Customer Reviews

Plan Toys Plan Toy Balancing Cactus

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a fantastic toy, one of my favorites in the Plan Toys line, and we own more than a few of them. I don't mean just fun for the kids; my husband and I like playing with it also!

My children, two and four, were immediately taken with it. We haven't yet played it as a 'game' but that's really just a bonus interpretation of its uses anyway. It's fun to just stack it in really precarious ways (ie. those other than what's pictured) and see how long you can keep it from toppling while building it up as tall or wide as possible. If you were to build the cactus, as is pictured, it is very attractive and proves to be quite stable. This is nice for shelving the toy when I'm too busy to supervise my youngest with it. The real challenges are not in building what is expected, but are self-imposed; pushing the limits of what can be balanced atop this generally stable base.

This toy/game consists of a total of 19 pieces that fit together with a peg-and hole system. Each progressively smaller piece has less holes, and the coral-orange pieces have no holes, and so cannot be built upon. Another reviewer mentioned that the pegs fit loosely in the holes and this is true. A piece will often swivel downward from the weight of a successive piece. This doesn't bother me, but I thought it was worth mentioning.

Here are the pieces that come with this set, and their measurements (information that seems difficult to come by per my observation before ordering):

- 1 Unfinished Wooden Base (5 holes): 3.5" tall x 2.5" (widest point at top) 1.5" (at bottom)
- 3 Large Dark Green Pieces (3 holes): about 3.25" tall x 1.75" wide
- 3 Medium Green Pieces (2 holes): 2.75" x 1.5"
- 3 Medium (Slightly Lighter) Green Pieces (2 holes): 2.75" x 1.5"
- 3 Small Red Pieces (1 hole) 2" x 1"
- 3 Small Yellow Pieces (1 hole) 2" x 1"
- 3 Small Coral-Orange Pieces (0 holes) 2" x 1"

Of note, especially with the many reviews stating that kids under three love this toy, is that the age recommendations are spot on. If you allow a younger child to play with this toy, it is important to be mindful of the fact that the smaller pieces are precisely the right size to cut off their airway if they were to accidentally swallow one.

Other than that already assumed issue I think this is a wonderful toy with the potential to be enjoyed by young and old alike.

I purchased this product for my twin 3 year olds. They love it! They play with it every day. My only complaint is that the pieces seem to fit less snug after lots of use so the pieces turn as you add a new piece but I would absolutely buy this again based on this purchase. My twins love building the pieces as high as possible and I know they are learning in the process. Great toy!

This is one of very few toys that is entertaining for all. Excellent quality and great concept. Helps to teach balance and concept of gravity. Educational and fun!

I bought this toy for my 4 year old daughter, but it turns out my 22 month old son likes it almost as much. They both enjoy playing with it individually as well as with someone else. It's simple and straightforward which makes it work for my 22 month old. My daughter adds her own creativity to make it more challenging and entertaining for herself.

My daughter's one and a half and she adores this toy. She got the concept quickly and easily, though she doesn't understand the 'game' aspect of taking turns, she enjoys stacking the pieces and it keeps her well occupied.

Not only that, the design is beautiful and the craftsmanship is top notch. We really love this toy. I'll be buying more from this company.

I picked up this toy on a whim because I love simple, durable wooden toys and the cactus shape was so novel. I wasn't fully expecting that my toddler (26 mos) would take to it as he has, but it truly is one of his favorite toys. He loves to try different combinations and when it topples is eager to "try again." He seriously will play with it for an hour. I also love that it teaches cooperation- it's been a great vehicle for teaching my toddler the foundations for social game-playing. I use the cactus to teach "my turn" and "your turn," and now he uses this language as well and LOVES it. Honestly the best toy I've found in months- wish other toys were such a hit for him. Fun and educational!

I was looking for a skill-based game that would be entertaining for both my 3-year-old and myself. The purely luck-based games like Candyland are rather mind-numbing for me! This Balancing Cactus game fits the bill! Since it is Plan Toys, it is of course beautifully made, and lovely to look at and touch. Both of us find it very fun to build up the cactus until it topples over, seeing how tall or lopsided we can get it before it falls! It is a fun game, and I think it will provide entertainment for a very long time.

We gave this toy to our granddaughter for Christmas. She turned 2 in November, so she was under the recommended age requirement. She really enjoyed playing with it, but didn't quite get the whole balance aspect. I had to hold the base steady while she added the pieces, so it wouldn't fall over. She made some amazing configurations, and some actually looked like a cactus! I loved the bright colors of this toy, and how my granddaughter enjoyed fitting the pieces together just for the joy of building something. Would highly recommend it!

I bought this for my nephew's 6th birthday based on other Amazon reviews of the product. It could be because he received many other gifts, but initially he did not seem interested in playing the balancing game. My 2 year old niece, however, loved this toy! She does not understand yet that it is a game, but she was very interested in creating different "sculptures." This is a colorful, well-made toy that I expect will last many years.

My 3 year old got this for Christmas, and the balancing game aspect of it isn't so great. It balances almost too well, and then she didn't really get the concept of trying to keep it balanced...however that's part of the educational aspect of it! Based on how little she has wanted to play with it, I rated it what I did, but I have fun designing with it when she walks away, and it really is a beautiful toy like almost everything Plan Toys makes.