Happy playtimes with Chad Valley { & Giveaway}

When looking for toys for Miss Marnie I want them to be classic, creative and to fuel her imagination. I want her to want to play with them rather than open them and discard them quicker than we can get them out of the box. When the team at Chad Valley asked us to be part of their Play Panel I knew this could be a great way of introducing Miss M to some different toys – ones that we may have overlooked in the past.

Can you believe Chad Valley has been around since the early 19th century? And, even received a royal warrant in the 1930’s. Today, it’s sold exclusively at Argos making it accessible to all – and I think it’s still one of those toy brands most trusted by mums. I mean it seems to be a range I always fall back on for last-minute gifts for babies and toddlers for birthdays and Christmas.

Ok, so back to the Play Panel. Over the next few months, we’re going to be trying out some classic Chad Valley toys, games and dolls and giving you our honest opinion. I mean if a five-year old isn’t honest then I don’t know who is! But, on top of that Argos have given us vouchers to give away here – so you can experience the Chad Valley brand too. How brilliant is that? (All info on giveaway below)

 

Chad Valley Play Panel: Our first experience

From the moment our first parcel arrived Miss M has been playing with nothing else. Heres the pieces that really captured her:

 

The one that provides plenty of laughs…Chad Valley Wobbly Worms Game

The Wobbly Worms game is a colourful update to that classic tower game – Jenga. The game says 3+ years so at first I thought it may be too young for Miss M but to be honest the beauty of games is they really are ageless.

The usual wooden style blocks are replaced with plastic blocks with silly worm faces – that Miss M seemed to love that they looked like they were screaming. The colour dice indicates which block needs to be carefully removed and sacked at the top before the tower tumbles. The dice makes it easier for younger kids who may find the wooden version tricky and means they have some colour recognition going on too.

The tower doesn’t really stand for long – due to the chunky blocks but to be honest it gave her so many laughs it was an all-round, fun family game.

Buy the Chad Valley Wobbley Worm Game

 

The one that kept her entertained for hours…Chad Valley Be U 1000 Piece Sparkle Box 

What’s not to love about a box full of sequins, stickers, glitter, gems, paper, pipe cleaners, pom noms and more. This decorate your own craft box contains so many craft pieces (1000 to be exact – although I didn’t check!) as well as child safe scissors, glue and pencils that Miss M really didn’t know what to do first.

It features a study cardboard treasure box to decorate that is perfect to use on a rainy afternoon – as we did – and then come back to it as and when. It provided hours of quiet, somewhat messy craft time that is then easily all packed away in the drawer and lidded area ready for another day of decorating. Miss M loved this and I think many of her friends would do. So, this is now high on my birthday gifts list. Its says its for 7+ but I would say at 5 this was ideal for Miss M – with a little adult help and supervision.

Buy the Chad Valley Be U 1000 Pieces Sparkle Box

The one that we’re saving for a sunny day…Chad Valley Jumbo Bowling

Miss M has played with these jumbo inflatable skittles as one of her cousins has them – so I already know they are a hit with her. Great fun in the garden for all the family young and old – and easy to pack away or even to pack and take on holiday

We’ve got these ready for a sunny day in the garden or even at the beach next year.

Buy Chad Valley Outdoor Games

 

The one that almost got away…Chad Valley Designafriend Doll and Accessories

I say ‘almost got away’ because to be perfectly honest I’m not a fan of this style of doll. This is the sort of doll I will walk straight past in a toy shop and when it arrived in my Play Panel package I did wonder what to do. I actually did call the PR for Chad Valley and explain my reservations – as I feel my blog is my space and I only want to share things I truly love. And, I didn’t want to be dishonest and review a toy if my heart wasn’t in it

But, it also taught me something. Being part of this play panel is – ultimately about what Miss M wants to play with. So, even though initially I wasn’t going to give – or even show – this Design a Friend doll to her she caught sight of it and it was love at first sight! What could I do?

I understand Design a Friend is a collection of dolls, that each come dressed up in a lovely box with a charm friendship bracelet for the child to wear. The range of extras is vast  – furniture, accessories and clothing sets (that each come with a charm to add to the friendship bracelet).

She has been playing with this doll and the accessories non-stop and I have to stop myself from commenting – as at the end of the day she loves playing with it and it makes her happy – and isn’t that what toys for children should do?

