Superman - Justice League 7" Stretch Figure

The Justice League is big news at the moment with the release of the latest film this month. Superhero fans young and old will no doubt be clamoring to see the movie and would definitely love to get their hands on their own Justice League stretch character.

The 7" Justice League stretch characters include Flash, Batman and Superman. They can be stretched and twisted and will always return back to their normal state. There is something so fun about playing with stretchy toys. My husband, eldest son and future son-in-laws always make a beeline for Freddy's stretch toys! Being superheroes, these new 7" Justice League toys from Character Options will definitely become firm favourites.

The seven inch stretch figure has classic Superman styling and comes with a red cloth cape and yellow belt. He has his iconic Superman logo on his chest and his abs and other muscles are well defined. His head is well detailed and made of firm plastic. The body itself has very rubbery feeling hands and feet, while his legs, arms and torso feel more solid and stretch really far when pulled. In fact you can stretch him up to five times his original size.

After he has been stretched, he will retract back to his normal size without any loss of definition. Freddy stretched the arms and legs really far and he still went back to his original shape and size. It is strong and robust as long as it doesn't get punctured, knotted or exposed to extreme temperatures.

The stretchy Superman toy is definitely proving a lot of fun. The fact that it is a superhero adds that extra element of play value and Freddy has enjoyed incorporating his new super stretchy Superman toy into his games.

The Justice League 7" Stretch Figures are recommended for ages 5 and over and are £12.99 each. They are a great Christmas gift idea for superhero fans - even the grown up ones!

Find out more and buy your own 7" Justice League Stretch Figure at www.character-online.com.

Become a Singing Superstar with The Rocket Singing Machine

I have a family that absolutely loves music. The kids sing, dance, play instruments and perform at any given opportunity. So when we were offered the chance to try out the new Rocket Wireless Singing Machine from Character Options, we were delighted to put it through its paces.

This high tech mic is an all in one music experience set to revolutionise how we interact with our favourite songs. Perfect for parties, anyone can feel like a singing superstar as they sing along to top tracks and latest hits. The device can link wirelessly via Bluetooth to any Windows, iOS and Android Smart device, and is able to play music from any online streaming service, your music library, YouTube or karaoke apps. The light up base and hi-tech design make this a very exciting product for families to enjoy together, from little ones aged six and above (with supervision) to music loving teenagers to the young at heart!

The Rocket Singing Machine has a speaker on one end and an amplifying microphone at the other. It comes with adjustable voice enhancing echo, mic noise cancellation and volume control and includes a headphone jack. It can be used as a stand alone wireless speaker or as a novel karaoke machine. You can even connect it to Siri and ask questions or request songs from up to 10 metres away!

Could You Be A Rocket Star?

The Rocket Singing Machine has an exciting competition to find a star to become the face of the Rocket Mic. Simply send in your child's best singing video to the Rocket Star page by 11.59 pm September 24th 2017 for the chance to win cool prizes including a Rocket Singing Machine of your own. Click through the image for more details.

We have had such fun with the Rocket Singing Machine. To get started you need 3 AAA batteries (which are not included) and it is then super easy to pair to your smart phone or device. We used Freddy's Spotify playlist and he was quickly able to sing along to his favourite songs with the vocal effects adding an echo to his voice.

The ergonomic design is nice to hold and the sound quality is good. It definitely creates a party atmosphere and is very easy to use. Everybody enjoyed their moment in the spotlight singing along to their favourite songs. The fact it can also be used as a standalone Bluetooth speaker, for karaoke or as a standalone microphone gives it multiple uses. The space age design with the light up base is cool and quirky

The Rocket Singing Machine is available in pink or white and retails at £29.99 and is available online here.

To find out more about the Rocket Star competition and how to enter your children's singing video visit: www.therocketstar.co.uk.

Chillfactor Pull Pops Review

Kids love ice lollies and ones that they make themselves seem to be even more appealing. So the Chillfactor Pull Pops are a great addition to the kitchen cupboard, allowing kids to create popsicles using a variety of ingredients and their imagination.

