Toy Reviews: Calico Critters

Calico Critters of Cloverleaf Corners Margaret and Halley’s Dress Shop Set I remember as a kid roaming around our 27 acres, hiding in the brush, running after squirrels, listening to coyotes and wolves, and making bamboo sticks into horses. We lived in an urban area and wildlife and nature kept me alive and happy. My grandchildren are suburban kids born and bred, and I want to instill a love of nature in their lives. So I am always on the lookout for toys that create that “feel.”

One of the best toys I have come across is Calico Critters, distributed in NA by International Playthings (www.calicocritters.com). These little 3” and ½” critters are cool and cute and love to interact with your kids, ages 3 and up (please do not allow your younger children to play with these adorable flocked critters as the pieces are small and can be swallowed). Mother Bear 3” Margaret has on her handmade rose printed housedress, with a crisp white apron, of course. The set includes another “go to meeting” dress, adorned with a pearl on each sleeve for Mama Margaret. Baby Bear Halley presents in a pink fleece onesie, and comes with another outfit too. It’s a little blue dress and hat that matches Mom’s “Sunday finest.” Accessories included in the set are Mom Bear’s handbag with a pearl closure, her pearl headband, and a framed picture of Mother Bear Margaret and Baby Bear Halley wearing their blue matching outfits. She has a hand mirror too of course! Baby Halley comes with a little blue felt hat that matches her outfit, a blue headband, and a baby toy.

Other characters in the Cloverleaf Corners family include bunnies, panda bears and other whimsical forest creatures.

The Calico Critters all live in Cloverleaf Corners – a forest. The figures come in family sets of four – mom, dad and kiddles, and have their own biographies. There are many accessories to be had – a Tree House, a village house, a townhome, Cloverleaf Manor, and a Cozy Cottage Starter set, with many more. There is even a coupe convertible for the family to take a Sunday drive.

The figures are small enough to win over little hearts, and your child can add all sorts of forest families and larger pieces as she or he grows.

The fact that Calico Critters are forest and nature critters allows children to imaginatively play and enjoy the “real animal” feel with critters that dress and live in a human manner.

Great Christmas item, and innovative play idea. Well made, with figures that have moving heads and are flocked for a “real feel.”

Calico Critters Margaret and Halley’s Dress Shop is available for purchase at Growing Tree Toys.

Ratings are based on a 5-star scale

Overall:  4

Review by Broad “A” – Ava
 
This sample toy was received as a courtesy of Growing Tree Toys. All opinions are strictly our own.