Disclaimer: The Eastside Macaroni Kid was provided with Gift 'ems Single Blind Pack Box, 3-Pack Assortment, Tour Bus, and Hotel & Spa in return for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own and not influenced by JAKKS Pacific and/or its affiliates, in any way.
Gift 'ems in, Shopkins out. The hot, collectible toy of the season is JAKKS Pacific's Gift 'ems that provides endless amounts of fun, as well as adds value by introducing international cities, countries, and their flags right to your children. Each doll in packaged inside its own individual gift box, and literally is a gift inside a gift. The bright pink packaging, Gift 'ems Bus, and Gift 'ems Hotel & Spa scream GIRL, but as evident with all its fantastic features, this is a toy boys can enjoy, too!
While preparing for the Holiday Toy Preview Party on November 10th at FIT4MOM in Redmond, I had to open each toy and set them up (assembly was very minimal.) I looked at all the little pieces and was immediately put off. Every mother that ends up cleaning up after their kid comes to loathe toys with multiple pieces. But as I opened each mini gift box and uncovered each unique Gift 'ems doll, I began to appreciate it. In the pink box was Jacquilyn L'Amour, a blonde, beret-wearing, Parisienne from France. In the purple box was Kiara Kingston from Kingston, Jamaica. In the white box with the blue lid was Canadian Vicky Vancouver. I had six boxes in total to open and the suspense kept building up and all I wanted to know was what surprise was inside and where she was from.
Inside the box reveals the each doll's name, city and country, as well as iconic scenes from her hometown and her country's flag. The doll is also nestled inside and is marked on a 5-point rarity scale from common to limited edition. With 84 different dolls out there, this is such a fun toy to begin collecting.
I didn't realize parts (heads, hair, tops, and bottoms) could be popped and swapped until I saw plastic hair off to the side of the dolls. The kids at the party were sure having a good time! They also enjoyed having the dolls relax at the Hotel & Spa, as well as having them sit in the double-decker Bus. My daughter loves anything on wheels, as well as toys with multiple pieces, so she took to this toy easily.
Even just telling you about how awesome each of the Gift 'ems dolls are makes me want to head to the store, buy a few boxes to "unwrap", and discover where in the world they are from.
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