Common Sense Media Review
By Dana Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Purchases pushed in magical garden not so sweet.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Download
Videos and Photos
Strawberry Shortcake Candy Garden
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's It About?
STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE CANDY GARDEN begins with the app's cute namesake showing players how to plant treats in the garden. A hole is magically dug, and then kids choose what they want to grow: Four are free -- lollipop, gummy bear, donut, macaroon -- but others require a purchase. Then kids choose a flavor to add to the sweet "seed" (two free) and then swipe dirt over it. Kids are prompted to drag a cloud over the dirt to water the seed and drag the sun over it to give it light. It will grow and bloom, and then kids can add sprinkles and "gifts," such as a watering can, to the scene (some require an in-app purchase). After a plant has bloomed and the treats are placed into a basket, kids tap on them to help the characters eat them.
Is It Any Good?
If it weren't for all the pitches to purchase and ads for other apps directed at kids, this would be a cute -- albeit candy-focused -- diversion. Showing in-app purchase options right next to the free-version options is pretty aggressive advertising, especially because if kids try to use an object, flavor, or gift they haven't yet purchased, the app screen immediately switches to an "Unlock All" page. And unlocking all the content is no joke: It can run you up to $9.99. There's also a lot of advertising for other apps, including one animated ad kids must watch to reenter the free game after a certain number of game sessions. Also, though kids will love the idea of growing candy as wish fulfillment, some parents won't love the overt sugar focus. If your kids love Strawberry Shortcake, there are definitely better options available.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what kinds of foods are really grown in gardens and about healthy eating choices. How much sugar is too much?
Talk with your kid about your family's rules about in-app purchases.
Discuss the real plant-growth cycle that's shown on this app (planting, watering, sunshine, sprouting, budding), then plant and tend to a real seed in a glass jar where kids can watch it grow.
App Details
- Devices : iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad
- Pricing structure : Free to try ($6.99-$9.99 in-app purchase to unlock all content)
- Release date : January 20, 2016
- Genre : Entertainment
- Topics : STEM
- Version : 1.1
- Minimum software requirements : iOS 6.0 or later
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate