Bilibo
The multi-award-winning Bilibo is celebrated as one of the most innovative and versatile open-ended toys of our time. Deceptively simple and magically attractive, Bilibo's iconic shell shape and bright colors immediately appeal to children.
Bilibo arouses curiosity, engages the imagination, and playfully trains balance and coordination. Children find unlimited ways to play with Bilibo – rocking and spinning inside, hiding underneath, peeking through, balancing on top, filling it with treasures, or turning it into whatever their game requires. A timeless companion for hours of fun, indoors and outdoors, all year round.
Bilibo doesn't tell children how to play. It trusts them to figure it out. And they always do.
ages
2+
Timeless Design, Museum-Recognized
Bilibo has been featured at MoMA New York and is part of the permanent collections at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, the Design Museum Brussels, and the Museum für Gestaltung Zürich. A true design classic that elevates any play space.
Open-Ended Play That Grows With Your Child
Bilibo transcends age, gender, and conventional categories. It adapts to every stage of development, becoming a spinning seat, a helmet, a boat, a cradle, a container, or a stepping stone – always evolving, never outgrown. A toy without an expiration date.
Movement-Based, Screen-Free Learning
Bilibo is a tool for growth. Rocking, spinning, and balancing strengthen core muscles, coordination, and spatial awareness. In pretend play it nurtures creativity, imagination, and empathy, while group games foster cooperation, communication, and social confidence – essential foundations for healthy child development.
Durable and Sustainable
Made from high-quality, food-grade HD-PE, Bilibo is exceptionally durable, weather-proof, 100% recyclable, and built to last through years of indoor and outdoor play – a rare investment in lasting quality and sustainability.
Award-Winning and Expert-Endorsed
Trusted by leading child development specialists, occupational therapists, and educators worldwide, Bilibo has earned numerous international awards – including the Swiss Federal Design Award, the U.S. Toy of the Year (TOTY®), and Germany's prestigious spiel gut® seal for outstanding play value.
Age: 2+
Colors:
Classic Collection: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple
Pastel Collection: mint, ice blue, beige, baby pink, lilac, white
Special Edition 2024/25: midnight, terracotta
Dimensions: ø 39cm, height 21cm
Weight: 700g
Material: HD-PE, 100% recyclable
Care: Easy to clean with water and soap
Compatibility: Compatible with all MOLUK toys
Bilibo is made from high-quality, food-grade HD-PE – an exceptionally durable plastic that remains resilient even at low temperatures, perfect for outdoor play in snow, sand, or water. Free from BPA and phthalates. Bilibo is safe, 100% recyclable, and built to last for years of active, imaginative play
Bilibo was conceived by Swiss designer Alex Hochstrasser in 2000 and launched in 2001, redefining what a toy could be.
Created as a completely open-ended play object, it invites movement, imagination, and joy without prescribing a single way to play.
Its iconic shell shape has become a modern design classic – celebrated with international awards and showcased in leading museums worldwide.
Engineered for exceptional structural stability, Bilibo even supports the weight of an adult while remaining light enough for a child to carry. Multiple shells nest and stack efficiently, making Bilibo practical to store and transport despite its generous size.
Bilibo® is a registered trademark. Its unique shape is protected worldwide by registered copyrights (VA-1-715-472) and three-dimensional trademarks (IR 797 578; US Reg. No. 5,471,832)
Bilibo meets the highest international safety standards and is regularly tested by independent laboratories. It contains no small parts, no sharp edges, and no harmful substances.
Keep in mind: Bilibo may only be used on flat terrain and soft surfaces a safe distance from any obstacles or objects where children might get hurt. Bilibo is not designed to carry a child on the water and may therefore be used in shallow water only. Bilibo is neither a sled nor a swing. When left outside over several years the shell can become brittle and must not be used any longer. Even the safest toy cannot replace adult supervision. Use common sense and never leave small children unattended while playing.
Awards:
Bilibo has received numerous prestigious awards around the world for its unique design and outstanding play value, including the Swiss Federal Award for Design, spiel gut®, Preschool Toy of the Year (TOTY), and the Movement & Innovation quality seal by Prof. Dr. Harald Lange, recognizing its educational and developmental benefits.
This Goofy Plastic Bowl Has Replaced All Other Toys in My 6, 4 and 2-Year-Old's Toy Box
This beloved toy inspires endless imagination and creativity among toddlers.
I like to think of it as baby’s first piece of modern art.
An endlessly versatile thingamajig
For some kids, this may be the one toy to rule them all.
What the experts say:
Prof. Remo H. Largo, former head of the University Children‘s Hospital Zurich
From the author of the bestselling books Babyjahre and Kinderjahre:
A good toy distinguishes itself through a series of characteristics. It should be as little predetermined as possible in order to leave much room or the child‘s imagination and expressiveness. It should allow for various ways to be used. The child is then able to train its motor skills, ideally in different agility games. It uses the toy for its symbol games and builds a house for its dolls and animals. The toy acts as accessory when playing role-games and pretending with other children. And finally the toy should appeal to children at different ages and accompany them in their development over a long period of time. Bilibo distinguishes itself to a high degree through these characteristics.