The set includes two of the pull pop makers as well as a small bowl for dipping and mixing, a squeezy bottle for flavourings and a flavour spacer injector with lid. An illustrated instruction leaflet is included.

You can use fruit juice, fresh fruit, drinkable yogurt or squash to create flavour combinations. You can fill ice pops with added syrup or melted chocolate using the flavour spacer to make a hollow during the freezing process or top them with sprinkles by dipping into your favourite toppings using the bowl. The possibilities are endless. Freddy and Kezia used Pepsi Max to make theirs.

The process is easy and mess free. Simply insert the nozzle into a cup or jug of the liquid and pull the plunger to suck up the liquid into the tube.  Alternatively use the end of the tube to cut circles of fruit to push into the tube. When the tube is full (be sure not to overfill), you twist off the end of the plunger to make a free standing popsicle mould.

Pop into the freezer upright and freeze for around 2-3 hours.  The plunger handle can then be re-attached and used to gently push the popsicle up the tube to be eaten. (A little warm water poured over the tube makes this a lot easier to do.)

The real appeal of the DIY ice pop makers is that you can make them using whatever you want and you will know exactly what is in them. You can make healthier options using fresh fruit or juice or smoothies, for a more nutritious treat. Or use sugar free drinks or squash if you are cutting back on sugar consumption. Or opt for an indulgent popsicle using some chocolate angel delight made from a packet, filling it with melted chocolate and dipping in chocolate sprinkles. The choice is yours and there are hundreds of possibilities to pick from. I really like the pulling method of making the Pull Pops, not only is it fun, it's mess free.

The Chillfactor Pull Pops cost £4.99 and the set makes two pull pops. Perfect for when the weather gets warmer!

Find out more at www.character-online.co.uk

Stretch Scooby-Doo!

Do you have a Scooby Doo fan in the family? Perhaps a little one, who is one of the latest generation of Scooby fans. Or someone who loved Scooby and his pals as a child back in the 70's. If so, here is a great present idea. Stretch Scooby-Doo from Character Options is a full size, stretchable action figure based on the iconic cartoon character.

With his goofy grin and his signature dog collar, Stretch Scooby-Doo certainly looks the part. He is a great replica of the classic canine character, and comes ready to play with straight from the box.

Just like his fellow stretchy action figure, Stretch Armstrong, Stretch Scooby-Doo can be stretched up to three times his size by pulling his arms and legs. He can be stretched, tied in knots and squeezed, but always returns to his normal shape and size afterwards.

Kids will love to play with the stretchy mutt, seeing how far they can pull him. Grown-ups seem to find playing with Stretch Scooby-Doo very therapeutic and stress relieving, like a rather cool executive toy. It's quite mesmerising watching Scooby's shape return after a vigorous stretch, squeeze or twist.

It takes some effort to stretch Scooby to full capacity, so getting someone else to help adds to the fun! Children can have a Scooby style tug of war, experiment with the properties of this intriguing toy or engage in some imaginative play where Scooby uses his stretchy power to help solve mysteries. And after all that stretching, pulling, tying and squeezing, Scooby-Doo is always ready for some more.

As with all stretch toys, avoid anything sharp when playing with Scooby as these toys can get punctured, but generally speaking, Stretch Scooby-Doo is very robust, quite weighty and tough. He'll withstand plenty of hands-on play!

Stretch Scooby-Doo is recommended for children aged 5 and over and is £19.99 RRP. Find him at http://www.character-online.com/scooby-doo-stretch-scooby-doo

Grandpa Pig's Holiday Boat - Holiday Fun with Peppa Pig

Peppa Pig is a character who never fails to entertain Freddy.  He loves watching the antics of Peppa. George and the gang on Nick Jr.  So he was delighted to receive a Grandpa Pig's Holiday Boat to review. It's part of the new Peppa Pig Holiday Range.

