LOCKDOWN GAMES & TOYS
Games, Puzzles & Science Kits for the whole family.
U. Games Australia has put together the ultimate list for best lockdown games, toys and puzzles and organised these by products that are good for your children and fun for you.
We have a host of products to keep the whole family entertained during lockdown and the Covid-19 pandemic.
As parts of Australia enter further lockdown restrictions and many of us are under stay at home orders due to Covid-19 – we find ourselves, again, looking for ways to entertain our families, educate our children and connect with our friends.
Do these below scenarios sound familiar? Pick the situation that best fits yours, scroll down and find the right product to make this time a little easier on yourself.
- THE HOME-SCHOOLING PARENT
- THE INDOOR FAMILY WEEKEND
- ZOOM GAMES & 2 PLAYER GAMES FOR ADULTS
THE HOME-SCHOOLING PARENT
You’ve suddenly found yourself in a situation where you are having to juggle your day job and assist with your child’s education. You need more than one ZOOM account as every person you work with is constantly setting up meetings and your child needs to jump online as well to do class activities.
By mid-afternoon you are all exhausted and attention spans are waning. How can you get some peace and feel like your child is learning as well?
Kristy, single part-time working mother of boys aged 6 and 5 says – “I’m parenting, home-schooling and working all at once. This can be a scheduling nightmare. By the afternoon the boys (and I) have had enough. Honestly, anything that could give me half an hour of peace and make them happy that’s not screen time would be amazing. If it can be educational as well that would be the cherry on top!”
The following list of items can be played by children together, or they can enjoy on their own. So they are perfect if you have one child or multiple children.
Monster Math Scale from HAPE
MATHS | WEIGHTS | MEASUREMENTS | NUMERACY | COUNTING
The Hape Monster Math Scale is a game that introduces basic mathematics, weights, measurements and balance to children. Place the little monster weights on the scales and join this funny monster family to learn about these early concepts.
Age 3+ | Preschool, Primary School, Infants School
Available at Kidstuff, The Sensory Specialist, Steam Rock Kids, Lucas Loves Cars and all good toy retailers.
First 100 Games & Puzzles from University Games
LITERACY | NUMERACY | MATCHING | VOCABULARY
Based on the First 100 brand, a wildly popular book series by Roger Priddy that encourages toddlers to learn key concepts and words through bright board books. Each book has 100 colour photographs to look at and talk about, and 100 simple first words to read and learn. The First 100 games and puzzles take this experience to the next level as kids engage in hands-on learning activities that teach vocabulary, counting, shapes and much more.
Age 2+ | Preschool, Daycare, Toddlers
Available at Kidstuff, Spotlight, Mr Toys Toyworld and all good toy retailers.
Bull’s Eye from ROO GAMES
HAND-EYE COORDINATION | MANUAL DEXTERITY | VISUAL ACUITY | MEMORY | COUNTING
Bull’s Eye is the non-stop game of reflexes and plungers! It’s action from start to finish as you race to spot and plunge matching animal pairs. An animal card is flipped face up and if you’re the quickest plunger, you’ll collect that card to score a point. Look out for the Bull’s Eye card it’s worth a whopping five points! Children will love the plunging action and have their reflexes, counting and memory skills tested in this fun action game.
Age 3+ | Preschool, Primary School, Infants School
Available at Kidstuff, Mr Toys Toyworld, Catch, The Gamesmen and all good toy retailers.
Doggy Bags from ROO GAMES
FOODS & EATING | TACTILE | MATCHING | CONCENTRATION
Franky the dog is finicky. One minute he’s fickle, and only wants a pickle, the next he’s dying for a donut. And you better not give him a croissant, when he’s in the mood for a chicken drumstick! Flip over a card revealing Franky’s food choice, now reach inside your doggy bag and feel around for the food that matches what is on the card. There’s no looking allowed in this feel Good game of tactile tastiness. Doggy Bags is the perfect game for improving children’s concentration and discussing food with picky eaters. The game includes 2 sets so children can race against each other to find the food first.
Age 3+ | Preschool, Primary School, Infants School
Available at Kidstuff and all good toy retailers.
