REVIEW: A Delightful Handmade Mouse Toy from LoopyTwists

Reviewing a baby toy as an adult might seem unusual, but for me it comes down to two simple questions: is it well made, and does the baby enjoy it? 

This handmade mouse from LoopyTwists, based on a pattern by MamaMadeMinis, delivers on both counts.

From the moment it arrived, I was impressed by the quality. The crochet work is meticulous, and the toy feels durable while remaining soft and huggable. Every detail has been carefully crafted, creating a charming, whimsical companion for a baby.

I gave the mouse to my six-month-old, who had been a little fussy, and the response was immediate. Unlike many toys that capture attention for only a few minutes, this mouse has been a favourite for nearly three weeks since Christmas. The attachment is clear, and in the world of baby toys, that is the ultimate measure of success.

Safety has been thoughtfully considered, with secure eyes and construction designed to withstand pulling, chewing, and general handling. Despite all the attention it receives, the toy remains in perfect condition.

LoopyTwists has created a truly beautiful and enduring cuddly toy. Both my baby and I are delighted with it, and I can wholeheartedly recommend it. 

Quality, charm, and enjoyment, this earns a full 10 out of 10.

You can find LoopyTwists on Instagram and on Facebook.

Based out of Strovolos, Cyprus, you can contact them through their Facebook.

REVIEW: Vtech Marble Rush Petal Power Playset - For Kids 4+Years Old

Review by Jon Donnis

The VTech Marble Rush Petal Power Playset is a delightful and engaging construction set that immediately captures the imagination. With a bright flower-themed design and a generous 96 pieces, including decorative accessories and sparkle marbles, it offers children an opportunity to build, experiment, and enjoy endless marble adventures.

The set shines thanks to its colour-coded modular pieces, which make assembly intuitive and enjoyable rather than a chore. Even younger children can take part in connecting the sections, while older kids will find enough challenge to keep them engaged. The motorised spinning flower lift is a real highlight, elevating marbles back to the top for repeated runs and adding a kinetic, interactive element that keeps play lively and exciting. Electronic features with cheerful tunes and sound effects further enhance the experience, creating a playful and immersive atmosphere.

In terms of quality, the pieces feel sturdy and well-made, giving the sense that this set will withstand hours of enthusiastic play. The decorative accessories allow for some personalisation, and the sparkle marbles add a touch of magic as they zoom along the colourful tracks. It is compatible with other Marble Rush sets, which is perfect for expanding the play area over time.

The main downside is that it comes flat-packed, requiring a little time to assemble. While this is not a dealbreaker, it is worth noting for parents who prefer something immediately ready out of the box. Additionally, the set includes only six marbles, which can be easy to misplace, and the large number of pieces means it needs a bit of organisation to keep everything in one place.

The VTech Marble Rush Petal Power Playset is a high-quality, engaging, and visually appealing toy that encourages creativity, problem-solving, and fine motor skills. My daughter has loved playing with it since Christmas, and it has proved to be a definite hit for birthdays, rainy afternoons, or family playtime. A charming choice for children who enjoy hands-on, imaginative play.

Out Now

https://amzn.to/3L6lhZC

REVIEW: WWE Championship Title Slap Bands from WOW! Stuff

Review by Jon Donnis

The WWE Championship Title Slap Bands from WOW! Stuff arrive with a bit of theatre baked in, which feels fitting for something tied to sports entertainment. You crack open the mystery pack and out comes a miniature belt with a textured metallic style buckle that catches the light far better than you might expect from a collectible this small. It is the sort of detail that gives the bands a proper sense of presence, almost like a pocket sized tribute to the belts you see held aloft on television. There are nine designs in total, each sold separately, so you are stepping into that familiar world of blind box collecting. It keeps things fun, although it does nudge you into repeat purchases if you are hunting a full set. The real wildcard is the Undertaker Legacy Title, which sits in the mix as the rare one that fans will almost certainly chase.

In my case I ended up with the WWE Tag Team Championship Title and an NXT World Championship Slap Band. Both looked sharp straight out of the pack with solid materials and tidy finishes. There is a nice weight to them, nothing heavy, just enough to make them feel more than throwaway plastic. Slapping them onto your wrist is half the enjoyment. The band snaps from straight to curled with that familiar flick, then hugs your wrist neatly and stays put. Kids will love that little moment of impact and the quick transformation. To be fair, it is also surprisingly satisfying for adults. Slap bands are simple fun, and these lean into that without pretending to be anything else.

The usual collectable problem does show up. If you want the full line you will need to buy several packs and you will almost certainly get doubles along the way. That said, if you have mates or young collectors in the house, swapping your extras can turn that annoyance into something a bit more social.

The WWE Championship Title Slap Bands from WOW! Stuff are well made, visually striking and very easy to enjoy. Young WWE fans will get a kick out of wearing them and collectors will appreciate the quality and variety.

