Find out what Mumsnetters and their children have to say about Toxic magazine

[LucyBMumsnet]

This is the feedback thread for the 100 Mumsnetters who have been testing Toxic magazine with their children. All Mumsnet testers involved in this product test have at least one child aged 6 to 12. All testers were sent a copy of the latest edition of Toxic magazine.

Here’s what Toxic magazine have to say: “Welcome to Toxic magazine! Every issue brings your children an unbeatable mix of the coolest stuff in their world. We are packed full of awesome entertainment – from gaming guides and movie news, to hilarious comics, puzzles and activities, as well as competitions to win the latest toys and games consoles!

From Pokémon to LEGO Ninjago and Marvel Super Heroes to Fortnite, we’ve got all the biggest brands assembled just for kids! Plus EVERY issue of Toxic is crammed with FREE gifts. We want to make sure we are always delivering the best content for our young readers, so we’d love to know what you and your kids think of us. Please let us know your thoughts on what you think is right or wrong about Toxic magazine!”

Testers, please give your feedback by answering the questions below as well as completing the survey we have emailed you:

1. What were your first impressions of the magazine when it arrived What did you think of the packaging?
2. Did your child like the content of the magazine? What was your child’s favourite page in the magazine?
3. What did your child think of the gift that was included with the magazine? Was it better or worse than you both expected?
4. If you could recommend one change to be made to Toxic magazine, what would it be?

All testers who give the required feedback will be entered into a prize draw where three lucky testers will each win a £100 voucher for a store of their choice (from a list).

Thanks and good luck!
MNHQ

Standard Insight T&Cs apply

[firefly101]

1. What were your first impressions of the magazine when it arrived What did you think of the packaging?
   

I thought the magazine was over packaged, the outer cover then contained several gifts all wrapped in plastic. The magazine cover didn't give much idea of what was inside.

1. Did your child like the content of the magazine? What was your child’s favourite page in the magazine?
   

No sorry, this isn't the magazine for us. My daughter quickly lost interest. She read the cartoon, but there were no puzzles, colouring or sticker pages to keep her interested.

1. What did your child think of the gift that was included with the magazine? Was it better or worse than you both expected?
   

She was excited to open the gifts, but they weren't played with for long.

1. If you could recommend one change to be made to Toxic magazine, what would it be?
   

Remove the references to Fortnite, a game with a 12 rating, from a magazine aimed at 6-11 year olds.

[GriseldaChop]

1. What were your first impressions of the magazine when it arrived What did you think of the packaging?
   

The arrival of the magazine caused great excitement and the packaging enticed my DS to want to get into it straight away!

1. Did your child like the content of the magazine? What was your child’s favourite page in the magazine?
   

Although the characters and topics interest my son I think he was probably too young for it really. We read through parts of it together but he lost interest. He enjoyed the spot the difference puzzle and liked the photo of the man mowing the lawn with the tornado in the background.

1. What did your child think of the gift that was included with the magazine? Was it better or worse than you both expected?
   

He loved them! He really liked the gun and the Pokemon cards and decorated his treasure box with the football stickers!

1. If you could recommend one change to be made to Toxic magazine, what would it be?
   

I think the magazine was good but probably better pitches at children older than 6. My son would have liked more activities and puzzles.

Thanks for letting us test the product!

[MarjoryStewartBaxter]

Thank you for the opportunity to test this product, my 7 year old DS was very excited when it came in the post!

1. What were your first impressions of the magazine when it arrived What did you think of the packaging?
For me I though the colours looked garish and the cover was very busy. My son said "woah, COOL!" when he saw it so it was definitely a thumbs up from him.

2. Did your child like the content of the magazine? What was your child’s favourite page in the magazine?
He did. Captain Gross was his favourite part.

3. What did your child think of the gift that was included with the magazine? Was it better or worse than you both expected?
He says the gifts were perfect

4. If you could recommend one change to be made to Toxic magazine, what would it be?
Same as Firefly101, Fortnite isn't suitable for this age range. My son noticed it was a game he isn't allowed to play and queried why it was in there.

[We3kingsoforientareandabump]

1. What were your first impressions of the magazine when it arrived What did you think of the packaging?

The packaging was appealing to my son. I would have preferred to be able to see inside the packaging.

