Zig Zag and Zoom with this Tabletop Maze
Written: Jan 23 '04
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Product Rating:
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Pros: This maze is durable, educational and a FUN plaything
Cons: ~~None~~
The Bottom Line: I am SO pleased with the quality of the Zig Zag Zoom Tabletop Maze, I plan to purchase a larger, more advanced Educo maze for my son.
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| marybatson's Full Review: Zig Zag Zoom Table Top Maze |
I must have read an article that promoted the values of maze-type toys when my son was an infant, as this is my 3rd review of a maze. It’s strange… I didn’t realize he had that many mazes until I prepared to post this piece.
Just the Facts:
● The Zig Zag Zoom Tabletop Maze is manufactured by Educo International, Inc. The maze has recently been re-colored, and bears a new name, the Space Loop.
● It’s a 3-dimensional, tabletop maze
● It’s recommended for children 2 and up
● It currently retails for $24.99 at Toys R Us
My Experience:
When selecting playthings for my son, I generally scan the on-line stores first. I read reviews, and make mental notes before entering the madness of toy stores. This way I spend less time wandering the isles aimlessly. Well, at least my in-store time is brief. I can’t account for my on-line minutes as easily, but that’s another story. The Zig Zag Zoom Tabletop Maze wasn’t one of those predetermined toys. I saw the maze in the Imaginarium section of Toys R Us, and remembered how much Will liked mazes. I placed it in the cart, and he went nuts. I tempted him with other playthings, but in the end, he chose this toy over others, not me.
William was fascinated with the beads, and the rattling sounds they made. He giggled when I flicked the beads across the wire and they clanked on the other end. This exploration lasted for probably 20-minutes. He was 16-months at the time, so all he could do was spin the beads, and shake the maze. Playing with the maze became apart of our regular routine. Several times a week I’d place it on the ground, or in his playpen, and he was engaged for 15-minutes, or more. Eventually he learned how to glide the beads across the track, and this brought fits of laughter. When he turned 2, we discussed the colors, and the relationship between the bead sizes. Now that he’s 2½ years old, we count the beads, and talk about directional associations, such as left, right, over, under, and in between. He asks to play with the maze often. Not only because it’s fun, but because he’s learning, and the interaction with adults is always welcomed.
This Zig Zag Zoom Tabletop Maze is solidly constructed. It has been dropped, tossed, and chewed upon umpteen times, yet keeps delighting my son without falter. As far as cleaning, the maze can be washed with a cloth and soapy water. I disinfected it with Lysol when Will contracted pink eye, and washed it down with soapy water afterward. It shows little wear, and will remain a useful toy for years to come.
Toy Description:
The Zig Zag Zoom Tabletop Maze is labeled as an educational toy. It is considered a mid-sized maze, and measures 9” x 9”x 10 ½” tall, think of a large toaster. It weighs approximately 2-pounds, which is too heavy for infants to lift, but light enough for a 2-year old to carry. It is comprised of wire, colorful beads, and a wood base.
Beads
The beads are made of wood, and come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. There are 28 beads altogether: 10-red beads, 6-yellow beads, 4-blue beads, 4-orange beads, and 4-green beads. The beads have a smooth texture with the exception of two beads, which have carved lines. All of the beads are painted with non-toxic materials.
Tracks
There are 3 different tracks all together. They are attached at each end, so the beads cannot interrelate, or link-up. The tracks are made of smooth, heavy-duty wire. The wire is ¼” thick, so it’s very solid, and cannot be bent. The main track is blue, and has 2 loop-de-loops, like a roller coaster. The second track is green and arches between the loop-de-loops. The last track is yellow, and crosses through the green, and blue tracks. The tracks are fastened inside the wood, and rubber grommets secure the connection. It’s a very stable design.
Base
The base is made of solid wood, but is not a solid piece of wood. It is a wood frame, as 2-year-olds would not be able to lift it otherwise. In addition, the frame allows for grasping, carrying, and the exploration of all sides of the maze. There are NO sharp edges, as the corners are rounded. The base is red, and painted with non-toxic paint.
As a developmental toy, the Zig Zag Zoom Tabletop Maze offers the following:
● Develops fine-motor skills
● Promotes fine eye-hand coordination skills, and visual tracking
● Encourages cooperate-play by counting, and discussing color, size, and direction
● Grasping and shaking strengthens gross motor skills
● Fosters analytical thought by promoting independent play
Other Points of Interest:
● No batteries required
● There are NO safety concerns with this plaything, i.e. strangling, smothering, cutting, or swallowing
● Gender neutral plaything
● No assembly required
● Educo claims that all of their mazes are honored with the Oppenheim Special Needs Best Toy Award, and the Oppenheim Gold Seal of Excellence
Closing Remarks:
The Zig Zag Zoom Tabletop Maze is an awesome plaything. We’ve had this toy for a year and a half now, and with the exception a few scratches on the frame, it’s still in terrific shape especially for a well-used toy. I am so pleased with the quality of this toy I plan to purchase another Educo maze. Therefore, my maze reviews do not end here. I’m looking to buy a larger, more advanced labyrinth so my son can continue to enjoy many more years of maze delights.
A BIG thanks goes out to Suzanne, one of the two Category Leads in Kids & Family. Thank you for adding the Zig Zag Zoom Tabletop Maze to the site. Your support is much appreciated!
Happy Playing ~☺~
Mary
Other Maze Reviews:
Symphony Star Beads by Fisher-Price
Bead Chaser by Kids II
Educo International Inc.
123 Cree Road, Sherwood Park, AB
T8A 3X9 Canada
Phone: (780)467-9772, Fax: (780) 467-4014
Toll Free in North America: 1-800-661-4142
www.educo.com/
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): $24.99
Type of Toy: Educational
Age Range of Child: 12 to 36 Months
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marybatson
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Member: Mary
Location: Phoenix
Reviews written: 169
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