How many of you remember making and playing with paper airplanes as a kid? It was all about who could make theirs the best, which plane looked the coolest, how far they could fly, whether they’d nose dive to the ground or glide in for a smooth landing; it was all about fun. In this day and age, it’s something that you almost never see anymore. Life has become overrun with video games and remote controlled toys and, while both are all fine and dandy, it’s just not the same. The “good ol’ days” I like to call them. Back when imagination came before technology and pure fun was at the forefront of every child’s mind. I like to time travel back to this from time to time and bring my kids along with me for the ride. However, it’s far greater when companies reintroduce this kind of fun for our younger generations… today. And that, well, that is exactly what Guillow’s did.
“Guillow toy airplanes have been around for over 60 years providing millions of youngster’s fun and enjoyment letting their imagination soar. These planes provide a catalyst that just naturally brings a smile to anyone that throws a toy glider into the open sky.”
My boys were a bit under Guillow’s usual targeted age group for these particular toys but since they already had a strong liking for airplanes and the mindset that if it flies, it’s just plain awesome, we decided to give it a go. Recently, we had the opportunity to try out a handful of their models and, as I’m sure you could assume, the kids had an absolute blast.
“Today’s kids may adore their electronics and software and big-screen games, but hand them a $3 airplane kit and watch!”
We had the opportunity to try our hands at seven of the newest Guillow’s models including, both, their Foam Kits and Balsa Gliders.
A bit more ideal for the younger little ones are the Foam Kits. Made of durable foam with a few simple decorative stickers and available in a variety of sizes, these are perfect for flying indoors or outside.
The Sky Raider was easily the favorite of the bunch.
Its large 2’ wing span allows this particular model to do some pretty neat things. When tossed gently, it will head off into the air for a long, easy glide. However, when thrown with a good amount of strength behind it, the Sky Raider will wow you with its large in-flight loops through the air. This was, by far, the all-around favorite of the bunch.
The Space Shuttle was another model that was popular with the crowd.
My own little ones love the idea of heading into outer space so this Space Shuttle from Guillow’s was quite perfect for them. The fun feature about this one is that, much like a real-life space shuttle it is launched, not flown. With the included rubber band and launching handle, you can pull the shuttle back as little or as far as you’d like in order to launch it off into the air for its space bound mission.
The last of the Foam Kits but certainly not least was the Delta Dart.
This particular set is quite perfect for any pair of siblings. Coming in a 2-pack, these tiny and light weight airplanes are perfect for in-flight races no matter where you are. Initially we played with all of these new toys outside but the Delta Dart planes quickly made their way indoors.
Now, onto the true good ol’ stuff…
The Balsa Gliders are what I remember playing around with. After a quick build-it-yourself experience, kids can then find pride in playing with and flying your own little creation.
“They will discover the joy of being outside and flying a toy plane that they constructed with their own hands.”
In terms of the Guillow’s Balsa Gliders, we got to try out the Eagle, Jetfire, Sky Streak, and Jetstream. All four planes were incredibly easy to assemble and we had them up and in the air in only a few minutes each.
The Eagle and Jetfire are each outfitted with a small weight at the front of each plane thus helping them to better cut through the air and fly across the sky with ease.
Both are built similarly and with the style of a jet fighter. Of course, this is a huge bonus for any child that knows their airplanes because, after all, jet fighters are pretty cool, eh?
The Sky Streak motorplane was one that brought a new toy plane technology to me.
Though it isn’t actually a “new” technology, I was certainly impressed with it. This particular airplane features a plastic propeller at the nose of the plane. Powered by a rubber band that stretches the length of the plane, simply twit the propeller a few times and off you go!
The Jetstream is quite similar to the aforementioned Sky Streak in that it possesses the same rubber band and twist propeller technology. The difference, however, is the added landing gear.
With its 13 ¼” wingspan and the addition of the front wheels, once your propeller is set to go, this particular plane can launch from your hand or takeoff right from the ground. This is one that you really must see in action. It is quite the amazing little toy regardless of its simplicity.
We had some family over for a backyard barbeque not too long ago and let the kids have at it with this entire lot. It was a spectacular time and, despite the kids being a bit on the younger side, we all had an incredible amount of fun. Three generations were out and about and playing with the Guillow’s toy planes and there were smiles all around. Considering the low cost of each model, these planes are well worth the purchase. Everyone will surely enjoy them for days, weeks, and months to come!
BUY:
You can purchase the Guillow’s Foam Kits and the Balsa Gliders direct from the website at www.Guillow.com as well as from many hobby and craft retailers, both, online and in-stores nationwide. Prices start as low as $1.79!
CONNECT:
Be sure to keep up with Guillow’s via social media on their Facebook page to stay up to date on all of the latest news, new product releases, sale prices, giveaways, and more!
