C.H.I.N.A. Chronicles: TOS Review : Schleich

Christmas in August! That is exactly what my kids thought when my review package of Schleich figurines showed up on our porch one afternoon. Exactly 5 new fans of these figurines have been born.

Included in my package were
•Swabian-Hall Piglet
•Okapi
•Donkey
•Gnu Calf
•Gnu
•Przewalkski's Horse
•Dartmoor Pony
•Indian Elephant Calf

These animals are hand painted, containing great detail to each figurine. The weight of the figurines is what surprised me. I am used to light weight flimsy figures where over a short amount of time a trunk breaks off or a leg bends and snaps. Schleich figures are solid, with a good weight to them. Schleich figures are geared towards the 3 and up crowd, fitting nicely in a small child's hand. The details of each animal are amazing. It gave my kids the ability to really explore the animal without being around the life sized one.

There are many things you can do with these animals. For instance my little ones ages 6 and 7 began imaginative play with them. I also let them choose one to play quietly with while I did a read aloud. My older kids were fighting over the color catalog that came with them, choosing which ones to spend allowance on. My 14 year old was particularly taken with the magical collection of fairies that they offer since she collects fairy figurines. The prices vary for the animals and other pieces.

One thing I enjoyed was on the Schleich.com site specifically. You can look up any animal they sell and it will give you its zoological name, conservation status and global home. Also listed with the specific animal is a blurb about that particular breed along with a fun fact. This could be a fun activity for kids to look up different animals to help them classify them or dig deeper on a specific animal. My 12 year old spent some time checking out all the different information they offered on the various horse breeds. Local retailers sell them, use the locator on their site to find one near you. You can also find them at online retailers. We purchased some at Amazon.com for stocking stuffers this Christmas.

Schleich figures are a great toy. When you see one in person you can see the painting detail. This is one company I will turn to for quality toys for all the kids in my life.