Grandpa Pig's boat is quite an iconic part of the Peppa Pig TV series.  It makes a few appearances and is instantly recognisable.  The toy itself comes with Grandpa, Peppa and George characters all clad in their best summer holiday wear!  The boat is very well constructed with good attention to detail, featuring a flag, a bell, boat controls and propeller.  The characters stand in indented spaces, making them very secure when onboard.

Best of all, this boat actually floats on water!  This is a great feature that really delighted Freddy, making it suitable as a bath or paddling pool toy.  The construction of the boat means it does not take on water so it floats really well and is easy to dry after playtime.  Freddy tested it in the downstairs bathroom sink and it floated upright, even with the characters onboard.  This adds a huge extra element of fun to this toy. Very impressive!

The Grandpa Pig's Holiday Boat from Character has an RRP of £19.99, which is good value for a toy that can be played with both on dry land and in water!  Plus it comes with the three characters, so can be played with straight from the box for lots of  fun Peppa holiday adventures.

       

Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom Thistle Castle Playset Review

 Freddy is a big Nick Jr fan and Ben & Holly's Little Kingdom is a real favourite of his.  So when he was sent the Ben & Holly's Little Kingdom Thistle Castle Playset by Character, he was very excited to re-enact some of his favourite scenes from the show.

Thistle Castle is a magical toy with lots of hidden secrets that little ones will enjoy exploring. The playset comes complete with a Holly character, so children can play straight away.  It also comes with a bed and a treasure chest for added play value.

The playset can be attached to other playsets to build a bigger, more elaborate toy, but works well as a stand alone item.  The open plan design features Holly's bedroom and part of the kitchen downstairs.

The Holly figure comes complete with her crown, wings and magic wand. Holly's feet can be attached to a base so she can be free-standing.

Holly has a bed for her sleep in.  It isn't a fixed feature so it can be moved around.  There is a Holly shaped cut out in the mattress so she lies in the bed securely!

The toybox in Holly's room has a secret slide hidden beneath the lid.  Little hands can drop her through the hole.

The slide whizzes Holly down so she appears behind the door in the kitchen.  Perfect for a midnight snack!  There is a magical floating throne on the wall behind the door for more magical fun.

A secret door in the floor hides Nanny Plum's Book of Spell, perfect for when you need to turn somebody into a frog.  The treasure chest has disappearing treasure inside.

The cauldron has a spoon in it which can be stirred to mix the potion.

The spoon magically opens the store cupboard to show the food inside, and King Thistle's portrait disappears.

The attention to detail, such as the pictures on the walls and the magical features make this an exciting playset for little Ben and Holly fans.  Freddy wished it had come with his favourite character Ben Elf, but was happy enough making Holly the lead character in his imaginative games.

                        

You can add extra playsets and buy additional characters from the range, which are all scaled to be compatible.  They are suitable for children aged three and up.

The Ben & Holly's Little Kingdom Thistle Castle Deluxe Playset is available for £24.99 from Character Online and from other toy retailers.

http://www.character-online.com/products/Ben-and-Holly/Thistle-Castle-Playset/

Making Bracelets with the Shimmer 'n' Sparkle Cra-Z-Loom

Kizzy and Ella received a Cra-Z-Art Shimmer 'n' Sparkle Cra-Z-Loom Bracelet Maker to try out. Kids can make their own rubber band bracelets by looping and weaving colourful bands onto the loom.  The kit contains everything needed to create up to 24 colourful bracelet creations.

At first the instructions looked a bit complicated but once the girls got stuck in, the process became easier and using the hook implement, they were able to manipulate the bands to form different patterns.  As long as the instructions were followed correctly, the bracelets could be removed, and attaching an s-clip makes them instantly wearable.

The girls enjoyed making a selection of bracelets using single, double and triple loop techniques.  The odd disaster happened when a band snapped mid weave and there where a few do-overs when it all went wrong, but the overall experience was enjoyable and the end results were good.  It can be a little fiddly and I think a younger child would need some help to do the more complicated designs.

