Alternative Easter Gifts From Orchard Toys And Schleich Review

Reviewed by New_Mama

With Easter coming up, like many parents I have been considering what to get my toddler instead of just adding to all the chocolate. Last year I bought him themed books so wanted to get him something different this year but just as likely to keep him entertained. My review items both arrived in simple sufficient packaging with no excess or plastic in sight. I was sent Easter themed items from both Orchard Toys and Schleich which together I think creates a lovely alternative idea for an Easter gift.

Schleich sent two small animal models; their Lop-eared rabbit (code 13935) and rabbit (13827), both part of the farm world collection. Both of these have the high level of detail that you would expect from schleich and somewhat impressively both rabbits are very different and very cute. They are quite small, with the rabbit measuring 4.5 x 4.4 x 2.5 cm and the lop-eared rabbit measuring 4.2 x 2.1 x 3.4 cm, but are perfect for little hands. The size also fits with the accuracy in comparison to other animals in the range to help children learn and develop an understanding of comparative size difference between species. The accuracy and life like nature is what makes schleich stand out from many model animals. I have found, as have many friends, that model animals are extremely popular items for play as they can be used in so many ways and certainly encourage children’s imagination. I also like how, whilst suitable for young children, they are toys that have a longevity to their use as your child’s imagination and play develops, the animals can be used in so many different ways which fits with schleich’s aim to encourage children’s natural curiosity. The durability of the items is great and avoids the risk of small pieces breaking off which could be dangerous for young children and does happen in many cheaper model animals. This is important as the animals are aimed at 3-8 year olds. A bit pricier than many model animals, with postage adding to this if bought directly, but for the price you do get the detail and accuracy as well as piece of mind that nothing will break off.

Orchard Toys sent one of their mini games; Egg surprise, aimed at 3-6 year olds. For 2 to 4 players, this game is great as you can play alone with your child or as a larger group with other family or friends. As typical of Orchard Toys, the box is brightly coloured and attractive to children and parents alike. It’s also nice and compact, so a great option to bring out with you to help keep children entertained. The back of the box provides simple instructions and shows other games in the range. The game is easy to set up and only requires this on the first go to make the spinner and separate the cards. I did find when making and then using the spinner that it is quite stiff and doesn’t necessarily spin sufficiently to move more than one space at a time. The game itself is easy for children to pick up, although does require some understanding of numbers and pairing the written number with the matching number of eggs. With adult support it can also therefore be used as a way of helping children develop this ability. My child enjoyed also just looking at the rabbit and egg images on the 24 cards and this allowed us to talk about different colours as well.

Overall I think the items provide a nice combination of Easter themed gifts for your own or other’s children which will provide hours of entertainment for years to come and can also be added to in the future to create collections.

The rabbits along with all other Schleich toys are available to buy via Lop-Eared Rabbit 13935 FARM WORLD | Schleich GmbH (schleich-s.com) and Rabbit 13827 FARM WORLD | Schleich GmbH (schleich-s.com)

RRP £3.99 each

The Egg Surprise mini game along with others in the range are available to buy via Egg Surprise (orchardtoys.com)

RRP £6

Joint rating: 4/5 stars