Once upon a time I was a parent who was passionate about having zero screen free time – then lockdown happened and I discovered the untold positives of children’s technology. Of course I am still an advocate for learning through play and the benefits of natural resources but I have managed to find some wonderful kids shows which I feel really help kids learn important lessons for themselves.

Morphle caught my attention because he has a naughty counterpart or twin called Orphle (pronounced awful) the notion of which cracked me up and made me pay attention to the YouTube channel of Dutch animator Arthur Van Merwijk – I often find myself with kids shows still on long after bedtime and forget that Arlo isn’t even awake, I made a mental note as I thought he would enjoy this fab little show. Morphle is a funny little magical pet which belongs to Mila and they have all sorts of adventures together.

Morphle is magical and can transform in to all sorts of different shapes and animals which means he can often be called upon to help friends in a time of need. Mila (just like Arlo) has a strong imagination and so there’s no limit to the creativity – Morphle can become a dinosaur a giant truck, or even a fire engine with a large ladder to help rescue a cat stuck up a tree. It’s no surprises that the animation now has its own dedicated TV show and a huge range of merchandise and toys.

The idea is that whatever situation they find themselves in, a little creativity from Mila can help solve the problems and of course friendship tends to help overcome all the barriers too. These are powerful messages for little ones which we like to reinforce at home. Arlo likes to play pretend and “transform mummy in to” all sorts of creatures – I love to play along which is okay at home but I do get some funny looks when he tells me I’m a kangaroo in the middle of a supermarket and I play along by jumping around like a loon!

That’s beside the point – one of our favourite things about Morphle is his twin Orphle – we use this analogy to help communicate emotions and feelings in a positive way. The little plushie we were sent recently is ideal for this – we have conversations about how we feel on a daily basis and Arlo will show me the green or red side based on how he feels – a little like the inside out octopus (octopi?) toys work – Morphle is always happy and Orphle is how he tells me he’s been up to mischief – and trust me a four year old can create havoc at home in a matter of moments.

Arlo will re-enact episodes from the show and then continue the story with an ensemble cast of his toys here at home creating all sorts of escapades. His little Mila vehicles are ideal for this and he gets very involved with his role play and it keeps him busy for hours. These chunky little vehicles are ideal for small hands and he likes to take them out and about too. Other parents have spotted these and mentioned that they too have kids fascinated with magical Morphle and didn’t realise that there was a range of toys in existence.

These vehicles, the plushie and more Morphle items are available to order online now from retailers such as Amazon and would make ideal stocking fillers for little ones.

Products provided for the purpose of review but as always all thoughts and opinions expressed are our own

From the moment we unboxed this game we have all been fiercely competing against each other for household champion bragging rights. ProjeX is like one of the retro arcade games and the best thing is you don’t need any screens – just the base, blasters and a blank wall.

The box comes with a base, two blasters and three interchangeable cards for different targets plus full instructions on a sheet. The three different card options are targets, aliens and my personal favourite – ducks! The base has a slot to install the cards and two buttons which programme the game play – a simple LED screen flashes in to action when you press power and the base also lights up – and for the best game play the room lights need to be off.

The base whirrs in to action – rotating and moving up and down projecting the chosen targets on to the walls around the home and then it’s simply a case of directing your blaster at your intended target and firing. Each different target has its own unique sounds which have had us in stitches. Everyone in the family has been involved in the game play in one way or another. You can play solo, head to head – blue vs red to see who gets the highest score or you can choose to team up and work together to defeat the ducks and get the highest score possible!

There’s five different game play options and three different levels to choose from – I’ve been finding the kids (and adults) practicing their skills with a bit of solo practice at every opportunity as we’re planning a family tournament on our next rainy day. I’m really pleased with this toy because it reminds me of nostalgic childhood games and really does involve everyone as it’s so simple to get to grips with. The blasters have target pointers which help – the little red and blue dots track across the wall so you can get an accurate aim.

We have been using this in the front room where we have a nice clear light wall to project on to and can draw the curtains for darkness. We find ProjeX works well lower down, so positioned on the floor or on a coffee table rather than a dining table and so far with hours of game play we’re still on the one set of batteries. (4xAA – not included). Overall I’m very impressed – ProjeX is available in Smyths with a RRP of £49.99 and provides hours of family fun.

ProjeX provided for the purposes of review but as always all views expressed are our own