Buy Design a Friend collection here

 

** GIVEAWAY ** Win £75 in Argos vouchers to spend on Chad Valley toys

Fancy trying out some Chad Valley toys for yourself? Treat the kids to a selection of games, outdoor play and craft sets to keep them entertained this Winter. I have teamed up with Argos – the exclusive Chad Valley stockists – to offer one reader a £75 gift card to spend in stores nationwide.

Just fill in this rafflecopter form below and GOOD LUCK!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

120 Comments

  1. Kay Broomfield
    November 7, 2017 / 12:09 pm

    My daughter would like Sequestria Castle for Christmas so that’s what I’d buy at Argos

  2. sam macaree
    November 7, 2017 / 12:26 pm

    put it towards some new toys for my cousins

  3. Lindsey Stuart
    November 7, 2017 / 12:35 pm

    This would be super handy with Christmas approaching!
    We are huge Chad valley fans, i would buy the Chad valley Jessica doll.

  4. Alica
    November 7, 2017 / 1:37 pm

    I would get the Chad Valley Tots Town Pirate Ship Playset for my grandson. Thank you for the chance x

  5. Sarah McVicar
    November 7, 2017 / 1:52 pm

    my daughter is collecting the design a friend dolls so |i would buy those for her x

  6. Emma chapman
    November 7, 2017 / 2:40 pm

    Love win the Chad valley bowling we spend hours in garden I didn’t even know this existed wow

  7. Tess D
    November 7, 2017 / 2:49 pm

    would buy Christmas presents from Argos with the voucher

  8. Fay
    November 7, 2017 / 4:22 pm

    I would get the Chad Valley Floating Ball Fun Zone, it looks so much fun!

  9. Tasha
    November 7, 2017 / 4:34 pm

    The guitar , my daughter would love it

  10. Corinne Wright
    November 7, 2017 / 4:52 pm

    My son would love the Chad Valley Car Transporter 😊

  11. Sue Bowden
    November 7, 2017 / 4:53 pm

    I’d like to buy one of those Baby Quad Bikes for my grandson, he’d love it xx

  12. Carol Thomas
    November 7, 2017 / 4:58 pm

    I would buy some more gifts of Chad valley for our Grandson

  13. Elzbieta Znyk
    November 7, 2017 / 5:12 pm

    Cash register.

  14. Sue Johnson
    November 7, 2017 / 6:25 pm

    As many Chad valley toys as I could get for local food bank at Christmas

  15. Lyndsey Cooksey
    November 7, 2017 / 9:16 pm

    I would buy the Chad valley crane for my nephew!

  16. Frances Sunshine Hopkins
    November 7, 2017 / 9:28 pm

    The dolls house

  17. laura banks
    November 7, 2017 / 10:07 pm

    i would get some ps4 games

  18. Sheila Reeves
    November 7, 2017 / 10:08 pm

    I’m really tempted by the inflatable dinosaur! But would probably use it to get a game for sons console

  19. Andrea Upton
    November 7, 2017 / 10:49 pm

    I think my son would love the Chad valley animated dog

  20. Claire W
    November 7, 2017 / 11:12 pm

    Would love to get the post office set and doll accessories for my two 🙂

  21. Christina Curtis
    November 8, 2017 / 12:43 am

    I would buy the Chad Valley Tots Town Cottage Playset

  22. Solange
    November 8, 2017 / 3:23 am

    I’d buy the Chad Valley Play Set Toy Kitchen.

  23. Rebecca Smith
    November 8, 2017 / 10:20 am

    i would love to get my son the chad valley airport playset

  24. Julie Jessop
    November 8, 2017 / 10:38 am

    My daughter would absolutely love the Be U 1000 Piece Sparkle Box for her birthday next month! I’ve entered the competition. Great article, thank you!

  25. Kirsty Ward
    November 8, 2017 / 3:00 pm

    The Wobbley worm game!

