With great respect, I dissent, December 29, 2009

Durability: Fun: Educational: 

Well, it’s intimidating to write a bad review for the Bilibo. First, you need a thick skin, because it seems that a sure way to get “unhelpful” votes on Amazon is to utter disrespect for the sacred Bilibo. Second, even anonymously, a bad review can’t help but come off as perhaps some sort of indication that your child is just lacking in the “imagination” department. Who wants to be perceived as having an unimaginative child?

Well, my flame suit firmly in place, I respectfully dissent. When the Bilibo arrived in our house as a surprise present for our 3.5 year old, my wife looked at me as though I were a bit off. “No no no,” I protested. “You don’t understand! This is the most talked about toy on the Internet. What looks like a simple oddly shaped upside down German World War II helmet is really the key to unlocking our child’s innermost happiness.” Despite several skeptical glances, I pleaded: “Please trust me. Apparently, kids just love them, even if adults cannot completely understand it.” “It is,” I declared triumphantly, “the cardboard box of the 21st century.” “But,” my wife replied, “we already have cardboard boxes. Some of which date from the 21st century.” Shaking my head knowingly and with a sad looking glance, firmly secure in the knowledge that 100 five-star reviews can’t be wrong, I thought, “you’ll just have to wait and see.” My biggest concern was that my wife would feel somehow she was not in touch with our child when she saw the glee on our child’s face when the Bilibo was gloriously displayed and our child’s imagination fully engaged and unlocked!

On the appointed day, the gift was delivered. Ready for the magic that was sure to unfold, we placed it in the middle of the room. “What is it?” “Why, it’s a Bilibo.” “What does it do?” “Whatever you like, Sweetheart. Whatever you want it to be, it can be.” “Can I put my books in it?” “Yes! Of course. You can put your books in it!”

Well, the books are still there. In the Bilibo. In the corner of the room. We took them out briefly for some spinning attempts and some other guided Bilibo activities that were received more as a chore than as playtime. So we put the books back in. They don’t fit so well. The books are square and rectangular. The Bilibo is round. As a book holder, I would only rate it as average or maybe slightly below.

A cardboard box would hold more books, I think.

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Great toy, October 12, 2008

Durability: Fun: Educational: 

Had two Bilibo’s delivered to my grandchildren (ages 1.5 and 2.5) while we were on vacation. What great fun the Bilibo’s are! They spin and rock in them, sort toys into them, cradle their babies in them and walk around with them on their heads acting like cartoon characters. We haven’t even tried them out in snow! The play value is immense and never ending which is what great toys become.

And while at my 2.5 yr. grandchild’s, she stands in it, hangs on to a chair and twists and balances standing in it. Her mother was a gymnast and NCAA diver and this looks like a great toy to build those ankles up for balancing and take-offs. The 1.5 yr. old uses it for his cars and trucks and plays train with the Bilibo as a tunnel. He also uses it like the back of a dump truck.

I would rank the Bilibo up there with staples for the nursery/kindergarten like blocks and balls. There is no end to the creativity and usefulness a child gets from it. It looks like fun and the children see it that way immediately. I bought it using Amazon’s system of review and bestsellers, the video of the Bilibo and my child development education background. On all levels it was A+!!

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A few years later, and.., October 20, 2009

By 

Hilary Williams “hilaryofhere” (Here, There) – See all my reviews

  

Durability: Fun: Educational: 

We’ve had ours for a few years, now, and still love it!

I see that a few other reviewers were bothered that it isn’t more functional as a chair. I agree that it is not the most comfortable of chairs. This does not bother me, however, because it’s design is very well suited to the active and creative use intended.

It’s best use is not as a single self-contained, self explainatory activity (the simple rocking, balancing, or spinning never lasts long around here), but as an accessory to any number of activities and imaginative games. In addition to being the means to some serious dizziness, ours has been a tunnel, a sled, a cave, a chariot, a stool, a mountain, a cradle, and so much more.

There have been times when it was tucked away and unused, but the kids are always excited when they rediscover it and suddenly it returns to being the most cherished and fought over among toys.

I admit to having a few initial doubt- my kids’ interest was short lived when I introduced it as a single straightforward activity. It was as an accessory to all their everyday play that it really started to shine. Now I consider it to be one of my best toy purchases.

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