Bilibo Blue

For a while I couldn't justify purchasing the Moluk Bilibo, although I just kept coming back to it.Here's what I'm thinking, I think there's two types of children who would like it.1) the kid that needs the extra sensory support & the kid that's 2) low to no tech kid.1) My 6.9year old son needs a great deal of sensory input. I hate the term "ADHD" but it really is the best way to describe it without going into a great deal of explanation. This is some of the stuff we have done to try to help him focus.We homeschool, so he plays outside for about 2hrs (that's basketball, riding his bike, soccer, football, lots of tag and running) essentially he exherts himself until he's ready to sit and work. I do as much as he feels he can concentrate on with in 30-45minutes & then we break for a snack. Then he listens in on lessons done with his older siblings (history, science, read alouds) & he gains a lot of knowledge merely by being involved that way. We have also gotten him signed up for MMA which he goes to about 4 times a week for about 3hrs a day. In between those days he does a 30minute trampoline MMA style workout with YouTube.You'd think with all of that physical activity he'd be okay as far as his sensory needs are concerned. Yet I was frustrated by his rolling around on the floor, flipping off the couch, sitting upside down, etc... I have a strict, "no horse play" in the house rule especially because we have small children that tend to get kicked as they are walking by or as they're sitting on the couch but he had these needs.I gave in & bought the Bilibo & it was like Christmas for him. He was so thrilled with it. He uses it every day & there are time where his energy is a bit overwhelming & I say "please go use your spiny thing" & he runs off to do that. He comes back down & says "mom, I think I can sit now". My other kids have really liked it as well but since its more of a "therapy" tool then a toy, we have asked them to just let him have it to hisself, especially because they're much bigger than he is physically.If I didn't have a toddler I would have him use it as we do some of the reading during school but if I allow him to do that the toddler would try to climb in with him & likely get hurt. So maybe when she's a little older & understand she can't climb in there with him.2. I think we need to know our audience. I don't think that the techi kid would enjoy this toy/tool. I really don't want to offend anyone or get anyone riled up. I'm not intending on starting a debate or trying to guilt anyone but there are countless studies that have been done on brains that have shown how a child's brain (a person's brain) is changed by the use of technology. Essentially it is rewired to need constant media input. There's so many links to ADD, ADHD, etc... That being said, if your child is really into the tech stuff, the likelihood of him/her liking this toy is probably slim, you might want to save your money, I hope I was clear, that it wasn't a judgement on your parenting, just a hope at saving you some money on a thing your kid was likely going to find boring. Think: a large brown box. If your kid would hate a large brown box as a gift, she/he'd likely hate this gift. A brain that is very stimulated would likely find this toy incredibly boring. I know that personally my brain is so over stimulated that I watch tv with my iPad on and also my smartphone on. While I watch one thing on tv, I google things on my phone & I look through sites with my iPad. It's so upsetting to me that my brain needs the super stimulation. I personally as a kid would have hated the Bilibo, just like I hated Legos. Best thing I've ever built out of Legos was "a wall" lol Know your audience to save yourself the aggravation of buying something they won't enjoy or use.I hope that my review has been helpful. Much luck.

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.