  26. Tracy Hanley
    November 8, 2017 / 4:38 pm

    My granddaughter has asked for Georgie Interactive Puppy for christmas so i would get her this

  27. Charlotte
    November 8, 2017 / 10:16 pm

    Looks like alot of fun. My daughter is just getting the hang of toys. ☺

  28. Kelly Hemmings
    November 9, 2017 / 4:47 am

    I’d use the £75 gift card towards the Chad Valley Farmhouse

  29. holly harmsworth
    November 9, 2017 / 5:01 am

    designadoll

  30. Mrs Gemma Huelin
    November 9, 2017 / 2:16 pm

    I would buy my son a pretend till and wooden train set x

  31. Kellie Steed
    November 9, 2017 / 4:16 pm

    I’d probably go for the Chad Valley Fire Station for my son 🙂

  32. Anthony Harrington
    November 9, 2017 / 9:55 pm

    I like the look of the Chad Valley Airport set for my little Grandson

  33. Jules Eley
    November 9, 2017 / 9:56 pm

    I love the designafriend collection

  34. Gemma Massey
    November 10, 2017 / 9:27 am

    I’d love to buy Star Wars bb8

  35. Sarah Cuttle
    November 14, 2017 / 6:29 am

    Great blog x

  36. Mary Davis
    November 14, 2017 / 7:34 am

    Argos is so brilliant for toys!! I’d probably put the money towards a Nintendo Switch for my three children as they want it so much! 😀

  37. Gillian McClelland
    November 14, 2017 / 10:42 pm

    I would buy the Chad Valley Baby Activity Saucer

  38. misty
    November 14, 2017 / 11:08 pm

    that wobbley worm game looks hilarious! i need it

  39. Keri Jones
    November 14, 2017 / 11:48 pm

    One thing I would definitely buy would be the Chad Valley street showdown racing track & cars set because I had one just like it when I was younger 🙂 x

  40. Lorraine Stone
    November 15, 2017 / 10:53 am

    LOVE the Chad Valley Fire station

  41. Sarah Watton
    November 15, 2017 / 1:10 pm

    Chad Valley 6ft Trampoline, my son really wants one! I’m just worries it will blow away on a stormy night! 😉

  42. Mary
    November 16, 2017 / 1:16 am

    I loved Jenga as a child and would love to introduce E&E to the game.

  43. Amy Skinner
    November 16, 2017 / 12:39 pm

    The Chad valley airport looks really fun for my son

  44. Stephen Hearne
    November 17, 2017 / 12:10 am

    Chad Valley Fire station

  45. Mary Hill
    November 17, 2017 / 11:11 pm

    I’d but my niece the Chad Valley Designafriend Wooden Dolls House plus Ioved my dolls house I’d play to lol.

  46. Simon C
    November 18, 2017 / 9:33 pm

    My girls would love the Chad Valley trampoline. 🙂

  47. Tracey Peach
    November 19, 2017 / 11:14 am

    The Chad Valley Be U 1000 Piece Sparkle Box, it looks so much fun & I know a little lady who would love this

  48. Carole Nott
    November 19, 2017 / 3:51 pm

    i would use it for christmas presents – maybe some books

  49. Kelly Cooper
    November 20, 2017 / 10:37 am

    I would buy design a friend accessories for my niece as she loves them.

  50. Rebecca Hadfield
    November 20, 2017 / 3:34 pm

    The pirate town play boat for my pirate mad little girl!

  51. jane
    November 21, 2017 / 11:42 am

    I think my grandaugter would like the doll you havw reviewed.

  52. Kim Neville
    November 21, 2017 / 8:54 pm

    My son would like a Robo lizard and 5 Second Rule game

  53. tina Glover
    November 22, 2017 / 8:27 pm

    i would buy a designafriend doll and clothes for our daughter and some craft kits towards her Christmas gifts x

  54. gemma hendry
    November 22, 2017 / 8:49 pm

    i love the chad vally band set, fingers crossed this would help with christmas

  55. Jodie Hailstone
    November 23, 2017 / 12:55 pm

    I would by the chadvelley airport for my great nephew he would love it

  56. Joy Buckenham
    November 23, 2017 / 2:15 pm

    thank you for the chance to win

  57. Melissa Crowe
    November 23, 2017 / 6:46 pm

    Would put towards a playhouse for my two boys

  58. nolene oneill
    November 24, 2017 / 2:32 am

    Top of my LG’S list is the bush babies tree house and all the baby pods to fill it.