Therese Affolter, Ergotherapist, teaching paediatrics at the School for Ergotherapy in Zurich
In the words of an occupational therapist
I like Bilibo‘s simplicity, which leaves room for the child‘s imagination. The shape of the shell is very beautiful, inviting the children to touch it, to experiment and play with it. Bilibo is changeable, (stable-unstable) and versatile when used (container, tunnel, stone, helmet, top, see-saw, sound instrument, light-shadow, train...) and harmonises with other elements (sand, water, marbles...). Bilibo lets children realise various game ideas according to their age. Bilibo „grows“ with the child so to speak. With different uses the corresponding sensory systems are stimulated (tactile, proprioceptive, vestibulary, visual, auditive...)
Julie Kim, writer for the New York Times Wirecutter with a focus on motherhood, inclusion, and disability.
From a mother of two
It might not be immediately clear what a child is supposed to do with a Bilibo, and that’s precisely the point: All ideas are valid when it comes to this sturdy plastic, shell-shaped object. (Is it a helmet? A seat? A spinner? Yep.) Research shows that open-ended play fosters creativity and resilience in children, especially toddlers who are not yet accustomed to more-programmed activities with a “right” and “wrong” way. My daughter started occupational therapy when she was 15 months old. The Bilibo was hands-down her favorite prop. At the beginning of each session, the therapist plopped my daughter’s butt into the cupped seat and slowly twirled her around in circles (if a kid is younger than 2, they will likely need adult help to keep them from toppling). She’d giggle uncontrollably, all the while developing the core and neck strength needed to balance and sit up on her own. Now that my daughter is 4, we use the Bilibo as a container for sensory play materials—rice, dough, and foam. And for my 8 year-old son, it’s the perfect addition to a mini-golf course … in our living room.
Dr. Marco Hüttenmoser, Documentation Centre Child and Environment
From an educational scientist and art historian
After years of toy development dominated by chip and otherwise enhanced objects, the play shells conceived by Alex Hochstrasser mark indeed a bright spot. The new play object stimulates the motor skills of children in many different ways. Tests with the shells also show the multitude of ideas children develop when playing with them. Bilibo can make an important contribution for a healthy development of young children‘s motor functions. This is particularly important in a time where children are detained in apartments by their parents for fear of the traffic that has become too dangerous outside. Instead of freely playing and moving about outdoors, children spend hours in front of TV and computer screens, which is in no way beneficial to their social and motor development. Bilibo will add quality to the situation indoors. With Bilibo we have an attractive object at hand to fill these spaces and stimulate the motor skills of children in imaginative ways.
What happy customers say:
Ree
A Classic
My kids had these for about age 3 till they outgrew them (around age 10/11). Although slightly unconventional looking at first glance, these are like a Swiss Army knife for children. They can be used to pick up toys, dump water on a sibling's head in the pool, make weird sandcastles, and best of all - spin incredibly fast on a tile floor. Great for sustaining those incredible kid core muscles. My oldest kids are in college now and still get excited when we talk about this toy. They're that awesome!
Amy
The amazing Bilibo!
My son's OT and PT and I have been working together to build a perfect play space that caters to his needs. The Bilibo had been such an amazing addition! Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but it had been a phenomenal tool for open ended play, core strength, and balance building. We pretend we are turtles, baby chicks hatching from eggs, and even standing on top of mountains! I have even been using it to work on my own core and balance. I will sit in one and balance with my hands and feet off of the ground to get a good workout in it, the Bilibo is so well constructed. It is 100% heirloom quality and will last us for years. Overall, we love our Bilibos and will definitely be ordering more.
Grace
Fantastic!!
I bought this for my son's 2nd birthday as he's a super active kid that loves to climb, jump, hide, etc.... Not only did he love it, but his 4 year old sister and 7 year old brother loved it, too! The kids have found dozens of ways to play with this super simple toy. They've used it in the snow and already have plans to use it in the sandbox this summer. Versatile, imaginative, and durable that engages a huge age group!
Aimee Brown
My Review of bilibo by MOLUK
The Bilibo is one of very few toys that my own children played with for years (literally) and was never donated, broken, or forgotten. I recommend the Bilibo to everyone I know and have gifted it countless times. It's always wonderful to see all the exciting ways children choose to use open-ended toys and the Bilibo is the perfect tool to promote highly imaginative play.
Annabelle123
Kids love these!
I bought four of these 'turtle shells' last Christmas. I had no clue what the kids would do with them but I really encourage and like creative play. It's a year later and I can tell you, they do everything! They flip them over for The Floor is Lava, sit in them, fill them, wear them as hats, jump from them. It engages them in group play as well as individual. They are currently used by kiddos aged 5, 4, 3, and 2. The 5 and 4 year old are a tight fit but they make it happen. I'm about to purchase another for a 1- year old. I hope they sell these forever, and ever, and ever.
Paige k
Big kid and little kid love it
I bought this for my 2 year old but my 8 year old may love it more. She loves to spin in it. The little guy likes to use it for a chair and rock in it. It's sturdy and brightly colored. This is a really fun toy and I'd recommend it for anyone.
