When a toy is so happy that it can even brighten up your day – then it must be the happiest toy in the world!

We have tried and tested these toys as part of a campaign, but the opinion expressed is unbiased… When you watch the videos you will know just how much fun these toys are.

Little Tikes Squishy Octopus Piano

The Little Tikes Squishy Octopus Piano is literally the best musical toy we have ever seen and owned. If this Octopus was available when I bought baby toys, it most probably would’ve made the cut and this is why…

• 2 music settings of which one plays a melody for each key vs standard single notes
• A soft tongue button that releases the happiest sounds we’ve ever heard (check out the video)
• It is durable, our toddler stands on it all the time
• It has sound, lights and texture with the additional sensory beads on the keys
• It is compact enough to fit in my handbag or in baby’s bag to take everywhere
• Very importantly it has no sharp edges

All the humans in the house wants to play with the Octopus Piano, because it just makes you happy. We have taken it on a road trip and I haven’t gotten tired of listening to it either.

Little Tikes Ocean Explorer – Ball Chase Octopus

I know this toy has the words “ball chase” but unfortunately in my house it’s more like “who can hit mommy with the balls”. This is the most fun for my toddler, unfortunately baby just tries to eat the balls – she even crawls to get her little hands on them.

We seem to have misplaced some of the balls around the house between the kids, the cats and the nanny, but that’s not a problem. I bought 6 table tennis balls and they fit too.

Did you know that Little Tikes has brought smiles for 50 years already?

Known for its colourful, resilient, fun and educational toys, Little Tikes continues to bring exciting new products to an already well-established and much-loved range.

For 50 years Little Tikes has brought smiles and happiness to children all over the world. The toys incorporate fun, education, gross and fine motor skills development, ingenuity and of course fun. The products are made especially for little hands and are built to last. Kids can throw them, bite them and really get stuck in with hands-on play. The toys are a firm favourite amongst kids in South Africa and no doubt will be enjoyed for generations to come.

Chiquita Patrizi of Prima Toys

Little Tikes encourages play – obviously!

A 2018 policy report from the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests parents should pencil in big blocks of time devoted to nothing but free play.  One reason for the suggestion is that a high percentage of children in the U.S. no longer have break during their day at pre-school because of increased academic pressure. While this is fortunately not the case in South African pre-schools, time for free play is diminishing and parents should take heed before it becomes a “playtime crisis”.

As a response to this, Little Tikes and Prima Toys aim to celebrate the important relationship between parent and child and encourages parents and kids to be active and playful through discovery… together!  The Little Tikes product range is designed for all sorts of play patterns and lays the foundation not only for the healthy development of a child, but for the future of play.

Below are some of the best-selling toys from Little Tikes:

Little Tikes Push n Play Turtle

The Little Tikes Push n Play Turtle is a walker and activity centre in one.  Ideal for ages 9 months plus, the sturdy handle allows toddlers to hold on and walk with confidence. To prevent walker from going too fast, the wheels have a locking mechanism. The toy also features a shape sorting activity that helps develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. The ball popper allows children to hear and see the shapes pop while the walker is in motion. Clicking toys on the handle make walking fun! RSP: R699.99

Little Tikes Sing n Roll Ducky

The Sing n Roll Ducky is a pull along toy that also features sounds and songs. The toy helps to develop fine motor skills and audio recognition. Ideal for ages 12+ months. RSP: R299.99

Little Tikes Handle Haulers – Truck

This friendly-faced Handle Haulers Truck encourages children to get down on the floor and play. The easy to grip, handheld car is easy to push. Little Tikes Handle Haulers are great toys for kids as they encourage energetic floor play and hours of pretend fun. Ideal for ages 12 months plus. RSP: R299.99

Little Tikes Discover Sounds Hammer

This fun, interactive toy hammer is an ideal toy for babies. The easy to grasp shape makes it simple for children to grab and shake. The soft rubber makes a great teether and the textured grip is just right for little hands as they explore cause and effect. Features lights and sounds. Ideal for ages 6 months plus. RSP: R249.99

Little Tikes Tap-a-Tune Drum

Little Tikes Tap-A-Tune Drum helps preschoolers and toddlers take their first steps into the world of music. The brightly coloured drum and drum sticks encourage children to make their own musical tunes. Features 2 ways to play. RSP: R299.99. Ideal for ages 12 months plus.

Available at good toy stores countrywide. For more information go to www.primatoys.co.za