Present Mill Camper Van Construction Kit Review
Reviewed by Louise Watts
In a fast-paced world of technology where nobody has any time to themselves, what can we do to help us to just chill and relax? This week, I had the pleasure of doing just that. I was given a Camper Van Construction Kit to try from Present Mill – Gift in a Tin. I initially thought I would try and make this with my hands-on 5-year-old son but it soon became apparent that was not going to be relaxing in the slightest! I then decided to make this my personal project and to complete it alone. I completed the build over the course of 3 days and thoroughly enjoyed every minute.
The kit comes as part of the “Apples and Pears Gift in a Tin” range and arrived extremely well packaged. The gift was bubble wrapped, then wrapped in tissue paper and placed in a good quality cardboard box. As I opened the package, I was very excited to see what building the kit involved. The kit itself comes in a lovely tin with a picture of the camper van on it. I really liked this idea and you can use the tin afterwards for storage if you wish.
As I opened the tin, I was struck by the quality of all the components. The kit was separated into several bags, all resealable so perfect for completing the build in stages. The tools were sturdy and the nuts, bolts and parts themselves were all well made. The essential instructions were similar to “LEGO” instructions in that they break each stage down into what parts you require and picture diagrams to illustrate how to build it. These were pretty logical to follow, although I would be telling fibs if I said that I got everything correct on my first attempt! This was a reflection of my thinking however, not the instructions!
As the camper van starting taking shape, I began to feel quite proud of myself. I am not creative in the slightest but do like building things if they come with a guide as to how to do it. I enjoyed the chance to concentrate on something and just immerse myself in a task that I wanted to do for a change. The camper took around 3-4 hours in total to build and looked fantastic on completion. I have placed it in a safe place in my bedroom so I can look at it and enjoy it.
The kit retails with Present Mill at £11.99 and I think this is a complete bargain and well worth every penny! It is recommended for ages 10+ and I think this is fair. Some of the nuts and bolts can be a little fiddly. Younger children could certainly have a go but would need to do that alongside an adult to assist with the instructions and to ensure everything goes according to plan. As for an upper age limit, I do not believe there is one. As long as you have the dexterity and fine motor skills to be able to manipulate the parts, then you can build it.
I have already been online to see which Gift in a Tin I am going to buy for myself next and have decided it will be the “Scooter in a tin” – I am looking forward to it already!
I would thoroughly recommend the Camper Van Construction Kit as an ideal Father’s Day present or birthday gift for the man in your life. For him to complete alone or with the little people. The price is so good and the item amazing, neither you or he will be disappointed.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £11.99
For more information or to buy visit www.presentmill.com.
