Topper Takes a Trip
Good news! You get to take a day trip! Bad news. You’ve forgotten to pack. You grab your trusty packing list and get to work. Where are we going again? Ah, yes – the beach! Well you’ll definitely be needing some sunscreen and a towel. Don’t forget sunglasses!
Today we’re taking a look at Topper Takes a Trip, not to be confused with the 1930’s film of the same name. Topper Takes a Trip is a storytelling matching game by Peaceable Kingdoms. It takes anywhere from 5-15 minutes to play, depending on how elaborate your stories get, and is appropriate for ages 2+.
Goal
The goal in Topper Takes a Trip is to pack for a trip to whatever location you pick! The game focuses on matching and storytelling, and doesn’t have win conditions or ways to lose.
Setup
Setup has never been easier. Dump out the suitcase, pick a location, and optionally grab a packing list as a guide. That’s it!
Gameplay
Here’s where all the magic happens. The more creative you get, the more value you’ll get out of this one. There’s not really one right way to play Topper. You can give your kiddo a packing list and have them find all of the matching items, or let them create their own story for why it is absolutely vital to bring their teddy bear to the beach.
We tend to stick with packing lists most of the time, because one of my boys is still pretty young (not quite 2) for storytelling. When we do play with just my older son, he enjoys making up his own stories, and often picks pretty much what is on the packing list anyways.
Production
The art is on point for the audience, and looks like it could have come out of any kids board book. Production quality is pretty good. The items are all on thick cardboard, which makes them easy for little fingers to manage, and pretty durable to boot. The packing list and location cards are printed on good material as well, and should stand the test of time – unless your kid purposely rips them. My boys would NEVER… Haha. Right.
I do wish the suitcase it came in was a little more durable, but for what it costs I can’t really complain. It’s serviceable, but will definitely show wear with use.
Final Thoughts
Topper Takes a Trip is more a tool for guided play than a true “game” – there’s no win (or lose) condition, it’s more of a journey. We’re definitely putting it to good use for the time being, and for the age range it is great. The box says it is for ages 2+, and my 4 year old is still enjoying it. That’s well worth $20 in my book (especially because it doesn’t light up and make repetitive noises).
Review copy provided by Peaceable Kingdoms
Publisher: Peaceable Kingdoms
Number of Players: As many as you want really
Age: 2+
Price at time of Review: $20
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Repost of original 2019 review