Play With Toys is your go-to spot for honest, playful and detailed toy reviews. From the latest Harry Potter sets to classic LEGO and cuddly plush favourites, we explore what makes each toy worth the hype (or not). Written with parents and collectors in mind, it’s about fun, imagination and finding the toys that actually spark joy in kids’ hands.
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.
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.
The Razer Kishi V2 Pro transforms a standard smartphone into something that feels far closer to a dedicated handheld console. After using it with a few different phones, including a POCO M8, a REDMI Note 15 as well as my old Samsung S22, it became clear this is not just another mobile accessory. It genuinely enhances the way games feel and play. Whether you stick to native Android titles or stream full PC and console experiences, it handles both with confidence.
Razer Kishi V2 Pro Starting from £66.99 - Razer.com
Clipping the phone into the expandable frame immediately gives a reassuring sense of build quality. All phones I tried slotted in securely, held firmly by a design that feels sturdy yet flexible. The buttons are satisfyingly tactile, the triggers responsive, and the analogue sticks smooth and precise. Because it connects through USB C, there is no Bluetooth lag to worry about. Inputs register instantly. I have tried other mobile controllers in the past and most felt like a compromise. This one does not.
One standout feature is the HyperSense haptics. In fast paced or action heavy games, the feedback adds weight to what is happening on screen. It is not a throwaway extra. It actually deepens the sense of immersion. I tested games such as Where Winds Meet and Planet of Lana, and both played beautifully. Having proper controls instead of touchscreen overlays makes a huge difference. No more fingers blocking half the display or missed presses at crucial moments.
I also experimented with PC remote streaming. Although I ran into issues getting Razer Cortex working smoothly on my system, Steam Link performed flawlessly. Streaming my full PC library to the phone introduced no noticeable latency, and the Kishi V2 Pro delivered complete control. At times it felt closer to playing on a Switch or a Steam Deck than on a phone. Of course, streaming performance will depend on your own hardware and network setup.
The controller can also function as a standard PC gamepad. Plug it in and it works. That flexibility adds real value, especially for anyone wanting one device that covers multiple platforms. There is even a bundle pairing it with the recently released POCO F7 Pro through mi.com, aimed at players who want to jump straight into high end mobile gaming.
The Razer Nexus app is clean and easy to use, offering a straightforward way to launch and organise games. It avoids unnecessary clutter and keeps the focus where it should be. I only wish the Cortex software matched that polish, as it still needs refinement to make the streaming setup process smoother.
Overall, the Razer Kishi V2 Pro is seriously impressive hardware. It replaces the awkwardness of touchscreen controls with precision and comfort. The build quality is strong, the design looks sharp, and performance consistently delivers. While the software side could use some improvement, particularly around PC streaming tools, the core experience is excellent.
If you take mobile gaming seriously and want proper control without compromise, this is one of the best accessories available.
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.
The WWE Championship Title Slap Bands from WOW! Stuff arrive with a bit of theatre baked in, which feels fitting for something tied to sports entertainment. You crack open the mystery pack and out comes a miniature belt with a textured metallic style buckle that catches the light far better than you might expect from a collectible this small. It is the sort of detail that gives the bands a proper sense of presence, almost like a pocket sized tribute to the belts you see held aloft on television. There are nine designs in total, each sold separately, so you are stepping into that familiar world of blind box collecting. It keeps things fun, although it does nudge you into repeat purchases if you are hunting a full set. The real wildcard is the Undertaker Legacy Title, which sits in the mix as the rare one that fans will almost certainly chase.
In my case I ended up with the WWE Tag Team Championship Title and an NXT World Championship Slap Band. Both looked sharp straight out of the pack with solid materials and tidy finishes. There is a nice weight to them, nothing heavy, just enough to make them feel more than throwaway plastic. Slapping them onto your wrist is half the enjoyment. The band snaps from straight to curled with that familiar flick, then hugs your wrist neatly and stays put. Kids will love that little moment of impact and the quick transformation. To be fair, it is also surprisingly satisfying for adults. Slap bands are simple fun, and these lean into that without pretending to be anything else.
The usual collectable problem does show up. If you want the full line you will need to buy several packs and you will almost certainly get doubles along the way. That said, if you have mates or young collectors in the house, swapping your extras can turn that annoyance into something a bit more social.
The WWE Championship Title Slap Bands from WOW! Stuff are well made, visually striking and very easy to enjoy. Young WWE fans will get a kick out of wearing them and collectors will appreciate the quality and variety.
Packs are available from Smyths Toys and other toy outlets now for about £4.99 a pack. Definitely a nice little stocking filler.