You’ve Been Framed from ROO GAMES
VISUAL ACUITY | HAND-EYE COORDINATION | PATTERNS & MATCHING | MANUAL DEXTERITY
You’ve Been Framed is the perfect game to help children with attention spans, memory, matching and coordination. You have to sit still to play this game! Flip over a card and then race your opponents to match the pattern using the correct size and colour wooden frame pieces. Arrange face up or, when a black line appears on the card, be quick to build vertically. Arrange your frames to match the pattern and then be first to slap the card to score it. If playing on your own, set a timer and see how many you can successfully complete in that time!
Age 8+ | Primary School, Families, Coffee Table Games
Available at Kidstuff, Discount Toy Co, Catch, The Gamesmen and all good toy retailers.
Dog Man & The Very Hungry Caterpillar Puzzles from UNIVERSITY GAMES
VISUAL ACUITY | HAND-EYE COORDINATION | PATTERNS & MATCHING | PATIENCE
Puzzles help children learn important skills for life. Such as solving problems, the ability to plan and also test ideas. As well as these key skills they also help with memory, patience, and matching shapes and colours. Fine motor skills come into play as children carefully rotate and place pieces into the correct positions. As a parent you can feel positive about giving your child a puzzle for a little peace and quiet – they will also be learning some key skills too!
Bring your child’s favourite book character to life with these bright, colourful and affordable puzzles. Each puzzle features dynamic images from the cover of the New York Times bestselling Dog Man book series.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar 2-Sided Floor Puzzle
The Very Hungry Caterpillar 2-Sided Floor Puzzles helps teach children colours and shapes. One side features a beautiful rainbow filled with colours, and the other side introduces eight unique shapes. This puzzle features 26 giant pieces and is 90cm and 60cm in size!
Age 3+ | Preschool, Primary School, Infants School
Available at Kidstuff, Aussie Toys Online, Toymate, Spotlight, Mr Toys Toyworld and all good toy retailers.
National Geographic™ Rome – The Colosseum Puzzle
HISTORY | ARCHITECTURE | CULTURES | PATTERNS & MATCHING
Rome is full of fascinating history. The rich tapestry of ancient history, monuments, expressive people, and iconic food formulates the ideal destination for anyone with a thirst for world culture and history. This intricate 3D puzzle includes 131 pieces made of paper and EPS foam board, instructions and a photography booklet, which delivers exquisite images coupled with evocative text.
It takes approximately 120-220 min to create this iconic building without using any tools or glue. The puzzle also includes a cut-away so you can see the layers and underground features for the Colosseum.
Age 8+ | Preschool, Primary School, Infants School
Available at Sanity, Kidstuff, Toyworld, The Iconic and all good toy retailers.
Australian Geographic Science Kits
STEM | ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE | EXPERIMENTATION | CRITICAL THINKING
Practical experimentation is one of the best ways for children to learn about science. Science kits incorporate actual scientific activities that can turn a boring subject into a fun one. Children’s retention for facts and information will be higher when they are enjoying themselves. With a key focus on STEM disciplines for future jobs (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) – science kits are an important product to have in your home.
The Australian Geographic science kits cover disciplines such as geology, physics, chemistry, biology, technology, astronomy and environmental science. The instructions are in full colour and written to appeal to a child – so they are enjoyable with step-by-step activities.
All kits include include multiple activities for hours of fun and extra educational information for further learning.
Age 6+ | Primary School, Sciences, STEM Learning
Available at The Gamesmen, Yellow Octopus, Mr Toys Toyworld, Kidstuff, Spotlight, QBD and all good toy retailers.
National Geographic Dig Kits
STEM | ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE | GEOLOGY | EXPLORATION
Explore earth sciences with the National Geographic Dig Kits. What makes these kits so special? They include real fossils and gemstones – not plastic! The Dino dig kit includes a real piece of dinosaur poop and the Shark Tooth Kit has genuine fossilised shark teeth.
Excavate and collect these fascinating materials. These hands-on kits also include genuine custom digging tools and learning guide.
Age 8+ | Primary School, Science, STEM, Geology
Available at MYER, Kidstuff, Kmart, Spotlight and all good toy retailers.
