Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

My son is 4 and autistic. He LOVES things that spin around and are eye catching. Also, he's a nightmare when I'm trying to cook, so I wanted something he could play with in the kitchen and not be tugging on me the whole time. These magnetic gears are perfect! They're darling and well made and he's really enjoyed them so far! However, you should be clear about what you're getting because the advertising isn't very accurate. Here's what you should know: Pros: - Magnets are really strong! They stick very firmly without being so firm that the kiddo can't pull them off himself. He is a fridge door slammer and these things stay put on the door when he slams it shut, even when they're turning! I love that. He has also stuck them on the dishwasher door and the oven door (not in use of course) as well. - Quality construction/durable. My son has dropped these numerous times and they haven't been damaged at all or shown any signs of functional impairment as a result. That's a huge deal for us as my son breaks a lot of toys... Also, the stickers that create the patterns seem very high quality and not something that will start to peel off over time. - Good battery life! We go through a lot of batteries in our house so it's nice when something lasts a while. - Gears rotate in either direction depending on which way to push the switch - Gears included provide a variety of "sights and sounds" to entertain and there is literally no wrong way to set them up which we both LOVE because it virtually eliminates frustration! He can use his creativity and play with them however he wants! Cons: - The advertising of these gears in the listing is not entirely accurate which is very disappointing. First, be aware that even though half the pictures show 8 total pieces, you're probably only going to get 6. Look for the pictures that show 6 in a set (main gear, big flower, tiny one with big eyes, small noise maker, medium size one with rotating oblong washer and a medium sized blue face with the wavy eyes that go around). That's the set. If you're hoping for the one with the piece over the eyes that flips back and forth or the one that rotates around different colors like I was, you're going to be disappointed. - Another aspect of false advertising is that there is no speed control button, at least not on the 6 piece set I received. There is right and left and that's it. Just one speed. It's fine, I just don't like being sold something on false claims. - My son really loves these and I want to buy more gears (of a different variety) but this is it! I've seen other sets that claim to be compatible with these but all the reviews say they're really cheap and the magnets don't hold at all. That's also disappointing. If you're going to advertise a set of 8 and only send 6, the least you could do is offer additional gears for purchase. Maybe they used to. Two other things to note that aren't necessarily cons but things to be aware of. The main gear does not turn off automatically after any length of time. It has to be switched off manually. So if my son runs off distracted by something else, I have to switch it off myself. I think it would be great to have an automatic off after 10 minutes but oh well. It's fine. There is a noise maker gear that indeed makes a loud sort of ticking noise that almost sounds like the gears are stuck or something isn't working. Honestly, it doesn't bother me in the least. I know others said the sound really grinds their gears (pun intended) but to me it's the sound of contentment. It's the sound of a little boy who is happily playing by himself and isn't tugging on my arm and whining or head butting my hip over and over again. In summary, these really are darling, well made, work great and my son loves them. It offers a lot of creativity. I really debated between giving 3 and 4 stars. I hate false advertising in any way. I think it's deceptive and irresponsible of sellers and disappointing/unfair to customers who spend their money. That being said, even though what we got wasn't exactly what was advertised, my son loves them and they really work well and are cute and fun! So, if I'm reviewing the actual product itself, I have to say we like them. Just be aware of what they are and what they aren't! I hope this helps someone else! I did NOT receive this item free or at a discount