  59. Louise Burgess
    November 24, 2017 / 10:37 am

    Would love to try the kitchen play items my son loves playing kitchen

  60. Ann-Marie Gould
    November 24, 2017 / 6:22 pm

    i would get the gorgeous dolls house for my niece , its on her Christmas list

  61. Nikki Hayes
    November 24, 2017 / 9:39 pm

    The Chad Valley Airport Play Set and the Crane :o)

  62. craig austin
    November 24, 2017 / 11:39 pm

    would put it towards buying Christmas presents

  63. kayleigh Robinson
    November 25, 2017 / 10:33 am

    I’d buy my daughter a tiny treasures doll, they are so cute! She has the boy one and would love the girl one x

  64. Caroline h
    November 25, 2017 / 8:03 pm

    Every little boy loveshas aeroplanes!! Really good.collection

  65. Eve H Ogden
    November 25, 2017 / 8:31 pm

    Some toy cars

  66. Melissa Lee
    November 26, 2017 / 11:02 am

    I think I would buy the Chad Valley Jessica doll as my niece would love it

  67. Jade Hewlett
    November 26, 2017 / 3:39 pm

    I like the Chad Valley Be U Creative Jewellery Set

  68. Jo Hutchings
    November 26, 2017 / 5:32 pm

    I’d buy the Chad Valley Airport for my little boy.

  69. Dean T
    November 26, 2017 / 6:36 pm

    The StarWars BB8 toy seems to be the obsession of the moment and my nephews would love it to bits

  70. kate m jones
    November 26, 2017 / 7:30 pm

    Well the Chad Valley Wobbly Worms Game looks great so i’d have to start with that for the youngest and then maybe something Lego/Star wars for the oldest if I won!

  71. Sam Parkes
    November 26, 2017 / 8:45 pm

    Would put it towards a bike for my little girl

  72. Deborah Clarke
    November 27, 2017 / 12:15 am

    I’d put it towards a new toaster and kettle set as ours are very much on their last legs! Where would I be without coffee and toast lol

  73. caroline tokes
    November 27, 2017 / 12:40 am

    I Would buy the Chad Valley 5 Level Car Park with Car

  74. Melanie
    November 27, 2017 / 12:52 am

    We have just painted our bedroom, so would use it to buy a purple rug to go with our new colour.

  75. Emma Hussain
    November 27, 2017 / 6:00 am

    The ride on train

  76. angie pickering
    November 27, 2017 / 9:58 am

    I would buy the Chad Valley Airport Playset from Argos for my grandson

  77. hayley pemberton
    November 27, 2017 / 11:40 am

    we love the designafriends dolls

  78. kayleigh platt
    November 27, 2017 / 12:00 pm

    The Chad Valley Airport Playset for my nephew 🙂

  79. Ray Becker
    November 27, 2017 / 12:07 pm

    Gift it to the wife

  80. Andrea A
    November 27, 2017 / 1:12 pm

    I’d put it towards a new toaster and kettle

  81. Dean Boyle
    November 27, 2017 / 1:56 pm

    Chad valley fire station looks good

  82. clare tate
    November 27, 2017 / 2:03 pm

    my daughter loves the designafriend dolls so i would buy her a doll and some bits to go with it, possibly the horse and some clothes.

  83. Charlotte Bell
    November 27, 2017 / 2:23 pm

    I’d love the Chad Valley Baby Playnest, I’m due my first in March!

