Tag: Construction toys

Plus Plus Advent Calendar

advent calendar, Children, Christmas, Gifts for children

Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own

There’s something quite magical about the countdown to Christmas, and an advent calendar is one of the best ways to build the excitement as the big day gets closer.

If you’re looking for an alternative to a chocolate advent calendar then the Plus-Plus Advent Calendar is a great choice with each day bringing a new Christmas themed building surprise, giving children something to look forward to as they get closer to Christmas.

There are 25 numbered doors to open, each containing a little bag of Plus-Plus pieces along with a step-by-step building guide to help you create that day’s model. Behind the very first door is Rudolph, which is a lovely way to kick off the countdown. I won’t spoil the surprise by revealing what’s hiding behind all the other doors, but I can tell you that every build has a Christmas theme and by the time you’ve finished, you’ll have quite a collection of festive characters and creations.

Even better, the fun doesn’t have to stop once all 25 doors have been opened. The different pieces can be mixed and matched to create even more models, giving children plenty of opportunities to use their imagination and come up with their own designs. There is no telling what they might come up with, although you may need to brace yourself for some interesting new additions to the Christmas decorations!

One thing worth mentioning is that the pieces are quite fiddly so younger children may need a little help from an adult, especially at first. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as it makes a lovely activity to enjoy together, although don’t be surprised if you end up becoming the chief construction engineer!

Overall, this is a lovely advent calendar and a great choice if you’re looking to move away from chocolate this Christmas. It combines the excitement of a daily surprise with a fun, creative activity, keeping little hands busy and imaginations working throughout December. And unlike a chocolate calendar, the fun can continue long after Christmas Day!

RRP £29.99

Connetix Pastel Starter Pack (64-Piece)

Birthday Gifts, Children, Christmas, Family Life, Gifts for children, Toys

Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Connetix is an exceptional magnetic construction toy that perfectly blends education and fun, making it ideal for indoor play during the school holidays. The Pastel Starter Pack is a wonderful introduction to the Connetix range, featuring 64 pastel-coloured tiles crafted with safety and durability in mind. Each tile is made from food-grade, non-toxic materials and features strong magnets along every edge for effortless connection. The riveted corners enhance safety, making it suitable for younger children, while the bevel design adds extra strength to the tiles.

As well as being great fun to play with, Connetix tiles are a powerful tool for promoting STEAM learning (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). They help develop cognitive abilities, spatial awareness, hand-eye coordination, and both fine and gross motor skills. As children (and adults!) explore different ways to build with the tiles, they naturally engage in problem-solving and gain a deeper understanding of geometric concepts. Suitable for ages 3 and up, this set has enough pieces to allow everyone in the family to get involved.

One of Connetix’s standout features is its versatility. By combining different sets, you can create even more complex and imaginative builds—the only limit being your imagination! Connetix is available in various sizes, from the 24-piece Mini Packs to the 202-piece Mega Packs, perfect for large, collaborative projects. Specialty packs like the Transport Pack, which adds wheels to your creations, the Geometry Pack for exploring shapes, and the popular Ball Run Pack for high-speed fun, add even more variety to playtime.

During the school holidays, the Connetix Pastel Starter Pack has become a favourite among our young reviewers, keeping them entertained day after day. Its open-ended design allows for endless possibilities, from building castles one day to constructing towers the next. Whether you’re collaborating on a grand project or each creating your own masterpiece, Connetix encourages creativity and teamwork, making it a fantastic way for children to learn through play.

I’m really impressed with Connetix, the combination of educational benefits and pure fun makes it the perfect toy for the whole family, fostering creativity, learning, and quality time together.

RRP £79 Available from Amazon