Bandai Puchi Puchi (Colours May Vary)

Advantages: Makes badges !
Disadvantages: Too expensive for so little.

.... Their attention span is short and a child's toy should always be colourful and stimulating - this is not. The box may be printed in more than two colours but the machine itself is rather plain, and is just a boring chunk of plastic after 5 minutes. This is probably better suited to college kids, who are more keen to make their badges in unique designs. My sister and her friends (1st years at Uni) have ended up with this machine and they love it! Making the badges (screwing and unscrewing the cog repetitively) is actually the tedious bit - but as they're so keen on seeing their 'unique designs' come out on the badge, it feels like they've struck gold. APPEARANCE? ***************** As mentioned previously, the machine is, for a toy, pretty plain and boring, I have the white and blue one. There are other colours and I think the new versions... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: fun, inexpensive, cute, collectable
Disadvantages: -

.... There are similarities to japanese Daruma dolls in shape (Daruma are spherical dolls with red bodies, a painted white face, and no pupils on the eyes. At new years, you pain in one pupil and make a wish, and then you paint in the other pupils if the wish comes true) and also to Kokeshi Dolls (limbless dolls wearing colourful clothing.) The principal function of these dolls is quite simply to say 'Yes' or 'No' in response to your voice when asked a question- Yes indicated by nodding the head, and No by shaking. Typically you get a single nod or shake, but when the doll has stronger views, you may get a double nod or shake. Its similar to a magic 8 ball, only the answers are straight Yes or No, none of this 'Only time will tell' or 'In due course'. They are also pretty decorative - In fact, I have several or these arrayed on my windowsill. They are only... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Can get different colours, cheap, fun!
Disadvantages: Doesn't actually DO much, is bad at answering questions!

...The Unazukin is a Japanese toy that recently made its way into the UK. It is a limbless colourful little character measuring about 5cm tall, with a pleasant smiley face. Apart from being cute and decorative it detects your voice and answers question by either nodding its head or shaking (once or twice depending on how certain the answer is!). I purchased this Unazukin recently as a bit of a novelty item to sit on my desk and use as a procrastination tool whilst working for my degree. I remember hearing about them once in the paper but somehow I never got hold of one, and only now managed to get one cheap on Ebay for a couple of pounds. I didn't think it was worth more than that given that it doesn't actually DO much at all. The unazukin comes in many different colours and patterns, which is fantastic because for such a simple toy what... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful