Monday 10 June 2013

Haba Tack Zap ~ On Duty Review

Another parcel, and more excitement!


We've been sent the Haba Tack Zap as part of our role as Toadstool Toy Testers.


It's my belief that wherever possible, and with sensible limits, children should be taught how to use things safely rather than just kept away from them until they're 'older' or have lost interest. Whenever children see adults hammering and making things with wood they are fascinated, and this toy allows them to explore that and learn for themselves.


Inside the box are 27 wooden shapes in lovely colours (around half with printed detail), a very light little hammer, a cork board and a bag of little tacks approx 1cm long and with a semi blunt tip.


When my brother was 4 I remember him coming home regularly from nursery school with bits of wood with bent nails hammered into them and telling me about the rocket or train he'd made. Nowadays it just wouldn't be possible, which is a real shame because my boys are having a huge amount of fun playing with this, and I really do think when their Dad and I start putting together a new interior for our Campervan, they will be there to 'help'.


The Tack Zap (try saying that 3 times in quick succession!) or Nagelspiel Im Einsatz (which is easier to say even to a non-German speaker, surely) is designed for children aged 3+ and is currently retails for an incredibly reasonable £13.60


It is excellent for hand/eye co-ordination, fine motor skills and concentration. It teaches colours, requires problem-solving skills and definitely sparks the imagination.There are several examples of builds you can make in the leaflet from the box, but you can make a bazillion more with the 27 shapes supplied.


We've had no injuries and I've only found very few nails dropped on the floor. They understand they're using a 'grown up' toy, and are treating it with the respect it deserves. I think this is another way in which this toy is teaching my children a lot.


We absolutely love this toy.

It's a real hit and great fun for the children, the teenagers have all been caught with it too!  It is so many different things rolled into one, a jigsaw puzzle, an imagination trigger, a storyboard and a 'big boys tool kit' etc. The price is excellent and I'd heartily recommend it for any child. I'd certainly buy it as a present and encourage any responsible adult to consider getting one for their children. A very well deserved 5/5



I was supplied with the 'Haba Tack Zap ~ On Duty' at a discounted price by The Toadstool Online Toy Shop

21 comments:

  1. This is such a great looking toy, a simple idea but very effective. I'm sure Bud would love it to, I think I need to add it to his Christmas list.

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    1. It's truly brilliant, I'd definitely buy another one with a different theme so that they had one each:)

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  2. Wow - absolutely love this, the shapes look so fun and your boys seem very happy playing with it.

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    1. They really are. There are a couple of other sets too, but this is the most 'manly' :D

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  3. My son had that in school! He love it!

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  4. This looks great - such a simple idea but it is 'made' by the colour and design!

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    1. It really is. You can make just about any vehicle you want! :D

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  5. Looks like fun! Only problems is I think Daddy might want to play to test his DIY skills!

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    1. Our Daddy has tried it - I think he's nearly qualified to put up a shelf now ;)

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    2. Lol... got one with two left hands here to, but your comments just made me find an ideal fathers day present!

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  6. We have this on our wish list - it looks great

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  7. This looks brilliant! Might get it, we have bday coming up and eid so excuse to start buying loads of toys. its something a bit different n really cool looking :D

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    1. I think your boys would love it. It lends itself to a bit of concentration and calm time too :)

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  8. I remember having something similar when I was younger

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  9. It looks fab! Love the idea of the kids having their own little hammer and nail set for making pictures!

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    1. It is brilliant. I'm really impressed with how sensible they've been with it :)

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