Bilibo Blue

This toy is the best kind, it does everything, and can be anything my son can Imagine! Definitely the kind of toy kids of all ages love, it didn't get ditched for a cardboard box! This is VERY sturdy, it is small enough to put away easily, and has more uses than any one could imagine. My son is two years old, and a human wrecking ball! He has autism, his isn't very severe, but imagination isn't one of any autistic child's strong points- but this has helped him, with a couple of ideas from mom, and more fun ones from Dad, he uses it for everything! Half the time I don't know what it is he's pretending, but I have NEVER seen him play with a toy for this long, and he uses it every day! I am thrilled that such an inexpensive toy is so educational- it definitely has taught him about imaginative play! He sits in it like a chair, he rocks in it, and he can spin himself in it (he Loves that part- Daddy spins him really fast!) For those of you who don't know spinning affects your vestibular (movement) sense, which is great for all kids in helping to develop balance and coordination- esp. great for autistic kids who need that kind of stimulation. My son uses it as a car, a boat, a hat, a shell, a bed for his bear, a carry all, and who knows what else. We even take it with us to grandpa's house, because grandpa doesn't have much in the way of toys. So to sum it up, it is a Great Buy, a good toy for toddlers and older kids alike. I would definitely recommend this, for your child, or a gift when you're not sure what to get.

And here is my disclaimer. I didn't mean to give this 5 stars. I don't love it, but honestly it's great. Maybe I'm a bit old-fashioned. I don't let my 6yo have a DS or even a leapster. I want her to see that there is quality to life beyond what appears on a screen. I don't mean to be a snob or smug, I do let my kids watch tv and go on the computer. But I want them to understand the world around them. I want them to explore it. When I saw the bilibo, I wanted to like it. I agreed with another reviewer that "aha, this will unlock my kids' creativity". And because people like to know these things, I got this when my kids were 5 and almost 2 and now a year later, they are 6 and almost 3 and it still comes out for play fairly regulary, which is really cool.But as a parent, it's simply a relief to get a toy that does not require batteries, does not make any sounds or have flashing lights. And with no moving parts, it will likely be one of the few toys they pass on to their grandchildren. It is simply there and they can use it or not, interact with it or not, but it's not going to beep because it's not being used or make any sound to say "I'm shutting off because you're ignoring me." It sits there quietly waiting to be used. But it always works when it's wanted.My kids use it however they want. Nothing terribly adventurous or exciting, but it works well for the obstacle course and for sitting in, or for making a cradle for their baby doll or for sorting or whatever they decide to use it for. I'm sure there's a million and one things they haven't thought of, but when they do, it will be there and it will work and it won't ever need a new battery or complain that it's not being used.

When I first saw this little toy, I thought "what in the world?". Then I read the description, and I was still thinking it seemed kind of lame. However, as a veteran mom of 9, nurse, and daycare provider, I have learned the value of open-ended play in a child's development. I took the time to read thru some reviews, and decided to give this toy a chance.I ordered one, thinking I didn't want to commit much $$ to an untried toy. To my surprise, the kiddos LOVED it. From early toddler to preteen, the Bilibo was a total hit. My 12 year old kept playing with it, and I ended up ordering a 2nd one to make sure the youngsters got their turn!Children have to use their imaginations with the Bilibo. They use it as a jumping stone, a basket for picnics, a turtle shell. They even scoot across the room in carpet races. It is whatever they make of it!The bilibo is truly durable. Some of my daycare children are REALLY rough on toys. The Bilibo is virtually indestructible. I have even jumped up and down on it to test it out, so I know it can easily withstand 135#.Current studies are showing that America is starting to lag behind other countries, largely due to our dependence on standardized testing/teaching methods, which has wiped out creative thinking in the classroom. Without creativity, there is no innovation. Providing open ended play in the formative years is a crucial part of the learning process. I have observed the Bilibo sparking imagination in every child who has played with it (close to 20 children ages 1-18 at my last count)! My current plan is to add several more of these to my daycare program over the next year.

I bought this for my autistic 4 year old boy for Christmas and he LOVES it! He spins around in it on the ktichen floor and laughs and laughs! He also likes the feeling of just sitting in it while he watches his iPad or we read books. It is a really great solution for getting this busy boy to SIT STILL! He has such a hard time with that, but if he sits in this thing, he'll stay put a little longer because he can balance, rock back and forth and because it seems to hug him just right to feel good.The quality and durability of this item is very very good. It's not some cheap, thin, flimsy plastic that is going to chip, scratch or crack easily, which is a big deal in our house because this boy is HARD on toys!$30 still feels a little high for what it is, but I really won't complain too much about that because it's so well made and he enjoys it so much. I highly recommend this toy for autistic kids or any kid! My nieces (5 and 8) also love the "turtle shell"!I did NOT receive this item for free or at a discount.