I’m always on the lookout for great, affordable toys that can be gifted for birthday parties and other celebrations. Especially in the summertime, I find that there’s a boom in the number of party invitations we receive. (Note to self: do not book anything for the next 12 Saturdays, because they’re already crammed with events.) Hence, toys that are fun, educational and combine a love of outdoor play are always at the top of my list.
The very awesome folks at Little Tikes gifted Ryder and Reid with the Clear Sports trio for their birthdays in May. Alas, with the weather being unseasonably cool, and then our backyard makeover, we had to wait until last week before we could break out the toys. Ryder, who at five years old is very much into sports, almost burst with excitement when he set eyes on the play sets. Well done Little Tikes!
The Little Tikes Clearly Sports toys help the young sports fans in your life burn energy and develop hand-eye coordination and motor skills. This summer, you can make every play-date a grand slam with the Clearly Sports Baseball set ($24.99), which includes a bat that holds colourful balls that make a huge sound when hit. Turn your yard into a driving range with the Clearly Sports Golf set ($19.99), or transform your hallway into a bowling alley with Clearly Sports Bowling ($24.99). They’re priced just right for gifting, and are nice and sturdy for outdoor use. (You *could* use the sets indoors, though I don’t recommend playing with the baseball set around antiques or glassware!) The sets are available at Toys’R’Us, Walmart and Target.
Ryder immediately took a shining to the the Clearly Sports Baseball set.
The Little Tikes Clearly Sports Baseball set is ideal for engaging active play. The colorful baseballs jump and clatter inside to enhance excitement just like at the ball park! Plus, all pieces fit together for compact storage. The Little Tikes two-in-one Clearly Baseball play set is also just right for beginners; start with the tee-ball play, and as kids grow they can advance up to baseball play. Perfect for ages 2-5.
Accessories include:
* 1- Base
* 1- Tee
* 1- Baseball bat
* 3- Baseballs
“Assembly” consists of snapping the two base pieces together. Easy peasy!
Within moments Ryder had the hang of hitting the ball off the tee, and now my husband is working on his posture and form before he can transition him from tee-ball to baseball. Reid, who’s a little younger, whacks angrily at the tee – I started to photograph him but then feared for my safety as plastic balls were popping everywhere. Let’s just say he needs a little more practice.
Next, we broke out the Clearly Sports Bowling Set.
Little Tikes Clearly Bowling game provides hours of fun active play! The pins feature colourful balls that make knocking them down even more fun. This brightly coloured kids bowling game teaches hand-eye coordination. Bowling is an energy burner and helps to develop social skills, balance and coordination.
This bowling set includes:
* 1-Bowling ball
* Ball diameter 10 5/8″ (3 1/2″ cross section)
* 6-Bowling pins
* Pin height 8″
Once again, Ryder led the charge as our mini bowler; he enjoyed setting up the pins – and of course, knocking them down. Repeatedly. I was starting to worry that Reid would feel left out, but he surprised me by being the most helpful pin monkey. Ryder’s so lucky to have such a helpful little brother!
Finally, I was relieved when Ryder let Reid have the Clearly Sport Golf Set to himself (although I think he was still bowling and therefore, otherwise occupied).
Little Tikes Clearly Sports Golf set has a golf club with an oversized club head make it easy for kids to make contact with the colorful golf balls. The cup can be set on any surface. It’s larger so kids can build confidence and enjoy a sense of accomplishment. Kids can put the golf balls inside the gold club after play to keep them secure. And, little ones can push the trigger on the club to drop the balls, and by a small push down on the club, the balls can be picked up easily. Intuitive!
Accessories include:
* 1- Tee
* 1- Golf “hole” with flag
* 3- Golf balls
Reid’s an avid golfer – though he does have to work on his form. (You’re not sweeping the lawn, Reid, you’re golfing!) Still, we’re happy to just let him be a kid and sweep away at the golf balls. The club is nice and large, allowing little ones to hone their putting technique while fine tuning motor skills.
If you’ve got a budding sports enthusiast, or are looking for an affordable outdoor toy for birthdays or summer picnics, the Little Tikes Clearly Sports sets are a great choice. Since introducing the sets to the boys last week, they’ve returned to the backyard every day to resume play. Ryder has quite the swing! And Reid – well, he’s getting there!
Special thanks to Little Tikes for the thoughtful (and fun!) birthday gifts. The boys are clearly thankful!
What is the target age on the Bowling Set? I like that one. I think my 4 yr old would enjoy trying to knock over the pins. These are great toys to get kids to enjoy playing outside this summer.
Hi Tricha! The target age for all the toys is “2 and up” – but I believe any child from 2-6 would enjoy the golf set. My 3 year old is not very dexterous, but my 5 year old loves it!
what fun!! Your boys look thrilled with these toys and they fit right in with your new yard space! Thanks, I think my grandkids would love these as well!
I think your grandkids would adore the sets! Enjoy Anne!
The kids are loving these toys, all of which are durable and pack up nicely
Indeed they do! One week later, they’re still faves!
This looks like an awesome, fun but relatively safe toy – easily stored to keep all the parts!
Couldn’t have said it better Karen!
Some great toys for the kids for the summer to have some backyard fun. Thank you for positng
You’re welcome Florence!
Good to see the little guys out playing and enjoying themselves.
Ryder shows good form in his baseball swing and Reid must’ve eaten his spinach recently cuz he doesn’t even need his other hand to drive the golf ball. Great idea on the part of Little Tikes to design their golf club to both drop and pick up the ball!
As for bowling, I have my bowling ball packed, shoes and Water Buffalo Lodge Hat on. Get ready
little poobahs, I’m coming over for some yabba dabba doo time… |-)
Ah, love this! Come over any time Uncle AC, the boys miss you!
What bright, colourful, fun sports toys for Little Tikes! I really like that bowling set.
I think the bowling set is my fave too, Heidi!
What a clever idea to have the balls stored in the handles (golf and baseball) ! Might be something to keep in mind for the grandkids after they move to a bigger house :o)
Indeed! I love that the toys work well in small – and large – spaces!
I currently dont have a need for these fun looking games but as I’m going to be a first time Grandma(!!) at Christmas I’ll keep them in mind for the future. Thanks!
Congratulations Lisa – such wonderful news!!
Thanks for sharing these toys, have a birthday party coming up and I think the bowling set would be perfect
You’re welcome Judy! They are such great gifts for sure!
I Like the sports sets very fresh and modern but still kid friendly!! the boys are having a hoot by the looks of it. (they are sooo cute….)
Aw, thanks Allie! Yup, they love the sports sets!
Those look so fun, and they would make great gifts! It looks like you made a great decision on how much lawn to leave — they still have a great space to play on.
Thanks Victoria – you bet, it was a hard decision coming up with the exact ratio of patio to lawn, but I think we nailed it!
These colourful toys look awesome and would definitely make great gifts for little kids. Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome Marissa!
these looks some great summer toys, my daughter would love them!
I think she would too – please do look them up!
This looks like fun!! My almost 4 year old would LOVE it! She loves watching her older brother play baseball :)
Oooh, that’s the perfect age for the sports sets!
These look like great toys to get the kids outside and be active! Love them will have to get some for my kids!
Please do! In addition to being tons of fun, they’re very affordable too!
Your boys are too cute!
:) Thank you Kelly!
I love little tikes. They have such great toys!
Don’t they?? The boys still play with the sets every day!