Sylvanian Sea Otter Family Review
DISCLOSURE -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 Linda Curtain
I have recently received a lovely Sylvanian Family set – the Sea Otter set – to review from the Epoch Making Toys company. Receiving this set has certainly rekindled memories of my daughter collecting these charming creatures in the 80’s and shows how Sylvanians have stood the test of time to still be so popular forty years after their initial launch.
This collection of animal figures stormed the market in 1985. The name ‘Sylvanian’ has a Latin origin meaning ‘of the forest’ and this has been the background theme to the animals and their play settings.
Although the branding has changed over the years and now seems to favour pastel colour shades, the Sea Otter family was immediately so appealing. The set consisted of Mum, Dad and two baby otters displayed in a very eye catching display box.
Mum Otter – named Myra Cove – was adorned in a beautiful top and skirt which was decorated with a shell and pearl motif which linked with the beach theme. All clothes were removable and the moveable arms and legs made this easy despite the small size of the items.
Dad Otter – named Colin Cove – was bedecked in a striped top and swimming shorts. A jaunty neck scarf completed his ensemble and he was proudly wearing a clam – shaped bag in which he could bestow any treasures found at the beach.
The twins – Courtney and Cary – were so sweet. Dressed in striped, matching outfits and holding sea shells they certainly looked ready for the beach. Each animal was so well constructed with a lovely flocked feel, appealing expressions and cute whiskers.
To complete the set there was a shell-shaped pram large enough for both twins. Again this was so well made in pastel colour and with wheels that actually turned.
A small story book was also included telling the story of the Otters day at the beach – totally charming!
Since Tomy introduced the Sylvanians to the UK, the range has gone from strength to strength with numerous families and play sets being added each year. From schools to ships, windmills to village schools and shops, the range gave such a scope for imaginative play. In 2013, Epoch Uk secured the rights for the Sylvanian Families and a new era was born with a resurgence of interest in these flock covered animals. Not only for children, they have become a much collected item with adults as well! As the range enlarged, other animals have been added to the original forest themed ones and now includes penguins, pigs, pandas and of course otters to name but a few. This has enabled creativity to extend way beyond the forest!
A charming range of animal characters with such a variety of play settings. This Otter Family is well set to add another dimension to an already incredible play experience.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £25
This product can be purchased direct from sylvanianfamilies.co.uk or from many high street and online stores.