BRIO Airplane - Review

(We received this item for the purpose of this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)

We are massive fans of the BRIO brand here and have reviewed a few of their products over the years, all of which are still played with to this day.

C and E were very excited to receive a new addition to their collection - the Airplane set!

Inside the box you get the airplane itself, a pilot, passenger, suitcase and rolling stair cart. Instantly the kids got right into playing and using their imagination - something that I love that BRIO encourages. C decided he would always like to be the pilot and E, the passenger. They like to come up with little scenarios, what the pilot would say and where the passenger was lucky to be flying off too. Both of them seemed to really enjoy it.

The top of the airplane opens up and inside there are three "seats". The little characters can bend and sit tightly in (their arms are poseable too) and C discovered that if you turn the suitcase sideways it can fit too. The rolling stair cart adds to the realness and it connects magnetically to the wheel of the airplane, meaning that the characters can board just like we do in real life.

I like the mix of plastic and wood with BRIO. The people and suitcase are made entirely from plastic but the airplane and stairs are a combination. They are all very sturdy and, judging by the sets we already own too, I know they will last a long time.

Although it can be played with as a standalone set, the kids have found it very exciting to play with all their BRIOworld sets together and be able to play in different ways with various ideas. This set is recommended for children aged 3+ and even at 6 years old, C still has lots of fun with it.

The BRIO Airplane set retails at £19.99 and you can find out more and purchase it at the BRIO website.

 

Bigjigs Fairy Figure of Eight Train Set - Review & Giveaway #PlayPatrol

We have absolutely loved being a part of the Bigjigs Play Patrol over the past few months and we've enjoyed testing out a variety of different sets from the Bigjigs rail range. Most of what we've reviewed were stereotypically "boys themes", E loves train sets and had as much fun as C, but there's no denying that she can be a typical girly girl who loves all things pink too.

The Bigjigs Fairy Figure of Eight Train Set was perfect for her. She was so excited to have a train set just for her and instantly fell in love before I'd even opened the box because she spotted her favourite pink and purple colours.

The set contains 40 pieces:

• 17 pieces of track
• 2 ramps
• 3 train pieces
• 2 signs
• 8 trees
• 2 toadstools
• 3 fairies
• 3 houses

Figure of eight sets are always my favourite to put together because they are so simple - there really is no way you can get it wrong. It took about five minutes to set it all up and E was raring to go. As well as pushing the train around the track, E enjoyed making the fairies interact with each other, play at their houses and go for rides on the train. As long as you have your imagination, you can do anything.

In typical Bigjigs fashion, the wooden train track and ramps are left plain but sanded down which just makes it look gorgeous and good for little hands to hold (no risk of splinters!). All of the other pieces are painted beautifully with tons of detail included from little hedges on the houses and apples on the trees. You can also purchase addional track and accessories to expand the set.

I think it's beautiful toy for any child who loves fairytales and train sets. The Fairy Figure of Eight Train Set retails at £25.99 and is available from the Bigjigs website. You can also keep up to date with all things Bigjigs on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Want to win a Bigjigs Fairy Figure of Eight Train Set for your little one for Christmas? Just enter via the Gleam widget below. Don't forget to read the terms and conditions before entering. Good luck!

T&C's:

• The giveaway will run from 24th October to November 12th
• One winner will win one Bigjigs Fairy Figure of Eight Train Set
• Open to entrants aged 18+
• UK residents only 
• One entry per person
• No automated entries

Bigjigs Fairy Figure of Eight Train Set

(We received this item for the purpose of this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)  

 

BRIO Classic Figure of 8 Train Set - Review

We absolutely love reviewing for BRIO. Their toys are fantastic quality and the children always ask for them to be set up to play with. A lot of the sets that we have reviewed in the past have been a bit too old for two year old E as she can be a bit rougher than her big brother. If there are any high parts, she'll easily knock them down accidentally whereas C knows to be more gentle.

The Classic Figure of 8 Train Set is the perfect starter train set. The set is comprised of:

• 14 equal length rounded track pieces
• 1 connector crossing bridge train piece
• 3 wooden trees
• 1 wooden station
• 1 three-part wooden train

As the end result is a figure of 8 track, it is super simple to put together - I didn't even have to look at the instructions. As long as you start with the connector crossing bridge, the rest is pretty straightforward. The others pieces (trees, station and train) can be placed anywhere.

E loved how quickly it was set up because as a two year old, she has patience for nothing. In typical BRIO fashion, the pieces were perfectly made, sanded and painted and E had no problems in pushing the train around the track. Each train part is connected by a magnet so the only thing she did have a little moan about was when she pulled the train apart, then couldn't get it back together again as she had the wrong sides of the magnets facing each other! 

She was great with using her imagination and would pretend that there was a little driver inside, shouting out to the people at the station as the train passed. Usually when E attempts to play with her brother's train sets, she'll easily knock the tracks apart but this hasn't happened with this set as the 8 shaped route is easy to follow and it's all flat on the ground. It definitely makes for a brilliant train set for beginners.

The BRIO Classic Figure of 8 Train Set is recommended for children aged 2 years+ and it retails at £37.99. You can find out more about the range at the BRIO website or you can follow them on Twitter.

