Ride-on toys have always been popular with children, for obvious reasons. They’re fun, and they allow them to do one of their favorite things: imitate grownups! Louis Frezza, owner of KidsWheels.com noted, “I say it’s going to be a good year for 2005. People are staying home more and are looking to entertain more at home. Our sales are up 60 percent over last year. I don’t see a diminishing market now within our industry.”
Wooden Airplane Ride-On by IMAGIIX TOYS
This sturdy wooden toy has rubber-covered wheels and fun features including a spinning propeller and turning steering wheel. — This toy was only available in limited quantities at Mytoybox.com in March 2005. — This ride-on was featured as a toy of the year by BabyTalk Magazine in November 2004. — Solid wood construction makes parents feel secure in the lasting value of this toy.
This steel tricycle includes chrome handlebars, spoked wheels with real rubber tires, and an adjustable seat. -- This trike is listed as one of Dr. Toy’s Best Classic Toys for 2004. -- This ride was on the best seller list at Target.com in March 2005. -- On Epinions.com, one parent commented, “If you take good care of your Radio Flyer, it will last you for years to come. My children have spent hours and hours using the Radio Flyer Classic Red Tricycle.”
This car features durable plastic construction, a functional steering wheel, and smooth wheel motion. -- On its website, Big Toy states that more than 6 million have been sold worldwide, “making it the world’s best-selling ride [on] toy car.” -- Louis Frezza of Kidswheels.com says, “This product is a top seller for us in the traditional category. It’s…a…high-quality product, and I’ve had no returns.” -- Parents feel comfortable about durability, since Big Toy offers a 2-year warranty.
This toy is a skateboard that kids sit on and control by swinging the handlebars from side to side. -- Parents are happy with the safety of this ride-on, since it is low to the ground. -- This toy has nostalgic value. A review on Highlights.com stated, “I had this when I was a kid. I wore the wheels off I rode it so much…it was my most favorite lasting toy.” -- Robert Slye, owner of Toys Ahoy, named this product as a top seller for his store.
This tricycle is known for its safety, and comes with a lifetime frame warranty. It features oversized seats, and kids like the rear bucket. -- This trike features a lifetime warranty. -- Robert Slye, owner of Toys Ahoy, said, “Jumbos do very, very well for me. I have them on a rack outside, even during snowstorms, and they hold up very well.” -- Tim Bartlett of MyToyBox.com said, “For the younger kids, Kettler trikes have been consistent top sellers.”
This retro-styled rocket from a well-known name offers the added fun of space sounds, vibrating motor action, and working lights. It also features a storage area under the seat. -- This toy was included on the Parents Choice 2004 Holiday Gift Guide. -- It was a 2005 winner of the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award; it was rated a “Top-Rated Big Ticket” item and a “Top-Rated Gender-Free Product.” -- This rocket was a best seller on popular sites such as Target.com in March 2005, and can be enjoyed by children 10 months and up. It was an Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award Winner 2004 and a Parent´s Choice "Recommended" Award Winner 2004.
This leg-powered train features a wide, sturdy seat with a backrest for younger kids, and offers lots of features like jumping, colorful balls, two levers and a piston with a knob. -- Parents like the added safety feature of a high backrest for younger kids. -- It is listed as a top seller and received good reviews on KBtoys.com and Amazon.com. -- In one review on Amazon.com, a parent wrote, “We got this for my son’s first birthday, and it has been the most popular toy ever since…”
This coaster rolls on 10' of track and offers safety features like a high back, handrails and a foot rest. — This toy was a top-selling item on Amazon.com and Walmart.com in March 2005. — A reviewer on Amazon.com said, “I bought the first Step 2 Up & Down Coaster nine years ago! This toy is still played with every single day.” — Parents like the fact that this toy offers little thrill seekers fun without the need of batteries.
This popular ride-on was re-launched at the 2003 New York Toy Fair. -- Louis Frezza, vice president of Kids Wheels, said, “Big Wheel is always a good seller. Parents today were riders of that toy in the past.” -- This toy was a top seller on Walmart.com in March 2005. -- Parents like the fact that this ride-on offers a three-position seat that grows with the child.
This classic car has been updated, and includes extras such as a higher seat, vanity license plate, and a working horn with four sounds. — "The Little Tikes ride-ons are popular — kids just love cars," said Dina Hanson, manager of Fun Stuff Inc. in Seaford, N.Y. — "Parents like them because of the quality, but they're fun toys," added Wes Lenon, manager at Kay Bee Toy & Hobby Shop in Boise, Idaho. — The interactive aspect of the Cozy Coupe II from Little Tykes sets it apart from competitors.
Writer's Bio: Brenda Ruggiero is a freelance writer from western Maryland. Read more articles by this author
