The PuppyCorn Surprise Review

Reviewed by Kathryn Harrison

Surprise toys. It appears they’re hugely attractive to kids. As a forty-one year old woman, I like to know exactly what I’m getting before I part with my cash. But when you’re at the young age where money could possibly grow on trees, there’s a lot of fun to be had in not knowing what you’re getting (until you don’t get what you want!)

My girls are 3 and 5 and were ‘bounce around the room’ excited to receive a PuppyCorn Surprise; or should I say a blue, plastic egg, contents unknown. The brightly coloured egg with plastic unicorn horn and dog ears was enough to send them into a frenzy. They were more than eager to pop it open and see what awaited them inside. You could call this the Kinder Egg Effect.

Puppycorns are the latest addition to the Rainbocorn Family created by Zuru Toys and are billed, ‘the cutest, cuddliest puppies you’ll ever meet.’ The product is promoted as being an unboxing of 7 surprise layers. I’d say that’s pushing it a bit. The kids, however, were in 7th Heaven.

The 7 components consist of said plastic egg, one of 7 breeds of cuddly Puppycorn (Dachshund, Pug, Dalmatian, Poodle, Labrador, Husky and the Rare Best in Show Bulldog), a small boo-boocorn egg and a boo-boocorn plastic pup figurine, some Rainbocorn colour-mix poop, a sheet of scratch n’ sniff stickers and a collector’s guide (clearly designed to work as a bribery tool; “But Mum look how cute they all are, please can we get another. Pleeeeaaaaassssse.”)

Trixie the Dachshund was officially my five- year-old’s new, furry best friend for a full 48-hours. Like each of the Puppycorns, Trixie has a unique Scratch ‘n’ Reveal heart which educated us on what she loves. For me, this reveal was the highlight of the unboxing and I did find my enthusiasm and excitement levels almost matched the kids’ during this interactive element.

When it came to the colour mix poop, whilst the kids were intrigued to get to the bottom of it, I silently feared for my shaggy rug. Said to magically change colour and stretch over 3000% in size, I was rather unimpressed with the somewhat grey lump of slightly elasticised squidge. The girls thought it fantastic. Poo. It’s the source of much hilarity.

The included stickers were quickly used to liven up the girls’ latest box-modelling project. We did scratch and sniff and along with the rest of the egg’s contents, they kept my girls entertained for a morning. Trixie now lives with the rest of the stuffed toys in the Teddy Basket, waiting to be rediscovered. And when she is, I know there’ll be immediate cries of, “Can we get another of these Puppycorns Mum?” The surprise element is certainly a successful tool in marketing to kids.

Puppycorns are recommended for children aged 3+ and are £9.99 each. They’re about the price I’d pay for a kid’s present if we were heading to a party and are definitely something I’d pick up knowing the recipient’s eyes would likely light up.

As for buying another Egg for my girls, I would be wary about growing a collection. I’d be nervous we’d get a duplicate and tears would follow. First from them in disappointment and then from me in frustration. Indeed, the official toy write-up states, ‘There are several styles available within this assortment and unfortunately it is not possible to request which one you would prefer.’ However, the Rainbocorn Range is pretty extensive so if my girls wanted to save up their pocket money and spend it on a surprise, I’d perhaps give them a nudge towards the Itzy Glitzy Surprise, Big Hair Surprise or Sparkle Surprise; all of which I know would be equally attractive.

I scored the Puppycorn an average 3 out of 5 but I’m clearly not the target audience. Both my girls gave it a resounding 5 out of 5; and after some discussion and negotiation, we agreed I’d review them at a (very generous)….

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

RRP: £9.99

This product can be purchased from Smyths Toys here.

For more information please visit the Zuru website here.