Sylvanian Families Walnut Squirrel Family Review
Sylvanian Families
Walnut Squirrel Family
Reviewed by Katy Nettleton
with her 4 year old twin girls
Where to start, if you are looking at this reviews it’s probably because your little ones are looking at Sylvanian Families and you’re trying to work out which family to get, what building and what else will you end up having to buy? Well, these are the same questions I ask each time it’s a birthday, Christmas or my girls go into the “generic toy stores” spending at least half an hour at the Sylvanians’ Isle! And the answer is… You’ll probably end up with more anyway!
So the Walnut Squirrel Family, what can I say? They are adorable, cute and their clothes (are as ever) easy to put on and off with small 4 year old hands: therefore no need for the “Mummy I need help” calls! Their tails are very soft and you’ll find probably find yourself stroking them!
The packaging of the family was excellent, in terms of it being bright but also recyclable and even little fingers can get the characters from the box without the need for scissors! As any parent will know, this is often a challenging time when your children are wanting their new toys but you’re having to cut boxes, string and plastic to release the toys.
My 4 year old twins have only just got into Sylvanian Families but since their birthday a day has not gone by without them playing with them! They have lined up which families the “need” and which new mode of transport they require to get to which new “building” they are going to ask for! I know, that there are comments in the playground that Sylvanian Families are expensive; but for me they are worth every penny. Ok, so I might be slightly biased as I had Sylvanian Families as a little girl and was (quietly) happy when my two girls decided they like these little families! But when I listen in to the girls conversations about the Walnut Squirrel Family been given the names of Burt (Dad), Pippa (Mum), Ben (Son) and Holly (Daughter) and going in their tree house to eat some nuts I love the imaginative play they provide, the freedom for children to make up stories and characters that reflect the lives they know it melts my heart (I know this sounds soppy!). The families may seem expensive at around £15.99 RRP for 4 figures but they last and provide hours of fun, there are not parts falling off, clothes don’t break being put on and off different animals (and often roughly), they can sponged washed down and they create many hours of entertainment for girls and boys of all ages. My nephews (aged 6 and 8) were visiting this weekend and they were playing along with my girls and making up stories with the families.
When I heard that Sylvanian Families were 30 years old this time it made me realise that yes, they may be slightly more expensive than similar items but they are not made out of cheap plastic, they are robust and strong. Over the past 30 years I think they may have changed in designs, and products but they are still as strong today. I can personally vouch for this as my girls play with my old Sylvanian Families and the new Walnut Family does not look out of place or different from the white rabbit family I received 28 years ago for my 4th birthday! My first of many Sylvanian Families characters and buildings! They all fit in nicely and as my girls say to their Daddy “you can never have too many Sylvanian Families Animals!”
So all that’s left to say is Happy 30th Birthday to Sylvanian Families. If you would like to wish them Happy Birthday use #30YearsYoung and #Sylvanian30 on Twitter.
Rating: 5/5 
RRP: £15.99
Available to buy from Argos, Toy R Us or Sylvanian Storekeepers here.