Refill packs of bands are available and once kids get the basics, they can go on to make rings, bracelets or keyring fobs and attach beads or charms to their creations.

The rubber band bracelets are a colourful and modern twist on friendship bracelets that kids will enjoy wearing and sharing.  Kizzy said it was a "fun activity that makes you lose track of time because you are so engrossed in what you are doing."

The set comprises of a loom, a weaving hook, s-clips and 600 colourful latex free rubber bands.  It is aimed at girls aged 8 and over.  It is priced at £14.99.

http://www.character-online.com/products/Cra-Z-Art-Shimmer-n-Sparkle/Cra-z-loom-Bracelet-Maker/

Scooby Doo Trap Time Deluxe Mystery Machine Review

Freddy was sent a Scooby Doo Trap Time Mystery Machine Playset from Character Online to play with. As a household with two generations of Scooby fans we were all quite excited to get in on the act and re-enact some spooky scenes with Shaggy and the gang!

From Character Online

First thing we discovered was that the Mystery Machine did not come with any figures even though the illustrations show them with the product.  It does state clearly in writing on the box and on the website that the figures are not included, but it is a personal gripe of mine that toy manufacturers don't pop just one figure into the playsets so kids can enjoy playing with them straight away in the manner intended. Because we are die hard Scooby fans, I decided to buy a set of figures, three villains with interchangeable heads, Shaggy and Scooby which cost me £10, so Freddy could get the full Mystery Machine experience. They were worth every penny!!

The Mystery Machine is a fully working push along vehicle with seats for two characters upfront, accessed via a lift up roof panel.  It's pretty sturdy and chunky for little hands to wheel around. The whole back of the van opens up to reveal the monster catching equipment, giving an opportunity for some great imaginative play, Scooby Doo style.  There is a fully functional net cannon that fires out a net to catch the baddies, who can then be put into the cage which is on a jointed arm. Everything (bar the net itself)  is attached to the van so won't get lost.  It is a fun playset for little fans!

The back of the van can then be closed up and the gang can drive away having solved their mystery!  The figure pack villains come with a monster head and a human head so they can be 'unmasked' to discover whodunnit!  The play value was definitely increased by having the figures.  Freddy loved shooting the net at them and putting them in the cage.  He was also quite keen on pulling the interchangeable heads off!

This is a great toy for fans of Scooby Doo.  It is recommended for children ages 3 and up.  I love the fully functional traps that allow little ones to net and cage the baddies, and I like that everything fits back into the truck easily and tidily!  It is a really good design giving two play opportunities in one.

The Scooby Doo Trap Time Deluxe Mystery Playset retails for £19.99.  The five pack of characters cost me £9.99 and was definitely worth having to fully enjoy the Mystery Machine toy.  Find them both on the Character Online website.

Blingles Glimmer Glam Styler Review

Kizzy loves stickers, glitter, sparkles and anything glam.  So Blingles Glimmer was always destined to be popular with her.  When she was sent one to try out, she set to work with the pots of glitter and gem stones to create some bling-tastic stickers!

The set allows children to create 60 glitter stickers which can then be used to decorate almost everything with a smooth surface.  You simply peel off the top layer from the similarly coloured sections of the sticker sheet, then rub on the glitter using the clever little rollers which are attached to the lids of the glitter pots.  You then brush off the excess before doing the next coloured sections to complete your design.  there are four different colours included on the stickers that correspond to the four differnt glitter colours - but you can go freestyle and do it your way if you want to. Some stickers are finished off with a gem stone to make them look even more glam!

The Blingles studio is easy to set up, you simply put in the glitter collection tray and gem tray and the four tubs of glitter and you are ready to go.  Everything fits in nicely and the activity is well contained (vital when glitter is involved because the stuff gets everywhere!)