(We received this item for the purpose of this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.) 

 

Win a BRIO Ant with Rolling Egg toy

Over the last year or so, we have done quite a few reviews of BRIO toys and each one has been loved by both children and they are always wanting to play with them.

In June last year, we did a review of the Ant with Rolling Egg. When I accepted the review, I wasn't really knowing what to expect as it doesn't sound like your typical toddler toy. As soon as I opened it out, E took to it straight away and still loves it now.

The Ant is effectively a pull along toy with springs on the neck and antennae so they bobble as you pull it. The egg sits on the back of the ant and as the wheels hit against the egg, they rotate it. The toy is great for encouraging early walking and coordination. You can read my full review of the toy here and check out my GIF below to watch it in action.

Want to win one for yourself? Just enter via the Gleam widget below. Good luck!

T&C's:

• One winner will win one BRIO Ant with Rolling Egg toy
• This giveaway will run from July 24th until August 27th
• Open to entrants aged 18+
• UK residents only
• One entry per person
• No automated entries

BRIO Ant with Rolling Egg toy

 

Bigjigs High Level Expansion Set - Review #PlayPatrol

We absolutely love being a part of the Bigjigs #PlayPatrol. We have already reviewed three items of the Bigjigs Rail range and were so excited to receive our next item. We never know what we are going to get so it's always a lovely surprise. 

 

This time round, we received the Bigjigs High Level Expansion Set. As the name suggests, this works best as an add-on to a track set but if you already own some Bigjigs compatible trains, you could probably use it as a standalone. 

 

The set is comprised of 27 pieces; 17 pieces of train track and 10 girders of a different height. I have to admit that I got myself a bit confused whilst setting it up (although that could be because I had two excited children chattering in my ear). I made sure that I had each girder in height order to make it easier for me to know which one corresponded to the letter in the instruction sheet. They don't go in size order so I think that threw me a bit. 

 

Eventually, I got that track built and I was pleased with how sturdy it is. Each girder has little grooves to hold the track in place so I don't have to worry about the children playing a little too roughly and me having to fix it over and over again.

Both C and E really enjoy this track because it's so different to any other track that we have had. The circular shape is new, as is the fact that there are two levels to it. E gets very excited and refers to it as a "train slide" - super cute! She was also excited to see the little plant and animal images on the sides of the girders. These are made of plastic and I like that there are two different textures to the track. They also add a bit of colour to the plain wooden track. 

 

I've found that the children need to focus a bit more when moving the train around. If they take their eyes off for a second, they tend to lose momentum so it's great for hand-eye coordination and dexterity. They have been playing together with two trains most of the time and using their imaginations to construct a little scenario that is happening between them. 

 

If your children are fans of train tracks - they will love this! The Bigjigs High Level Expansion Set retails at £34.99. You can find out more at the Bigjigs website and you can also follow them on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. 

(We received this item as part of our role as member of the Bigjigs #PlayPatrol. All thoughts and opinions are my own.) 

 

Bigjigs Dungeon - Review #PlayPatrol

As a member of the Bigjigs Play Patrol, last time round, we reviewed the Medieval Train Set which the children loved and this time we are testing out the Dungeon. I love that although it isn't a full train set, it connects well to the previous set for additional play.

The Medieval Train Set and Dungeon tie in well together so as soon as it arrived, C was eager to get both sets built up to play together. The Dungeon comes in only ten pieces, including lanterns and a pillory, and I was able to put it together easily in a matter of seconds. It comes with a few pieces of track and really the only difficult part was deciding where to connect it with our previous set.

C and E very happily engaged with the set along with the character figures from the Medieval Castle and I feel like it's enhanced their play. C's favourite aspect of the Dungeon set is the shutter to allow the train to stop or pass through the actual dungeon. 

The set has been a great educational tool too. C, at four years old, has not yet learned much about castles and dungeons so he was really interested in learning what dungeons were and what they're used for.

All in all, I think it's a fab addition to any existing track set, as it doesn't come with a train itself, although it works fantastically with the Bigjigs Medieval Castle. The pieces are all made from sturdy wood which is sanded smoothly so it's perfect for little hands. The paintwork is brilliant too.

The Bigjigs Dungeon is recommended for children aged 3+ and retails at £20.99. You can find out more at the Bigjigs website and you can follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

(I received this item for the purpose of this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)

 

BRIO Farm Set - Review

We have reviewed a few different toys from the BRIO range over the past couple of years and I always get excited when we're offered something new to test as they've quickly become one of our favourite brands. I love that they encourage children to use their imaginations - and most importantly - no batteries are required!

The past few sets we have reviewed have been for an older age group (3+) so when we were offered the BRIO Farm set which is recommended for age 18 months+, I thought it would be perfect for 2 year old E.

The set is comprised of:

• barn
• farmer figure
• cow figure
• horse figure
• four fences
• bucket
• wheelbarrow
• spade
• hay bale
• water faucet 

 
In typical BRIO fashion, there is a good mix of plastic and wooden pieces, which is great from a texture point of view but also makes the set durable. The barn doors open and close and there are spaces for the hay bale to sit for the farm animals to "eat" it.

