Wild Wonders Elephant & Lion Kids' Wooden Tic-Tac-Toe Game

This wooden tic-tac-toe game sets a turquoise elephant against an orange lion, both from the Wild Wonders design, on a smooth beech board. It is the game many of us know as noughts and crosses, played with ten chunky beech counters in place of pencil marks. Half carry the elephant with its pink saddle cloth and green ear, and half carry the curled-up lion with its sunny yellow mane. Each counter is 4cm across, easy to pick up and set down, and the board is about 16cm square, marked with a crisp teal three by three grid. Altogether the set measures 17.5cm long, 17.5cm wide and 4cm high, and weighs 0.21KG.

Its compact size suits a kitchen table, a playroom shelf or a corner of the sofa on a rainy afternoon. Because the counters tuck into their own cloth bag, it travels well to a friend's house or on holiday. A round takes moments, so it fits neatly into the gaps of the day: while tea is cooking, before bedtime or at a café table. As a kids' game it brings in turn-taking and a little strategy, and grown-ups are usually drawn in too. It makes a cheerful present for anyone who loves bright animal prints.

Board and counters are both made of beech wood, with the natural grain left on show around the printed designs, so the pieces feel solid and warm in the hand. The cloth drawstring bag is printed with the game's name, leaves and a lion, and it keeps every counter together between games. Everything sits in a lidded box illustrated with a parrot, leopard, butterfly, toucan, elephant and lion, which makes a tidy home for the board on a shelf. To keep the wood looking its best, wipe it with a damp cloth, dry it straight away and never leave it to soak. Tied with a ribbon, the illustrated box is ready to give.

How many counters come with the game?

There are ten beech counters, each 4cm across. Half carry the elephant and half carry the lion, so each player has their own animal to play with.

How big is the board?

The wooden board is about 16cm square with a three by three grid. The whole set measures 17.5cm long, 17.5cm wide and 4cm high, so it fits easily on any table.

What is the game made from?

Both the board and the counters are made of beech wood with the designs printed on top. A cloth drawstring bag keeps the counters together when the game is put away.

Is this the same game as noughts and crosses?

Yes, it is the same three-in-a-row game. The elephant and lion counters take the place of noughts and crosses, and the first player to line up three of their animals wins.

How should I look after the wooden pieces?

As good practice for wood, wipe the board and counters with a damp cloth, dry them straight away and never leave them to soak in water.

Does it come ready to give as a present?

It comes in a lidded box illustrated with jungle animals and birds, with the counters in their own printed bag, so it needs little more than a ribbon.