It is really easy to make the stickers.  The glitter sticks really well to the adhesive and the colours don't mix so the end design looks pretty good.  It is in no way fiddly, and the glitter rollers keep mess to a minimum.  4 year old Freddy was even able to make some sparkly candy stickers with minimum support. Once the design is finished, the sticker can be lifted off from the backing sheet and stuck just about anywhere...my phone case, Fred's toybox, the Blingles Glimmer Studio itself...I'm finding them everywhere! They certainly add a bit of sparkle and glam up your possessions.

The choice of stickers includes stars, hearts, rockets, cupcakes, ice creams, skulls, bats, lightning bolts, musical notes, diamonds, guitars and more, so there is a nice mix.  It's not all stereotypically girly and will appeal to a wide range of tastes.

After some considerable use, the studio did get a bit messy and I did end up with glitter on my face and in my hair, even though it was the kids who were using it! But it's all part of the fun of getting creative with a craft set. The glitter could be swept off into the bin easily enough after use, leaving the studio clean for another day's play.

The Blingle Glimmer Glam Styler Studio retails at £19.99. Additional theme packs of stickers are available to purchase separately in Candy, Fashion and Twilight designs.  Find out more at:

 www.character-online.com/products/Blingles

Disney's Planes Remote Controlled Driving Dusty

Freddy was sent a Disney's Planes 1:24 Remote Controlled Driving Dusty toy from Character Online. For a boy who adores all things Disney this was a toy that brought a huge amount of excitement!

The 1:24 model of the big-hearted, fast-flying crop duster Dusty from the new Disney film Planes, looks absolutely brilliant.  The animation lends itself perfectly to the creation of quality merchandise that looks totally like the film counterparts.  Dusty is full of character and the design of the model is very detailed.

First and foremost for anyone considering buying one, the RC Dusty does NOT fly.  It drives around the floor controlled by the RC handset.  This did not worry Freddy at all and he loved being able to drive Dusty around.  In the film, Dusty is afraid of heights, so his lack of flying is not at all out of character!

The handset is very user friendly for small hands.  There are two levers, one for backwards and forwards and one for left and right. There is also an on/off switch.  The RC handset also makes engine and plane sounds as you play with Dusty.

Freddy very quickly got to grips with the controls and had Dusty going back and forth and going around corners.  The propeller spins around as the plane whizzes along which is a nice touch and the wings dip as it takes corners.  The plane is robust and is surviving crashing into the sofa, door and wall under the control of my 4 year old. He has tested the durability of this toy quite extensively so far!

                         

I would have liked to have seen a speed limiter which would give little ones more control over the plane, because once it gets going, Dusty really does drive fast.  There would be fewer crashes if Freddy had more time to stop or turn Dusty.  But saying that Freddy thought it was hilarious to zoom Dusty around at high speed!

RC driving plane "Dusty" is equipped with a dual-channel wireless RC handset and full turbo function. He comes with sound and body drift. The plane is available in a 27 and 40 Mhz frequency. 1/24 scale model. Remote (3x 1.5V LR03 AAA) Plane (3x 1.5V LR6 AA). Not included. For ages 4 and over. RRP £49.99.

http://www.character-online.com/products/Planes/Planes-1-24-Remote-Control-Driving-Dusty-Plane/

Postman Pat Special Delivery Service Toys

When I first watched Postman Pat with my eldest children he was just a simple postman with a van and a cat.  Over the years, he has had quite a dramatic professional makeover and now has a host of vehicles at his disposal including a helicopter!

Character Online have a range of Postman Pat vehicles, playsets and action figures which will keep any little Pat fans happy as they re-enact scenes of their favourite Greendale adventures.

Freddy was sent a SDS Helicopter to try out.  The free wheeling vehicle comes with accessories: a harness and a highland cow.  Unfortunately, although it has a space for both Jess and Pat in the cockpit,  it doesn't contain any figures which is disappointing and makes this helicopter less of  a stand alone toy. However, some of the other vehicles do include Pat and he is available to purchase separately, so the helicopter will be a great addition to a Postman Pat toy collection.