1. Did your child like the content of the magazine? What was your child’s favourite page in the magazine?

He loved it. His favourite page was the one with the guy mowing his grass with the tornado behind him. He thought that was hilarious.

1. What did your child think of the gift that was included with the magazine? Was it better or worse than you both expected?

He loved all of the gifts that came with the magazine especially the fortnite blaster and the fifa stickers. I thought the gifts were all great with the exception of the power pux (think that's what is was called) it was pretty pointless.

1. If you could recommend one change to be made to Toxic magazine, what would it be?

It was a really fab magazine and he loved it. It's probably the first time I've had a magazine for one of the children that I've thought was worth the money. This one retails for £6 I think which people may think is quite expensive but for he loved all of the gifts and was actually interested in the content so worth it IMO. If I had to make one change I would say maybe add a couple more puzzles.

[Cotswoldmama]

1.What were your first impressions of the magazine when it arrived What did you think of the packaging?

It looked appealing with all my sons favourite characters on. My son was very excited about the Pokemon cards.

1. Did your child like the content of the magazine? What was your child’s favourite page in the magazine?
   

He liked the Jurassic game and spot the difference, he also liked all of the freebies. The only parts he didn’t really like were the football and fortnight sections. He’s not interested in football and doesn’t really know what fortnight is as he’s only 7 so not old enough to play it. I’m not sure what age the magazine is aimed at but maybe football and fortnight are more for over 10 or even older.

3. What did your child think of the gift that was included with the magazine? Was it better or worse than you both expected?

He really loved the Pokemon cards and the shooter thing, he wasn’t so fussed about the rest .

1. If you could recommend one change to be made to Toxic magazine, what would it be?
   

Maybe a couple less free gifts and if it was under £5 I’d be more likely to buy it. More puzzles like word searches and crosswords and less fortnight and football.

[olbndansmummy]

1. The magazine looked eye catching and appealing. The wrapping was fine, but not recyclable, and each gift was wrapped separately so a bit wasteful.
2. He enjoyed the magazine and read it thoroughly, but did say he felt a bit old for it. His favourite page W's the fortnite (obviously!).
3. The blaster he was ok with, he doesn't collect pokemon cards (so not interested in those) we don't have the toy to go with the power pux, so again no interest, no fortnite thing with ours.
4. Maybe the gifts could be a book related to the gaming pages inside, just less plastic stuff.

Overall a good magazine, if a tad expensive

[doctorboo]

1.What were your first impressions of the magazine when it arrived What did you think of the packaging? I thought it was bright and shiny and would appeal to my boys.
2. Did your child like the content of the magazine? What was your child’s favourite page in the magazine? They likes the content, very excited to notice all the different sections and they really enjoyed reading the comic sections.
3. What did your child think of the gift that was included with the magazine? Was it better or worse than you both expected? loved the blaster, Pokemon cards mini mag and dinosaur, ambivalent about the stickers and plastic disk. It was as expected for me.
4. If you could recommend one change to be made to Toxic magazine, what would it be? I liked how much was included but my boys found the business of the pages a bit much at first but have enjoyed going back and spotting bits they missed the first tome round.

[MrsArchchancellorRidcully]

1. What were your first impressions of the magazine when it arrived What did you think of the packaging?

My children were excited to see it. Lots of oohs and ahhs as it was shiny and appealing. Personally I was disappointed at more plastic wrapping. My DC quickly agreed how they would share the gifts inside.

1. Did your child like the content of the magazine? What was your child’s favourite page in the magazine?

To be honest they both flicked through it briefly then got distracted and then we had to go out. They've not returned to it yet due to school and clubs but I'll encourage them to look again at the weekend. It didn't grab them immediately (they are 8 and 11).

1. What did your child think of the gift that was included with the magazine? Was it better or worse than you both expected?

They loved them. The toy gun and trading cards were instantly a hit. I thought the quality and number of gifts was better than usual but once again, more plastic!!

1. If you could recommend one change to be made to Toxic magazine, what would it be? Does it have to be just one!! I hate, loathe the name. Also if you can keep the wow factor without all the plastic I'd be very happy.

Thanks for the chance to try it.

