Learning Resources Design And Drill Bolt Buddies Fire Truck Review

Reviewed by New_Mama

I am always on the look out for toys which also provide an educational or developmental function and so was pleased to have been allocated the Design and Drill Bolt Buddies Fire Truck, which has STEM education at the heart of its design.

The parcel arrived simply but well wrapped with no damage in transit. The item itself is nicely presented in a cardboard only box with bright colours and clear branding. I was aware to assist my child in opening the box with care as the side highlights how the box itself can be unfolded to create a playset for the fire truck to be used. I needn’t have worried too much however as the use of thick card and well labelled edges means the box folds simply without damage and cleverly stands creating a navy and white residential image which can be used as a backdrop for your child’s play scenes. I really liked this ingenious idea allowing the box required for the toy to have a secondary function and form part of the toy itself.

The other feature of this toy that I particularly liked was the construction element which certainly sets it apart from many of the toys on the market which come as they are supposed to be played with. Before playing with the fire truck your child has to build it! The design however is simple with the main element of the truck in one piece. A working drill will delight your child and then using different bolts to attach 13 elements, such as the wheels, as well as add fire and water toppers. Note 3 AAA batteries are required and not included for this to work. The working child drill very quickly became a feature in our household with my little boy loving in being able to copy and ‘help’ daddy! 3 characters are also included, with two people (fire chief and firefighter) and a friendly looking dog. I liked how the tops of the people can be changed around to alter hair and hat colour, as well as spinning heads allowing for two changing expressions (something I have never seen before in included plastic characters). I also appreciated the multicultural aspect of using having two different races within the characters skin colours and having the basic instructions in multiple languages. Having these characters also makes the truck more than a toy but a complete imaginative play set.

A colour scheme of bright orange, blue, white and yellow predominately across the parts coordinates all of the aspects of the truck and also makes it less tacky than many plastic and bright coloured toys. Although made up of multiple parts, each seems sturdy and certainly able to withstand hours of play, and no concerning small parts are present. The item is still recommended for aged 3 plus and I think this is more as a certain motor and cognitive ability is required in order to put the truck together and therefore help ensure very little hands don’t get too frustrated. Once built however, I am sure that slightly younger siblings would also enjoy pushing the truck around and assisting in its rescue missions.

The fire truck is one of several designs, with others including a rocket, police motorcycle and rescue helicopter, so once built the toys can easily be added together to create a more detailed landscape and imaginative play scenario. The fire truck itself is 16cm H x 18cm W x 33cm L in its measurements which seems a good size.

The set is £46 which is a bit more than many toys on the market, however when you factor in the additional components this offers, such as the building element, backdrop and already included characters, which you so often have to buy separately, I think this is a fair price. A great gift for your own or other’s children which provides hours of entertainment in imaginative play, as well as helping develop fine motor skills for years to come! I have already begun to consider which of the other bolt buddies designs I will purchase to add to our set.

Rating: My little boy and I would give this fire truck a rating of 4 out of 5.

RRP: £46

This product can be purchased from Learning Resources here.