Monday, December 5, 2011

Beads Traffic Review - HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

In 2000, the creative power behind Maukilo, Alexandra, started the company as a way to offer a wide range of European manufactured toys in the US market. Maukilo offers toys, furniture, and decor from the world's top manufacturers and brands. Maukilo is committed to bringing products that engage children through play that cultivate their cognitive, emotional, and social development.

When it comes to unique, high quality toys and gifts, Maukilo is unmatched in selection. Whimsical and innovative, our baby toys and toddler toys reflect our values of staying playful and environmentally-friendly.

Owned by HABA, the German-based forerunner of wooden kids toys, Maukilo has always offered a variety of European toys that serve to educate and inspire children throughout the years. Designed with creativity and incomparable durability, with Maukilo products you can truly Buy Once, Play Forever.
Images courtesy of Maukilo.
Social Networks

About the Beads Traffic
This toy encourages hand eye coordination and fine motor skills. Includes wooden pieces and cord. 8 wooden beads for threading. Each car is a different design and has a different character riding. Also 2 different traffic signs. Police car is approximately 2."
Where to buy
The Beads Traffic is available on the Maukilo website for $22.49.

MY THOUGHTS
Design
I can not tell you enough how much we love wooden toys in our home. There are many features of this toy that appeals to my son and me. The vehicles are attractive with its bright colors and it's just the right size for small hands to grip. My son, just like most young boys, is obsessed with anything on wheels, especially fire trucks, so the fact that the beads are vehicles is a huge plus for him. The holes are big enough to fit the string and threader through, but not too big that it doesn't pose a challenge. I actually like that the threader and string are separate, that way, when your child has mastered using the threader, he/she can simply use the string to connect the vehicles for a more challenging experience. I like that it comes with its own case. It is so helpful during clean up and keeping the pieces together, and you know how easily small toys can get lost in the house.


Durability
Similar to most wooden toys, the Beads Traffic set is durable. Even when my son has thrown them about, I have not seen any chipping in the wood or paint. So far, so good.

Functionality
I wish I discovered this toy sooner because it's a great developmental tool to help toddlers with motor skills and coordination. At almost 4 years of age, my son skillfully weaved the string through the beads. He actually prefers to use the vehicles individually and just play with them in scenarios and adventures.

Price
Compared to plastic toys, wooden toys are definitely more expensive. But to me, they are worth it. At $22.49, this toy is pricey. However, given HABA's reputation as an outstanding toy manufacturer and the quality of the product, it's not a bad price; especially for a toy that can be handed down from one child to the next.

Safety
We have not had any safety issues with this product. I highly recommend adult supervision during use of this product for toddlers younger than the manufacturer recommended age (3 years). As my son is older, he no longer has the tendency to put everything in his mouth that younger children may have.

Disclaimer: I was not financially compensated for this post. I received a sample of the product for review purposes. The opinions expressed in this post are solely mine. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review. I received permission to post company trademarked logo and images on my blog.