Heidi is an In the Night Garden super fan and at 17 months it is still very much a part of our evening routine. I often quip that she’s the world’s foremost authority on the show and if you saw the utter concentration on her face when she watches Iggle Piggle, Makka Pakka, Upsy Daisy & co, you’d understand why. Because of this, there is simply no better toddler to review the In The Night Garden Explore and Learn Musical Activity Table and I was delighted when one arrived in the post a few weeks back. Just the sight of the box had her delirious, clapping and dancing.
It’s what I like to call “an activity table with a twist” in that it’s designed to meet so many of your child’s educational needs, yet has life beyond that of conventional toys. Whoever brainstormed this thing in a drab boardroom somewhere, did a truly fantastic job of bringing the show to life for kids, whilst being totally aware of a parent’s quest for longevity.
First up, it’s instantly recognisable as being from In the Night Garden with 3 tough and bite-proof mini figurines (Iggle Piggle, Makka Pakka, Upsy Daisy) and iconic scenery (the carousel, bridge and Makka Pakka’s cave) all included with the table. So many character toys only come with one of the characters, forcing mum & dad to buy expensive add-ons so I was pleased to see so many favourites from the show included. Better yet, all are chunky pieces meaning your child is encouraged to maneuver them into position on the table top themselves (so less pestering of mum & dad).
This is perfect for imaginative play as the bandstand and the bridge have foot holes in them so the characters can be placed in them securely. The Makka Pakka figurine also fits nicely inside his cave so your child can pop him to bed.
The actual table top can be played with on any surface as you can lift it from the table making it both accessible for those little ones yet to master standing, and also fully portable for taking to restaurants or grandmas.
The table itself has four sturdy plastic legs that are easy to snap into position. This provides a stable surface for younger tots to practice pulling themselves up - and trust me they’ll want to when they figure out what’s up there! I also love that the legs have storage space for the figurines, and the top of the table can be lifted up to reveal secret storage space for all of the other bits. Not only does this transform the toy into a multipurpose functional wipe-clean table, it also means you can stash away all the bits that might otherwise go missing.
At 17 months, Heidi is the perfect age to explore all the interactive bits. 3 x AA batteries (not included) power a tons of fun games, music and recognisable sounds from the show. Heidi can flip the storybook to hear the narrator from the show tell her a mini story, or bash the 5 light-up stepping stones with the squeaky hammer to reveal sounds and songs associated with the characters (Yes My Name is Iggle Piggle, Upsy Daisy Here I Come, & Makka Pakka Woo). There’s also a wind-up bandstand which plays the iconic theme tune. Switching to the second setting, tapping the stones with hand or hammer reveals 5 electronic learning games including teaching numbers, teaching colours and shapes, silly sounds, Can you find? and Chase the lights - perfect as your child’s logic and reasoning skills begin to progress.
Currently the activity setting is a little advanced for my Mini Madam as she doesn’t understand the instructions, yet this only further evidences how the toy will grow with your child.
Sizewise the table is perfect. It’s compact enough to neatly stowed away at the end of an evening, but also the perfect height for smaller children to stand and play, and larger children to kneel at. Heidi has a little armchair and she can eat at the table comfortably too, proving just how versatile this toy can be.
My only niggle is the squeaky hammer. Both of my children (at 1.5yrs and 3yrs) have popped this in their mouths and I can’t see this lasting much longer if they continue to bite into it. They’ve also hit each other with it a few times so I’ve had to confiscate it. In my opinion it’s not really necessary and the toy is just as good without it - children can use their hands to bash the stepping stones instead.
Overall the table is just delightful, it’s a true multifunctional toy with tons of activities, and a life beyond play as a sturdy table for eating or crafting. If you have a fan of In The Night Garden then I can’t imagine a better Christmas toy. At £59.99 it would have to a main present but you really are getting great value for money and a toy that will provide endless hours of enjoyment.
Check out goldenbeartoys.com for the full In The Night Garden range including the musical carousel, Ninky Nonk Train & Track set and talking plushes as seen on recent tv adverts!
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