Stop, Drop and Blog

Today’s firefighter related gift post is for our younger set of firefighters. Let me tell you: we have no shortage of fire truck ride-ons in this fire family. Some that I share today will be ones that we own but two of ours are already no longer being produced. I scoured the internet and asked friends for tips and links and reviews.

This Fisher-Price Little People Fire Truck Ride-On is probably a good one to start with as the ages fall in that 1-3 year old range. No sharp edges, pedals or gas pedals to worry about, this is a great way to get your future firefighter off and riding. The handle in the back can serve a few purposes: you can push your child around the room, your child’s siblings can push him far too fast for your liking or your little one can stand up and push it into your dining room table leg, over and over. Warning: apparently there are buttons and lights and, as such, sound. I have not played with this particular ride-on but if it is anything like our first fire truck ride-on, be prepared to hear sirens over and over. And over! For my anti-plastic, no-noise-toys readers, go with this wooden ride-on for your future firefighter’s introduction to fire trucks! How cute is that thing?!

Next we have the Little Tikes Ride & Rescue Cozy Coupe. It’s been a real winner in our house since BigBrother turned one. LittleBrother started playing with it around ten months of age and hasn’t stopped. He’s always climbing in and out, pressing the siren button (it’s not too loud) and peeling off the stickers. Yes, I can say that about this one first-hand. The stickers do peel off, they will eventually wear out and Little Tikes doesn’t make replacement stickers. Bummer.

If you want to go with a more classic ride-on (and classic seems to mean metal), the options are endless. I like this Metal Speedster Fire Truck Ride-On because of the bell, the little ladders attached to the back and the words “Hook and Ladder” on the front. It’s similar, but smaller than, one that we own. This American Retro Pedal Fire Truck obviously has pedals and is for your next age group up but, oh, it’s so very handsome, no? I love the chrome look, the white detailing, those ladders and the fact that you could totally throw another kid on the back of this truck.

For the go-on-your-own crowd there are a few options as well. The Power Wheels Toddler Fire Truck is smaller than some, meant to be your child’s introduction to Power Wheels with easy, push-button stop and start. It really seems like a great go-on-your-own ride-on to start with considering both the price and size of the next step up… and the fact that it has been recalled. (Therefore Stop, Drop & Blog does not suggest purchasing the item. And a reminder: always check recall lists for any toy you are giving your child!)

There are plenty of other fire truck ride-ons on the market right now. I can honestly think of three more right off the top of my head simply because I’ve had to stop and play with them in the store because I also, like TheBrothers and FireDad, have this attraction to bright red and shiny fire trucks. What can I say? I was meant for this life!

All this week Stop, Drop & Blog will be bringing you gift ideas for the firefighters or fire truck loving children in your lives! Tomorrow I’ll be bringing you firefighter related toys that are safe for the youngest set of future firefighters. Tune in!