The fences connect together so you are able to leave it open or close it completely to keep the animals inside. This was a little bit difficult for the children to do themselves so I did need to help them with it. 

At the side of the barn, there are two circles where you can keep the water faucet and bucket. The bucket, wheelbarrow and spade all have a circle attached, meaning you can pop it over the wooden farmer's head for him to use them.

Both four year old C and two year old E have enjoyed the open ended play with this set. They like to put the characters in different scenarios and make the farmer look after the animals from getting them water, carrying the hay to the barn in the wheelbarrow and making sure to bring the animals into the barn from the pen at night time. They love imaginative play and this is a great set to encourage that.

The BRIO Farm set retails at £39.99. You can find out more at the BRIO website and you can also keep up to date on Facebook and Twitter.

(We received this item for the purpose of this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.) 

 

Bigjigs Medieval Train Set - Review #PlayPatrol

We were so excited to recently become a part of the Bigjigs Play Patrol, meaning that we will have the opportunity to review some toys from the Bigjigs Rail range. This could not be more perfect for C as he's very much a typical boy who has adored trains since he was a baby. Since his little sister E has grown up, she loves playing trains with her big brother too.

The first set that we received was the Medieval Train Set and honestly, it's as though Bigjigs knew how much C loves this type of thing. He actually requested to dress up as a knight for Halloween last year. As you can imagine, he was delighted and instantly asked to play with the knight figures.

The Medieval Train Set contains 46 pieces in total which looked a little scary in the box and instruction sheet but I was able to put it together in less than five minutes. The castle is the main feature with a train track that runs through it and lots of figures of people, trees, a target and well.

The attention to detail in the set is fantastic. The Queen's colours are blue and the King's are red and there are even blue and red banners for the front of the castle and matching stands. Each person is painted front and back which I thought was a lovely touch as you can see all the detail in their clothing.

C is a massive fan of role-playing so his favourite thing to do is to have the jester make the King and Queen laugh or have the knight rescue the gold from the train which is being protected by a scary dragon. The set helps children with dexterity, imagination, creativity, co-ordination, problem solving and cause and effect. The thing C struggles with most is getting the train around the entire track whilst the three carriages are connected by the magnets. He tends to go a bit fast when he's excited which means the wheels don't always stay in the right place - he's getting there though! 

I've been observing both C and E playing with the Medieval Train Set together and it is just so lovely to watch. They really enjoy creating scenarios for the characters together and coming up with new ways to play. The chunky wooden pieces are very well made and smooth so they are perfect for little hands to play with. My two can also be quite rough with playtime so I always look for toys that will last. I'm pleased to say that the set has withstood the force that C and E have exerted on it - even the thinner, castle pieces - definitely a plus when you have young children! 

The Bigjigs Medieval Train Set is suitable for children aged 3+ (although I have been letting E aged 2.5 play with it when supervised) and it retails at £42.99.

You can find out more at the Bigjigs website or you can keep up to date on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

(We received this item as part of our role as Bigjigs Play Patrol bloggers. All thoughts and opinions are my own.) 

BRIO Rescue Set - Review

This month at preschool, C's topic of learning is 'People Who Help Us'. C has always been a massive fan of the emergency services and is constantly changing his mind between wanting to be a firefighter and policeman. BRIO recently sent him the Rescue Set to review so it was perfect timing to tie in with his current school subject.

If you aren't familar with BRIO, they have been creating wooden toys to encourage imaginative play since 1884. This Rescue Set is a mixture of wood and plastic which is a bit odd but I understand why they've done it.

C has owned quite a few different types of railway tracks and I always dread building them for him. I always go wrong somewhere, mess the whole thing up then end up getting Chris to build it. This set contains 30 pieces and I have to admit that although very little of it was train track, that same feeling of dread washed over me. I needn't have worried though and it only took me around five minutes between looking at the instructions and the photograph on the box.

The truck, track and trees are all made of wood. The firefighter figures, fire engine, fire station, crossing and bridge are plastic and the fire is a rubber material. 

C was so excited to get playing, especially when I showed him that pressing the yellow button on the top of the fire truck made the siren go and the lights flash. For a little track, there is so much fun to be had. C was placing the fire at different areas then making his fire engine speed out of the station and go around the track. The door of the station can be opened and shut and the ladders on the engine can move to reveal a hose. The hose can be extending by pulling (and it can fit perfectly in the firefighters hand) then retracted easily by twisting the yellow plastic that it's attached to.

There is so much imaginative play to be had with this set and C has played endlessly with it. I particularly like that the track isn't flat, parts of the track are resting on the rocks meaning that he has to push his vehicles uphill. Sometimes C can play a little too vigorously meaning that he'd knock the track off so I'd have to fix it over and over again. A little annoyance but not the end of the world. It is so well-made, sturdy and the detailing is fantastic, I can definitely see lots of play happening with this set over the coming years.

The BRIO Rescue Set is suitable for children aged 3+ and retails at £79.99. You can find out more about the full range at the BRIO website and you can keep up to date on Facebook and Twitter.

(We received this item for the purpose of this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)