Jungle favourite and global award-winning toy manufacturer Zuru have another family-friendly toy collection hit, the super fun robotics brand – Pets Alive! There has been a lot of excitement since the launch of the viral sensation, Boppi the Booty Shakin’ Llama and now the all new Fifi (The Flossing Sloth) and Frankie the Funky Flamingo have joined the family! The range also features a Magical Unicorn, Cute Scootin’ Hamster, Adorable Angel Fish, Magical Mermaid, and Tiny Turtle – every animal your children could want to interact and play with!
This fantastical collection of fun and playful pets is bound to be on your children’s Christmas list. But what did we think?
Inspired by children and imaginative play, Boppi, ‘The Booty Shaking’ Llama steal the show with her unique ‘twerking’ and ‘head-spinning’ dance moves. Boppi dances to three catchy songs and is set to be a hit with kids and adults alike when she reaches shelves later this year.
#Pets Alive Boppi the Booty Shakin’ Llama, and Bonnie the rainbow edition.
My daughter is a perfect age for a toy like this, as it has become her best friend. Key features include three songs to dance to, robotic twerking and head spinning motions, not to mention an unbelievably cute design. Batteries are included (4x Alkaline AA required). RRP £24.99 – Available at Amazon – currently at £19.71 with PRIME free delivery. Pets Alive Rainbow Bonnie offers a new look, 3 NEW songs, NEW dance moves and 360 spins! Her coat colours are bold and bright. The Llamas will get the entire family up dancing and laughing for hours!
Parent thought:
The fact that the toy is a Llama and has cute features, soft ears and large embroidered eyes sells it for me. It is well made, with no loose stitching or labels and seems durable – being aggressively cuddled constantly by a toddler. The fur is surprisingly soft (it did shed a bit at first) and its well sized for the price, but not too big that it cannot be stored away tidily in a toybox. I like that it plays different types of songs, and that you can press the off button and stop a song if you accidently set Boppi off! The music is not too loud so easy to cope with. Of course, more song choice would be positive but then you would be looking at a bigger price tag. Perhaps a Llama that dances when you play music should be developed! The battery case is well hidden and safely accessible with a screwdriver.
#Fifi the Flossing Sloth.
For most of the past two years I have had to put up with my son doing the floss. Thanks, Fortnite. I have tried it; my nan has tried it. Fifi flosses to three songs, mimicking the popular dance craze and it is a great new addition to the growing Pets Alive collection. I like her unisex purple colour and easy function – you press Fifi’s nose to start the dance. I think Fifi is a bit more age appropriate for older children than Boppi within the age 3 to 10 range, which is good as Norah loves the Llama and Leo has commended Fifi. RRP: £24.99.
Parent thought:
When the Sloth toy arrived, we found it was well packaged and easy to unwrap and use. Fifi came with an instruction manual but it was not needed. I cannot decide if I really love Fifi’s expression or if she looks a little sinister with her smirk and blinking eyes! Size wise Fifi measures H29, W29, D14cm, so again it is a decent sized toy. She is incredibly detailed and although technicoloured, very lifelike and well made. Even though the toy been pressed over and over Fifi does not seem to burn through batteries which is good. She is lightweight and gets carried all around the house.
#Frankie the Funky Flamingo.
There has never been a funkier pet than Frankie the Funky Flamingo from ZURU Pets Alive! Her hilarious neck twirling and vibrant flapping feathers make it impossible to not get up and dance along! She dances to 3 songs and even comes with a baby flamingo figure to collect. Again, batteries are included, and you can buy from Smyths toys for £19.99.
Parent thought:
Out of all the toys Frankie is the least active in that her neck twirls and she does not bop around the floor like the Llamas. Visually I think she is the ‘prettiest’ with multicoloured wings and long iridescent pink legs. I think given her long neck design she will be the least robust in getting grabbed by younger children and the ‘on button’ is on one of her delicate wings which makes her harder to activate. I like that each toy plays different songs so if you buy more than one of the set you get variety on the music. They are not specific/recognisable songs and do not have lyrics.
I think sometimes you can find with novelty gifts the price tag can be high, but all of the Pets Alive collection are reasonably priced. Personally, I would not have thought to buy dancing pets, but my kids LOVE them.
