You know how everyone says that kids are more interested
in the box the new toy came in rather than the toy itself? And about how they
have more fun breaking toys than playing with them?
Kids, here is the answer to your toy needs. A young
company has come to your rescue - MadRat Games, which has become quite popular for developing ‘Aksharit’, a Hindi
board game that has been adopted in several schools across various Indian
states.
The nice folks at MadRat Games were kind enough to send me
a copy of ‘My Toy Factory’, an eco
friendly toy kit that helps kids make simple toys out of regular household
stuff like newspaper and straws. Additional stickers and paper are provided
within the kit along with all the pieces necessary to build the little city of Toyoka
The toy arrived well packed and just in time for Eid. Perfect
Eid gift for Cub!!
The box appears sturdy and was received well wrapped. Cub
couldn’t wait to open and see what was inside!!
The concept goes something like this: Kids are supposed to
become workers in a Toy Factory. This is a serious process complete with an
appointment letter, a custom made Factory Hat and ID Card!! Kids are sure to
love these little details and it made Cub feel very involved in the whole
process!
Cub really enjoyed making the hat, with a little
assistance from me. The pictorial instructions are very clear with fun little
characters who help along the way. He loved announcing, “I’m a Toy Factory
worker!”
The best part of this toy is that it really brings out a
child’s imagination. Take the fictional city of Toyoka
This toy really encourages kids to think of waste material
in a new way. It provides an opportunity to explain about the need to reuse and
recycle. No child is too young for that.
Speaking of age, though the official website says that
this toy is for the 5+ age group, the toy’s packaging puts the target age group
at 8+. However, in my opinion, the toy is suitable from 4 years onwards, since
Cub really seemed to enjoy it. Of course, some of the scientific concepts would
be a bit much at this age, but they can definitely start building the toys and
get involved in the Toy Factory concept. Some adult assistance would be
required, but what’s better than some bonding time!!
Cub also enjoyed playing with the puppets we made from the
kit.
There is even a little journal for kids to record their
toy making experience. Of course, this is better suited to the abilities of
older kids.
In a nutshell,
Pros:
1. Reasonably priced – Rs. 299.00
2. Easily available online with Cash on Delivery
3. Toy Factory concept makes kids feel involved
4. Good quality paper and tools used
5. Eco friendly, good opportunity to explain what it means
to kids
6. Encourages reuse and recycling
7. The city of
Toyoka can be played with again and again,
in different settings
8. Guarantees zero boredom. You can get a lot of playtime
out of one kit.
9. Gender neutral – perfect for boys and girls
10. Good across a wide age group
11. Makes a great gift for a child who is overwhelmed with
a sea of bright plastic toys.
12. Also good for playing with siblings or friends. More
than one toy means no fighting!
There are hardly any negatives to this toy, but a few
minor issues.
Cons:
1.
2. The stickers’ edges are not visible, so one would need
to cut them out first before peeling them off the paper. This is a bit of a
chore for young children.
3. The age group mention is inconsistent on the website
and the package.
My suggestion would be to release the toy in two versions –
a Junior (easier) version for younger kids, and a more complicated version for
the older ones.
Overall, this is a must buy – it is a toy, craft kit, role
play kit all in one!!
My Toy Factory has become a top seller at Flipkart & they are providing a 25% discount on it till the 30th of August!
Disclosure: The
company sent me the product for review purposes, but all opinions mentioned are
my own.
4 comments
Cute toy and little one :)
ReplyDeleteThank you!
Deletenice review plus pics makes this article excellent.. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Christo!!
Delete