REVIEW: Playtive Wooden Baby Swing (2026 from Lidl)

Review by Jon Donnis

The “Middle of Lidl” has a habit of pulling you in with things you never planned to buy, and this was one of those moments. A routine shop turned into an impulse purchase when I spotted the Playtive Wooden Baby Swing sitting there for just £15. With my wife and our eight month old in tow, it felt like one of those low risk, why not decisions. A quick look at an already opened box suggested it was solid enough, so into the trolley it went. I also showed the box to the baby, and she made a noise of approval.

Back home, or rather at my parents’ house where a garden full of sturdy trees offered the ideal setup, it was time to see if this bargain would actually deliver. The first pleasant surprise comes with the unboxing. There is very little effort required. The swing is largely pre assembled, with only minor rope adjustments needed to free everything from the packaging and get it into shape. The cushion ties on easily, and within minutes it is ready to hang.

Once we had it secured to a suitable branch, the real test began. Getting a baby into anything new can go either way, usually with a bit of protest at first. This time though, there was none of that. She sat calmly, took in her surroundings, and with a gentle push, quickly moved from curiosity to full blown enjoyment. The laughter and giggles said more than any product description ever could. It is one thing for something to look the part, but if the child enjoys it, that is what really counts.

In terms of build quality, it feels reassuringly well made. The wooden frame is solid, with no rough edges or obvious weak points, and the ropes feel strong enough to inspire confidence. There is no sense that it might give way or struggle under normal use. It does exactly what you want from something like this, which is to feel safe without you having to constantly second guess it.

That said, it is not perfect. The main omission is the lack of carabiners or any quick attachment system. Given the British weather, leaving something like this permanently hanging outside is not ideal. It would have been far more convenient to have a simple clip on and off setup straight out of the box. As it stands, you will likely need to source your own solution, whether that is carabiners, chains, or something similar. It is not a deal breaker, but it does feel like a missed opportunity for an otherwise thoughtful product.

At £15, it is hard to argue with the value on offer. As with most “Middle of Lidl” finds, availability is limited and tied to rotation, so it is very much a case of grabbing it when you see it. For a simple baby swing, it delivers far more than the price might suggest. While the recommended age starts at one year, our slightly younger tester clearly approved, though constant supervision is essential.

Overall, it is a purchase that feels both practical and enjoyable. In a time when every pound counts, finding something affordable that genuinely delivers is always welcome. Lidl has managed that here once again.

I would give the Playtive Wooden Baby Swing a strong 9 out of 10. With a simple addition like included carabiners, it would have been very close to perfect.

Find it at your local Lidl for about £15.

REVIEW: Jurassic World Primal Hatch Interactive Toy Dinosaur & Egg (2025 Toy) - By Primal Hatch

 Review by Jon Donnis

There's something timeless about dinosaurs at Christmas. Every few years, a toy comes along that manages to mix that sense of wonder with just enough tech to make it feel fresh again. The 2025 Jurassic World Primal Hatch Interactive Toy Dinosaur & Egg looks set to be that toy. It's clever, "messy" fun that captures the excitement of discovery in a way few others manage.

The idea is simple but brilliantly executed. You tap on the egg to encourage it to hatch, and as cracks begin to form, a baby T-Rex pushes through a gooey membrane to emerge blinking into your living room. That moment alone is magic. It's the kind of reveal that has children shouting for everyone to come and see. What makes this toy different from previous "hatching" crazes, like the old Hatchimals or the Fingerlings Hatch range, is what happens after the reveal. The T-Rex doesn't just sit there looking cute; it's fully interactive, with over a hundred sounds, movements and reactions. You can train it, feed it, and even shape its personality, deciding whether it becomes a friendly companion or a roaring menace. That sense of control makes it much more engaging than the one-note toys of years past.

Quality-wise, Primal Hatch have done a solid job. The dinosaur feels sturdy, not flimsy plastic, and the sensors respond well to touch and sound. Watching a child's face light up as the egg cracks open is priceless, and it's hard not to get caught up in the drama yourself. It's a toy that demands family involvement, which is part of its charm. Parents will enjoy guiding the experience, helping children understand what's happening and building that little emotional connection with their "pet" dino.

It's not perfect, of course. Once the egg has done its job, it's basically redundant, which feels a bit wasteful. And while the dinosaur remains entertaining for a while, if your child doesn't get into the nurturing or training aspect, it can quickly turn into an expensive figure on the shelf. That said, the payoff depends on the effort you put in. The more imaginative the play, the better the reward.

This one has Christmas written all over it. Stock is likely to disappear fast once word gets out, so if you've got a young Jurassic Park fan at home, it's worth grabbing early and hiding under the tree. It's one of those rare toys that feels like an event, and that's what Christmas mornings are all about.

A smart mix of nostalgia and innovation, the Jurassic World Primal Hatch Interactive Toy Dinosaur & Egg earns a strong 8.5 out of 10.

