I bought this for my brother for Christmas, mostly because his partner has a 9 year old daughter and I thought they he could play with the kids. The sight of him on boxing day with a furrowed brow, pouring over the instructions, but not letting them beat him will remain with me forever and puts a smile on my face whenever I think about this toy. Even worse for my brother is the fact that he works in the car industry.
I chose this particular set because it has a lot of different models and comes with a motor, so it has pretty much all you need to make something worth making whilst learning a few engineering fundamentals at the same time. The manuals could be a little clearer, but this adds to the fun in my opinion and it should ... Read More:
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Brilliant game, although this was purchased for my boyfriend, the whole family enjoyed playing with this funky cube. There are 6 games to choose from, one being multiplayer. You'll soon find out your favourite games and compete to beat your or other peoples scores!
This is a good educational toy with easy to follow instructions for setting up circuits. The connections are robust as they are based on magnets - easy for a child to construct and pull apart. My only quibble is the scientific explanations which are too difficult for a 7-8 year old. It needs a simple description/glossary for each component with uses within a circuit followed by the more complicated description. Relies therefore on parental help - pretty non-existent in my household!
One engineer's symbol (light) is inconsistent.
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My boyfriend was bought this as a present when he changed career to train as a doctor. We thought it was a pretty funny joke gift but that was all - didn't expect it would be fun to actually play as adults. How wrong we were! It was brought out one evening over Christmas (after we'd had a few sherries!) and proved to be hilarious. Try keeping your hand still after you've had a few and you'll see what I mean! It brought out the competitive nature of some of the guys in the room too, who couldn't help getting frustrated with their inability to use tweezers (women have an advantage here!) and mocking each other for repeatedly setting off the buzzer. It's a pretty basic idea and not intellectually challenging, and it is quite flimsily made (the inside ... Read More:
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This set, for the price, is fine but be warned it doesn't have everything. For instance the chips are unmarked, so this isn't for beginners. Also there is no rule cards or hand summary card included.
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My 5 year old daughter got this for her Christmas this year, and it really caught her eye. She immediately worked out the link to the high street shop, and wanted to do the 3 teddys that come with the kit. We did 1 each day after that, but by the time we had finished, I think her interest had as well. I understand that you can buy other new bears for the kit, but after 3 of the same thing, I don't think she is too interested to do anymore.
I had thought that this would be better for younger ones, but actually the parents will end up doing all the work....
Overall good idea, but fairly short term interest.
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There are 2 jigsaws in this set - a 12 piece & 24 piece. My 2 year old has mastered the 12 piece set to his great amusement, but is still learning how to do the trickier 24 piece. I think this is definately recommended for 2+ year olds (even though the guide age is 3 years).
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I originally bought this for one of my twin sons and they fought over it so much that I had to buy another. They both love it and there are no more fights.
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I originally bought this for one of my twin sons and they fought over it so much that I had to buy another. They both love it and there are no more fights.
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