ABC Kids Expo 2011: Play

PLAY

Here are some of the fun or just cute toys from the show.

Dwell Studio

(image via buy modern baby)

Folkmanis hand puppet


Boon


(images via buy modern baby)

Ulubulu bibs


Tegu



Moulin Roty shadow puppets



Moulin Roty tea set



P'kolino shape puzzles. Muliple ways to do these puzzles with the basic shapes. So cool.

Jekca "lego-like" furniture that you build with your kids.

Four years ago my husband came to the European kids fair with me when I was there for work. The first thing that he saw that he picked out to me and told me was genious was the balance bike we saw a tiny toddler whizzing by on. He was convinced that it was the best thing at the show and that we should import them. I should have listened--he does have a great eye.

Now they are all the rage here stateside and there is stiff competition for this market. There are a lot of great options out there and they range in price from $69 t0 $200+. They are great because they teach kids not to rely on training wheels and learn how to ride a real bike with more ease because they are used to controlling their own weight on two wheels. If you haven't ever seen them in action, check out some of the videos on you tube--some promotional, some not.

Here are just some of the options out there. If you want more, google balance bikes, glide bikes, etc. for even more products.

1. Wishbone Balance Bike $229

2. Prince Lionhear Chop Bike $110
3. Smart Gear Balance Bike $69
4. Sevi Puch Bike $125
5. Like A Bike Race $289
6. Glide Bike PV Mini Glider $99
7. Prince Lionheart scooter $110
8. Skutt Diggin Balance Bike $89
9. Specialized Howalk Balance Bike $159 @ local bike shops