Awika is my husband's favorite Kikkerland toy, and it's easy to see why.Awika has a huge wind up gear, he can crawl over lots of stuff, and his rear end shoots sparks as his little rubber feet race along the ground! Very cool, and so different from today's concept of "toys."Oh, and they're not just for adults please see my note on kids using these (below).
These little gear box wind-up toys are soooo much fun (you can watch all of the action take place the toy has an "open" build). My son and I found these toys by Kikkerland while on vacation, and I decided to purchase them from Amazon.Cosmojetz is the most active of all the Kikkerland gearbox toys, but Awika may be the most exciting to watch because it has so many feet, walks over most things, and shoots very small sparks out its rear!
Don't set any of these toys near the end of a table or desk, or they may fall off and break.All of the keys and feet differ between the Kikkerland gear box toys, so you never know what you'll get.Almost entirely metal parts, these toys will last forever if you/your child do not abuse them (e.g., drop, smash, etc.)
I bought a "Cranky" for my own desk and the Cosmojetz and the Awika for my 8 y.o. son, and they've been a big success!I only recommend these toys for responsible children who do not beat up or abuse their toys.These are not Mattel or Playskool toys, but are they cool and fun?Yep, way more unusual and cool than your average toy. Recommended!
I found this via the Kikkerland site a few years ago, and finally got one for my 5-yr-old daughter this Christmas. She loves it it's silly, and it cracks her up (would not recommend it for a younger kid, though, because of the winding you don't want to overwind, or wind backwards!). It was smaller than expected, and it does get gummed up from time to time (pet hair, etc.), but overall this is a cool little doo-dad. I'd love to have the whole set, if they were less expensive. Maybe one for every gift-giving occasion. See the Kikkerland site for very funny video demos (set to music).
Buy Kikkerland Awika! Windup Colors May Vary Now
I have purchased Awika, along with an assortment of the other wind-up toys from this line on several occassions, and I find myself looking for opportunities to give one of these fun toys to someone new.They are cleverly built and funny to watch -especially when you get more than one of them going at a time!One year, I gave them to all of my coworkers (a bunch of computer geeks), and they were a big hit.The next year, I wrapped up a bunch for my family and they each got to pick from the pile.Oddly enough, each person seemed to pick a toy that somehow matched his/her personality!
Also, if you're into "green" gift-giving, I believe at least of portion of the proceeds from the purchase of one of Chico Bicalho's designs goes toward conservation of the rain forests in South America.
Read Best Reviews of Kikkerland Awika! Windup Colors May Vary Here
This looks cool and that is pretty much it. Wanted a wind up toy to let kids play with and understand a bit of mechanics. But the gears always jam and this needs to be nudged to get it moving. We played for perhaps 10 times. Then while winding up, some tiny plastic pieces broke off and the metal strip sprang out. Luckily no injuries except for Awika. Since I had kept in the box for few months before giving it to the kids it was too late to return and Awika had go to the trash can. I think the design is poor. The gears that are not connected to both sides tilt away from the plane of rotation and hence they jam. Also a stronger plastic for the gear wheels would help.
Want Kikkerland Awika! Windup Colors May Vary Discount?
My son received the Awika as a Christmas present from a dear family friend and we were all delighted. We had other Kikkerland wind-up creatures and had enjoyed them for years. This one moves in amazing ways and the sparks amazed us. Unfortunately, the Awika broke within an hour of opening it. The gears slipped making it impossible to wind.
No problem, we thought, we'll just call the company. A ten minute conversation with a customer service representative was entirely unsatisfactory. The company was not willing to replace or repair the toy. They, in fact, would take no action because we did not have the receipt. The Kikkerland representative said that they had no way of knowing how long we had had the product--the warranty only lasts 90 days. We explained that it had been a gift, and it would be quite awkward to ask the giver for a receipt (if she had in fact retained it). We explained that it was a Christmas gift and we were calling them on December 28. We know, like several other reviewers, have a very cool looking, but non-functioning toy. We are also disappointed in a company whose products we have enjoyed in the past.
The short of it: Expect this toy to break. Do not give it as a gift without enclosing the receipt.
Save 2% Off
I was looking for a sturdy and stylish toddler chair for my 20 month old that didn't scream kiddie chair.I purchased this chair based on the picture and description and I wasn't let down.In fact I was very pleased to see that it came assembled except for the chair feet (easy to install) and it is bottom heavy so that it doesn't tip over when my 30+lbs toddler jumps off the arms.The materials used are of high quality.the canvas material is velcroed in place and can be cleaned.The seat cushion which often gets dirty is removable and upholstered on all sides.
