Lights and lighting effects have long held a fascination for kids (and, let’s face it, adults too). I recently reviewed a Disco Ball Wristband and my young tester can’t take it off and adores it. So it felt only right to continue down this wonderfully bright and glowing path with another Wicked Uncle favourite: the Wandini. If the Disco Ball Wristband turns any room into a mini dance floor, the Wandini takes things a step further by transforming playtime into a swirling, floating light show that feels almost magical.
The Wandini is one of those toys that instantly grabs attention (especially when lit up). At first glance, it looks like a simple glowing twirling baton or wand, but the moment you start using it, you realise it’s designed to create the illusion of magical levitation. With a cleverly concealed thread and a lightweight, balanced design, the Wandini allows children to perform mesmerising “floating” tricks that look far more impressive than the effort required to pull them off. It’s the kind of toy that makes kids feel like they’ve stepped into a fantasy world: part magician, part Jedi and part circus performer.
In the box:
- Wand Middle Section (with attached string and finger loop)
- Wand Top Section
- Wand Bottom Section
- USB Charging Cable
- Instructions
When opening the box, the Wandini needs to be assembled – this is a quick and easy task. The Wandini is made up of three sections: black middle section that also has the attached string with finger loop, power on/off button and the USB charging port. The transparent top and bottom sections of the Wandini screw into the ends of the middle section. That’s all that is required for assembly.
With the Wandini assembled, press the power button and it lights on both transparent ends. By pressing the power button you can cycle through the 21 preset colour patterns – everything from solid colours to changing colour patterns, you can even customise your own colour pattern.
To use it, attach the finger loop onto your finger, switch the light on and gently make hand motions to watch the lit up Wandini perform “magic” levitating tricks.
There are lots of different ways to use the Wandini and there is an app that you can download to learn how to do some (search for Fun In Motion Toys). Now this is where I had my only problem – the app is easy to use – I just selected Wandini from the menu and there are demonstration and teaching videos – the only problem was there was an error on each video and directed me to YouTube to watch each one. The videos did work from YouTube it just would have been better to access them directly from the app rather than getting an error and clicking on the YouTube link.
Once a few demonstrations have been watched you can start practicing your own tricks – just be careful and not over-zealous – I managed to knock my face a few times while trying to be too adventurous too quickly.
Overall, the Wandini is lots of fun for putting on magical light shows. Once in use it looks like the wand is floating through the air, controlled by your hand movements – without actually touching the Wandini.
There’s no steep learning curve, no complicated setup and no need for prior experience with magic tricks or performance toys. Children can pick it up and start experimenting straight away. Within minutes, they’re spinning it, twirling it and creating hypnotic patterns of light in the air. The LED glow is bright without being harsh, and the colour-changing effects add a dynamic, almost ethereal quality to the movements. Whether used in a dim bedroom, a garden at dusk or a darkened living room, the Wandini produces a captivating visual display.
As this is a toy that is going to be spinning and twirling, durability was a concern. The string seems delicate (and thin enough to remain invisible when using) but it holds up surprisingly well and is surviving lots of enthusiastic use. As for the wand itself, it is lightweight but sturdy and even after repeated spins and yes, drops, it remains intact and ready for more.
Charging is simple – no batteries to replace, it’s rechargeable. A USB charging cable is suppled (no adapter). Plug in the cable into your own USB adapter or laptop and it will fully charge in 2 hours (if using a 2A adapter, slower if using less than this). When fully charged it will give usage time from 3 to 10 hours (this all depends on the colour of the lights being used).
While it is lots of fun creating the levitating light shows, it does also have some other benefits. It superb for movement and creativity. Children aren’t just watching lights; they’re actively creating patterns, experimenting with speed and direction and discovering how different motions produce different effects. It’s a toy that gets them off the sofa (and their screens), waving their arms, spinning around and expressing themselves physically.
The Wandini is a brilliant simple toy that blends fun, creativity and a visual spectacle. It’s easy to use, surprisingly robust and endlessly entertaining. Much like the Disco Ball Wristband, it taps into that universal love of lights and movement, but adds an extra layer of wonder with its floating illusion. For children who enjoy performing, experimenting or simply being dazzled by glowing effects, the Wandini is fantastic. Although the app could do with an improvement and I think a little fabric carry bag would be a nice touch for portability.
The Wandini is suitable for age 8+. You can watch some tricks in action (not mine) on the Wicked Uncle website here.
Rating: 4.5/5
RRP: £21.99
For more information or to buy, visit www.wickeduncle.co.uk.
DISCLOSURE: I received this item for free for the purposes of writing an honest and impartial review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
