There is one particular toy I gave to my son when he was just four, and now, at the age of seven (and 3/4s, he will be quick to add) it remains the centrepiece of every epic battle that plays out on his playroom floor. It is his Schleich Castle. This realistic castle is quite simply, one of the most impressive playthings in my son’s toy box.
Each section of the durable resin castle is separate, so endless castle configurations can be created. There are walls, towers, smaller walls with ledges (from which guards can keep watch) and a realistic weighted drawbridge.
But it doesn't end there! Additional castle elements can be added over time such as extra walls-both short and tall, towers, steps and ladders and more.
Each passing year, I am amazed at what pristine condition this castle remains in. It still looks brand new despite the countless times 'the giant comes along and smashes the castle to pieces!'
It is a magic castle that turns parents into kids. The Schleich Castle is so realistic and finely detailed, you won't be able to resist the urge to get down on the floor and play along with your child. A bonus feature is that the castle is scaled to the typical size of a small action figure so you are not limited to only Schleich figures for action!
If you don’t already know about Schleich, it is a fantastic company out of Germany that has been creating hand painted figures for over 75 years. Their philosophy is to create safe toys that are as realistic and naturalistic as possible, and boy, does Schleich deliver! The collection includes a myriad of animals from all corners of the globe, knights, fairies, cowboys, crusaders, Smurfs and much more.
It will be a sad day when my son decides he has outgrown staging medieval times with his castle, but rest assured, this is one toy that will never share a fate with any sorry broken-down toys on the garage sale tables. There are too many happy memories attached to it. I look forward to pulling the castle out for my future grandchildren to play knights and fairies and to seeing what magic the castle brings to them.
The Schleich Castle retails for approximately $169.99.
Mrs. Tiggy Winkle’s is a member of Neighbourhood Toy Stores of Canada. Since opening in 1977, Mrs. Tiggy Winkle’s has been providing quality toys for quality kids in the Ottawa area. It is a place with a 'sensory smorgasbord' for both the young and ‘young at heart’. The above recommendation comes from our Head Office Manager, and mother of two, Halima Anisman.
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