Review - Toy Story 3 Action Links™ Sets

Do you have a Toy Story fan in your house? Well, this Christmas season be sure to check out Mattel's Toy Story 3 Action Links Sets. Our family was lucky to be chosen to host a toy party from Mattel and MomSelect.  Acting like a Rube Goldberg machine, the sets, 5 in all, fit together to set off a chain reaction highlighting different parts of the movie. Setting up one long reaction was fun, but the sets also break apart and can be combined in different order or grouped together in multiple small groups. The toys are intended for children 5 years old and up. We did have younger children at the party and with adult supervision, everyone had a great time. Even if my 1 year old couldn't fit the toys together, she clapped when the older boys set them off.

The parents set out to do the set up... with a lot of help from the kids. They couldn't wait to get started playing! I think they were hitting a fever pitch when they caught their first glimpse of the Toy Story 3 boxes. Those characters are so hot right now. So here is a video of our first time setting all the sets off together.

As you can tell, we had a fabulous time! The toys were easily the focus of party and everyone, adults included, wanted  It took 4 adults about 15 minutes to assemble all 5 sets. Despite the children's impatience with set-up, they figured the toys out quickly. I appreciated that none of these toys needed batteries and there were no loud obnoxious sounds. There should be more toys like this! It seems like most toys today require a never ending supply of batteries. I was sure the kids would enjoy the sets because of the popularity of the characters, I was pleasantly surprised at how much the adults enjoyed them also.

The 5 Action Link stunt sets are inspired by scenes from the film and include:

• Evil Dr. Porkchop Attacks
• Jessie to the Rescue
• Buzz Saves the Train
• Sunnyside Breakout Deluxe Playset
• Junkyard Escape

We were also sent several Buddy Packs filled with two characters each. All of our favorites were in there, from the classics like Woody and Buzz, to the new characters Lotso and Space Barbie. All very cute! Some of the heads move, and some characters, like the army men are very small. For small plastic figurines, they are surprisingly detailed. The kids recognized all their favorites immediately.

I would highly suggest these toys to put under your tree this Christmas. You can find your own action set or buddy pack at major retailers nationwide and online at www.shop.mattel.com.

*Disclaimer - I was sent the mentioned toy sets from Mattel & MomSelect in order to throw a Toy Story 3 Action Links party and review the toys. No monetary compensation was received and all opinions are my own.