Out Now on Amazon - https://amzn.to/4nv01da

REVIEW: WWE Thumb Wars Superstars by WOW! Stuff (2025 Kids Toy)

Review by Jon Donnis

There is something instantly funny about sliding a tiny wrestling legend onto your thumb and squaring up for a match. WWE Thumb Wars Characters lean right into that energy. You crack open the pack, pick your fighter, and you are in business. No fuss. No setup. Just quick bouts that feel surprisingly competitive once you get into the rhythm.

Yes I got the rare Rey Mysterio in my pack!

The figures are small at about an inch and a half, but they are sturdy and sit securely, which gives every feint and counter a bit of control. Kids get that nice mix of coordination and confidence without thinking about it, and the whole thing moves at a pace that keeps everyone involved. The roster is a neat one. Cody Rhodes, Kevin Owens, Bret Hart, Undertaker, and the exclusive Rey Mysterio for a little bragging spice. Five characters might not sound huge, yet there is enough personality in the set to keep matchups fresh.

With a kids imagination, any area can quickly turn into a WWE arena, whether that is the dinner table as you play with a sibling, or in the back of the car to pass the time on a journey. It really is up to the child and their imagination, oh and having someone to play Thumb Wars with.

The loose structure helps. You just link hands, count it down, and see who can hold the pin. It is simple in the best possible way. The sort of play that sparks its own storylines as you recreate what you just saw go down on an episode of WWE Raw, or some classic moment from Wrestlemania, or invent your own rivalries and moments.

The best there is, the best there was, the best there ever will be.

The quality is solid too. Each character looks like the real superstar, with bright paintwork that shows well on a shelf when not in use. They work as collectables as much as toys, which suits younger WWE fans who like their heroes on display between matches.

There are a couple of clear drawbacks. The fit is tight, so it is really meant for smaller thumbs. Adults will have a rough time trying to wedge their way in. You are also limited to five characters, which does leave you hoping WOW! Stuff expands the lineup before long.

Even so, WWE Thumb Wars Characters manage to refresh a timeless playground game with a burst of wrestling flair. It is loud, quick, competitive, and very easy to enjoy. A cracking little stocking filler that delivers plenty of action the moment that first thumb hits the mat.

Out Now at Amazon - https://amzn.to/4pT3eof

REVIEW: Hot Wheels Let’s Race: Ultimate Speed (Nintendo Switch) - Fast, fun and unashamedly for kids

Review By Jon Donnis

Hot Wheels Let's Race: Ultimate Speed is an energetic racer from Bamtang Games and GameMill that knows exactly what it wants to be. It is bright, bold, and clearly aimed at younger players who love the Netflix series. Within that lane, it performs well and delivers a lively, polished experience.

Visually, the game looks great. Each of the 12 tracks bursts with colour and imagination, giving the feeling of driving through a toy box brought to life. The cars, from fan favourites like the GT-Scorcher and Super Twin Mill to the quirky Duck N' Roll, all have their own style and handling. It is an arcade racer through and through, with smooth drifting, forgiving controls, and fast, fluid movement that keeps the pace high and the tone light.

Boss battles add a nice layer of spectacle. Facing Professor Rearview's cobra or dodging his dragon gives the races a bit of drama and variety. It is not a tough challenge, but it keeps things exciting. 

The Track Builder mode is another solid addition. It lets players piece together their own loops and jumps to create something personal. Combined with local four-player split screen, it becomes a solid choice for families who want a quick, cheerful competition on the same screen.

It is fair to say the game sticks close to a familiar formula. The structure is simple, and the focus is on fun rather than depth. Older players will probably find it far too easy, and once the novelty of the Hot Wheels setting wears off, there is not much here that feels new. Still, the five gameplay modes offer enough to keep kids busy, and the reward system of flame badges and unlockable cars adds a steady sense of progress.

Hot Wheels Let's Race: Ultimate Speed is best viewed for what it is: a well-made racer for children aged seven and up. It is colourful, approachable, and filled with recognisable characters like Coop, Spark, and Brights. The £30+ price might feel a touch steep, but as a Christmas gift or weekend treat for a Hot Wheels fan, it fits the bill nicely.

Score: 7/10

Out Now on Nintendo Switch

https://amzn.to/3L7MfzB

REVIEW: COSTWAY baby playpen for babies and toddlers

Review by Jon Donnis

I recently bought the COSTWAY baby playpen for babies and toddlers, the large 206 x 186 cm version that comes with balls, pull rings and breathable mesh sides. The first thing that stood out straight away was how bright and colourful it is. It looks cheerful rather than dull, which makes it feel more like a proper play space for children instead of just a barrier placed in the room.