[sorryiasked]

1. What were your first impressions of the magazine when it arrived What did you think of the packaging? Designed to catch the attention of children! I didn't like it, and wouldn't normally buy a magazine that I couldn't see the content of.
2. Did your child like the content of the magazine? What was your child’s favourite page in the magazine? No, he didn't.
He was vaguely interested in the youtubers page.
3. What did your child think of the gift that was included with the magazine? Was it better or worse than you both expected I'm afraid the "gifts" went straight in the bin, they were of no interest and worse than expected.
4. If you could recommend one change to be made to Toxic magazine, what would it be? It's quite difficult to pick only one! The name; the price (!!!), the packaging; the "gifts"; the lack of substantial content; the inclusion of brands which are inappropriate for the age range being targeted;

[annieno1]

1. What were your first impressions of the magazine when it arrived What did you think of the packaging?
   

Excited and interesting like a present

1. Did your child like the content of the magazine? What was your child’s favourite page in the magazine? The story part and the competitions
   
2. What did your child think of the gift that was included with the magazine? Was it better or worse than you both expected?he loved it the blaster the most
   
3. If you could recommend one change to be made to Toxic magazine, what would it be?
   

Not really much my child loved it all I would say maybe a few fun facts

[mogloveseggs]

1. What were your first impressions of the magazine when it arrived What did you think of the packaging?
   

It looked good packaging a little manic but ds liked it it looks exciting apparently

1. Did your child like the content of the magazine? What was your child’s favourite page in the magazine?
   

yes most of his favourite things were in there. Dinosaur pages his favourite.

1. What did your child think of the gift that was included with the magazine? Was it better or worse than you both expected?
   

He liked them but I thought it was a lot of plastic

1. If you could recommend one change to be made to Toxic magazine, what would it be?
   

More educational snippets - science/animal facts etc

[TravellingSpoon]

. What were your first impressions of the magazine when it arrived What did you think of the packaging? It was bright and busy, and there was so much of it! My daughter (11) liked it though and was excitee to open it.

1. Did your child like the content of the magazine? What was your child’s favourite page in the magazine? She really liked the pokemon stuff, especially the quiz. Most if the other bits she wasnt so fussed about.

1. What did your child think of the gift that was included with the magazine? Was it better or worse than you both expected? Too much plastic stuff. She liked the football sticker and the pokemon cards were met with much excitement.

1. If you could recommend one change to be made to Toxic magazine, what would it be? I think the magazine tries to cover too many bases, with too much content over a wide variety of different topics and interests. Plus too many posters.

[SomethingAboutNothing]

1. What were your first impressions of the magazine when it arrived What did you think of the packaging?

I was impressed with the recyclable padded envelope, but it seemed a little pointless after opening and seeing how much plastic packaging there was on the magazine and accompanying toys. Surely much of this could be cut down on?

1. Did your child like the content of the magazine? What was your child’s favourite page in the magazine?

My son liked the sonic pages, and the page of jokes.

1. What did your child think of the gift that was included with the magazine? Was it better or worse than you both expected?

He loved the nerf style gun, and the dinosaur. He wasn't interested in the pokemon cards or football stickers.

1. If you could recommend one change to be made to Toxic magazine, what would it be?

Reduce the amount of plastic used.

[Starfishandcoffee39]

1. What were your first impressions of the magazine when it arrived What did you think of the packaging?

My son liked the fact that he couldn't see what was inside so it felt like a present. Excessive plastic packaging though.

1. Did your child like the content of the magazine? What was your child’s favourite page in the magazine?

My son loved the content of the magazine. He picked it up a few times . His favourite section was pages 26-27 as he is a Star Wars fanatic!

1. What did your child think of the gift that was included with the magazine? Was it better or worse than you both expected?

My son LOVED the gifts, especially the blaster. I thought that the gifts were worse than I expected to be honest. Lots of plastic and plastic packaging.

1. If you could recommend one change to be made to Toxic magazine, what would it be?

Less plastic.

