We have a lot of plastic toys. I don’t mind them really, I’m not one of those Mums who only wants wooden and old fashioned toys on the basis that my children really enjoy the plastic and flashing lights. Saying that, it IS nice every now and then to have a really classic piece, something that looks lovely as well as providing entertainment and play for the children. I like to have a bit of both and why not?!

With more traditional looking toys they can stay out in the play room (if you have one of course) and be aesthetically pleasing long after the children actually grow out of them. They also rarely go out of fashion and can be passed down for years and years. We were lucky enough to be asked to review a toy of this type this week and Jimmy was sent the Rocking Alligator from Plan Toys which is everything you want from a wooden traditional toy.

It is with a bit of difference though it has to be said and as well as being wooden, attractive and lots of fun to boot it also has a small carbon foot print, is bright and colourful and being an alligator is a different style of rocking toy to other traditional ones.

For Jimmy it is perfect; for as long as I can remember his favourite song is row, row, row your boat (the crocodile version) and it has delighted him from the minute it arrived, in pieces and he got to help Daddy put it together! To Jimmy an alligator IS a crocodile so we have decided that our one will be known as a croc! While doing a bit of googling I have found out that ALL alligators are in fact crocodiles but not ALL crocodiles are alligators so I think we’re ok calling this gator a croc don’t you?!

Just what every small boy wants, a chance to help Daddy with some building and tools!

It didn’t take the boys long to put this absolutely beautiful toy together and give Jimmy the chance to start playing and he was smitten as soon as he sat on it. This toy is sturdy, made from rubber trees, has a lovely face with a rolling eye which is very pleasing and also some beautiful textures to his face and skin! I think his nose is my favourite feature!

Very interesting and attractive features!

When it came to the rocking Jimmy thought it was absolutely fabulous and with a sturdy feet and lovely little foot rests he was well away!

What I have noticed about this toy which is recommended for ages 2+ is that you need to put more weight at the back than the front to get a real rock on. I guess this is why it is more suited to an older child. Jimmy is quite slight so has found he doesn’t rock tremendously vigorously but he has been having lots of fun on it all the same. If I had designed this toy myself I might have made the curve of the base slightly more dramatic to enable a larger rock but Jimmy doesn’t seem to mind either way and is VERY happy with it indeed!

This is a very expensive toy but it’s an investment, it won’t be a one it wonder then get dusty in the loft for as I said above, it is also a thing of beauty and will compliment any room just to look at let alone be played with. It would make a very special present and one to keep forever. We feel very lucky to have been sent him for review and can highly recommend him!

When it comes to the ethics of the company then it’s even more reason to make this a toy of choice. Plan toys are very environmentally friendly and take their sustainable play philosophy very seriously indeed. I’ve been looking at their own website and can see that the Rocking Alligator is totally typical of their designs. Lovely!

Jimmy is very keen on his Rocking Alligator or crocodile as we like to think of him as!

I was sent the Rocking Alligator for the purpose of an honest review.

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