Lovevery Honest Review: Realist Play Kit (19, 20, 21 months)

This is my first play kit from Lovevery for my twins. I have wanted to try these play kits for some time, but I didn’t have the room in the budget to do so. I’m going to share my honest Lovevery review from a Montessori perspective. I’ll look at each toy, the quality of the toys, how my boys have enjoyed them, and whether or not I think the Realist play kit is worth it. 

Unboxing the Realist Play Kit

My first reaction to the Realist play kit is that they are high quality, beautiful, and engaging materials for this age child. It is always exciting to get new toys, and my boys definately have been enjoying them. I did an unboxing video on my YouTube channel, be sure to check that out! I also set up all of the new Lovevery toys and do a toy rotation.

Toys in the Realist Play Kit

Let’s walk through each toy that you will find in the Realist play kit. At first glance, this kit seems incredible! And there are some high-quality toys in the play kits. However, there are a few things that I feel could be sourced differently. Additionally, I will touch on the quality of the individual toys, and how they align with Montessori principles as we look closer at each item in the Realist play kit. 

• The Lock Box
• Wheel Around Town Bus
• Geo Shapes Puzzle
• ‘Bea Gets a Checkup’ Board Book
• Quilted Critter Pockets
• Really Real Flashlight
• Grooved Pitcher and Glass
• Play Guide for Months 19 – 21

The Lock Box

The lock box has 4 different latches on it. I love that it is a box and not just a board with latches. This allows the child to hide things inside the box and then open the latches to take them out. The handle is a simple addition that makes this even more engaging for the child because they can either carry it around or bring it to a separate area to work with. This toy is a foundational Montessori material that works on developing problem-solving skills. It offers a good challenge for this age. I find this toy encourages repetition due to the engaging nature of the doors and latches. 

Wheel Around Town Bus

The bus was a huge hit initially with my boys, but it doesn’t remain to be a favorite. The three peg people can be posted into the seats on the bus. There is a color-matching aspect to this toy, but at 21 months my boys have not been too focused on that. They will push the bus around the house with their whole body, which is great gross motor activity. It is made with a durable plastic. In this play kit, I have a few other favorites, but this isn’t one of them for my boys. 

Geo Shapes Puzzle

From a Montessori perspective, this toy checks all the boxes. It supports exploration, is self-correcting, is beautiful and well-made. It isn’t the first thing my boys pull off their shelves, but when they choose to work with it, there is often lots of repetition. The pieces are perfect for little hands. Wooden toys like this one will last for a long time and are great toys for a future child or to sell used to another new mom. 

‘Bea Gets a Checkup’ Board Book

Each Lovevery play kit comes with a board book. These board books were similar in durability to any board book you would have. I love that the pictures are all of a real child having a real expereince all children will have, going to the doctor for a checkup. The book walks through the process of getting a checkup. I find my boys to be so engaged with books that use real pictures of people. They love to notice all the small details on the pages like the fish in the fish tank at the doctor’s office. My sons spend a lot of time looking at the pictures in this book.

Quilted Critter Pockets

I was most excited about this item and it has turned out to be the one my boys have spent the most time with. I hung the critter pockets on the wall using a command strip. Then, I put all of the quilted critter pieces into a small latch container for the boys to have an extra engaging step for this work. I modeled once with one critter how to match them and put them into the pockets. Now they can match the whole set of critters into their respective pocket.

The pockets and the quilted critters are made of organic cotton and are just lovely. The colors of the animals are vibrant. This activity offers so many opportunities for fine motor skills and finger dexterity while getting the critters in and out of the pockets. The best way to start using this kit right at 19 months is by putting each of the critters in their pocket sticking out, and allowing your child to pull them out of the pocket. 

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Really Real Flashlight

My boys have had so much fun with this flashlight. Since I have twins, I did have to pull out an additional flashlight we had at home so that there weren’t any arguments between them. The button is large and easy to press. I like that it has a handle. This is a small detail that makes this even more appealing for the child and easy to use. I do think that this is a toy in the play kit that you could easily make due to offering a flashlight from your home. 

Grooved Pitcher and Glass

The Realist play kit includes a plastic grooved pitcher and a plastic glass cup. This is a very foundational Montessori activity, pouring. You can use this pitcher and cup for your child to pour water or other things like dry beans, pasta, or rice. I already have many pitchers of differnet sizes that I use for pouring. I think this is another part of the play kit that could be sourced differently if you wanted to. I’m also not crazy about plastic toys and would prefer stainless steel or glass in this case. However, this age is definately the right time to introduce pouring and a great way to foster more independence. The small grove in the pitcher allows it to rest on the rim of the glass, which is a nice detail to support the child by having success with pouring.

Play Guide for Months 19 – 21

The play guide is chock-full of tips, ideas, and encouragement for you, the parent! From child development experts, it walks through milestones and things you may see your child doing during or by the end of these months. Then it goes through each toy in the play kit, offering play ideas. It gives you some great ideas of different ways to use the items in the box and tips for supporting your child in meaningful play. Some of the little details in the toys could go unnoticed but are very intentional. You will see those details shared in this play guide. For example, the bus has handles that allow your child to hold on to push the bus around. 

Is the Realist Play Kit worth it? 

This is my first Lovevery play kit. I think all of the toys and materials in this kit are perfect for the child’s age they are targeting. The fact that Lovevery play kits come with age-appropriate toys that have been tested for engagement is such an added benefit. When I break down individual items, I would really only feel the need to have three items from this play kit: The Lockbox, The Quilted Critter Pockets, and the Geo Shapes Puzzle. I could do without the pitcher and glass, the flashlight, the bus, and the book. 

For me, to purchase the Realist play kit in its’ entirety is not worth it. I would prefer to buy the three items I mentioned above second-hand and source additional toys and materials. As a first-time parent, I think the convenience and ease of a new play kit every few months with a Lovevery subscription could be nice if you have the room in your budget to do so. I think they are a great way to build up your toy collection with quality toys. Depending on your motivation for sourcing your toys, this may be a great option for you.