What they say:
“The Magformers Pastel 30 set is a new style version of the best-selling Magformers 30 set - containing 18 unique magnetic squares and 12 triangles - but in great new pastel shades. Make a huge number of 2D flat 'nets' and 3D geometric structures using these classic pieces.”
Tested by mum Joanna Robson for the Mother & Baby Awards 2018:
Would you recommend this to other mums?
Definitely. It is a lovely product to keep young children entertained, and is really easy to tidy away in the box provided. The shapes are extremely light and easy for my children to place where they want them. They’re also easy to pull apart when they are stuck together, and are also very easy to wipe clean, which is great from a hygiene point of view.
How did the product make your life easier?
I have a three-year-old and 17-month-old, and this product has kept them both entertained for ages! It is perfect for them to play together, or on their own. My youngest likes trying to put the pieces together and my eldest has enjoyed matching the shapes onto the plans provided. It has also been very educational in teaching them shapes and colours.
Would you choose this product to win?
I think I would. I have been extremely impressed with this product. The accompanying booklet is really helpful and means that the product has plenty of longevity, as my children can work through building all of the other shapes. I really like any construction type toys, and this product definitely stands out.
What changes would you make to the product?
I'm struggling to think of anything I would change about this product, apart from possibly providing a smaller box to tidy all of the pieces and mat away. I am also unsure if I would pay the full retail price, as I wouldn’t spend that much on any toys that I buy, and think some parents might seek cheaper alternatives, which would be a shame.
Tested by mum Erin Lee for the Mother & Baby Awards 2018:
Would you recommend this to other mums?
I love how easy this toy is to play with! There are no set rules for using it, which means that the child is free to explore different ideas and ways to use it for themselves! For example, my daughter likes to use the pieces to count and add up, build her own shapes, and sort the colours! The product is also great for small hands! It's chunky but lightweight, which makes it perfect for them to build with without it being too fiddly or hard for them to do so.
How did this product make your life easier?
I really like that the product is chunky enough to leave my daughter alone with! I struggle with her putting things in her mouth still (at nearly three-years-old), and this product has managed to distract her from doing so by helping her to learn how to follow instructions as she tries to follow along and build the different designs shown in the leaflet! It's also helped her with her separation techniques, as she enjoys putting the different shapes and colours into different piles.
Would you choose this product to win?
I really like this product, but don't think its age range is too accurate. However, for slightly older children I think it is fab, and should definitely win! As previously mentioned, the educational and fun aspects of this product are fantastic, and give the child the opportunity to learn whilst having fun!
What changes would you make to this product?
The only thing I would change about the product is the colouring! I think it's quite girly and may put slightly older children off! I'd also raise the lower age range this product is marketed at, as my soon to be three-year-old struggles to build these by herself!
Tested my mum Claire Snodden for the Mother & Baby Awards 2018:
Would you recommend this to other mums?
As well as being a great independent play toy, I've found this product to be very educational. As well as helping with colour and shape identification, the instruction cards included help with spatial awareness and tessellation knowledge. I like how durable it is - it could definitely withstand enthusiastic toddler play, and would be very easy to wipe clean in the event of any spillages. As the product is magnetic, tidying up is incredible easy, and when building, the pieces easily snap together, which means toddlers don't get frustrated. The instructions are great too - the book gives some good inspiration, but the sheets are even better. The large sheet to make the ball is brilliant - we really enjoyed making that one!
How did this product make your life easier?
This product is a great toy for independent play - there are no small pieces that are dangerous for a toddler to use on their own, and there are no right or wrong ways to play with the Magformers, so my toddler didn't get frustrated whilst playing. As an adult, it is also a lovely toy to play with, so makes a great mutual activity. Magformers are very easy to tidy up (even by a toddler), and hardly take up any room in the toy box.
Would you choose this product to win?
The product follows in the footsteps of classic building toys (e.g. Duplo) in terms of its simplicity, ease of use and versatility. It is great at promoting independent imaginative play, and can easily be incorporated into other games (e.g. my child used the Magformers to build a 'fence' for his dinosaurs to jump over). I also like that as with other classic building toys, other Magformers sets will be compatible to provide even more play options. My child was very enthusiastic about playing with the Magformers each time we got them out, and really enjoyed helping me make the ball from the large instruction sheet.
What changes would you make to this product?
Initially I though the price seemed quite high for such a 'small' product, but having used the Magformers My First 30 Pastel Set with my son, I can see that the price is representative of the quality and versatility of the product. Personally I would pick brighter colours over the pastel set, but I appreciate the choice, and the colours have no impact on the enjoyment of the product.
Tested by mum Chloe Pyatt for the Mother & Baby Awards 2018:
Would you recommend this to other mums?
I would recommend the product to other mums as it’s easily packed away into the box provided, and is great for taking to the grandparents for the day or even overnight. With two young children, toys often get dirty and covered in dribble, so having a product that is easily cleaned is brilliant! The colours are great too!
How did this product make your life easier?
Both my girls can use this product, meaning they are both kept busy for at least half an hour at a time, allowing me to get more housework done or even make their lunch without them following me around! They finally play together nicely, which is a rarity, so now I get time to relax and catch up on what’s happening in the world.
Would you choose this product to win?
Yes, I would definitely choose this product. The price is really good, and the colours are better than the usual bright pinks or bright blues. The texture of the product is also a good factor, as its easily cleaned, and is durable enough to withstand any toddler tantrums!
What changes would you make to this product?
If I could improve one thing it would be to include bigger pieces in order to make bigger designs. Being able to make bigger designs would mean keeping the kids busy for longer, and would also help them to be more creative.
Tested by mum Julie Wyss for the Mother & Baby Awards 2018:
Would you recommend this to other mums?
I think this is an amazing game, we really love the pastel colours, and the different forms are easy to handle, durable, fun and educational. The creation is endless. As my daughter is a big fan of role-play, she soon realised that she could do so using those pieces to create endless shapes. I myself love to play as well, although my daughter didn't let me at first! I think this is a game for every age, and is a great way to bond with your children, grandchildren, etc.
How did this product make your life easier?
I love this product! My daughter is a more physical child. What she loves most is physical activity like running and bouncing around the house or park. With her, I would always struggle to get some quiet time, but since I received this game I can finally cook (or do other housework) without worrying about what she is doing. It is the first time she is really interested to play a game whilst quietly sitting down. What more could you want!
Would you choose this product to win?
I have never come across anything similar to this product in the past. This product is definitely a winner for me, as not only does it keep my daughter quiet, but it also allows her to use her imagination, and she can role-play and explain what she has created. This product really helps bonding between parents and children. I already recommended this product to many of my friends, and really believe everybody should have them at home!
What changes would you make to this product?
I really don't see what could be change to improve this product. It’s fun, durable, and educational for any age and gender. If I had to be picky, I would say they would maybe add more examples of what can be built with the shapes. Another thing that could put me off is the price. Though I’ve never used any similar products, I do feel this is a tad expensive for some.
Tested by mum Maria Xydhias-Mace for the M&B Awards 2016:
Why would you recommend this product to a friend/fellow mum?
I would highly recommend Magformers. My children of 1, 3 and 5 thoroughly enjoyed playing with these day after day during the summer holidays. My 5 year old usually gets easily bored but these created hours of fun. They are nicely packaged with and ideas book for older children and a colourful shapes book for younger children.
How does this product make your life easier as a mum?
I was able to let my children enjoy playing with these with minimal supervision, no small parts to be swallowed.
If you could change one thing about this product what would it be?
I would have like to see a bigger starter pack. The product is a bit on the pricey side.
Tested by mum Katie Dale for the M&B Awards 2016:
Why would you recommend this product to a friend/fellow mum?
This is literally the best toy my little boy has ever had. Hours of entertainment and really got his mind and coordination working. It's the first thing now he pulls from his toy box. Really well made and easy to keep together due to the magnets.
How does this product make your life easier as a mum?
This would keep my 3 year old busy all day long, and keeps other mini visitors busy too when they come visit. A fabulous toy.
If you could change one thing about this product what would it be?
I would say the only downside is the price. Probably not an affordable toy as very expensive for what it is. But knowing how great it is I would definitely recommend the investment.
Tested by mum Cheryl Headley for the M&B Awards 2016:
Why would you recommend this product to a friend/fellow mum?
What an amazing toy. I really loved spending time with my child playing with them and creating models from rockets to houses, they are wonderfully made and stack up perfectly together at the end of a playing session.
How does this product make your life easier as a mum?
Fabulous, as my child loves playing with them and hasn't grown bored of them . They come out every single day and get so many comments about how great they are when people come round.
If you could change one thing about this product what would it be?
A little pricey so this probably wouldn't get the praise it deserves as I imagine it would be quite an expense for most parents who may choose a cheaper toy over it; however, I want to shout from the houses - it's brilliant.