Product Review - Linking Loops Mini Bead Maze - Misadventures of a First Time Mom

A few weeks ago, I unexpectedly received a package from Educational Toys Planet. It was a Linking Loops Mini Bead Maze for review. The bead maze is rated for 2 and over, and comes with an activity sheet. The maze itself consists of two wires firmly attached to a solid wood base: one twisted in an elaborate spiral and loops & the other in simple hills. It’s relatively compact at 9 x 7.5 x 4.25 inches.

Now, normally I would have the review written and posted within a week or so at the very latest. However, since it was a toy, I wanted to give Hannah a fair amount of time to play with it, in order put it ‘through it’s paces’ so to speak. She can be quite rough with her toys at times, so I wanted to see how it would hold up to her treatment.

I first took it out of the box, she wasn’t really all the interested in it at first. She ran around with the box for a bit before she really took interest in the maze. Once she started playing with it, she had a blast with it. The first week or so she carried it around more than anything. She put it in the dog food bucket, tossed it around in the living room, knocked it into the walls, and even tried to flush it on several occasions. After that, she would sit with it and move the beads around. I caught her trying to eat on the wood base a few times, but it was hard enough that she gave up on it.

It’s also been a great color learning tool. I make a point of pointing out the various colors to her. She can now say ‘yellow’ and ‘greed’. We’re working on her saying ‘red’ next. I’ll also be looking forward to doing the activity sheet once she gets a little older as well. The only complaint I can really find about the bead maze is the size. Due to it being so compact, she has a tendency to get her hands stuck in it from time to time.

Overall, it’s a great product. It can withstand some pretty rough treatment. It’s also an excellent learning tool as well. The price is also good at $16.97 (plus shipping). You can find is and other bead mazes in the Motor Skills section.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free from Educational Toys Planet. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.