'The Box' is a really carefully curated compendium of games, puzzles, fidgets
and things to do. It's very small, and neat, virtually plastic-free (mostly
wood), and perfect for anyone with time on their hands. Everything in it
can be washed, so it's ideal for someone who is ill. And it's really a
gorgeous thing...
Around The Box was founded by husband and wife team, David and Alice.
They first created The Box to give families with someone in hospital something
special to do. It isn't just about the games and puzzles, they feel what’s
most important is what happens around The Box. It brings people
together.
So what is inside The Box?
All together the contents can be used for a really good variety of different
games and puzzles. I've counted 11 already, and that doesn't include all of
the extra suggestions, or "just playing penguins", which my 10 year old was
doing earlier - with sound effects... Contents are packaged in single-use
plastic, which usually I don't like, but as the compendium was designed to be
appropriate for hospital use, in this case it's perfect.
The games and puzzles are all very easy to pick up and play, some of them have
no rules, some are much more structured. They include things like:
T Time - create a T shape using all of the shaped wooden blocks.
Rocket Launch - remove the rocket without touching the base
Curious Cube - turn the cube into a snake (easy), and back again (not so
easy).
Measure Up - tape measure games
Penguin Party - which is also available as a standalone game.
It's beautiful, it really is. The wood is lovely in your hands, and the whole
box full is very classic and elegant. Everything is very tactile, so if you
want to fidget, there's plenty here.