The Yoda Puppetronic by RealFX is one of those products that immediately catches your attention. At 44cm tall, this officially licensed 2026 Star Wars collectible has an impressive presence, and placed on a shelf or sideboard, it looks far more like a premium character display piece than a conventional toy.
The first thing that stands out is how good Yoda looks. The outfit is well made, and the overall design captures the familiar character extremely well. In fact, as a display piece, this is one of the best Yoda figures I have come across. It has plenty of presence, looks great from across the room and is almost guaranteed to attract comments when people see it for the first time.
The voice is another particularly strong aspect. With more than 120 sounds, there is plenty of dialogue and character interaction to discover, and the voice effects are remarkably convincing. I have no idea whether the recordings are from the original actor or an extremely good impersonator, but either way, the result is excellent. My only criticism is that the voice is quite quiet, and there is no volume control to increase it.
One feature I particularly enjoy is simply leaving Yoda switched on while he sits on the side. Every so often, he will deliver one of his familiar lines, which can be surprisingly funny when you are not expecting it. It gives him a little extra character and makes him feel less like a conventional static display figure.
I was also curious to see how a baby would react to Yoda. Obviously, this is not a toy intended for babies, but I wondered whether the unusual appearance and movements might be intimidating. There was some initial hesitation, but that quickly turned into waving at Yoda and attempts to communicate with him through enthusiastic babbling. It was rather cute, particularly because there was no familiarity with Star Wars or the character behind the reaction.
Unfortunately, the biggest weakness of the Yoda Puppetronic is directly related to what makes it different from a conventional figure. It is a puppetronic rather than an animatronic.
That is an important distinction.
There are no independently controlled movements. Yoda will not suddenly move his head, blink or perform actions by himself. The voice is effectively the only automated feature, with Yoda able to randomly play one of his lines when left switched on. Anyone expecting an animatronic character that can seemingly come alive on its own should be aware of this before buying.
The movements are controlled manually, and this is where things become considerably less impressive.
On paper, operating a Yoda puppet sounds like a lot of fun. Unfortunately, the controls are stiff and require quite a bit of effort. Getting the movements to look natural takes practice, and when somebody else is watching you operate him, it can be quite obvious that you are physically manipulating a puppet rather than bringing Yoda convincingly to life.
The main controls are located inside a compartment on Yoda's back. There is a fairly sizeable joystick used to control the movements, although the layout feels oddly suited to a left-handed user. For a mass market product, that seems like an unusual design decision.
The mechanism for raising Yoda's arm into his familiar Force pose is particularly stiff. A switch inside the rear control compartment operates the arm, and it requires a surprisingly firm movement to activate. The result is functional, but the action does not feel especially smooth or natural.
That stiffness is the biggest issue I have with the Puppetronic. A puppet should encourage you to pick it up, experiment with it and perform with it. With Yoda, there is enough resistance in the controls that it becomes more of a chore to make him look convincing. I can see the appeal of learning the movements, particularly for a dedicated Star Wars fan, but I am not sure many people will find themselves using it regularly.
There are a few other design annoyances worth mentioning.
During unboxing, Yoda's feet and cane need to be fitted. Thankfully, this is something you only have to do once, but attaching the feet is surprisingly difficult. They require quite a bit of force to push into position, so it can initially feel as though you are doing something wrong.
The battery compartment is another frustration. It is located on the back in a position that makes accessing it extremely awkward. Replacing batteries should be a simple task, but getting to the compartment is unnecessarily difficult.
Then there is Yoda's hair, or rather, the lack of it.
The real Yoda has his distinctive wispy white hair, yet the Puppetronic has none. It may seem like a small omission, but once you notice it, it is difficult to ignore. The costume and overall appearance are so good that the absence of the hair feels particularly strange, and it leaves the finished character looking slightly less complete than it could have been.
Scale is another point worth considering. The Puppetronic measures 44cm, compared with the real Yoda's 66cm height. That puts it at approximately 2:3 scale. Considering the size of the finished product, I do wonder why RealFX did not go all the way and produce a full-scale Yoda. It would obviously have required more space, but the difference in size would not have been enormous compared with what we already have here.
Despite all these criticisms, I still really like the Yoda Puppetronic.
The reason is simple. As a display piece, it is excellent.
Put Yoda on a shelf or sideboard and he looks fantastic. The quality of the costume, the likeness and the convincing voice combine to make something that feels much more substantial than an ordinary toy. The occasional voice activation is also a nice touch, particularly when Yoda unexpectedly delivers a familiar phrase while you are doing something else.
It is when you start treating it as a puppet that the problems become much more obvious.
