Tonka Bounce Back Racer

I have an almost 5 year old son who loves, adores, covets anything remote-controlled. But a lot of the R/C items out there are too delicate and expensive for a rough and tumble preschooler. And often the gear shifts are too confusing for a little kid who still looks down to make the "L" to find his left hand. One round with a fancy R/C Corvette would be the only time he'd get to play with it, for a fatal collision or gear jam are a sure thing.

Thank goodness that Tonka gets preschoolers and made the new Bounce Back Racer with young kids in mind. My son passionately loves this colorful, crash-proof car. It feels soft to the touch, and soft against the furniture legs it continuously bumps without leaving a scratch. It says on the box it was developed for indoor play. The remote is easy for either my son or my two-and-a-half year old daughter to control with its easy two buttons for forward and reverse.

The coolest part of the Bounce Back Racer is that it is two sided - if it hits a wall or obstacle it flips over and keeps on going. The kids love this part. The cat? Not so much.

Cost: $29.99 - brand new from Tonka for Fall 2008