Toys and Games

Build Your Own Kaleidoscope Review

THIS ITEM WAS GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW. ALL THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS ARE THE REVIEWER'S OWN.

Reviewed by Shetho

The Build Your Own Kaleidoscope is an innovative and eco friendly way to experience toys. From the simple packaging to the toy itself almost everything is made from either cardboard or paper, even the essential mirrors. The kit for the toy is all fitted into an A4 size box which is approximately 3cm in depth. The box contains 68 pieces in total, made up of 59 slot together cardboard parts, 3 mirrors, 6 printed Discs, 12 Pattern Tiles and an instruction and how to guide. All the pieces are brightly coloured and very attractive.

Build Your own is part of Paper Engine and is a U.K. company based in Eastleigh, Hampshire. Their products are designed in the U.K. with love, however, they are printed in China.

The box says the kaleidoscope is suitable for children aged 8+ with adults supervision to assemble which it says takes 60 minutes. I had a kaleidoscope when I was a child and it was definitively a favourite toy.

On opening the box, I had a look at the instructions which comes in two parts. I found this a bit overwhelming, but decided to just get going. I started by putting all the pieces in alphabetical and numerical order on the floor and then popped out the pieces of card. The instructions said there was a tool included to do this, but mine was missing. It was a fiddly and time consuming job to do this, perhaps it would have been easier with the tool. Once I’d done this I followed the instructions to begin the construction process. In total there are 51 individual steps required to complete the build and at times I felt like I needed an engineering degree. I suppose it could be compared to building flat pack furniture, but I find that quite difficult too. As the pieces just slot together glue is not needed so it’s not a messy job. I took each stage one at a time but it took me much longer than the suggested 60 minutes. I’m not really sure of the total time as I kept stopping for a much needed break. I’m sure lots of people would have found this easy and stimulating, but for me it was very challenging.

Once I had completed the construction project, then it was down to the fun part. The colourful discs slot in easily and then it’s just a case of twisting and turning the kaleidoscope tube to reveals the stunningly intricate mosaic patterns which keep on changing. There is a tray which can be used to add flower petals, leaves or beads to create unique patterns and the tube can be detached so it can be used when exploring.

What I like about this toy is that it’s so different to playing games on the tablet or games console. For an 8 year old, it challenges all their thinking and creative skills and as a family activity there’s lots of fun to be had in just the assembly let alone playing with the finished product. Being involved in putting the kaleidoscope together means also learning how it works, so it is educational too.

If you are looking for an alternative to plastic this Christmas this eco friendly cardboard kaleidoscopic could be just the item you are looking for.

Rating: 3/5

RRP: £19.99

Website: https://buildyourownkits.com/product/kaleidoscope/

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