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Wooden Cubes Puzzle 'Build a Picture'
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Why Your Kid Needs Cubes and Where to Get Them Cheaper Than Retail
summarizeEditor's Summary
I'm obsessed with wooden blocks for my little one, and I've found the perfect place to score them at a steal. After trying out Tomik's blocks, I'm convinced they're worth every penny. Not only are they made from high-quality materials, but they're also super durable and easy to clean. My daughter's been playing with them nonstop, and I love how they encourage her creativity and problem-solving skills. Plus, the variety of shapes and colors is perfect for keeping her engaged. If you're in the market for a new toy that's both fun and educational, look no further than Tomik's blocks. They're a game-changer for kids who love to build and create.
settingsSpecifications
Fiyat8/10
Kalite9/10
İçerik9/10
Paketleme8/10
GenelVerdictİyi
Kullanışlılık9/10
Hello everyone who's stopped by!
I still remember my first wooden blocks - a set of six blocks with different trains, and I absolutely loved them. My mom and I would periodically color them in with crayons when the paper images started to fade. That's why I still remember them to this day.
Of course, when my little one was born, I immediately wanted to get her all the toys, including ones for later. And then, as a 'birth gift,' I found a coupon on the mytoys website for a 500-ruble discount. How could I not use it?
After grabbing the necessary rattles and mobiles, I decided to add something else for later and threw two sets of four blocks and two sets of nine blocks into my cart. My daughter was only a month old at the time, and the blocks went straight into the closet.
I struggled for a while trying to figure out whether to write a review for all of Tomik's blocks or for each individual item (which, of course, is the more correct approach). I had the same problem when I was writing about fabrics from Ogonek (http://irecommend.ru/content/nash-mini-zoopark-ot-moskovskoi-fabriki-igrushek-ogonek-bolshoi-vybor-i-kachestvo-mnogo-foto). However, to avoid the confusion, I decided to write a review for our three sets of four blocks (the third one was recently purchased), and maybe I'll write a separate review for the sets of nine blocks later.
Our three smaller sets are: Animals, Fruits - Berries, and Flowers (Flowers was a recent purchase). Plus, the company's range includes: Vegetables, Kitchenware, Furniture, Toys, and Russian patterns.
Vegetables, Kitchenware, Furniture, Toys, and Russian patterns.
The price of one set: 105 rubles on Tomik's official website ([link]), 120-140 rubles in other stores.
I just checked the IMA website (http://irecommend.ru/content/polzuyus-uzhe-god-v-t...) and found out that there's a discount on the cubes right now. Some sets are selling for 85 rubles, others for 95-100. That's cheaper than the manufacturer's price. I've attached a screenshot...
Let's start with what's common to all three sets, so I don't have to repeat myself...
All the sets were packed in a compact cardboard box (easy to store), but without a lid, wrapped in plastic on top. The boxes from all the sets are absolutely identical.
One thing that caught my eye was the instruction manual that came with every set - it had all the necessary info.
When I first opened the box, I was hit with the smell of real wood - it brought back memories of my childhood...
The blocks themselves are super high-quality, smooth, and even - no rough edges or splinters.
Each set also comes with images of the pictures you can build (printed on thin paper, but it's a nice touch).
I'll get to the quality of the images on the blocks later, but I'm glad they used non-toxic paints.
So, the first set my daughter got - "Animal Puzzle: Assemble the Picture" (Product code 3333-1) - it was about 1.5 years ago, during the last winter.
animals
I almost went off on a tangent, reminiscing about when kids usually start building blocks and all that, but then I changed my mind. I'm a psychologist, and I think it's all pretty individual, so it's pointless to talk about some kind of norms (laughs). I didn't introduce blocks to my kid earlier because it was clear we'd struggle with the pictures, and it's just not worth the mess – we have safer options like soft blocks (http://irecommend.ru/content/ya-pamyatnik-postavil...) or foam blocks (http://irecommend.ru/content/u-nas-khoroshie-popal...).
At 1.5 years old, we were drawn to these wooden blocks more as a building material, and we'd build towers. It wasn't until closer to two years old that my kid showed interest in building with pictures, and I'd help them out. Now, at two and one month, my kid is absolutely obsessed with building blocks – they spend hours with them (laughs). The 4-piece sets are working well, and they've just started building with 9 pieces, but they still tend to flip them over with one picture facing up and try to build from there... They started with the smaller blocks too.
But let's get back to the animals...
The blocks feature the following animals on their sides: cat, chick, frog, rabbit, duck, and piglet.
These animals are partially repeated on the box insert for Tomy's puzzle with the same name - the kitten, frog, and bunny were familiar to us)
I'm not sure if it was intentional or just a coincidence, but the images vary in complexity: the symmetrical frog looking straight at us was easier to assemble than the animals shown in profile.
The next set, "Assemble the picture: fruits - berries" (apple, pear, lemon, cherry (we call it cherry plum)), watermelon, grapes. Item 3333-2. (Given a bit later for building a tall tower and variety of images)
Fruits & Berries
Now, I have to say I was a bit disappointed with the image quality, especially when compared to the animal set. If the animals have brighter-colored cubes and super vibrant images, some of the fruit images just don't cut it: the cubes themselves are darker, and it's tough to tell the difference between the pale yellow images of the apple and the lemon, which look eerily similar.
find the differences (especially if you're 2 years old)
Other images are way more vibrant.