THE INDOOR FAMILY WEEKEND
The weekend is a time for us all to try and relax a little. This might be going to the movies, heading out to dinner or playing in the park. Unfortunately for many of us these activities have been put on hold and we are looking for some fun family activities to break up the monotony.
Michael is a full-time working Dad with 3 children aged 9, 6 and 4. On the weekend he and his wife are looking for activities they can all do as a family. “Keeping them off the TV and their iPads is key for us. If they are on devices for too long it affects their behaviour. With games they play together, as opposed to just fighting over everything!”
Here’s some games that the whole family will enjoy and will encourage social interaction and cooperation.
Trapped Escape Room Game Packs
These are the ultimate lockdown games! TRAPPED Escape Room Games bridge the gap between tabletop games and escape rooms. How? By turning ANY room into a family-friendly escape-room adventure where you move around the room actively solving puzzles.
Each pack contains everything you need to create your very own escape room in your own home. Wall posters, cards to display, hangers for doors handles, ID cards and secret envelopes are just some of the things you might find inside the pack – along with clues to solve and awesome puzzles to crack.
Can you solve the puzzles and escape the room? Trapped Escape Room Games are perfect for family nights in, birthday parties and team building events.
Age 8+ | Families, teens, primary school, kids
Available at Big W, Toymate, Kidstuff, Mr Toys and all good toy retailers.
5 Second Rule Jr. Board Game
A junior version of the popular party game, with all new questions and bonus time spaces!
It seems like it would be easy to name 3 flavours of ice cream but can you do it under the pressure of 5 seconds twisting down? You have to be quick, so just say whatever comes to mind and risk silly answers slipping out! Includes 200 cards (400 questions), 6 Playing Pieces, Timer, Game Board and Rules. Family fun for everyone!
Age 6+ | Families, teens, primary school, kids
Available at Big W, MYER, Kidstuff, Mr Toys and all good toy retailers.
Charades Kids on Stage
Everyone can get involved in a game of charades, and these cards with accessible themes are perfect for the whole family. Spin the spinner and choose a card based on whether it lands on an ‘object’, an ‘animal’ or an ‘action’. Act out what’s on the card and see if your teammates guess correctly. Kids will be in hysterics as they watch siblings and parents hop like a bunny or clap like a seal.
Age 3+ | Families, kids, primary school, teens
Available at Big W, Casey’s Toys, Spotlight, Mr Toys Toyworld, Target and all good toy retailers.
Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle 197pc 3D Puzzle
The Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle 3D Puzzle is the ultimate gift for any fan of the magical wizarding world; Harry Potter! Recapture the magic of the Harry Potter stories with this beautifully detailed Hogwarts School Model kit.
Create your very own magic as your assemble your own stunning Hogwarts Castle in the comfort of your own home and travel back to exciting scenes from the Harry Potter saga with this dramatic 3D model.
No glue, sticky tape or cutting necessary – just pop out the pieces and connect using tabs and holes. A perfect family activity for a rainy day at home.
Age 8+ | Families, kids, primary school, teens
Available at Big W, Spotlight and all good toy retailers.
ZOOM GAMES & 2 PLAYER GAMES FOR ADULTS
The kids are in bed, the work days is done. You’ve poured yourself (possibly a large) glass of wine and you’re looking for someone to socialise with that isn’t your boss or your children.
Why not have a date night with your partner or even host your own games night digitally on ZOOM?
Sean, 27 years old, lives with his girlfriend in an inner city apartment – “Even though we’re home all the time together, the only time we actually ever socialise is when we open a game and play. The rest of the time we’re working or watching TV. Simple games have become a weekly thing for us during lockdown.”
We’ve put together a list of games that are fun to play with your partner or with a bunch of friends to bring you together across the great digital divide.
Smart Ass
Great for a large group or just to test each other’s knowledge. Smart Ass is the game for players who have been bursting to scream out the answer even when it’s not their turn. Each question has ten clues, the first player to yell out the correct answer wins the round and takes a step closer to being the ultimate Smart Ass. One of University Games’s top sellers – more than 1.5 million in print!
To play digitally, select one player as the host and keep a tally of how many cards are answered correctly.
Age 12+ | Party Games | Virtual Games | ZOOM Games | Adult Games | 2+ Player Activity
Available at JB Hi Fi, Casey’s Toys, The Gamesmen, Gamesworld, Mr Toys Toyworld and all good toy retailers.
