Ready for a close up...

 AD: Gifted

A cardboard microscope... surely that won’t work? Well, I’m here to tell you that it totally does! With plastic free packaging and pieces made from sustainable cardboard and no need to use glue or other fixing materials, not only is the Build Your Own Microscope an incredibly clever creation, it's also kind to the planet.

 

The box states that the microscope is suitable for ages 8 years upwards, but Ace (5 years old) really enjoyed helping me put the pieces together. Each part is labelled in alphabetical order, so it was easy for Ace to find which piece came next, although he did need help with slotting them in place securely.

Ace's favourite part was putting together the cam and gears, he couldn't stop turning them and was amazed that moments before, they were just bits of flat cardboard!

I am so impressed that all the packaging and leftovers are cardboard and therefore recyclable at the kerbside. This makes a HUGE change from layers of plastic packaging and awkward ties that some toys come wrapped in. 

Once assembled, the microscope is really sturdy and has easily interchangeable trays for examining different types of materials (depending on whether your chosen specimen is translucent or opaque). 

I will say that the age guidance of 8 years old is probably about right for actually using the microscope, as Ace's little hands found adjusting and looking through the lens at the same time quite tricky. Honey (almost 8) needed a little practise, but with a bit of patience, we were able to get a brilliant view (30 x magnification) of some treasure from our walk, including grains of sand, a feather, a rock, a leaf and a daisy! All in all, I would say that this is an excellent, sturdy, educational toy that ticks so many STEAM boxes both during and after construction.

If you visit the Build Your Own Kits website, you purchase this microscope for £16.99 (delivery is free) and you can also download a set of free 'Fact and Find' cards, which are the perfect starting point for your mini scientists to begin taking a much closer look at the world around them.

Painting the town red... and orange and yellow...

Ad: Gifted Paint Sticks

Do you ever say no when your children want to break out the paints? Are you put off by the mess and tidying up involved? If the answer to either of these questions is yes, then read on!

Before: Paint, palettes, brushes, water pots. Maybe some newspaper or a table cloth to protect surfaces.

After: Paint sticks.

All you need for 'no mess' painting!

Little Brian Paint Sticks are so quick and easy to set up, these fab little sticks can be picked up and put down like felt tips, with no need to clean anything when you change colours. My children have had these out every day since the box arrived and I haven't had to get involved in the set up or tidy up once (obviously I was happy to get involved in the painting ;-)

The sticks work just like a glue stick, simply remove the lid, twist the bottom to reveal more paint and twist again to take the stick back down once you've finished. 

 

With classic, day glow and metallic options in the bumper pack, the colours are surprisingly vivid and can easily be layered for heavier coverage. You can also use the paint sticks with a little water if you want to create washes or mix your own colours.

If your little one prefers a larger canvas, Little Brian Paint Sticks are water based, so they're fab for painting on windows and tuff spots too as they can be wiped off with a damp cloth. While it does say on the packaging that the paint may stain clothing, the paint came off Ace's leggings without any rubbing, so I am taking that as a good sign!

The Little Brian Paint Stick Bumper Pack (24 paint sticks) is currently retailing for £13.33 on Amazon. For activity inspiration, head to the Little Brian website, where you will find some free spring downloads. These include Mother's Day cards, Thank you cards (perfect for teachers as many children head back to school this week) and Easter pictures.

Happy painting everyone!

Honey wears.. Apron by Emma Bridewater