Freddy didn't particularly recognise it as a Postman Pat vehicle once it was out of its box, but he was delighted to have a helicopter to play with! He did ask where "the man" was as the helicopter clearly has a seat that is crying out to be sat in.  He improvised in a mixed genre solution and made his Peppa Pig characters take the controls and fly the helicopter instead. Unperturbed by the lack of Pat, he enjoyed 'flying' the vehicle around, rotating the propeller blades and dangling the cow from its harness!

The cow is solid and heavy and was a little difficult to balance in the harness, but is well made and cute.  The helicopter is nicely made and apart from the doors coming off when it was dropped, is quite robust and sturdy.  The free wheeling aspect of the helicopter, the opening rear doors and the spinning propellers add to the play value.  Freddy is really enjoying playing with the helicopter and bar from the lack of Pat, this is a good toy and a great addition to the SDS range.

Priced at £10.99.

Making Slushies With the Chillfactor Squeeze Cup

I am really hoping for a good summer this year.  After a harsh winter and a disappointing spring, surely we deserve a good summer?  If we do get sunshine and warm weather, one of the things my children love to drink is an ice cold slush.  

We have been sent a Chillfactor Squeeze Cup Slushy Maker from Character Online to try out.  The cup needs to be frozen in the freezer, then a chilled drink is poured in.  The soft cup is then squeezed and in seconds it turns the drink into delicious slush. Easy!

Any drinks can be transformed into slush: fruit juices, fizzy drinks, even milkshake!  It is fun to do and the resulting icy slushy is really good.  It is much easier than using ice and a blender and is mess free.  However you can only make one drink at a time and the cup needs refreezing between uses.  So if you have more than one child, you may want to get them each their own cup to avoid arguments!  The cups can be kept in the freezer ready for when a slushy drink is required.

The cup comes with a domed lid and a spoon-straw so you can enjoy your slushy anywhere you like.  They stay cold for a long time so don't melt quickly, allowing kids to enjoy their frosty slush.

The cups are £12.99 RRP and are re-usable.  They come in red, yellow, blue and green.  They will definitely be a lot of fun over the warmer months and Kizzy is looking forward to experimenting with fruit juices to make some delicious slushies that will contribute to her five a day.

Here is a video of the cup in action made for UKMums.tv

How Do You Make Fruit Scented Bubbles?

How do you put a strawberry or a blueberry in a bubble?  It's easy with the amazing new Smubbles from Character Online!  Using a Smubbles Streamer and a plug-in character with a fruity scent, you can create fabulous bubbles that you can pop and sniff!

Before being sent a Smubbles set to try out the only pop and sniff bubbles were the ones that the kids made in the bath, which are filled with a completely different sort of fragrance that I don't want to smell at all!  The concept of "Pop Em and Smell Em!" bubbles was an instant hit with the little ones who couldn't wait to get their hands on the colourful red gun and the cute fruit characters that plug in to the streamer.  The end of the streamer dips into the bubble mix and pressing the trigger makes a satisfying stream of big bubbles shoot out of the end.  Popping them gives out a whiff of strawberry scented air which was quite a novelty!

Catching the Bubbles.

I loved how big and how abundant the bubbles were....much easier than blowing them through a wand.  Freddy could manage using the streamer to blow bubbles which completely delighted him.  Both children enjoyed popping and chasing after the bubbles.

Having a sniff!

The streamer takes 2 x AA batteries which are not included.  100ml of bubble solution and two fruity scented cartridges are included.  It is available in red and blue. The RRP is £9.99.

The Smubbles are brilliant fun for outdoor play now the weather is getting better.  The delicious scented bubbly fun will keep kids entertained for hours.  Smubbles would make a perfect Easter gift for children if you wanted an alternative to chocolate this year.

Bubbly Fun!