  84. Rebecca Mercer
    November 27, 2017 / 2:24 pm

    The chad valley 6ft trampoline would be great

  85. linda curtis
    November 27, 2017 / 2:38 pm

    Georgie Interactive Puppy is lovely my granddaughter would love it

  86. paula cheadle
    November 27, 2017 / 2:59 pm

    I would buy something for my granddaughter

  87. Katie
    November 27, 2017 / 3:22 pm

    Buy some presents for my little sister

  88. carla carthy
    November 27, 2017 / 3:35 pm

    Baby dolls

  89. Jacqueline Roberts
    November 27, 2017 / 3:40 pm

    I would get the Beats by Dre EP On-Ear Headphones – Black they’re a great price

  90. Anna Brown
    November 27, 2017 / 4:02 pm

    I’d buy my daughter some design a friend accessories

  91. Tammy Neal
    November 27, 2017 / 4:44 pm

    Love to spend on on some toys for my niece xx

  92. Lauren Fox
    November 27, 2017 / 5:16 pm

    I would get the Chad Valley Baby Activity Saucer for my baby boy 🙂 Thanks xx

  93. astrid c
    November 27, 2017 / 5:53 pm

    chad valley fire station and maybe some lego

  94. Amanda Botterill
    November 27, 2017 / 6:17 pm

    The Wobbly Worms game looks like great fun so I would probably buy one of them

  95. jade rice
    November 27, 2017 / 6:42 pm

    id buy my daughter Chad Valley Tiny Treasures Baby Doll with Pink Outfit & Hat shes three and loves babies and for her newborn brother id buy Chad Valley Floating Ball Fun Zone he will love it 😀 and tbf the 3 year old will aswell sharing is caring

  96. Miss Tracy Hanson
    November 27, 2017 / 7:40 pm

    Sylvanian Families Beechwood Hall Gift Set is top of my great-niece’s wish-list and she’s worked so hard at school this year and got lots of stars and awards I think she’s earned it. She’s also been very good to her baby sister Mylah and will help her Mum to look after Mylah (which we were a bit concerned about).

  97. Hannah Scudder
    November 27, 2017 / 7:50 pm

    One of the things I would buy is the chad valley guitar for my son.

  98. November 27, 2017 / 8:09 pm

    I would spend it on christmas and birthday present for my boy and would put it towards hot wheels and some other bits for him xx

  99. jacqui rankine
    November 27, 2017 / 8:52 pm

    love this!

  100. Carly Belsey
    November 27, 2017 / 8:56 pm

    I would love to get my daughter the Chad Valley Deluxe Large Kitchen. This is any little girl’s dream. (when she gets older she’ll realise that being in the kitchen all the time isn’t all its cracked up to be lol) Thank you

  101. Laura Findlay
    November 27, 2017 / 9:02 pm

    I would put it towards a Chad Valley Ride on Car for my son x

  102. Rachael Sexey
    November 27, 2017 / 9:08 pm

    I would spoil my daughter Ava 😀

  103. Simone Griffin
    November 27, 2017 / 9:16 pm

    I’d buy some dinosaurs for my son

  104. Natalie Crossan
    November 27, 2017 / 9:38 pm

    the Chad Valley Fire station is on my daughters Christmas list 😀 xxx

  105. Simon Tinsley
    November 27, 2017 / 9:38 pm

    I’d put it towards a Nintendo Switch

  106. Caroline Blaza
    November 27, 2017 / 9:42 pm

    I like the Chad Valley airport x

  107. Zoe Brown
    November 27, 2017 / 10:32 pm

    it would have to be the chad valley inflatable goal set for my nephews they would love it

  108. Laura Lou
    November 27, 2017 / 10:38 pm

    My goodness. So much choice! Aqua magic mat is right up there as is the activity triangle but I also love the baby play net and the ball pool. So many choices and with such good prices I could probably buy them all!! (Very excited first time mummy)

  109. Rachael O'Brien
    November 27, 2017 / 10:53 pm

    I’d love to get the till and some toys for my boy 🙂

  110. Eva Trelfa
    November 27, 2017 / 10:57 pm

    Id buy the chad valley fire station for my nephew 🙂

  111. Lucy Chester
    November 27, 2017 / 11:18 pm

    I would buy some Star Wars Lego from Argos

  112. tammi nutting
    November 27, 2017 / 11:45 pm

    my daughter has asked for a few family games , so want to get her connect 4 and kplunk

  113. Lia Burns
    November 27, 2017 / 11:53 pm

    I would get a designafriend doll for my 5 year old with some outfits too x

  114. November 27, 2017 / 11:55 pm

    I would buy my niece a Chad Valley Keyboard….revenger for buying my daughter play-doh hahahaha

  115. Kate Davies
    November 28, 2017 / 12:03 am

    I’d treat my son to the chad valley 6ft trampoline.

  116. Scott Fallon
    November 28, 2017 / 12:17 am

    I’d put it towards an Xbox one S

  117. Janice Mackin
    November 28, 2017 / 12:19 am

    I would buy some games for my children. The Wobbly Worms game looks great!

  118. November 28, 2017 / 12:34 am

    I’d buy my daughter a baby walker and my son an imaginext toy! thanks for the chance 🙂

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