A Mom's Balancing Act - My First Ball Track Review

New HABA Website & My First Ball Track Review & Giveaway

Posted by Jenna | Saturday, August 25, 2012

Over the years I have learned that my kids gravitate toward toys similar to the ones I grew up playing with. Lights and sounds on toys are fun for a while, but it's the simple, non-battery operated products that really bring out their creativity and provide the opportunity for open ended play. I keep any eye out for toys like this, and know that I can always count on HABA!

Found nationwide in over 1,000 U.S. specialty retail stores, catalogs and websites, HABA products have been recognized with German and American awards including Parents' Choice, National Parenting Center, Creative Child, Dr. Toy and The Oppenheim Toy Portfolio. They are a name parents know and trust...one that provides both fun and education for children of all ages.

As many of you know, we are a huge fan of HABA toys. We've owned several over the years and appreciate the high quality toys they offer. They are classic and timeless, something I know my kids will be able to play with for many years to come. That's why I was excited to learn about the launch of a new consumer commerce and information site at www.HABAusa.com! This is a place to find a great selection of HABA toys and information.

In visiting the site, I found it to be colorful and simple to use. With convenient tabs at the top of the page I was able to search through their more than 1,000 items and find the ones that suit my children's ages and interests best. With prices ranging from a $2.70 wooden play food baguette to a $349.99 Rose Fairy Play Tent, there's something for everyone! I love "window shopping" online, and make many of my purchases this way as well, so I appreciate that their site is so user-friendly. Love it!

I was excited to learn that we were going to have the opportunity to review one of their brand new, fresh-in-from-Germany toys which can also be found on the new website! We were sent the My First Ball Track.

Features/Benefits:

• Recommended for ages 18 months+
• Easy construction
• Contains 1 ramp, 6 curves, 8 colored connecting blocks, 1 bell, 1 regular ball and 1 special effect ball
• Can be complemented with any of the HABA ball track sets as child grows

When the My First Ball Track arrived, my almost 3 year old son was very excited to try it out. I have to admit, so was I! After all, when it comes to open-ended play...even adults have fun because the sky is the limit as far as how it can be put together and used.

Pulling everything out of the box, I was happy to find the great quality I love about HABA! Each piece is durable and something I know will last a long time. There's also a lot of color which is fun for kids too!

We started out with the ramps, curves and connecting blocks and began putting our ball track together. It couldn't have been easier to figure out how, thanks to the pivots on the colorful connecting blocks which easily lock into place on the bottom of the ball track pieces. Kaden and Kaelyn both enjoyed helping and soon, I was sitting back watching.

If I could, I'd sit all day and watch my kids play. I absolutely love seeing their imaginations and creativity at work. I found that to be true of this toy. It was neat to see them working together talking about how they could put it together so that the ball would roll better. They tried several different ways, and finally found one that worked. When they rolled the balls down the track, it went all the way to the bell which resulted in pure excitement and a sense of pride and accomplishment!

One of the kids (if not both) always get this toy out on a daily basis. It may be simple, but because it allows for open-ended play they never seem to get bored. They love the challenge of putting it together and then moving their ball along the track.

Seeing how much of a hit it is with both my 4 year old and 2 year old, I was thrilled to learn that it can be used with any of the other HABA ball track sets. This is perfect for kids as they grow. I now have a great idea for Christmas this year!

If you're looking for high quality toys that will provide hours of fun and educational value, I would recommend checking out HABA's new website at www.HABAusa.com!

Buy It: You can purchase the My First Ball Track at HABAusa.com for $69.99.