REVIEW: Wicked Students of Shiz 5 Small Dolls & Accessories (2025 Toy) for Ages 4+

Review by Jon Donnis (With help from Nikki)

Mattel's latest release, Wicked Students of Shiz 5 Small Dolls & Accessories, arrives just as interest in Wicked is running high again thanks to Wicked: For Good, which is scheduled for release on November 21, 2025. The set brings together Elphaba, Glinda, Nessarose, Fiyero and Boq in miniature form, each one dressed in their Shiz University outfits, complete with bobbling heads and a good handful of themed accessories. Measuring only 2.75 inches, they're small enough for a child to easily carry around but detailed enough to keep older neckbeard type collectors intrigued.

For a parent, the best test of any toy is whether it holds a child's attention longer than a passing afternoon, and in that respect this one succeeds. After a full week, my daughter was still happily creating stories around the characters, using everything from the poppy to the smoothie cup to build her own version of life at Shiz. The colours are bright, the uniforms are nicely made, and there's a sense of care in how each character has been miniaturised. The overall design feels cheerful and imaginative, which is exactly what you want in a play set like this.

There are some limitations, though. The figures don't stand on their own, which can be slightly frustrating during playtime, and the smaller accessories could easily go missing or end up in the hoover. This is one for children aged four and up, not toddlers. The film itself might have split audiences (I thought it was terrible, and my daughter was not really fussed and fell asleep), but that doesn't really matter here. Kids don't need to know the story to enjoy it, and they'll probably make up their own anyway.

Durability is another win. After a week of fairly rough play, nothing has broken or bent out of shape. That's saying something for a set at this scale. While it's unlikely to impress adult fans looking for display-quality models, it hits the mark perfectly for what it is: a well-made, imaginative and surprisingly robust set of small dolls that keeps young fans entertained.

A charming release with thoughtful detail and solid build quality, slightly let down by its tiny parts and lack of self-standing figures. Still, the fun factor wins out.

Score: 8.5/10

Out now - https://amzn.to/47yUJHr

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: 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: 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: GUNNAR Optiks Fallout Vault 33 Glasses – A Perfect Fit for Every Vault Dweller

Review by Jon Donnis

It's rare to find a gaming accessory that feels so effortlessly in sync with the universe it's inspired by, but GUNNAR's Fallout Vault 33 Glasses manage it with style. Released to celebrate Fallout's 28th anniversary, these glasses don't just pay tribute to the game's retro-futuristic charm, they embody it. From the square, stainless-steel and nylon frame to the olive metal temples, everything about their design feels like it belongs in a Vault-Tec laboratory. It's that classic Fallout blend of 1950s cool and post-apocalyptic grit, brought to life in eyewear form. The fit is light and comfortable, thanks to flexible hinges and smooth contours, and they sit snugly enough for marathon gaming sessions or long nights scrolling through Pip-Boy menus.

Performance-wise, GUNNAR's signature technology really earns its reputation here. The lenses block harmful blue light and 100% of UV rays, which makes a huge difference after hours spent in front of a screen. The G-Shield Plus coating also keeps things crisp and smudge-free, perfect for those who can't tear themselves away from the Commonwealth or the latest Fallout episode on Prime Video. They do exactly what you want them to: reduce strain, sharpen focus, and make gaming (or work) easier on the eyes. In short, they're as functional as they are stylish.

What makes them extra special is the sense of collectability and fan service woven into the design. Each pair comes with a collector's case, pouch, and cleaning cloth, all stamped with official Fallout and Amazon Studios branding. They're more than a gimmick, they're a piece of the Fallout world you can wear every day. Add to that the limited-time anniversary deal, and you've got a rare find: eyewear that looks incredible, performs brilliantly, and feels like a proper perk upgrade for anyone living in the digital wasteland. GUNNAR has done it again, proving that great design and gaming culture can coexist beautifully. For Fallout fans, this is as close as you'll get to real Vault-Tec tech.

GUNNAR Optiks has built its reputation on making some of the best gaming eyewear out there, and this latest release only strengthens that. The Fallout Vault 33 Glasses are more than a themed product, they're an ideal blend of comfort, craftsmanship, and fandom. Whether you're a hardcore Vault Dweller or a casual wasteland wanderer, they deliver on every front. Eye protection, aesthetic appeal, and a sense of immersion all rolled into one sleek pair of frames. In a world full of gimmicky gaming collaborations, this one feels genuinely special, a real-world upgrade that would make even Mr Handy proud.

Check them out at gunnar.com before the anniversary deal ends, and don't forget the promo code FALLOUT28 for the limited-time anniversary offer, dropping the price from $99 to $69.30. If Fallout has taught us anything, it's that good loot doesn't stay on the shelf for long.

Thanks to GUNNAR Optiks for the review sample.

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

REVIEW: Harry Potter RealFX Junior Invisibility Cloak

Review by Jon Donnis

Every generation of Harry Potter fans dreams of sneaking around Hogwarts under an Invisibility Cloak, and WOW! Stuff has found a way to make that dream tangible. The RealFX Junior Invisibility Cloak is not just a piece of fabric; it's an interactive experience that blends classic Harry Potter imagery with a touch of clever tech.

At first glance, it looks remarkably like the cloak Harry receives from Dumbledore in the first film. The outside features that familiar silvery pattern we've all seen on screen, while the inside is a rich green, hinting at the magic happening behind the scenes. The secret lies in the accompanying app. The cloak's inner lining acts like a portable green screen, so when you slip it on and activate your smartphone or tablet camera, you disappear from view, or at least on screen.

The cloak is designed with younger fans in mind, but it's versatile enough that older children and adults of smaller stature can also enjoy it. The app comes with backgrounds featuring iconic locations such as the Great Hall, Diagon Alley, and even the Forbidden Forest, making it feel as if you've stepped directly into the films. The play potential grows the longer you engage with it. You might start with simple disappearing tricks, but before long, you could be staging full wizarding scenes, creating videos, or snapping selfies that would make Fred and George proud.

Beyond the fun, there's a subtle educational angle. It introduces the concept of green screen effects in an approachable way, without ever feeling like a lesson. The included stand helps achieve the perfect shot, which is useful for both solo play and group scenes. At under £35, the cloak is not just a toy but a miniature portal into the world of Harry Potter. For Christmas or birthdays, it's a gift that promises genuine delight and plenty of magical memories.

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