How do you find out which toys kids are going to go absolutely ga-ga over? You gather a bunch of children in a room with a bunch of toys – that’s how.
And that’s what Kmart just did, inviting Mum Central to a special event that combines three of our very favourite things – Kmart, toys and kids! What’s not to love?!
Earlier this month, Kmart invited children from around Australia to come to Melbourne for the day and put its new toy range through its paces. From wooden toys to cuddly softies, from craft kits to building blocks, no toy was left untouched. Or unplayed with.
Putting the fun into play
We at Mum Central are already suckers for the Kmart toy range. In fact, we recently hand-picked our own faves from the Kmart toy aisles to show you. The toys are educational, affordable and durable – win win win!
My six-year-old son, Alex, feels pretty much the same way about Kmart’s toy collection. So you can imagine his excitement to be one of the lucky kiddies invited to the toy test party.
We were both grinning ear to ear when we arrived at Chadstone Shopping Centre to discover table upon table of toys. They had every aisle covered -modelling dough, colouring in, craft kits, puppets, soft toys, toy kitchens, dolls houses, wooden toy sets and dress up costumes.
PLUS, they gave all the kids official “toy tester” lab coats, which Alex thought was the coolest thing ever. He’s officially changed his career occupation of choice from a police officer to a Kmart toy tester.
It’s Kmart toy testing time!
So which toys made the grade, according to my son?
For Alex, it was all about the wooden toys collection. He’s the king of imaginative play, and it didn’t take long before he nestled into the toy cash register ($19) and shop set.
I have to say I love that Alex is a fan of wooden toys. I was too, and still am. They are great for setting their imagination on fire and of course, building and improving on their dexterity. Plus, you can’t really get past that whole nostalgic element attached to them.
Pretty soon we were whisked away to play shopkeepers. I am not too sure about Alex’s suggested $1 million price tag for the wooden school bus ($15) though?! Alex clearly didn’t want to let it go for cheap. In fact, he didn’t want to let it go at all.
Luckily he didn’t have to. Alex was invited to choose his favourite toy to take home and, of course, he chose the wooden school bus. (Top pick, Alex!) It comes with its own wooden crew, but Alex tells us his Spiderman and Batman toys aren’t shy about hitching a ride.
Going above and beyond, in the name of toys
Toys aside, the best thing about the whole experience was watching the team at Kmart interact with the kids. It showed they truly care about what children want and what toys our little ones want to see on the shelves (and in their toy boxes at home).
After getting this behind-the-toy-shelf experience, it makes perfect sense why Kmart is an industry leader in the toy category and why they continue to surprise up with their innovative toy range.
We can’t wait to see what they come up with next! And I’m sure our kids can’t either. Want more Kmart love? Then don’t miss our article about brilliant Kmart hacks to make mum life easier.
WATCH IT ALL UNFOLD HERE:
To celebrate all things toys, toys, toys, we’ve got a $100 Kmart Gift Card up for grabs to one of our lucky readers!
To enter, simply complete the entry form below and tell us in the comments what toys your kids would have played with most to be in the running!
GOOD LUCK!