And, speaking of giveaways…
That’s right! Right now, one lucky Eighty MPH Mom reader will have the chance to win not one, not two, but ALL seven models featured here! Can you imagine how much fun you’ll have?
THE GIVEAWAY
One (1) winner will receive a Guillow’s glider prize pack including seven models:
- Sky Raider
- Space Shuttle
- Delta Dart
- Eagle
- Jetfire
- Sky Streak
- Jetstream
Giveaway open to US residents only. Ends 5/19/14. ARV of $19.75
No purchase necessary. Open to residents of US only. Giveaway ends May 19th, 2014 at 9:00 p.m. (PST). ONE ENTRANT PER HOUSEHOLD/IP Address! I check all entries – cheating will not be tolerated. Winner will be notified via email and needs to reply within 48 hours, or a new winner will be chosen. Please make sure you check your spam folder – I will not be responsible if you did not receive winning email notification. Winners name(s) will be displayed on the post, and will also be posted on Winners List shortly after drawing has occurred. Winners will be chosen randomly by Rafflecopter. Screenshots of winners available by request. Prize will be shipped directly from sponsor or their PR Agency unless otherwise noted. Eighty MPH Mom is not responsible for prizes lost in transit, although every attempt will be made for prize delivery.
**By entering this giveaway, you confirm that you have read and agree to my giveaway rules. Sponsor reserves the right to limit one prize per person/household (of this item/prize pack). Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of prize {though it is usually much sooner}. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. We hereby release Facebook of any liability. Odds of winning: The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. All prizes will be awarded. Void where prohibited by law.
*Randi received the above product(s), free of charge, to facilitate this review. All opinions are those of the reviewer only.
Robert Brown
I like the historic 1903 Wright flyer. Very unique gifts and great for history lessons.
erin dear (@mummadear)
The search and rescue copter toy look like fun!
Kristi C
My favorite it is the Wright flyer.
Miz Vickik
I love the Thomas Morse Scout kit!
LINDA MORGAN
thomas moore scout and us hellcat
nickie
I like the Wright flyer.
McKim
I like the Police Copter Toy.
Sharon Kaminski
I like the Airplane Design Studio.
Tara T.
I like the Sky Streak
Debbi Wellenstein
They have such great products Today I really like the Thomas Morse Scout.
Amy
I like the copter toys
Linda G.
I like their plastic/foam airplanes
melina r
I like the US hellcat.
Monique Rizzo
The wright flyer is pretty neat!
Sarah K.
I really like the Piper Super Cub 95 – i love build by number things!
Anita Yancey
I like the N.A. Trojan Build to Scal Plane # 901.
sandra
i like the Airplane Design Studio
Danielle Johnson
I like the copter helicopter toys.
Tamar
I like the Sky Streak.
Kelley Chapman
I would like the Sky Streak for my nephew..
Deborah
I like the Sky Streak the best!
http://www.guillow.com/skystreak.aspx
Carol
I like the Sky Streak.
Denise Welch
My grandson would love the Thomas Morse Scout kit
Katrina A.
I think the Piper Cherokee 140 model looks fun.
Erica C.
I like the wright flyer.
Lee Mckoen
love the U.S.. hellcat
Jennifer Tilson
I like the Airplane Design Studio.
trixx
I like the Thomas Morse Scout as well!
lena
I love the search and rescue coptertoy.
krystal wethington
I like the Police Copter.
Virginia Rowell
I like the Search and Rescue CopterToy.
Melissa Sly
Copter toy helicopters
Corey Olomon
My son would love the Search and Rescue CopterToy.
Brittany
My son would love anything on their website. I really like the Airplane Design Studio. Thanks for the chance to win.
Amber Porter
We like the airplane design studio.
david basile
Fokker DR-1 Triplane
Stephanie Galbraith
I like the U.S. Hellcat.
Mindy DeLisi
Airplane design studio
Kelly Ann T.
I like the Giant Scale WWII Models
Leesa
My grandson would like the Airplane Design Studio
Nichole S
my son would absolutely love the wright flyer!
Melanie Montgomery
I like the U.S. Hellcat.
amanda whiltey
i like the U.S. Hellcat alot
Jessica Padilla
I like the Police CopterToy.
kris m
the us hellcat
Jacob LaFountaine
I like the Edge 540 airplane with its new laser cut edges
susan smoaks
i would love to get the Piper Cherokee 140 model
Christian Alejandro
I liked the Sky Streak.
Laura Unger
I like the Airplane Design Studio.
Leslie L Stanziani
I really like the Police CopterToy.
Shelbie Johnston
The Sky Streak!
Della Barker
I really like the F-16a Fighting Falcon.