In selecting Christmas gifts last year, I debated between Playmobil, a German line of toys, and Imaginext by Fisher-Price. After consulting some of my trusted writers, such as Freak369, I choose Playmobil, because they offer the kind of expansion I’m seeking, in addition to outstanding quality. Eight months later, I’m here to report that the Pirate Treasure Chest holds as much interest today, as it did at Christmas.

The Playmobil Pirate Treasure Chest is an all-inclusive playset and is recommended for children 4-years and up. The set includes 70 fun-filled pieces many of which pose a choking hazard to younger children under 3. Thus, a warning is placed on the box for adults to be wary. The brown chest is intricately designed with lots of gold ormolu detailing. For a preschooler’s advantage, it’s impressive. The chest and all its accessories are made of heavy-duty plastic. The set is detailed and includes many accessory short of the 3-pirates, such as a locking treasure chest with gold and silver pieces, a shooting canon that really works, a fire pit with additional firewood, a makeshift table, sea creatures, weapons, a candelabra, and some bananas.

This toy offers 3-areas of play: the core of the chest, and the opposing sides. The core section includes a rock formation with moss, and a branchy tree. The doors of the chest open, and lay flat to the ground so there’s easy access to the center. One side offers two different scenes: a seaside landscape, and a secret pirate cove. The images are made of heavy-duty cardboard and are boldly colored scenes. The cardboard slides between grooves and are easily managed. The other side of the chest exposes the heart of the pirate’s den. It has rock formations, a secret hiding place for buried treasure, a trap door, palm trees, and a pier. The rocky inlet is attached to the door, and is permanent, while the trees and the pier are an extension of the set, and need to be assembled and attached with each play session.

The Pirate Treasure Chest measures 12½” wide x 7” deep x 9½” high, thus it’s the perfect size for the age group. The chest is lightweight, and easy to carry, as it only weighs 4-pounds, and includes a collapsible handle on top.


Assembly:
William and his father assembled the set along with the Pirate Dungeon, and it took them an hour for both toys. The manual is very detailed with color images, and hardly any written instructions. It’s very straightforward, and once the items are installed such as the rock formations, they are permanent. Be sure to set aside the instructions as all the accessories are catalogued if needed for replacements.


Our Experience:
After seeing the Playmobil ads on television, my son was thrilled to receive the Pirate Treasure Chest Christmas morning. His play sessions are long lasting, which isn’t surprising considering he received the Pirate Dungeon as well. He goes overboard, and creates all sorts of pirate drama when playing with his limey mates. His favorite item is the pirate captain as they share a light complexion and red hair. He’s impressive with a long red beard, red and black striped pants, and a big skull necklace. What amazes me about Playmobil toys is the pieces are so elaborate. For instance, the pirate captain consists of 8-separate pieces: his beard, his hair, a cape, a pirate hat, plume for his hat, and 2-cuffs. The bodies move at the hips so the figures can sit, the heads move from side to side, and the arms and hands move 360°. The hands are set in a permanent “C” position so they can grasp anything the set has to offer such as a weapon.

My Mother-in-law commented that it was too bad that there were so many tiny pieces in the Pirate Treasure Chest as they are easy to lose. Short of a few gold and silver pieces, we haven’t lost anything from this set. All of the accessory simply store in the treasure chest for convenient play. The pirate theme can suggest violence with the canons and weapons, but that’s simple to fix by removing them from the set. My son adores the canon. He places all the pirates along the pier [which he calls the plank] and sets the canon firing. The only nit picky thing I can mention is that the cardboard scenes are bent from being flipped so often. I’m considered laminating it so it doesn’t tear. Then again, I can always replace it with Playmobil.

This German line can be pricey, but this set retails for $24.00, and it’s certainly worth every penny. Playmobil is sold at Target, and in toy stores, but I’ve found considerable savings at TJ Maxx, and on-line at eBay. It is worth mentioning that the Pirate Treasure Chest won Parents Magazine's "Best Toy of the Year in 2004" I certainly understand why!

PLAYMOBIL USA Inc.
PO Box 877, Dayton, NJ 08810
Phone (609) 395-5566
www.playmobil.com



Additional Playmobil Reviews:
Treasure Island Set



Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): $20.00
Type of Toy: Playscene
Age Range of Child: Other