Nintendo's quirky Talking Flower, based on the chatty character from Super Mario Bros. Wonder, has seen its price drop to £24.99 at Amazon and Walmart, making it more accessible to fans of whimsical gadgets.

The toy offers a drip-feed of time and temperature updates, along with occasional motivational remarks, much like its in-game counterpart. However, it lacks practical features such as serving as an alarm or connecting to the internet. Instead, it relies on random programmed comments, which can either entertain or annoy depending on your perspective.

My colleague Andrew Webster found that while the Talking Flower is a delightful source of whimsy, its constant chatter occasionally prompted him to take breaks and look after himself. However, reviews on Amazon suggest users are split: some love it for its novelty, others find it irritating. It's a curious blend of technology and self-care advice.

The toy’s price reduction makes it more appealing, yet its usefulness remains in the eye of the beholder. If you're looking for a quirky addition to your home that might subtly encourage mindfulness, this could be worth considering. But if you prefer utility over whimsy, perhaps there are other options.