Judge Your Friends
Want to have some laughs and learn some secrets about your friends. Whether you have a lifetime of debauchery under your belt or are just a goodie-little-two-shoes, Judge Your Friends is the hilarious adult party game that’s easy to play and always a good time. Just bang the gavel, learn the secrets, and find out who your friends really are!
HOURS OF FUN: The laughs never stop with 500 rowdy and riotous scenario cards.
YOU BE THE JUDGE: Feel the power of the golden gavel as Judges bang out their verdicts for each player!
To play digitally, select one player as the host to show the scenario card. Take turns answering and being the judge.
Age 18+ | Party Games | Virtual Games | ZOOM Games | Adult Games | 2+ Player Activity
Available at GiftBox, Sanity, The Gamesmen, JB Hi Fi and all good toy retailers.
After Dinner Trivia
A perfect accompaniment to any dinner party – whether it’s in person or online!
This After Dinner Quiz is designed to look like a delicious box of chocolates and is packed full of 300 questions from General Knowledge, Sport, Entertainment and History. How smart are your friends? Test their knowledge with this delicious trivia game that’s a great conversation starter.
Age 12+ | Party Games | Virtual Games | ZOOM Games | Adult Games | 1+ Player Activity
Available at Mind Games, Amazon and all good toy retailers.
AutoCorrect
You’ve just created a fantastic text message and hit send, only to find your smart phone has changed the words! In this hilarious party game of humans versus machines, players race to decode and correct Autocorrected text messages. Decode the most texts to win!
Autocorrect is perfect for as few as 2 or as many as 20 players, easy to learn and with flexible game play. This makes it perfect for playing in person or on your next Zoom Game Night.
Age 12+ | Party Games | Virtual Games | ZOOM Games | Adult Games | 2+ Player Activity
Available at Kmart, The Gamesmen, Mr Toys Toyworld and all good toy retailers.
Couples Quiz
Couples Quiz is the hilarious game for competitive couples. Can be played one against one or couples can compete against other couples to see which couple will be crowned the champion. Want to really find out how well you know your partner? Need to establish just who the best cook is? Find out in this hilarious game with 3 rounds of play including – ‘How well do you know each other?’, ‘Meant for each other’ and ‘Who knows best?’.
Age 14+ | Party Games | Virtual Games | ZOOM Games | Adult Games | 2+ Player Activity
Available at The Gamesmen, Sanity, Mr Toys Toyworld and all good toy retailers.
Dumber Than a Box Rocks
Draw a card, pick a category, shake the box, and open the top. Who has the correct answer: you or the rocks? This quick play trivia race asks the obnoxious question: are you dumber than a box of rocks? Each card includes 3 questions that can only be answered with 0, 1 or 2. E.g. “How many baby birds are chirping in the nest on the Nestle logo? Shake the rocks to reveal their answer and see how you compared.
Dumber Than a Box of Rocks has flexible game play and can be played 1 player (human vs rocks), 2 players (see who can beat the rocks after multiple games) or a group of players (see if a whole team of people can beat the rocks!)
Age 12+ | Party Games | Virtual Games | ZOOM Games | Adult Games | 1+ Player Activity
Available at The Gamesmen, Aussie Toys Online and all good toy retailers.
Impossibles Puzzle
Why not try doing a puzzle together? This activity can give an incredible sense of achievement and accomplishment when completed. The Impossibles puzzles are the next evolution of puzzles with a plus! These puzzles are 1000 piece jigsaws with added twists for the puzzler ready for a new challenge:
Plus #1 – No edges. A borderless puzzle means no straight edges to start from!
Plus #2 – 5 Extra pieces that do not fit anywhere in the puzzle to further the challenge.
Plus #3 – Repeating pattern lines and/or colours add another layer of complexity.
Age 14+ | Puzzles | 1+ Player Activity | Adult Puzzles
Available at Kmart, Frontline Hobbies and all good toy retailers.
So that concludes our list for lockdown games, toys and puzzles. Did you find what you were looking for?
We have lots of great products, so if you need any more suggestions get in contact with us. We’re always happy to help.
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