It has already had a proper test in my house. At one point I had a six month old baby, a three year old and even a six year old all climbing inside it and playing together. That is a fair amount of chaos for something designed mainly for infants, but it handled the rough and tumble surprisingly well. It felt solid once it was up and it coped with all the leaning, climbing and general abuse that comes with children piling into the same play area.

The size did catch me slightly off guard at first. It turned out to be a bit bigger than I had imagined when ordering it. Luckily I have the space for it so that was not really a problem, but it is worth keeping in mind if you are planning where it will go in your home.

Another small thing to consider is the base. The flooring itself is quite thin, so it helps to put something softer underneath it. I already had some connectable play pads which fit nicely in the playpen and made it much more comfortable for the baby. Even something simple like an old quilt would probably work well enough to give it a bit more padding.

Putting it together took the most patience. There are no screws or tools involved because the frame is made from pipes that push together.

 

Some of those connections were quite tight, which made the assembly a bit fiddly at times.

 

Once everything was connected though, it stayed sturdy and did not feel loose.

In the end the most important opinion in the house belongs to the baby, and the baby absolutely loves it. 

Having a safe space to crawl around, play and explore makes a big difference.

Overall I would happily give the COSTWAY baby playpen a solid 8 out of 10.

Available from Amazon at https://amzn.to/3P3ZvXX

REVIEW: LEGO City Express Passenger Train Construction Set 60337 – A Stylish Ride for Young Builders

Review by Jon Donnis

The LEGO City Express Passenger Train Construction Set 60337 is one of those sets that immediately catches the eye. With its smooth, modern bullet-train design and Powered Up technology, it delivers an impressive blend of build quality and play potential. Designed for both new builders and seasoned LEGO train fans, it captures that balance between a detailed construction project and a fully interactive toy.

The build itself is straightforward and well-paced. Each section of the train feels satisfying to assemble, and the instructions are clear throughout. For a set with multiple cars, a working locomotive, and a station platform, it never becomes overwhelming. The 24 track pieces form a full oval, giving players a complete layout right out of the box. The six included minifigures, along with accessibility features such as a wheelchair ramp and bicycle space, make it ideal for creative play and storytelling.

Once assembled, the train looks superb. The sleek shape of the locomotive, the magnet buffers that connect the cars, and the attention to detail inside the passenger and bistro cars all stand out. The removable roofs and opening double doors make interior play easy, while the Powered Up system allows control through the remote or a smart device. The train glides smoothly on its tracks and the dimmable headlights are a neat touch, adding to the sense of realism.

There are, however, a few drawbacks. At £140, it's on the expensive side for a set aimed mainly at younger builders, however it is currently at £105.99 on sale on Amazon, so worth a look if you can get it discounted. It also lacks the complexity and intricate design of LEGO's more advanced Creator Expert trains, which could leave older collectors wanting more. Still, for children or families who want a hands-on, entertaining build with plenty of movement and imagination, it delivers exactly what it promises.

The LEGO City Express Passenger Train Construction Set 60337 is a strong entry in the LEGO City range. It's accessible, good-looking, and full of charm, even if the price will make some pause before purchasing.

Score: 8/10 – Simple to build, fun to run, and great for young train enthusiasts.

Buy from Amazon at https://amzn.to/4hlRS9y

REVIEW: Harry Potter Mystery Flying Snitch

Review by Jon Donnis

Catching the Golden Snitch at the final moment is a fantasy many Harry Potter fans cherish, and the Mystery Flying Snitch from WOW! Stuff captures that excitement in a way that feels surprisingly authentic. This isn't just a static replica; it's an interactive toy designed to mimic the Snitch's elusive, darting flight, offering a hands-on experience that fans of all ages can enjoy.

The Snitch itself is a visual treat. Its delicate wings flutter realistically, catching the light with a golden shimmer reminiscent of the films. The design conveys the same mischievous energy that made the Snitch such an iconic part of Quidditch matches on screen. Rather than relying on screens or apps, the toy uses invisible thread, a technique borrowed from professional stage magic, to create the illusion of flight. Out of the box, it can be a bit tricky to handle, but once you get the rhythm, it appears to hover, zip, and spin with what feels like pure magic.

The Mystery Flying Snitch rewards patience and creativity. Younger children may need a helping hand at first, but older kids and anyone who enjoys a performance challenge will find hours of enjoyment in mastering its movement. The included display stand allows it to be showcased neatly when not in flight, and the Quidditch at Hogwarts collector's poster adds an extra layer of charm, reinforcing the connection to the films.

This toy is a mix of performance and play. It encourages imagination, dexterity, and even a bit of showmanship, making it more than a simple gadget. For birthdays or Christmas, it offers a magical experience that goes beyond the usual toy, allowing fans to bring a little bit of Hogwarts into their own home. The Mystery Flying Snitch captures the playful spirit of the Wizarding World while giving fans a hands-on way to recreate one of the most thrilling elements of the Harry Potter universe.

Available on Amazon now at https://amzn.to/3KLDTgQ