Vilac Garden Magnetic Maze

There is something about a magnetic stylus that makes small children go completely and utterly focused in the best possible way. Tongue out, brow furrowed, one bead at a time. This little garden maze is one of those toys that buys you a genuinely peaceful fifteen minutes, and if that sounds like exactly what you need right now, you are very welcome.

We love it because:

• The illustrated world is absolutely beautiful. Sarah Betz's artwork turns the board into a proper little garden, with strawberry beds and an orchard and a greenhouse for the eggplant, and children want to be in it. That matters, because the playing-with-it bit follows naturally.
• The counting is built in so gently you almost miss it. One eggplant, two carrots, three radishes, four pears, five strawberries. Numbers with a reason behind them, which is so much better than numbers on a flashcard.
• The little gates and spinning wheels mean it stays interesting. This is not a straight run from A to B. There are things to figure out, which is exactly the kind of challenge that keeps a three or four year old completely absorbed.
• It is genuinely lovely to look at, which means it can live on a shelf without you having to hide it away between uses.
• Fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, early numeracy and concentration, all happening quietly while your child thinks they are just playing. Which they are. Both things are true at once.

What's in the box:

• 1 illustrated wooden maze board (22.5 x 22.5 x 2.5 cm)
• 1 magnetic stylus

Great for:

• Ages 2 and up
• A gift that feels considered and beautiful rather than just useful
• Children who like to concentrate on something and see it through
• Early numeracy and first introductions to counting in a completely natural, hands-on way
• Fine motor development, logic and focus for the pre-school years
• Quiet independent play (we said what we said)

Important to know:

• Recommended for ages 2 and up
• Dimensions: 22.5 x 22.5 x 2.5 cm
• Made from wood, illustrated by Sarah Betz
• Wipe clean with a dry or slightly damp cloth
• The magnetic stylus is included and should be kept with the board so it is always ready to go