Another hit by trustworthy Orchard Toys (Orchard Toys Jelly Elephants)

Member Name: takeachance

Product:	Orchard Toys Jelly Elephants
Date:	31/08/09 (91 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: price, simple, engaging, edcational

Disadvantages: none

Orchard Toys make games, puzzles and activities. They are designed and manufactured in Britain using thick, durable recycled board and have a wipe-clean finish so they offer years of enjoyment and great value for money.
THe games are tested in schools, playgroups and homes by children and adults alike to ensure that they offer great value for money and that play is enjoyed by all. The games and puzzles stimulate young minds and make learning fun. All products conform to European safety standards and give years of enjoyment.

THis particular Orchard game is Jelly Elephants and I bought it recently in DEbenhams in the sale for £4.95 although it retails online at the moment for £7 (amazon).
I was drawn to it by the price and the colourful box with clear markings and instructions.
The box clearly states that Jelly Elephants is for age 3+ and for 2-4 players. The educational guide states that this gane will develop colour match skills and develop personal and social skills.

The box contains 20 jelly cards, 20 bowl cards, 4 jelly elephant cards, 6 puzzle cards and 1 instruction leaflet.
The cards really are very thick and well made and are almost plastic like in appearance and are easily cleaned of minor spills! Barring loosing them I can see them lasting years.

Now, the general object of the game is to be the player with the most jellies in their bowls at the end of the game.
To play, shuffle the cards and place them in a pile facedown. The first player starts by taking a card from the top of the pile.
If the player picks a bowl card they keep it (only one of each colour)
If the player picks a jelly card then they can keep it if it matches an empty bowl card that they have already won.
Any cards that are not 'won' have to be put on a seperate pile and cant be kept.
If the player picks up a Jelly Elephant card, then the player must loose jelly from one of their bowls and put it on the discard pile.
If the player picks one of the 6 puzzle pieces then the puzzle must be made on the side of your play area.
Keep playing in this way until all six puzzle pieces are uncovered. At this point game ceases and the winner is the player with the most bowls with same colour jelly included.

Its such a simple idea but I must admit that it works! My four year old asks to play this most days in preference to much more expensive or electrical toys. It is a real hit in our house and is small enough that it has been packed in our luggage for holiday too!
Im pleased that the kids like it so much, it really does teach matching, colours, counting, sharing and taking it in turns.
Each game lasts only about 5 minutes so rather than get bored they kids are asking "again, again" !

Summary: Educational play!