Haba Tack Zap ~ On Duty Review

Another parcel, and more excitement!

We've been sent the Haba Tack Zap as part of our role as Toadstool Toy Testers.

It's my belief that wherever possible, and with sensible limits, children should be taught how to use things safely rather than just kept away from them until they're 'older' or have lost interest. Whenever children see adults hammering and making things with wood they are fascinated, and this toy allows them to explore that and learn for themselves.

Inside the box are 27 wooden shapes in lovely colours (around half with printed detail), a very light little hammer, a cork board and a bag of little tacks approx 1cm long and with a semi blunt tip.

When my brother was 4 I remember him coming home regularly from nursery school with bits of wood with bent nails hammered into them and telling me about the rocket or train he'd made. Nowadays it just wouldn't be possible, which is a real shame because my boys are having a huge amount of fun playing with this, and I really do think when their Dad and I start putting together a new interior for our Campervan, they will be there to 'help'.

The Tack Zap (try saying that 3 times in quick succession!) or Nagelspiel Im Einsatz (which is easier to say even to a non-German speaker, surely) is designed for children aged 3+ and is currently retails for an incredibly reasonable £13.60

It is excellent for hand/eye co-ordination, fine motor skills and concentration. It teaches colours, requires problem-solving skills and definitely sparks the imagination.There are several examples of builds you can make in the leaflet from the box, but you can make a bazillion more with the 27 shapes supplied.

We've had no injuries and I've only found very few nails dropped on the floor. They understand they're using a 'grown up' toy, and are treating it with the respect it deserves. I think this is another way in which this toy is teaching my children a lot.

We absolutely love this toy.

It's a real hit and great fun for the children, the teenagers have all been caught with it too!  It is so many different things rolled into one, a jigsaw puzzle, an imagination trigger, a storyboard and a 'big boys tool kit' etc. The price is excellent and I'd heartily recommend it for any child. I'd certainly buy it as a present and encourage any responsible adult to consider getting one for their children. A very well deserved 5/5

I was supplied with the 'Haba Tack Zap ~ On Duty' at a discounted price by The Toadstool Online Toy Shop