[Metellaestinhortobibit]

1. What were your first impressions of the magazine when it arrived What did you think of the packaging?*

DS liked the packaging. It was bulky and looked like it would be full of fun things. I thought it was intended to look like you were getting a decent amount for the price. Lots of plastic though. *

1. Did your child like the content of the magazine? What was your child’s favourite page in the magazine?*

He did like most of the content, his favourite page was the pokemon master hacks page. *

1. What did your child think of the gift that was included with the magazine? Was it better or worse than you both expected?*

DS thinks the gifts were better than expected. His favourite gift was Pokemon cards. *

1. If you could recommend one change to be made to Toxic magazine, what would it be?*

DS didn't enjoy the stories. He thought the fart story was immature and disgusting...his words, he's 12.
He'd rather have more tips and tricks for games.
I'd like to see more content in the magazine and less plastic tat toys.*

[DownRightAmazing]

1. What were your first impressions of the magazine when it arrived What did you think of the packaging?

It looked shiny and impressive - far more grown-up than the CBeebies type magazine I've bought him in the past

1. Did your child like the content of the magazine? What was your child’s favourite page in the magazine?

He liked the idea but didn't really engage with it much. The content was perhaps a bit beyond him - he is a young 7, a good reader but not really into comics

1. What did your child think of the gift that was included with the magazine? Was it better or worse than you both expected?

He loved the gifts, as always. Particularly the 'shooter' which is still in daily use - and the dinosaur is a firm favourite too.

1. If you could recommend one change to be made to Toxic magazine, what would it be?

The name, I'd never buy something called Toxic for an under 10

[TitsalinaBumSquash]

My son is 7,

1. What were your first impressions of the magazine when it arrived What did you think of the packaging?

Very excited, lots of colours and glimpses of familiar characters and obviously lots of gifts. He was very drawn to it and wanted to dive in straight away.

1. Did your child like the content of the magazine? What was your child’s favourite page in the magazine?

Yes he did, he loved the Pokemon bits as he's a big fan, there was a lot to read, lots of different sections and he enjoyed most of them.

1. What did your child think of the gift that was included with the magazine? Was it better or worse than you both expected?

He loved the Pokemon cards and the Dino bits, got bored of the gun type toy quite quickly, I think there was a good range so something for most people to enjoy.

1. If you could recommend one change to be made to Toxic magazine, what would it be?

My DS would have liked more posters for his bedroom wall and I would have liked to seen more articles about real life news, nature, science etc. Not overly keen on the inclusion of Fortnite at his age and I know Toxic has featured it in the past.

Thanks for letting us trial this and review it, DS loves magazines and gets real joy from choosing one every month.

[mummy81]

1. What were your first impressions of the magazine when it arrived What did you think of the packaging? My son liked the gold of the packaging.
2. Did your child like the content of the magazine? What was your child’s favourite page in the magazine? Yes, my little one really enjoyed the magazine. He loved the fortnite page.
3. What did your child think of the gift that was included with the magazine? Was it better or worse than you both expected? Great and epic he said. Quality was good.
4. If you could recommend one change to be made to Toxic magazine, what would it be? Why gifts are a big hit, there no point with useless plastic. The gun was good as it work, but the orange disc was a waste.

[mumsbe]

1. What were your first impressions of the magazine when it arrived What did you think of the packaging?

The magazine looked full and had a lovely front cover.

1. Did your child like the content of the magazine? What was your child’s favourite page in the magazine?

My daughter like the youtubers and wants to follow them she also like the fortnight pages.

1. What did your child think of the gift that was included with the magazine? Was it better or worse than you both expected?

My daughter loves the gifts she loved the Dragon the collectors cards and nerf gun

1. If you could recommend one change to be made to Toxic magazine, what would it be?

I'm not sure about the name

[UpToonGirl]

1. What were your first impressions of the magazine when it arrived What did you think of the packaging?

My son was very drawn by the look of the packaging and was eager to look inside.

1. Did your child like the content of the magazine? What was your child’s favourite page in the magazine?

Yes, he enjoyed the magazine, he especially enjoyed the Sonic and Ninjago pages.

1. What did your child think of the gift that was included with the magazine? Was it better or worse than you both expected?

He was very impressed with all of the gifts, there were more than expected.

1. If you could recommend one change to be made to Toxic magazine, what would it be?

I would change the name, whilst my son didn't really have an opinion on it, it would put me off buying for him it if I was new to the magazine. I also think there should be a move to biodegrable packaging and although my son was impressed with the gifts I would rather it didn't contain quite so much plastic tat.

