Description
This cardboard kaleidoscope is covered in a cheerful parade of colourful creatures, printed all the way round a soft cream tube. A green crocodile, a bright red crab, a pelican, a kangaroo, a striped tiger, a toucan and a friendly teal octopus wander along its length, drawn in bold, flat colour that feels lively without being busy. Hold the eyepiece to one eye, point the far end towards the light and turn the tube: coloured plastic pieces in red, amber, blue, teal and purple tumble into flower and star patterns that repeat in a ring of triangles. It measures 19cm long and 4.5cm across, a comfortable size to hold steady.
We think it earns a place on a playroom shelf, a bedside table or a desk, where it is always within reach for a quiet minute of looking. At just 57 grams it weighs next to nothing, so it tucks easily into a bag for car journeys, train rides and waiting rooms, needing only daylight or a lamp to look towards. It is a toy that slows things down: every turn brings a fresh pattern, and no two looks are quite the same. It also makes a small, easy gift to wrap, and the printed animals give it plenty of character before anyone has even peeked inside.
The body is a card tube with the animal print wrapped all round it, while the coloured pieces inside are plastic. As with anything made of card, keep it dry and away from spills, and give the outside a gentle dust with a soft dry cloth when it needs it. It is happiest standing on a shelf or lying in a drawer rather than squashed beneath heavier things. For a gift, wrap it in plain brown paper with a bright ribbon. On a shelf, stand it beside a few picture books and let the creatures do the decorating.
Specification
| Brand |
Rex London |
| Material |
Card tube & plastic |
| Length |
19cm |
| Width |
4.5cm |
| Height |
4.5cm |
| Weight |
0.057KG |
| Warnings |
Warning! Choking hazard; small parts. Not for children under 3 years. |
Frequently Asked
How big is the kaleidoscope?
It is 19cm long and 4.5cm across and weighs 57 grams, so it is light to hold up to the eye and easy to carry in a bag.
What is the kaleidoscope made of?
The tube is card with the colourful animal print wrapped around it, and the coloured pattern pieces inside are plastic.
Which animals are on the tube?
Around the cream tube you will find a green crocodile, a red crab, a pelican, a kangaroo, a striped tiger, a toucan and a teal octopus.
What patterns does it make?
Point it towards the light and turn it, and red, amber, blue, teal and purple plastic pieces form repeating flower and star shapes.
How should I look after a card kaleidoscope?
We suggest keeping it dry and away from spills, dusting the outside gently with a soft dry cloth, and storing it where it will not be squashed.