Bilibo works great with:
FAQ
Got questions about Bilibo? Start here for quick, comprehensive answers.
What is Bilibo?
Bilibo is a tough, open-ended play shell kids use to spin, rock, sit, scoop, tote, and invent new games – indoors and out. Developed with input from leading experts and occupational therapists, it encourages movement, sensory integration, and imaginative play for children of all ages and abilities. Made of food-grade HD-PE, it’s extremely durable, safe, and fully recyclable.
What skills does Bilibo support?
Bilibo supports holistic development across physical, cognitive, social, and emotional domains. Through open-ended play, children build essential skills naturally – moving, thinking, creating, and connecting in ways that feel like pure fun.
Balance & Movement
Bilibo is a playful workout for the whole body. Rocking, spinning, and sitting in the shell strengthen core muscles, build gross motor skills, and improve coordination. Using several Bilibos as stepping stones challenges balance, agility, and spatial awareness in dynamic new ways.
Sensory Play
Bilibo offers a wide range of sensory experiences. Rocking and spinning stimulate the vestibular system (the inner balance sense), while shifting body weight and balancing provide proprioceptive feedback (deep-body awareness of position and movement). When filled with sand, water, or small objects, Bilibo adds tactile exploration and visual contrast. It can even become a drum, or create playful auditory input from objects rattling inside the shell. This rich mix of sensations supports sensory integration, helping children process, regulate and organize what they see, feel, and hear through active play.
Problem-Solving & Creativity
Because there's no single right way to play, Bilibo sparks flexible thinking, spatial reasoning, and cause-and-effect learning – core aspects of cognitive development in early childhood. Children experiment constantly: How long can I balance without touching the ground? Can two shells be joined to form a sphere? What if I attach a rope to pull it along? Through trial, error, and imagination, they discover solutions on their own terms – and in doing so, become inventors of their own games. A turtle shell becomes a boat, then a drum, then a hiding spot. This fluidity teaches children that creativity isn't about following instructions – it's about seeing possibilities everywhere.
Social & Emotional Skills
In group play, Bilibo naturally encourages turn-taking, cooperation, and negotiation. Kids invent rules, create shared games, and role-play – practicing empathy, self-expression, and emotional regulation along the way.
Language & Communication
As children transform Bilibo into a bird's nest, a race car, or a spaceship, they expand vocabulary and build storytelling skills. When play becomes collaborative, Bilibo sparks conversation, negotiation, and rich verbal exchanges.
Confidence & Self-Directed Learning
Perhaps Bilibo's greatest gift is confidence. With no instructions to follow, children learn to trust their ideas and invent their own games. This builds independence, self-belief, and intrinsic motivation – qualities that support lifelong learning far beyond playtime.
What is the meaning of the name Bilibo?
“Bilibo” is an invented, smiley-sounding name – easy for kids to say and fun to repeat. We prefer poetry over prescriptions: while many toys use literal names that tell you exactly what to do (think “wobble board”, “sit-and-spin”, or “stapelstein”), our names leave space for a child’s imagination. “Bilibo” feels like something that wobbles and rocks, and that soft “bo” gives a gentle nod to beau – beautiful. Most of all, it’s a name for a toy that becomes a friend, not just a tool.
Is Bilibo Montessori or Waldorf aligned?
Bilibo is not an official Montessori “material,” but it’s widely used in Montessori‑inspired and open‑ended classrooms because it encourages free movement, self‑directed exploration and practical play. (No batteries, no instructions – just imagination.)
Is there a weight limit for Bilibo?
Bilibo’s curved shell is engineered for maximum strength and durability – there’s no weight limit for kids, and it easily supports an adult. For guidance, we suggest max. 80kg /180lbs. Parents are welcome to hop in for a quick sit or spin. If your child loves intense, all-day spinning, give the shell a quick check now and then; like any material, long, high-intensity use can lead to wear over time.
Is Bilibo recyclable? What happens at the end of its life?
Yes. Bilibo is made of a single material – HD-PE, the same plastic used in milk bottles – with no paint, glue, or composite parts, which makes it 100% recyclable. But honestly, we hope it never reaches the recycling bin. Bilibos are famously passed down to siblings, cousins, and neighbors. Many find a second life as flower pots, storage bowls, or even stylish guinea pig hideouts. Recycling is responsible. Reuse is better. A Bilibo that stays in the family for decades? That's truly sustainable.
How do I clean a Bilibo?
Wipe or wash with water and mild soap – the seamless, one-piece shell has no crevices, making it easy to clean. For extra hygiene, alcohol-based sanitizers (ethanol or isopropyl) are fine; rinse with fresh water afterward. Avoid abrasive pads or harsh cleaners, which can dull the surface. (Bilibo is made from food-grade HD-PE with no surface paint, so nothing can chip or flake.)
Can Bilibos be used as stepping stones?
Yes. One of the original inspirations for Bilibo was the rocks and boulders children love to hop across in nature. The shells can be placed upside down and used for balancing and stepping games, but always set them on a non-slippery surface such as a rubber mat, grass, or sand. Adult supervision – especially for younger children – is strongly recommended.
