Laufrad Kinderbike Run Bike
Cost: $109; Ages: 1.5 to 6 1 of 18
Designed to teach kids to ride bikes sans training wheels, run bikes inspire kids to learn how to maneuver and balance confidently on two wheels. Kids become familiar with bike components, such as brakes, handlebars and a saddle, before they move on to a bike with pedals. Constructed of an aluminum frame and alloy components, the Laufrad was voted the best run bike by The New York Times. The Laufrad was engineered with an extremely low center of gravity to prevent tip-overs. The 2015 models come equipped with a larger seat adjustment range (13 to 22.5 inches) so kids can use the trainer for a longer period of time.
Little Nutty Helmet
Cost: $60; Ages: based on size 2 of 18
Kids will love the little nutty bike and convertible bike and snow helmets for their adorable graphics, overall comfort and magnetic buckle, which allows for a pinch-free, one-handed operation. Parents will love that these helmets comply with the U.S. CPSC safety standards plus all of the thoughtful features, including an EPS shock-absorbing liner, adjustable spin dial for a snug fit, ample venting and 360-degree reflectivity.
PlasmaCar
Cost: $50-60; Ages: 3 and up 3 of 18
This funky, ride-on car is a pedal, motor and gear-free toy that harnesses the powers of inertia, friction, centrifugal force and your kid to move at speeds of up to six miles per hour. Your kid would simply sit on the seat with his feet on the footrest, lean slightly forward (to prevent tipping) and grip the steering wheel. To propel forward, simply turn the steering wheel back and forth continuously; to reverse, move the steering wheel 180 degrees. Seek out flat, smooth surfaces outdoors or indoors on wood-free floors, as the wheels may damage some floors.
Super Sounds Soccer
Cost: $32; Ages: 2 and up 4 of 18
This soccer goal comes with equipped with a built-in cheerleader: Score a goal and encouraging sounds erupt; hit the adjustable target and the announcer shouts "GOAL!" The goal measures two feet by three-and-a-half feet and includes the net, target, ball and a two-player score keeper.
KidKusion Retractable Driveway Guard
Cost: $120 5 of 18
If you live on a busy street but don't want to deny your kids the joy of playing in the front yard, this retractable driveway guard will stop balls from rolling into the street and also provide a visual barrier that kids should not cross. The bright orange guard is retractable, portable, installs easily and spans 25 feet. At $120, it's no bargain, but anything that can prevent a potential accident with a car is priceless. Please note that this guard shouldn't replace parental supervision.
Disney Frozen Adjustable Quad Skates
Cost: $45; Ages: 4 to 9 6 of 18
If your kid is a Frozen fan, he or she will love putting these on for a spin around the neighborhood. Ideal for first-timers, these skates feature a low center of gravity, fixed rear wheel base, rear brakes and protective wheel covers to prevent kids from catching the wheels from the other skate while riding. A thick padded liner provides extra comfort and ankle support. Sturdy click adjust binding straps make these skates easy to get on and off.
3-in-1 Bounce, Stride and Ride Elephant
Cost: $30; Ages: 9 to 36 months 7 of 18
Made of incredibly durable plastic, this friendly elephant features lights, music, melodious sounds and three ways to get babies moving: bouncing up and down, steadying first steps as a walker and as a baby-powered ride-on toy. Includes over 30 tunes, fun sounds and phrases, wobbly-action bumblebee and bat-at rollerball.
YFliker Carver C1 Performance Scooter
Cost: $130; Ages: 5 and up 8 of 18
If your daredevil is bored with the Razor scooter and wants to (safely) kick it up a notch, this scooter, suitable for ages 5 and over, allows riders to carve, drift, make sharp turns and 360. The Carver C1 was engineered to accelerate quickly and maintain balance at greater speeds. These kid-powered scooters mimic downhill skiing, so riders need to move their hips and legs from side to side to gain momentum and move.
Imaginarium Hopper Ball
Cost: $20 to 25; Ages: 3 and up 9 of 18
This 22-inch Swiss ball for kids makes hopping around the house or outside a fun, safe (kids should grip the handle with both hands for safety) way to burn energy. Made of durable vinyl with a textured bottom for added stability.
Huffy Green Machine Thrill Rides Tri-Wheel
Cost: $110; Ages: 8 and up 10 of 18
If your 8-year-old or older child wants some 180-degree spin action, the Huffy Green Machine is a three-wheel bike whose extra-wide, slick back tires provide the power and balance required for spins and slides. Easy reach dual stick steering and fast trigger handbrake puts the rider in control.
Trek Mystic 20 Bike
Cost: $220; Ages: 6 to 9 11 of 18
The price tag on Trek kids bikes might be steeper than department store bikes, but Trek's dialed components, such as saddle, pedal size, handlebar grip diameter, handlebar and stem, crank length, gearing and brake lever, can be adjusted to accommodate growth spurts. For ultimate comfort and safety, get your kid a customized fit at a specialized Trek dealer.
Slackers Eagle Series Zip Line Set 90'
Cost: $126 to 170; Ages: 7 and up 12 of 18
Turn your boring backyard barbecue into a thrilling event by stringing up this zip line between two sturdy trees, attaching the sturdy seat and taking turns soaring through the air. The steel trolley features rubber handles for increased grip. All parts are weather and impact-resistant.
Twister Dance
Cost: $35; Ages: 8 and up 13 of 18
Twister may have been one of your favorite games as a child, but this modernized version is a lower-key version of Dance Dance Revolution. Multiple dance levels and beat detection technology encourage kids to follow the lights and dance on the Twister spots. Your kids and their friends can rock out to pre-programmed artists like Britney Spears and Willow Smith or plug in an MP3 player and follow the lights to dance to their own playlist.
Save on Gifts for Active Kids and Family
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Single Beaded Jump Rope
Cost: $7; Ages: 3 and up 15 of 18
Create a customized jump rope for your child that's made with choose-your-own colored beads (12 colors available), handle and rope length, and bead size. Made with lightweight beads, performing crossovers, unders and using two ropes to double dutch is easy.
Nerf N Sports Cyber Hoop
Cost: $20; Ages: 8 and up 16 of 18
This isn't your dad's back-of-the-door basketball hoop—it's a portable hoop that connects wirelessly to a mobile device (no Android support) and scores through an app. Kids can challenge up to four friends with five ways to play, including dunk contests and head-to-head play. The app records your game or dunks and automatically tracks stats. Create a highlight reel that includes slow-motion play, commentary and sharing with others.
Minnie Mouse Musical Touch 'n Crawl
Cost: $30; Ages: 9 to 36 months 17 of 18
If your little one needs a little extra push to start crawling, this Minnie Mouse plush can provide the necessary motivation. Simply press Minnie's back to see her crawl to the soothing, encouraging sounds of Minnie's giggle plus music. Babies who learn to mimic Minnie's crawl develop gross motor skills as well as cause and effect—they learn that their actions make things happen.
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