The plan was quite simple. I would arrive at our Yorkshire holiday home, four days later than the rest of the family, laden with children’s games. And in doing so I would win instant popularity and covet the title of Aunty of the Year, always to be remembered as the aunty who arrives with gifts. You know the sort.
Except I forgot to bring batteries.
Then when I eventually got the batteries the games needed, there was no screwdriver in the house to open the battery compartment. So my bid for Aunty of the Year failed and we had to test the games out at home instead.
Thankfully the weather in Yorkshire was good during our time there, so there was little need for indoor games anyway.
My failure to consider the battery issue went largely unnoticed and I was able to cover it up by buying the girls ice-cream and chocolate, so all was not lost.
The Fireman Sam Spin and Rescue Game RRP £9.99
To play, children need to spin Fireman Sam around and collect all the rescue cards. As Sam spins round he gives instructions and features sound effects from the television programme. It’s essentially a memory game as players have to collect their character’s cards, but the spinning Sam adds to the fun (and if you spin him hard enough he looks as if he is head banging!)
We both really enjoyed the game despite it being aimed at children aged 3+. The spinning Sam is definitely an original idea which really adds to the game. Fans of Fireman Sam will particularly enjoy it as the game features Penny Morris, Elvis Cridlington and Tom Thomas, along with Sam himself. The only thing I would change is the design of the box which doesn’t close easily once opened, making storage of the game a little problematic.
The Disney Princess Magic Wand Game RRP £14.99
This is a board game with a difference as it uses a speaking wand instead of a dice. With a wave of the wand the Fairy Godmother guides princesses around the board telling them how many steps to take. It also features a pop-up castle at the end of the board which the players have to reach in order to win the game.
The game will definitely appeal to children who are still going through the Disney Princess stage as the speaking wand has a great novelty factor and it also lights up. Again, we enjoyed playing it despite the game being aimed at younger children, and I’ve got a three-year-old niece who will absolutely love it.
We received both games from Jumbo free of charge to review. We enjoyed them both once I’d remembered to buy batteries and located a screwdriver.
Oh noooo... I can just imagine the faces when you realised you didn't have the batteries!
Posted by: Talli Roland | August 29, 2011 at 12:00 PM
Oops! Battery free is definitely the way to go: "Uno" is a huge hit with children! Not to mention all my ThinkFun games like "Rush Hour" and "Chocolate Fix".
Posted by: Working Mum | August 29, 2011 at 02:35 PM
Oh well, there's always Aunty of next year :)
Posted by: Midlife Singlemum | August 29, 2011 at 02:46 PM
I think they were more interested in the beach to be honest, but it's a lesson learnt for next time!
Posted by: Rosie Scribble | August 30, 2011 at 02:24 PM
I've justed added Uno to my daughter's Christmas list. (Yes, I know it's a bit early.)I used to love that game as a child. I'll check out those other games you mentioned. I'm a fan of battery-free too.
Posted by: Rosie Scribble | August 30, 2011 at 02:26 PM
I'm planning my bid for Aunty of Next Year already :)
Posted by: Rosie Scribble | August 30, 2011 at 02:26 PM
I'm glad you have written this review on the disney princess game. My daughter is disney princess mad and she turns 4 very soon. i have been thinking about getting her this has I know she would love it but wasn't sure about the game itself. I think I will get it for her afetr reading this.
Posted by: Get Well Soon Flowers Delivered | September 01, 2011 at 10:04 PM