Sunday, September 26, 2010

Olivia 2-in-1 Playset and Doll Review

Are you familiar with the series of books about a precocious piglet with an overactive imagination named Olivia by Ian Falconer? It's been a big favorite of mine, since the classroom days. Olivia has come to life through a hit animated series and now there are toys too! We got the 2-in-1 Transforming Playset and Olivia doll by Spin Master to review from Team Mom.You can open up the playset and see into Olivia's house. There's the kitchen, living room, bedrooms, and little accessories. There's even a staircase and the itty bitty plates come with stickers so they are always loaded with Olivia's favorite, spaghetti!ER had a lot of fun although, she did wish Olivia stood up a bit better on her own. There is a stand you attach to her feet but that kept falling off, whenever you picked her up.The best part about the playset is that it's double sided. You open one side and have Olivia's house, close it back up, open the other way, and it's a pirate ship! This all makes a lot of sense if you're aware that Olivia's imagination often transforms the area around her, in her mind, on the cartoon show. While ER spends more time playing with the house side, she does like the pirate ship too. The big look out pole is certainly fun. On the downside, we couldn't get the pirate hat to stay on Olivia's head during active play and there is a flimsy cardboard palm tree for the beach that I foresee getting bent, torn, or lost real quickly. I'm also concerned that her vinyl red jumper will get torn, the straps are kind of flimsy.

There are fewer accessories included for ship side. Also, it would've been nice if at least one other character was included along with Olivia. Overall, the playset is a good toy for an Olivia fan. I've seen it listed at $29.99 but it really needs more play figures for Olivia to interact with for it to seem complete. It appears that you can get Olivia's family, but only at one particular store, and if you do that you also get another unnecessary Olivia figure. Her friends do not seem to be available for purchase in the same size.As for the Olivia doll, well it looks like a certain someone wanted to get her little hands on it so much that she couldn't even wait in the other room while I took a picture. It is a sweet little doll and very soft. ER has been happily playing with her and since she is on the smaller size at 8", Olivia is perfect for taking along in a back pack or in the car. Other versions are available and I'm hopeful that eventually you'll be able to purchase different outfits instead of a whole new doll. Olivia is one of ER's favorite television shows, and these toys are perfect for her.

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Disclosure: I received these samples by Spin Master through Team Mom and this review reflects my own personal and unbiased experience and opinions of them. No monetary compensation was provided.

8 Friends Said:

Anonymous said...

Olivia is one of the shows Zoe loves, and I crack up everytime, she is funny. Sounds like a few improvements are needed for the playhouse but still fun for kids, Love ER'S face in the last one too cute, great review!

Be Brave, Keep Going said...

we love olivia in this house. I thought my 6 year old would be getting too old, but because the show is a little more "intelligent", she still loves it

♥ Noelle ♥ said...

how FUN!!! Gage is a BIG fan of Olivia too!!

Andrea said...

It looks ADORABLE!! I want one! :)

Michelle @Flying Giggles said...

I just noticed the Olivia toys coming out. Olivia has also been a favorite of mine since reading it to my kiddos in the classroom. Aiyana enjoys Olivia books and of course, the cartoon.

I like how the house is double sided, but I also think that another character should be included. Great review!

Anonymous said...

This looks like fun. I really like that is two sided.

Anonymous said...

Katie I'm back. I've tagged you today if you'd like to play along:) http://www.kiddiescornerdeals.com/2010/09/my-eight-answers.html

Anonymous said...

My son LOVES Olivia! haha! Your precious little girl is SO CUTE! I have been meaning to comment on all the posts where she has appeared! Of course, you knew that! She is just adorable!
PS - gave you a blog award because I'm always so inspired by all you do and LOVE your linky parties!
Come and see!
http://itstoilegood.blogspot.com/2010/09/and-awards-go-to.html

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