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.

REVIEW: Wicked Students of Shiz 5 Small Dolls & Accessories (2025 Toy) for Ages 4+

Review by Jon Donnis (With help from Nikki)

Mattel's latest release, Wicked Students of Shiz 5 Small Dolls & Accessories, arrives just as interest in Wicked is running high again thanks to Wicked: For Good, which is scheduled for release on November 21, 2025. The set brings together Elphaba, Glinda, Nessarose, Fiyero and Boq in miniature form, each one dressed in their Shiz University outfits, complete with bobbling heads and a good handful of themed accessories. Measuring only 2.75 inches, they're small enough for a child to easily carry around but detailed enough to keep older neckbeard type collectors intrigued.

For a parent, the best test of any toy is whether it holds a child's attention longer than a passing afternoon, and in that respect this one succeeds. After a full week, my daughter was still happily creating stories around the characters, using everything from the poppy to the smoothie cup to build her own version of life at Shiz. The colours are bright, the uniforms are nicely made, and there's a sense of care in how each character has been miniaturised. The overall design feels cheerful and imaginative, which is exactly what you want in a play set like this.

There are some limitations, though. The figures don't stand on their own, which can be slightly frustrating during playtime, and the smaller accessories could easily go missing or end up in the hoover. This is one for children aged four and up, not toddlers. The film itself might have split audiences (I thought it was terrible, and my daughter was not really fussed and fell asleep), but that doesn't really matter here. Kids don't need to know the story to enjoy it, and they'll probably make up their own anyway.

Durability is another win. After a week of fairly rough play, nothing has broken or bent out of shape. That's saying something for a set at this scale. While it's unlikely to impress adult fans looking for display-quality models, it hits the mark perfectly for what it is: a well-made, imaginative and surprisingly robust set of small dolls that keeps young fans entertained.

A charming release with thoughtful detail and solid build quality, slightly let down by its tiny parts and lack of self-standing figures. Still, the fun factor wins out.

Score: 8.5/10

Out now - https://amzn.to/47yUJHr

REVIEW: Jurassic World Primal Hatch Interactive Toy Dinosaur & Egg (2025 Toy) - By Primal Hatch

 Review by Jon Donnis

There's something timeless about dinosaurs at Christmas. Every few years, a toy comes along that manages to mix that sense of wonder with just enough tech to make it feel fresh again. The 2025 Jurassic World Primal Hatch Interactive Toy Dinosaur & Egg looks set to be that toy. It's clever, "messy" fun that captures the excitement of discovery in a way few others manage.

The idea is simple but brilliantly executed. You tap on the egg to encourage it to hatch, and as cracks begin to form, a baby T-Rex pushes through a gooey membrane to emerge blinking into your living room. That moment alone is magic. It's the kind of reveal that has children shouting for everyone to come and see. What makes this toy different from previous "hatching" crazes, like the old Hatchimals or the Fingerlings Hatch range, is what happens after the reveal. The T-Rex doesn't just sit there looking cute; it's fully interactive, with over a hundred sounds, movements and reactions. You can train it, feed it, and even shape its personality, deciding whether it becomes a friendly companion or a roaring menace. That sense of control makes it much more engaging than the one-note toys of years past.

Quality-wise, Primal Hatch have done a solid job. The dinosaur feels sturdy, not flimsy plastic, and the sensors respond well to touch and sound. Watching a child's face light up as the egg cracks open is priceless, and it's hard not to get caught up in the drama yourself. It's a toy that demands family involvement, which is part of its charm. Parents will enjoy guiding the experience, helping children understand what's happening and building that little emotional connection with their "pet" dino.

It's not perfect, of course. Once the egg has done its job, it's basically redundant, which feels a bit wasteful. And while the dinosaur remains entertaining for a while, if your child doesn't get into the nurturing or training aspect, it can quickly turn into an expensive figure on the shelf. That said, the payoff depends on the effort you put in. The more imaginative the play, the better the reward.

This one has Christmas written all over it. Stock is likely to disappear fast once word gets out, so if you've got a young Jurassic Park fan at home, it's worth grabbing early and hiding under the tree. It's one of those rare toys that feels like an event, and that's what Christmas mornings are all about.

