Build Your Own: Periscope

£19.99

Having tested out a few of Build Your Own’s products previously, I couldn’t wait to put this Periscope together. Inside the box, there are 39 card pieces, and two high-quality mirrors, which all fit together to assemble the Periscope. Made for kids to stealthily watch nature and wildlife, the construction and use of the Periscope is a great choice of family activity as everyone can work together to put it together and then use it.

Each card piece is sturdy and in a ‘stealth’ black colour, with silver metallic accents which makes it a great choice for watching birds, looking around corners, and over walls whilst going unnoticed. I was impressed with the construction of the Periscope as it can extend up to 61cm so high-up things are much easier for children to see. The Periscope is marketed as a great way to watch a bird's nest or nature in your garden, and so the Periscope is designed to get children interested in the wonders of the world around them which they may normally miss. However, I also think it can make a great addition to a game of hide and seek, as it can be used to stealthily look around corners to avoid being found. Although, I must note that neither I nor Build Your Own condone the use of the Periscope to spy on family or neighbours!

As usual with Build Your Own products, sustainability is key. Each piece, including the box, is 100% recyclable to ensure that even when the product is no longer used it is not contributing to global waste levels. Even with the recyclability of the Periscope, each piece is sturdy, fits together securely and is built to last the test of time. For the Periscope, care has been taken in its design to ensure it is both lightweight and ergonomic, whilst including a safety cap to protect the mirrors from getting damaged and causing any harm.

Overall, the construction of the Periscope is a fun learning experience which will keep kids away from screen time for a few hours. One of the major benefits of buying your children the Periscope, or any of the Build Your Own products, is that STEM is approached in a fun way to encourage kids to use these skills, often without even knowing! The Pericope is made with innovation in mind to be both functional and sustainable, allowing children hours of fun exploring the world. I’d recommend this to any parent who wants a fun educational activity to do with their kids.  

Pros:

- Mess, fuss, and glue-free assembly

- STEM-inspired activity for children

- Sustainably made and produced

Cons:

- A little more complex than other Build Your Own projects, so may need some parental assistance for assembly