If your intention is to control Yoda, entertain friends, take him to conventions or use him in videos, you will need patience. The joystick is stiff, the arm control is stiff and making the movements appear natural takes considerable effort. It is certainly possible to get more out of him with practice, but the basic experience is not as enjoyable as I would have expected from a product designed around puppetry.
That makes the £79.99 RRP a difficult proposition.
If you want a fantastic-looking Yoda to display, the Puppetronic makes a surprisingly strong case for itself. You are effectively getting a very impressive character display piece with a voice feature and manually controlled movements thrown in.
If you are buying it primarily because you want to operate a Yoda puppet, however, the decision becomes much harder. You need to really love the character, have the patience to work with the controls and be willing to put in the effort required to make the movements convincing. The design may also feel more natural for left-handed users.
For me, there is a very clear difference between the two experiences. I really like the Yoda Puppetronic as a figure. I am far less enthusiastic about it as a puppet.
As a display figure: 9/10
As a puppet: 5/10
Overall, the Yoda Puppetronic by RealFX is a great-looking piece that I am very happy to have sitting on the side. It looks the part, sounds the part and is a surprisingly entertaining conversation starter. I just wish the actual puppetry was as enjoyable as having Yoda sitting there looking fantastic.
The Early Learning Centre Wooden Toddle Truck and Bricks is a classic wooden toy that combines a traditional push-along trolley with a colourful collection of wooden blocks. Designed to encourage building, creativity and early movement, it looks like the kind of simple, timeless toy that many parents will recognise from childhood.
The idea behind the product is a good one. The 23 wooden bricks can be stored inside the trolley, allowing children to take them out, build towers, knock them down and start again. The blocks introduce basic concepts such as colours and shapes, while stacking and arranging them helps develop fine motor skills and hand to eye coordination.
Visually, the toy makes a good first impression. Once assembled, the trolley looks decent, and the colourful bricks naturally attract attention. A child is likely to be drawn towards the unit as a whole, with the combination of the wooden truck and bright blocks creating an inviting play experience.
The trolley itself also has potential beyond simply holding the included bricks. Without the handle attached, it works well as a storage unit, and the truck could continue to be used for moving favourite toys around the room for months to come.
However, the biggest issue with the Early Learning Centre Wooden Toddle Truck and Bricks is that the design does not feel suitable for one of its main purposes. The product is aimed at children who are learning to walk, but there is a significant tipping risk when using it in this way.
A toddler who cannot yet walk confidently could push against the handle and find the trolley moves away from them, potentially causing them to fall forward. A toy designed to support those early walking stages needs to feel completely secure, and this is where the trolley becomes disappointing.
The assembly process is also frustrating. For a wooden trolley made from pre-cut and shaped pieces, it is surprising that the entire unit arrives completely disassembled. The trolley section could easily have been constructed during manufacturing, leaving only the handle needing to be attached by the customer.
Instead, the buyer is faced with putting the whole unit together using screws, nuts and basic instructions. One part of the assembly requires a spanner to hold a nut while tightening, but no spanner is included, and the correct size was not available, meaning alternative tools had to be used.
The wheels were particularly difficult to attach securely, and tightening them caused some damage to the paintwork. Even after being tightened as much as possible, the wheels still have some side to side movement, which does not give the strongest impression of build quality.
The handle also proved disappointing. Once attached, it was clearly wonky, despite there being no real margin for adjustment. The handle only attaches in one way, suggesting the issue comes from the manufacturing rather than the assembly process.
This is especially disappointing because Early Learning Centre was once one of the leading names for this type of children's toy. The concept remains appealing, but the final product does not have the level of design and attention to detail expected from such a recognisable brand.
The Entertainer, which now owns the Early Learning Centre brand, was contacted for comment regarding these issues. Despite multiple attempts, no human response was received, only repeated automated replies.
The Early Learning Centre Wooden Toddle Truck and Bricks is a good idea that has not been executed well enough. The colourful bricks are enjoyable, the wooden design looks attractive once built, and the trolley itself could still provide some useful play value. However, the instability, difficult assembly and issues with the wheels and handle make it difficult to recommend as a toddler walking toy.
Thankfully, this particular purchase was made during a sale, reducing the disappointment somewhat. However, even at a discounted price, paying around £20 for what is effectively a set of wooden bricks alongside a poorly designed trolley still feels like a wasted opportunity.
Score: 5 out of 10
The Early Learning Centre Wooden Toddle Truck and Bricks should have been a simple, reliable wooden classic. Instead, it feels like a product where the idea is much better than the final result. The blocks themselves will provide enjoyment, but the trolley design lets the whole package down.
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