Having read other reviews on this product, I was reluctant to make a purchase. However, having seen the box in a local toy shop my little boy whom has just turned 5 put it at the top of his Christmas list. I had already explained to him that some things aren't as great as they look because tv can make things look better than they really are, but neither of us were disappointed. It does take time to make the egg. I think once we had washed all the equipment ready for its first use I think it took about an hour and a half in total but during this time he was able to go off and have a play (twice) whilst the chocolate was setting in the freezer. All of the equipment does exactly what it says on the box and the instructions are simple to understand. Remember the chocolate doesn't come with it. We used a bar of chocolate which my little boy enjoyed bashing up in a pestle and mortar and it melted quickly in the basin they provide. Next time I think I will buy chocolate that I know he loves like white or milk chocolate buttons.
I struggle to find creative toys that my son and I can do together but this ticked all the boxes. I think young children can achieve a lot of things from such toys; seeing all the different parts and how to use them, sharing, helping, making decisions, patience but basically having fun doing something with their mum and dad. My little boy set the timer whilst the chocolate was setting in the freezer and went off to have a play, and when it was ready he came back to do the next stage. The little surprise toys that come with it are a bit like those that you find in a Kinder Egg (that you have to build), so probably most suited to younger children. The bit my boy liked the best was when you have to use the mechanism on the machine to push up the egg through the foil wrapper - he just said 'wow' with a huge smile on his face. It was a lovely to some quality time spent together. I am sure we shall be doing it again soon with his friends. Great value for money (I paid £20) as there is a lot to this creative toy - but only buy it if you are prepared to spend time to help your child and if you don't mind your work surface getting a big mucky. I was actually surprised with how clean my work surface was afterwards - but I am used to having a one year old around who doesn't seem happy unless he's dirty!