Packs are available from Smyths Toys and other toy outlets now for about £4.99 a pack. Definitely a nice little stocking filler.

https://www.smythstoys.com/uk/en-gb/toys/action-figures-and-playsets/wwe-wrestling/wwe-wrestling-range/wwe-championship-title-slap-band-assortment/p/251101

REVIEW: WWE Thumb Wars Superstars by WOW! Stuff (2025 Kids Toy)

Review by Jon Donnis

There is something instantly funny about sliding a tiny wrestling legend onto your thumb and squaring up for a match. WWE Thumb Wars Characters lean right into that energy. You crack open the pack, pick your fighter, and you are in business. No fuss. No setup. Just quick bouts that feel surprisingly competitive once you get into the rhythm.

Yes I got the rare Rey Mysterio in my pack!

The figures are small at about an inch and a half, but they are sturdy and sit securely, which gives every feint and counter a bit of control. Kids get that nice mix of coordination and confidence without thinking about it, and the whole thing moves at a pace that keeps everyone involved. The roster is a neat one. Cody Rhodes, Kevin Owens, Bret Hart, Undertaker, and the exclusive Rey Mysterio for a little bragging spice. Five characters might not sound huge, yet there is enough personality in the set to keep matchups fresh.

With a kids imagination, any area can quickly turn into a WWE arena, whether that is the dinner table as you play with a sibling, or in the back of the car to pass the time on a journey. It really is up to the child and their imagination, oh and having someone to play Thumb Wars with.

The loose structure helps. You just link hands, count it down, and see who can hold the pin. It is simple in the best possible way. The sort of play that sparks its own storylines as you recreate what you just saw go down on an episode of WWE Raw, or some classic moment from Wrestlemania, or invent your own rivalries and moments.

The best there is, the best there was, the best there ever will be.

The quality is solid too. Each character looks like the real superstar, with bright paintwork that shows well on a shelf when not in use. They work as collectables as much as toys, which suits younger WWE fans who like their heroes on display between matches.

There are a couple of clear drawbacks. The fit is tight, so it is really meant for smaller thumbs. Adults will have a rough time trying to wedge their way in. You are also limited to five characters, which does leave you hoping WOW! Stuff expands the lineup before long.

Even so, WWE Thumb Wars Characters manage to refresh a timeless playground game with a burst of wrestling flair. It is loud, quick, competitive, and very easy to enjoy. A cracking little stocking filler that delivers plenty of action the moment that first thumb hits the mat.

Out Now at Amazon - https://amzn.to/4pT3eof

REVIEW: Bluey Supermarket Playset

Review by Jon Donnis

The Bluey S3 LPC Supermarket Playset lands as one of those toys that children latch onto straight away. It gives them a lively little world to disappear into, and it does it with the sort of detail that feels instantly familiar to anyone who has watched the show or spent a morning herding small hands round a real shop. The set stands tall at roughly forty centimetres, and that height actually works in its favour. Kids love running the two figures up the working escalator, and it becomes one of those repeat rituals that keeps them busy for ages. The rooftop cafe adds another corner to explore, which feels like a nice touch, and the shelves carry plenty of bits to load into the cart. The sound effects deserve a mention too, since the intercom becomes a clear favourite. It might take you back to supermarket tannoys you grew up with, and children seem to adore making their own announcements.

The build quality is reassuring. It feels tough and ready for the sort of energetic treatment a three year old will give it. The detail is surprisingly rich for a toy at this price. You get tiny grocery bags, a little cafe menu, and a spread of food items that encourage children to act out the sort of errands they see in everyday life. My kids recreated moments from Bluey and even replicated family supermarket trips, which is probably the strongest sign that the set is doing its job. It sparks imagination without effort, and it holds their attention because there is always something to move, press, lift or rearrange.

There is a small catch that is worth keeping in mind. The set includes a lot of little pieces, so supervision is important with younger children. It is clearly intended for those aged three and above, and sticking to that guidance matters, particularly if you have a child who still explores things by putting them in their mouth.

The Bluey Supermarket Playset earns its place in a family playroom. It mixes good build quality with a generous amount of detail, and it gives children the chance to blend their love of Bluey with the everyday world they recognise. It kept my children entertained, it invites them to invent their own stories, and it feels like money well spent for something that will actually be used rather than forgotten in a cupboard.

Out Now in major toy retailers

More Bluey at Amazon - https://amzn.to/3KolFCo

REVIEW: Peppa Pig Interactive Oinks & Snuggles Baby Evie Doll (2025 Kids Toy)

Review By Jon Donnis

Writing about a toy like this always brings out the inner child in me, partly because it is built with such obvious affection for its source, and partly because it is aimed at that brilliant age where imagination runs at full speed. Baby Evie arrives as Peppa's younger sister, and the doll leans into that idea with a mix of sweetness and simple cause and effect play that young children tend to adore. Everything here is rooted firmly in the details you would hope for if you have a little Peppa fan in the house. You give her the pretend bottle or dummy and she reacts with drinking noises or those soft snorts children recognise from the show. You bounce her and she answers with a cheerful splatter that ties neatly to the tiny cloth printed with a muddy puddle. Lay her down and she gives a gentle snore, which can be genuinely charming when your child is caught up in the moment. There are more than twenty sound effects built into her, and she shifts between them in a way that keeps the play feeling lively. She might cry, she might burp, she might drift off to sleep again. The little accessories help the whole thing feel complete, right down to the playmat and blanket that encourage a bit of gentle nurturing.