[LetItGoHome]

1. What were your first impressions of the magazine when it arrived What did you think of the packaging?

It looked fun and my son was excited to open it. I didn't like the fact I couldn't see what was in the magazine before purchasing it. In reality I would never spend this amount of money on a magazine without being able to flick through it first.

1. Did your child like the content of the magazine? What was your child’s favourite page in the magazine?

There was very little in it that he actually enjoyed. He normally loves comic strips but he said they weren't very good. He enjoyed the jokes. It seemed to try to cover to much with very little actual content.

1. What did your child think of the gift that was included with the magazine? Was it better or worse than you both expected?

He played with the gun but was not interested in any other of the gifts. My son was very disappointed. I don't like the waste. It was unnecessary to have so much.

1. If you could recommend one change to be made to Toxic magazine, what would it be?

Not to have the magazine sealed closed. If you want people to part with that amount of money you want to know what your getting.

[biffyboom]

1. What were your first impressions of the magazine when it arrived What did you think of the packaging?
My son is 6, and was very excited to see the packaging, and the characters on it, he couldn't wait to open it to see the gifts!
Personally, I really like the vibrant package and the mystery it creates, but know when in a shop, my son is more likely to chose a magazine where he can actually see the gifts.
I do have to say that now he has tried the magazine, he would now chose it in the shop as he was so happy with it and understands what it is likely to contain within the sealed packaging.

2. Did your child like the content of the magazine? What was your child’s favourite page in the magazine?
My son loved all the articles/pages, as he was aware of all the characters, and it created plenty conversation with him, which was great for us as parents.
My son liked the game page as we could be involved with playing too.

3. What did your child think of the gift that was included with the magazine? Was it better or worse than you both expected?
My son was seriously wowed by the number of gifts, especially the blaster gun and Pokémon cards, as he is specifically into these at the moment.
Not being able to see the gifts, although the packaging says what they are, was interesting, as when in a shop, the visual aspect of seeing the free gift influences my son's choice of magazine.

4. If you could recommend one change to be made to Toxic magazine, what would it be?
Maybe the outer packaging could be partially transparent so the gifts are visible.

[smallbean]

1. What were your first impressions of the magazine when it arrived What did you think of the packaging?
   

For me there seemed to be a lot of packaging, but for my daughter it was attractive and exciting, ‘like a surprise bag’

1. Did your child like the content of the magazine? What was your child’s favourite page in the magazine?
   

She thought it was ok, too many of the characters and people featured were boys. Favourite page was the sonic page as we’d just seen the film.

1. What did your child think of the gift that was included with the magazine? Was it better or worse than you both expected?
   

The gifts were good, better than expected!

1. If you could recommend one change to be made to Toxic magazine, what would it be?
   

More girls.

[ButterflyBitch]

1. What were your first impressions of the magazine when it arrived What did you think of the packaging? It had a lot of gifts which my son really liked. I thought it looked very busy. The packaging could be more environmentally friendly.
   

1. Did your child like the content of the magazine? What was your child’s favourite page in the magazine? Yes he did. He said he looked at every page but I'm not sure if he read every page. He liked the lego pages.
   

1. What did your child think of the gift that was included with the magazine? Was it better or worse than you both expected? He liked them though football stickers aren't really his thing. His fave was the dragon.
   

1. If you could recommend one change to be made to Toxic magazine, what would it be? Make it more environmentally friendly and include more things 'for girls'.

[PooPooOfferson]

1. What were your first impressions of the magazine when it arrived What did you think of the packaging?
   

Although I thought that it had too much plastic (packaging and toys), my son was excitied about receiving it. I thought that there was too much going on visually.

1. Did your child like the content of the magazine? What was your child’s favourite page in the magazine?
   

He liked the Spot The Difference and the Scooby jokes the best. He didn't like the posters because he had to tear out the pages.

1. What did your child think of the gift that was included with the magazine? Was it better or worse than you both expected?
   

He thought that the gifts were excellent; he particularly liked the Double Blaster and the Battle Dino. We were both expecting fewer gifts.

1. If you could recommend one change to be made to Toxic magazine, what would it be?
   

I would like something more environmentally friendly with less plastic. My son would like more activities and jokes.