The Little Tikes Coupe Range

After several years of seeing the Little Tikes brand in action, I am comfortable to say that they are one of the most successful and ranges in terms of appeal for children and safety. Made of colourful, soft plastic sections and having different features per model, they seem to have a very good selection. Safety is a very important design aspect for any parent, and the toys have obviously taken this into consideration, having several components such as the removable floor panel and high back chair to make sure the kids don’t get hurt.  While they are recommended for youngsters between the ages of 18 months and 5 years, I have found many older children will continue to have fun in these toys even up to the age of eight or nine years old! The cozy coupe line is quite unbreakable and can outlast all sorts accidents, and can take a significant amount of wear and tear before their performance beings to suffer (its usually the wheels which become the problem).

You will need to assembly the coupe yourself if you do decide to buy it new, but the instructions which come with the box are easy to read and the kits are usually simple to slot into place. If you have assembled other larger Little Tikes products, you will have seen with bumps and holes which need to line up to fit the sections into place, so don’t be afraid to use some force when thing get a bit stuck.

Using the original Little Tikes Cozy Coupe as a base for its design, this car is one of the most unique to be seen from the range and is one of the most exciting and dynamic models. While many of the other cars are based on safety and fun features, the fire truck adds a new dimension by including several electronic functions such as an working microphone with good quality speakers and a control which allows for seven individual siren noises to be produced!. The flashing lights on top of the car also work, allowing for quite an amazing visual display when everything is switched on. The chassis has a few shiny designs on it, adding some colour. The usual features are also present; realistic steering wheel horn, cup holders and control handle. For parents worried about the safety of their kid’s feet (applicable to toddlers around 18 months), there is a movable floor section which can be put into place to remove the ability for the driver to put his legs through, allowing the parent to push the car along using a handle found on the back of the coupe. There are also lockable doors and a high back seat which guarantees the safety of the child. It costs $59.99 if bought from the retailers, but online cheaper options can be found – you just need to snoop around! If you do buy it new you will need to put it together yourself and buy some AA batteries for the electronic systems

This is another fantastic design which may kids love to play with (in the shops that is – they cause enough damage with the normal model let alone one that can spray water everywhere!). While more popular with the boys, I have seen many girls wanting to try their hand at being a fireman/ women. It comes equipped with a pressurized water tank and has a spray system which works very well, so be warned this is not for indoors! The water container can be removed from the coupe and reattached once filled with water (2 gallons). The company states that this model for children between the age of eighteen months and five years, and will also need assembling if you buy it brand new. It is a bit pricier than the other cars at $69.99, but the extra cash is worth the unique features.

The Pickup Truck is the actually one of the best presents you could possible get a boy, as it has a host of manly features which most kids would love to use. It can accommodate just the driver (single seater) and the main attraction is the flatbed rear section which even comes with a ramp! Kids can put whatever they deem necessary in the back and then make use of the ramp when they need to remove an item. The pickup truck usually gets used outside in the yard or garden, but as the other toys it is very durable and will not sustain much damage, even when treated roughly. It also has a front grill, working door to allow entry, petrol cap, reflective sections and some body graphics. It is $59.99 if bought from Little Tikes, but as already mentioned cheaper versions are available (although I have tried to find this versions for sometime and they seem to sell out quick).

This coupe is the girl version of what the Pickup Truck is for the boys! Made of baby blue and pink plastic, it has all the features of the cozy coupe but has a much more feminine exterior. It has the removable section on the floor and high back seat to increase the safety of the car, and comes with a sounding horn, working door and cup holders. It usually costs $49.99 and is recommended for kids aged eighteen months to five years.

For youngsters looking to keep the peace this is probably the way to go to get them started in their law enforcement career. Similar to the Ride and Rescue coupe, it comes with a microphone and police style sirens. Other features include caster wheels, door, realistic ignition switch, storage space and police stickers. It costs 59.99, will need to be assembled if bought new and needs double A batteries for the electronic systems.