Ever since we discovered Mama Mirabelle’s Home Movies on PBS, Mister and Sister really like playing with animal toys. We had a few in our toy box, but not very many. Most of the toy animals that I have found have been age rated older than my kids, so I haven’t bought them. Mister really wanted to get elephants and zebras, as those are two of the main characters on the show.
We have seen the Schleich animals at Target, and Mister always tries to throw a few in the shopping cart if we walk down that aisle! Schleich products are all age graded for ages 3 and up (there are some small animals and smaller parts on other figurines that can pose a choking hazard for younger children), so we hadn’t purchased any yet. Recently, I received an opportunity to review Schleich toys. When I discussed the review opportunity with the rep, the only concern she had was the age of my children, as she reiterated the age rating. Because we have older children (nieces, nephews, as well as children we babysit) in the house from time to time, I thought it would be fun to review the animals and give them something “older” to play with while here.
“As a manufacturer of toys we carry a special responsibility towards parents and children. It is our aim to constantly live up to the image of a developer and supplier of top quality products with an educational aspect.
Our products are developed with the assistance of parents, teachers and children and are therefore especially designed for children´s hands.
The design of our products is as realistic and naturalistic as possible. This enables children to experience the large variety of nature – from domestic animals on a farm to wild animals in the jungle.
When deciding on licensing products such as comic figurines we pay careful attention to their character and the message they carry. Educational aspects play a more important part than possible sales potential.”
We received nine Schleich animals for review.
From the Farm Life Animals line…
From the Wild Life Animals line….
The Schleich animals are extremely realistic, owing to the hand painting of each animal.
I haven’t been able to snag any pictures of the older kids playing with the Schleich animals. When I go get the camera, they either run and hide, or won’t let me take their picture… But let me assure you, these animals are a hit with all the kids! Of course, my husband is the biggest kid ever. So, he sat down to play with Mister with the animals so that I could post this review. They both enjoyed them.
Because of the age rating, these animals are for directly supervised play only for now. Mister will be excited once his birthday comes in December, so he can re-appropriate them to his toy box. We will be adding to the menagerie for his birthday. We will likely get the African Elephant Female, the Cheetah Cub, the Zebra Foal, and some Chimpanzees to round out the “Mama Mirabelle” collection. We may also get some cats and dogs.
Schleich also has a line of Dinosaurs & Replicasaurs and is introducing the Giganotosaurus next month, for all your little pre-historic lovers!
Schleich Products Are Available on Amazon.com and at your local Target.
Disclosure- The marketing team for Schleich toys provided me with the aforementioned complimentary toys to facilitate my honest review. No other compensation was received. Opinions expressed are 100% my own and are based on my own experience. Your experience may differ.
Annie says
I love how they are so realistic. It really does encourage imaginative play while be educational about their size and shapes. And I have held these in the store and was shocked at just how durable they are. These are not easily ruined 🙂
Great review, thanks!
Sarah says
Love toys like this! They allow the child to really use their imagination. I totally need these for Cam and Leah!
Deal-ectible Mom says
Oh my girls would LOVE these!
Karen of 3G2S says
OMG! That lion cub is adorable!! My children would love these. I’ll have to keep them in mind for stocking stuffers this year. 😀
Penelope says
The wildlife animals looks awesome! Just what my son would love.
Henrietta says
I have always loved these types of toys! My 9yo daughter still likes to play with things like this so I am definitely going to try and find a few for her upcoming bday!
Alison says
They are so cute! I think we may have boughten a few of these in the past! A rooster to be exact! Love them. We need to buy more.
Bobbie (OneScrappyMom) says
I love realistic animals and so do the kids!! We have a few of these in our toys!! GREAT quality!!
Dee_CWM says
Just too cute. My boys would definitely have tons of fun with those with the dinosaur being the favorite.
Tee says
I’ve seen these at different toy stores. The figures are realistic and have great detail. My daughter is turning three in September. I’m going to get her a few for her birthday.
Matt says
Awesome review, he looks like he really enjoys those!
Not So Average Mama says
My girls would love those!