Playmobil 1.2.3 is the newest range from Playmobil to hit the shelves this year. The big question is, how is this new range different from the current Playmobil ranges on offer? And why should you be excited?
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Playmobil in my home
Let me just start off by saying that I am a huge fan of Playmobil, I always have been. Playmobil is celebrating its 30th birthday in the UK this year, so what could be a better way to celebrate than launching a new toy? But we need to circle back a bit. When I was a kid, my little brothers friend had Playmobil toys and I was obsessed with them. Keep in mind, I was 6 years old at the time. Unfortunately, my own room was over run with Barbie dolls so there wasn’t any room for Playmobil in that house. But now I have my own kids, but this is where things get a bit tricky because the regular range is for kiddies aged 4-12 years.
Playmobil 1.2.3.
Now that we have established the fact that I love Playmobil, they aren’t suitable for little kids. I have two toddlers who are under the age of 4, as well as two big ones, so regular Playmobil isn’t the best idea when you have a child that thinks sticking things up their nose is the best thing ever. And any Playmobil that has been bought has been, errr, not for the kids. What can I say, I am a huge geek and the Back to the Future set was a welcome addition to the collection. But what about the kids?!? I hear you cry. This is where Playmobil 1.2.3. comes in.
1.2.3. stages
Here is some information straight from Playmobil themselves-
“Launching in March new imaginative play ideas will be added to the range of products for children aged 1½ to 4 years. With new packaging
the new sets will highlight three learning stages, with each building on the previous, promoting development in a targeted and fun way through the first years of life. They also offer some helpful orientation to parents when shopping for suitable toys. “
In layman’s terms, this range of toys is suitable for little ones. And they are amazing! At first glance, the little people look the same. Look a little closer and you will see that the Playmobil 1.2.3. people lack all of those little choking hazards that come with regular Playmobil.
“Small steps into the big world of PLAYMOBIL
The first years of life are full of formative experiences. There is so much to discover and the world is so big, colourful and impressive in the eyes of the children. Everything that is experienced, found and learned now forms an important basis for future learning. Each child develops in their own way and at their own pace. When discovering the world, play is more than just a pastime – through play, children explore the world, their own thoughts and feelings, those of other people, and continually grow and develop. The PLAYMOBIL 1.2.3 play system is divided into three learning stages which build on each other and promote the development of children specifically and playfully.
Easy Start: In beginner sets with simple figures, the learning focus is on feeling and exploring, imitating animal sounds, and naming figures, animals and objects. Where is the rider? And how does the horse do?
First Challenge: In extended play sets, the learning focus is on exploring first functions, promoting fine motor skills and understanding cause-and-effect relationships. For example: What happens when you pull the string?
Little Expert: In advanced play sets, there are many functions to discover. The learning focus is on more complex contexts, social skills and first role play. What do children experience in nursery today?
PLAYMOBIL 1.2.3 provides little ones with varied play themes and features, as well as opportunities to explore, understand the world, and grow through play. Fine motor skills, language skills, creativity, cognitive and social skills are all promoted in a completely personalised way. New combination possibilities and additions within the play system make the contents exciting again and again, helping children grow over several years. Adding elements of sand and water, the SAND and AQUA ranges enrich the play system through creative outdoor play – all in the PLAYMOBIL quality children and parents know and love.”
What did I get to test?
If you haven’t gathered by now, being a massive Playmobil fan, I was asked to roadtest the new range with my kids. The range we received was the Aqua range.
For stage 1, there is the Duck Family.
For stage 2, there is the Water see-saw with watering can.
And for stage 3, there is the Splish Splash water park.
How did it go?
As I mentioned earlier, I’m a huge fan and this range did not disappoint me or the kids. When it arrived, the kids were straight into the box to see what had arrived. Thankfully, there isn’t much to assemble with these sets and they are pretty much idiot proof. It took me less than 5 minutes to get it all thrown together. The instructions were easy to follow and there is a load of information included about the aims of each toy and what they can help your child achieve through play. All in all, these sets are a welcome addition to the Playmobil family of toys and I can’t wait to get more of the range for my little monsters.
