Miniature Wagon Wheels

The wheel, greatest invention of all! Supposedly because it led to man being able to conquer his surroundings but for me it's the sheer joy and health benefits they bring to young children that make me want sing their praises (another round of "Wheels on the bus", anyone?).

Until I saw a Wheelie bug I despaired of ride-on toys. There really is only so much primary coloured plastic an adult can look at without feeling one's eyes are being assaulted by a box of crayons. Also, most have fixed wheels so can only travel back and forwards meaning you spend a lot of time rescuing frustrated little people that get themselves stuck in corners. Not entirely getting the 'promoting independent movement' part there, are they?

Someone out there clearly felt my pain because they came up with gorgeous looking ride on toys that have castor wheels. These cute bugs (the mouse and tiger are my favourites!) can go in any direction, including in circles, meaning tiddlers legs get great all-round exercise as they have fun gaining independence of movement, balance skills and frustration-free problem solving when they inevitably scoot themselves into a corner.

From things they ride on to things they can ride in. One of the most iconic images of childhood in the USA is the Radio Flyer Wagon and even if the name isn't immediately familiar I bet you know the one I mean. Bright red with a black handle and the Radio Flyer logo in white along the side, it comes in wood or metal (and more recently, plastic) and usually has a cute kid pulling his or her favourite toys along behind him as they all go on an adventure in the garden. They've been a staple of American family life since the #18 Classic Red Wagon was first produced over 70 years ago.

They were first used on Fire Island, New York. No motorised transport was allowed on this holiday isle so in order to get belongings from the ferry to the accommodations people used the Radio Flyer Wagon. Proving itself strong and stable it soon got pressed into use for grocery shopping and moving heavy objects around, not to mention kids who would jump in for the ride at every opportunity! They now come in many sizes, all the way down to a miniature wagon which is perfect for kids of up to 90 years!