With Christmas just around the corner, the hunt for Christmas presents is now on, including toys for the children. In our house the boys just love their wooden toys, especially train sets and vehicles. So we were delighted when the Hape Crane Lift arrived for review. We have a few toys from Hape already and have always found them to be of excellent quality.
The box contains 10 pieces and does need some very quick assembly. The boys wanted to help, so they unpacked the box and removed all the protective tissue from the wooden pieces while I assembled the crane – the pieces just need slotting together and the base screwed on (is just one screw). Once assembled it is very sturdy and quite large, measuring 50cm high, 36cm in length and 12cm wide. The crane cab rotates, and the lifting platform moves up and back as well as backwards and forwards.
The crane is quipped with a cab where little figures can sit in (figures are not supplied), and comes with some cones, road sign and barriers. The lifting platform attaches to a hook and two wheels can be turned to lift and lower the platform as well as move it backwards and forwards. The cab turns so the lifting platform can be moved.
Overall, the boys love this crane. They love the size of it and the fact that they can put thing on the lifting platform and move them up and down, left and right etc.by turning the wheels on the crane arm. It’s bright yellow colour and moving parts makes it look and feel very realistic. It encourages problem solving, imagination, discovery, pretend play, all while helping to develop flexibility and fine motor skills. So while it is good for play it is also helping educate.
The boys have spent hours playing with this and pretending to be construction workers, incorporating it in to their train and road sets. As with all Hape toys we have tried, the quality of the build is excellent. Made from wood and water-based paints in a natural wood inspired design, it looks fantastic.
With Christmas nearly here, this would make a great gift for this festive season and an excellent way to create and encourage imaginative play. To expand the set there is also a Dumper Truck that can accompany the crane (this is sold separately).
It is suitable for children aged 3 year +.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £37.99
For more information visit www.hape.com. Available to buy from Amazon here.
Disclosure: I received this item for free for the purposes of writing an honest and impartial review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This review uses an affiliate link which I may receive a small commission from if you purchase through the link.