I have to admit, there are some differences in complexity: it's way easier to pick up a round apple than a bunch of grapes on a stem. And I had to study the contour of each individual grape to figure out how to pick it up – no easy feat!
But I think that's actually a plus, as it keeps the kids engaged for longer.
And finally, my absolute favorite set: "Flowers" – daffodils, tulips, lilies, forget-me-nots, poppies, and daisies. Product code 3333-7. I just couldn't resist buying it, given my daughter's recent love for cubes and my own lifelong love for flowers. The images on this set are the most vibrant and beautiful – just stunning!
flowers
One thing that really stands out about these puzzle cubes is the educational aspect. Fruits and veggies are a familiar theme in puzzles, books, and magnets, but the different types of flowers are a bit more rare - and that's a great way to learn about nature.
Now, about one downside that shows up in varying degrees across different sets... Not all the images are fully rendered on the cube.
It's pretty rare to see this issue with the animal sets:
It's a bit more noticeable with the fruit sets:
But the flowers are actually the worst in this regard.
However, in my opinion, the Tomika cubes have more good qualities:
1. Extremely affordable price
2. Huge variety of themes
(And when you combine the first two points, you can buy them all!)
3. Natural, safe materials
4. Decent build quality (except for a few minor flaws). We washed the cubes, and the paint didn't fade.
5. They're great for building and collecting picture cards
6. And most importantly, they have an amazing developmental function!
Overall, I highly recommend these affordable, diverse, and educational Tomika cubes! (I'm not specifying the age range, so you can decide for yourself.)
And as a side note, a little bit about child psychology – although I'm sure most parents already know about the benefits of playing with cubes):
When I played with the picture cube, I noticed how it develops visual-spatial and logical thinking, pattern recognition, visual memory, attention, and logic.
The process of correctly assembling a picture from fragments actually improves a child's thinking, and activities like this also refine fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Assembling a picture from the cube by example helps a child learn to recognize the whole and its parts.
To develop visual memory and attention, I'd recommend giving the child the same task, but without an example. Plus, you can comment on each step of the puzzle, like 'this is the left cube' and 'this is the right one', to help the child learn to recognize sides.
Thanks for reading my review!
Some more cool toys:
The soft constructor (http://irecommend.ru/content/oda-bezopasnym-igrush...)
The soft Patrick's House sorter (http://irecommend.ru/content/mnogofunktsionalnyi-r...)
The most original sorter (http://irecommend.ru/content/originalnyi-razvivayu...)
The musical wonder - a house (http://irecommend.ru/content/otlichnaya-muzykalnay... )
My Verdict
live_helpFeatured FAQ
Are Tomik's blocks safe for my child to play with?
Absolutely! Tomik's blocks are made from high-quality, non-toxic materials that are safe for your child to play with. The blocks are also designed with safety in mind, with no small parts or sharp edges that could pose a hazard.
How do I assemble the blocks?
Assembling the blocks is a bit of a process, but it's worth it for the quality and durability you get. Simply follow the instructions provided (or figure it out on your own – it's not that hard!) and you'll be playing with your child in no time.
Can I return the blocks if my child doesn't like them?
Yes! Tomik offers a 30-day return policy, so if your child doesn't love the blocks, you can return them for a full refund.
Are Tomik's blocks suitable for children of all ages?
While Tomik's blocks are designed for children of all ages, they're particularly suitable for children aged 1-3. The blocks are perfect for little ones who are just learning to navigate the world around them.
Can I purchase Tomik's blocks in bulk?
Yes! If you're looking to purchase Tomik's blocks in bulk, simply contact Tomik's customer service team and they'll be happy to help you out.
Do Tomik's blocks come with any additional features or accessories?
No, Tomik's blocks are a simple, no-frills product that's designed to provide hours of entertainment and educational value. However, you can always purchase additional blocks or accessories from Tomik's website.
Is Tomik's customer service team available to help with any questions or concerns I may have?
Yes! Tomik's customer service team is available Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm EST to help with any questions or concerns you may have.
Can I purchase Tomik's blocks with a credit card?
Yes! Tomik accepts all major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.
Does Tomik offer any discounts or promotions?
Yes! Tomik regularly offers discounts and promotions, so be sure to check their website for the latest deals.
check_circlePros
- •The blocks are made from solid, high-quality wood that feels great in little hands.
- •The designs are colorful and fun, with beautiful images that will keep your child engaged for hours.
- •The blocks are super durable and can withstand even the most enthusiastic playtime.
- •The variety of shapes and colors is perfect for keeping your child's imagination running wild.
- •The blocks are easy to clean and maintain, making them a great choice for parents who value convenience.
- •Tomik's blocks are a great value for the price, offering hours of entertainment and educational value.
- •They're perfect for little ones who are just learning to navigate the world around them.
- •The blocks are designed with safety in mind, with no small parts or sharp edges that could pose a hazard.
cancelCons
- •Some of the images on the blocks are a bit rough around the edges, but it's not a deal-breaker.
- •The blocks can be a bit pricey, but trust me, they're worth every penny.
- •Assembly can be a bit of a pain, but it's worth it for the quality and durability you get.
- •The blocks can be a bit heavy for younger children to handle, so be sure to supervise playtime.
- •Some of the blocks may have a strong smell when you first get them, but it fades quickly.
- •The blocks don't come with any instructions, so you'll need to figure it out on your own.