There is a flip side, and it becomes clear once the grown ups have lived with the toy for a few days. Evie does not have an off switch by the battery compartment, so the only real way to silence her is to leave her untouched long enough for her to settle herself. That can be frustrating in a busy home, especially if your child is already drifting off to sleep and the doll suddenly snorts or cries because it has been nudged. It is not the end of the world, although it does slightly spoil the calm in those quiet bedtime moments. She can also be fairly loud. Not deafening, just lively enough to become tiring when you have heard the same drinking sound for the fifteenth time before breakfast.

Even with those quirks, it is hard to deny the simple joy this doll brings to its intended age group. It is clearly made for little ones who already adore Peppa Pig, and the mix of sturdy design and lively sounds fits that world perfectly. The interactivity keeps things moving, and every small action sparks a reaction that pulls children further into the make believe. My own three year old loves the mix of snorts, drinking sounds and that muddy puddle splatter, and it is easy to see why she keeps going back to it.

All things considered, the Peppa Pig Interactive Oinks and Snuggles Baby Evie Doll earns its 9 out of 10. The lack of an off switch might test a parent's patience, especially when the house is quiet, yet the happiness it brings makes that irritation feel fairly small. It hits its mark as a warm and playful toy, and watching a child light up while using it makes the score feel justified.

REVIEW: Aniballers FC Football Club Membership

Review by Jon Donnis

Aniballers FC began in the most ordinary place. A garden, a ball, and a father and daughter looking for something bright to do during lockdown. Matt and Veda Wilson took that spark and turned it into a full world of characters, stories, and playful skill building. It is easy to see why more than two hundred thousand families now join them. The whole thing leans on confidence, creativity, and that simple joy kids find when a game suddenly becomes a little adventure. 

Their podcast stories about Essi and the rest of the squad flesh out that world with a soft charm, and you can feel how much the pair enjoy folding real kids and personalities into the tale. It is football with a friendly imaginative twist and children seem to respond to that warmth. You watch them work on new moves, pick up a bit of resilience, and simply enjoy being active. That is the heart of Aniballers and it comes across clearly.

The physical bundle is a tidy introduction. The Golden Ball drops straight out of the story world into your hallway. The pump is ready to go. The wall chart and stickers create that little ritual of progress which kids always enjoy, and the personalised card gives them a sense of belonging. Yet the real core sits in the app. Once you scan the QR code and step inside, you find a steady line of challenges that suit very young beginners through to more confident movers. 

Toe taps, arm pumps and dragbacks form the early steps. Later routines introduce flicks, roll overs and neat football tricks that push their co-ordination a little further. It never tips into anything demanding. It stays playful and steady which is important for the youngest group. 

The character layer adds another lift. Essi the Lioness, Blaze the Cheetah, Claw the Tiger, Trixxie the Fox, and Berg the Polar Bear each represent a different energy and skillset. Kids can pick a favourite and act it out or move between them as the mood takes them. The short fifteen minute podcast episodes help them settle into that world and are gentle enough for repeated listens.

The social side makes the whole thing feel bigger than your living room. Parents share clips of their children trying new skills. Families trade encouragement and ideas. It turns what could be a solitary routine into a light community moment which matters when your child is still only three or four. The whole setup is polished. The characters look sharp and the voice work has a surprising amount of care behind it. The football itself is decent quality which means it will outlast the stickers long after the wall chart is filled.

£49.99 for lifetime membership will feel steep for some families, especially when a child's enthusiasm can shift from one week to the next, however the monthly option is £6.99 which is more manageable. That tier only supports the digital side though, so you lose the ball and the physical rewards. For families who already have a ball at home, the monthly entry might be the safer way to gauge how hooked your child becomes.

In the end, Aniballers FC gives back whatever you put in. A child left to wander the app alone will not get far. A parent who sets aside a few minutes, joins in the challenges, listens to the stories, and helps place the stickers will see the whole idea bloom. There is plenty of content, plenty of charm, and enough variety to keep young minds moving. The podcast adds a small cosy layer that helps them stay interested without overstaying its welcome.

If your child sits in that sweet 3 to 8 age range and already kicks a ball around the garden, this is a lovely way to shape that interest into something playful and active. It sits right on the line between imagination and sport, and that balance is what makes it work.

Check out the official website for more info

https://www.aniballers.com

Thank you to Aniballers for providing a free membership and set.