is made from good quality wooden and plastic materials and feels really well made and durable. The funny monster has a scale on each arm, and you get 9 larger weights and 11 smaller weights, which children can use to balance and experiment with.

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Osmo Super Studio Disney Mickey Mouse & Friends Review

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We love using Osmo products with our iPad. It turns the whole process into a much more interactive experience. No more passively sitting and watching – with Osmo, iPad time becomes a hands-on immersive activity.

We have quite a few of the Osmo games already in our collection, and recently we were sent the Osmo Super Studio Disney Mickey Mouse & Friends. Immediately, it was a huge hit with my 4 year old daughter.

Osmo super studios Disney Mickey Mouse & friends game

The Super Studio games from Osmo are all about drawing. Osmo Super Studio Disney Mickey Mouse & Friends takes you through animated stories with Mickey Mouse and his famous friends Minnie, Goofy, Donald Duck, Pluto and invite your child to draw along every step of the way.

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Lite Brite Review

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Lite Brite is a classic toy with so much fun and creativity. This nostalgic toy is available in the classic large size, and also now in a mini format which makes it easy to take your Lite Brite fun on the go. Both sizes are something that can be enjoyed by all ages, from my 4 year old up to my eleven year old. It is traditional open ended play, and it is so relaxing to take some time out and create a beautiful light up design – whether you follow some of the suggested templates included, or go freestyle with your own ideas.

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Moon Shoes Review

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Do you remember Moon Shoes from your childhood? This fun and active outdoor toy is back, and is now available from Smyths Toys so that you can introduce your kids to the crazy fun of mini trampolines for their feet once they have “graduated” from riding passively in baby strollers.

Moon shoes are something a bit different, and can be used in all kinds of creative ways – if you have a pair each, you can have a moon shoes jumping race, or try skipping with moon shoes on. Jumping forwards, backwards, and defying gravity.

The original Moon Shoes were created in the 1950, and became the Iconic anti-gravity device powered by kids! With Moon Shoes, kids have incredible fun as they jump with anti-gravity effects while developing balance and coordination.

Original 1950s Moon Shoes were made with metal, of course time has moved on and today’s moon shoes are a much more updated version made from quality, high-density plastic, with adjustable VELCRO brand nylon closure straps. Moon Shoes feature a self-centering shoe platform with non-skid grip surface for sure-footed, high-bouncing thrills.

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Learning Symmetry with Geomag Confetti

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Learning through play using hands on resources and toys such as Geomag, is a great way to help make learning much more fun and help children absorb difficult concepts without feeling like they are even working. Geomag stimulates creativity and logical reasoning. The variety of the shapes and their transformations make it possible to create different structures continuously, making it a really versatile toy for all ages.

Geomag Classic is an inventive system of simple construction made of 58 mm magnetic rods and steel spheres. A huge number of shapes, geometric figures and models of every kind can be constructed.

The wonderful Geomag Confetti set is the perfect introduction into the world of construction and creativity.  With 83 pieces you’ll only need a few parts to create some awesome magnetic constructions. Full of vibrant colour the magnetic rods and non-magnetic and safe steel spheres come together to create a hundred of patterns, structures, and shapes.

The Geomag Confetti set is suitable for ages 3+ and is something that all four of my children ranging from ages 4-12 are able to use, at different complexities for each of their levels. You can access a range of Geomag lessons and resources which are free to download here

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