Zippy Mat Gigantic Keyboard Playmat Review
Zippy Mat
Gigantic Keyboard Playmat
Reviewed by Sophie Rix
(and daughter almost 4 years, son aged 2)
The large, colourful box was all it needed to sell the product to the children, and myself! The keyboard itself was simply packaged, just the box, sealed at the openings with some tape awaiting to be snipped open to reveal the fun inside! Once opened you have direct access to the folded keyboard and a simple instruction leaflet. Requiring you to pop in the batteries before you get started is all you need here. No assembly required. Simply unfold, add batteries and go… and that’s what we did!
The children’s first reaction when seeing the product box was shouting “wow” combined with jumping up and down in excitement… they clearly could not wait to play, and neither could I. I was immediately taking a trip down memory lane to a childhood film with scenes of a giant piano in a toy shop… I was as excited as the children. We pulled the keyboard out of the box, checked what batteries we needed, (luckily had some here) and once installed, we hit the button to get us playing. The keyboard mat is very self-explanatory, jump/step on the appropriate button and the fun starts! We didn’t need to read the instructions
The keyboard mat is BIG (180cm x 74cm) but what you would expect considering the name, and the sounds are great. So far with a short play every day, the batteries have shown no sign of deterioration. The mat is a very thick but flexible plastic, which seems durable and hard wearing, definitely easy to clean and folds down to a more storage-able size. I wouldn’t keep the box for storage as it too large, which I would say is the only negative to this. My concern is of risk of damage to the internal connections or the mat as it isn’t protected without the box, but I simply cannot find an easy way to store such a big box. I have wrapped the mat in a little blanket to protect it when I have put it away, but in all honesty, it is pretty much a permanent feature on the playroom floor anyway… at all the family’s request!
WE LOVE THIS! I was sceptical at whether it would “live up” to my expectations, but it did. It is fun, easy to use, easy to fold away and an active toy. A lovely change from the usual sit down play.
I would definitely recommend this, I feel the price is fair for the fun you have as a family and the functions the keyboard gives (playback, record, demo songs, different instrumental sounds). I cannot wait to invite friends round, young and old, to join in and play!
4 ½ out of 5 – I would have given 5 if there was a better storage box, but that is me being picky.
Great product! A real “hit” in this house!
RRP: £35.99
Rating: 4.5/5
Available to buy from Find Me A Gift here.