A smart mix of nostalgia and innovation, the Jurassic World Primal Hatch Interactive Toy Dinosaur & Egg earns a strong 8.5 out of 10.

Out Now on Amazon - https://amzn.to/4nv01da

REVIEW: Hot Wheels Let’s Race: Ultimate Speed (Nintendo Switch) - Fast, fun and unashamedly for kids

Review By Jon Donnis

Hot Wheels Let's Race: Ultimate Speed is an energetic racer from Bamtang Games and GameMill that knows exactly what it wants to be. It is bright, bold, and clearly aimed at younger players who love the Netflix series. Within that lane, it performs well and delivers a lively, polished experience.

Visually, the game looks great. Each of the 12 tracks bursts with colour and imagination, giving the feeling of driving through a toy box brought to life. The cars, from fan favourites like the GT-Scorcher and Super Twin Mill to the quirky Duck N' Roll, all have their own style and handling. It is an arcade racer through and through, with smooth drifting, forgiving controls, and fast, fluid movement that keeps the pace high and the tone light.

Boss battles add a nice layer of spectacle. Facing Professor Rearview's cobra or dodging his dragon gives the races a bit of drama and variety. It is not a tough challenge, but it keeps things exciting. 

The Track Builder mode is another solid addition. It lets players piece together their own loops and jumps to create something personal. Combined with local four-player split screen, it becomes a solid choice for families who want a quick, cheerful competition on the same screen.

It is fair to say the game sticks close to a familiar formula. The structure is simple, and the focus is on fun rather than depth. Older players will probably find it far too easy, and once the novelty of the Hot Wheels setting wears off, there is not much here that feels new. Still, the five gameplay modes offer enough to keep kids busy, and the reward system of flame badges and unlockable cars adds a steady sense of progress.

Hot Wheels Let's Race: Ultimate Speed is best viewed for what it is: a well-made racer for children aged seven and up. It is colourful, approachable, and filled with recognisable characters like Coop, Spark, and Brights. The £30+ price might feel a touch steep, but as a Christmas gift or weekend treat for a Hot Wheels fan, it fits the bill nicely.

Score: 7/10

Out Now on Nintendo Switch

https://amzn.to/3L7MfzB

REVIEW: LEGO City Express Passenger Train Construction Set 60337 – A Stylish Ride for Young Builders

Review by Jon Donnis

The LEGO City Express Passenger Train Construction Set 60337 is one of those sets that immediately catches the eye. With its smooth, modern bullet-train design and Powered Up technology, it delivers an impressive blend of build quality and play potential. Designed for both new builders and seasoned LEGO train fans, it captures that balance between a detailed construction project and a fully interactive toy.

The build itself is straightforward and well-paced. Each section of the train feels satisfying to assemble, and the instructions are clear throughout. For a set with multiple cars, a working locomotive, and a station platform, it never becomes overwhelming. The 24 track pieces form a full oval, giving players a complete layout right out of the box. The six included minifigures, along with accessibility features such as a wheelchair ramp and bicycle space, make it ideal for creative play and storytelling.

Once assembled, the train looks superb. The sleek shape of the locomotive, the magnet buffers that connect the cars, and the attention to detail inside the passenger and bistro cars all stand out. The removable roofs and opening double doors make interior play easy, while the Powered Up system allows control through the remote or a smart device. The train glides smoothly on its tracks and the dimmable headlights are a neat touch, adding to the sense of realism.

There are, however, a few drawbacks. At £140, it's on the expensive side for a set aimed mainly at younger builders, however it is currently at £105.99 on sale on Amazon, so worth a look if you can get it discounted. It also lacks the complexity and intricate design of LEGO's more advanced Creator Expert trains, which could leave older collectors wanting more. Still, for children or families who want a hands-on, entertaining build with plenty of movement and imagination, it delivers exactly what it promises.

The LEGO City Express Passenger Train Construction Set 60337 is a strong entry in the LEGO City range. It's accessible, good-looking, and full of charm, even if the price will make some pause before purchasing.

Score: 8/10 – Simple to build, fun to run, and great for young train enthusiasts.

Buy from Amazon at https://amzn.to/4hlRS9y