A Yorkshire rural business, passionate about play and escaping the everyday. They make and post eco play boxes for families who love to discover, imagine and create. Each box has three activities, beautiful artwork and simple instructions. All you need to find are scissors and glue.
There are three activities per box. Each box has a different focus so that parents can match their child’s interests to the activities. Maybe you have a messy monster, curious experimenter or expert den builder; or the quiet crafter who will spend all hours absorbed in making something beautiful. Need advice on which one to choose? Get in touch on email here info@oldforgeyork.com
The boxes arrive secured with the most beautiful tape which creates intrigue from the little eyes awaiting to open the box!
“Henry opened the box with a “WOW”, which says it all.”
Everything is beautifully presented with so many natural materials of different textures, sizes and smells. There are some beautifully illustrated instructions which Henry read out. He was excited to inform us that we were to DESIGN and BUILD our own SURVIVAL SHELTER. Eliza and Henry excitedly unpacked the box before deciding what to do. We discussed the best way to start and what we were trying to achieve. Henry and Eliza soon decided what they would both like to do. Thankfully, they were slightly different tasks! Eliza had spotted the lovely people, the natural wood and clothes so she decided she would be making the people, dressing them and making the beds. Henry set about making the shelter. We decided to build it inside as it was very foggy. On a brighter day, we will definitely build it outside.
The frame was made of sticks and secured with string and built up, then covered with camouflage by way of moss, fern, bark, feathers and straw. All the materials are immaculately presented and very dry. It is great to discuss the provenance of them as we go.
The kids took the lead as to what they were creating and i was just on hand as the assistant to tie knots, operate the scissors and dab a little bit of glue. Henry felt we needed a campfire, so he shot off to collect a few stones to form the outer circle. As they went, they discussed, how the shelter would protect them from animals, scratch marks were even drawn on the bark….. and Eliza worried about making the beds comfortable!
Charlie and Bella (the named figures) were put to bed, then woken for breakfast round the campfire!
This is a lovely pack, which kept us busy, encouraged conversation and teamwork as well as showing us what beautiful materials we have outside, teaching children what nature gives us. It’s a great sensory experience for all ages of the family. There is no “wrong answer” so children can just let their imaginations take them. Great to do at weekends during this second lockdown or lovely to do as a family. Nice Christmas pressie too….
For more details visit the website: Forest Craft and Play
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Email here info@oldforgeyork.com
*For the purpose of this review, we were gifted the box. However, we would never be persuaded not to give our honest thoughts, after all a spades a spade!