one2believe nativity set

Hi, all~

Today I’m reviewing an item that was sent to me as part of the TOS Homeschool Review Crew, and it is just in time for some quick Christmas/Advent shopping!

One2believe is a company that is trying to “Take back the Toybox” by offering Biblically-based toys. Check out their full line here.

If you are looking for a child-friendly nativity, would like to add to your nativity collection, start a new one, OR have an alternative to the FisherPrice and Playmobil nativities, you may wish to check out the offering by one2believe.

The Tales of Glory Nativity Set includes a “Birth of Baby Jesus” mini-storybook and 17 PVC pieces (Joseph, Mary, baby Jesus in manger, King #1, King #2, King #3, Angel #1, Angel #2, Shepherd #1, Shepherd #2, male camel, male donkey, male sheep, female sheep, stable, tree, and a barrel of hay). For ages 3+

Here’s a quick "my comparison" chart:

One2believe Friendly characteristicsMostly not chokeable (3+)Immoveable partsExpandable play with other sets$25($24.99 to be precise)Includes wise men
FisherPrice Cute
Not chokeable (1+)
Immoveable parts
Expandable play with other sets$26-$33Wise men extra
Playmobil
Typical playmobilChoking hazard!
Movable parts
Expandable play with other sets
$18-24
Wise men Extra

There are only a couple of things I noticed that I would change with this set if I could.

First, Joseph’s headcovering is so heavy that he finds it difficult to stand up all the time. The good thing is that the stable has a great nook for him to rest.

Second, I, personally, would appreciate it if the angels and the shepherds had distinct features, instead of just a different “paintjob”. My 11 year old daughter noticed their identical features as well, but she still thought the angels were her favorite pieces, so this isn’t a huge deal. Actually, it could be rather fun for those families who have twins! How often do you find identical twins in a playset without purchasing a separate figure?? So…. In deference to the “Twinned” families out there, maybe I wouldn’t change this feature. ☺

My 16 month old, who really isn’t supposed to be playing with this (We remove Baby Jesus, as the greatest choking hazard, when he is playing with the set), really loves the sheep. He immediately picks them both up and carts them around with him. (They ARE very cute. ☺ )

Ok, here’s one more thing to consider when making your nativity purchase… I haven’t checked out what “charities” Playmobil and Fisher Price support, but one2believe supports many ministries in both the United States and abroad including Hero Antigua, Samaritans Purse, Focus on the Family, FamilyLife and local Southern California ministries. If you want your money to go further than the corporation, one2believe might be a good choice for you!

Have fun playing with your kiddos!

Oh, and Happy Thanksgiving!!!