The super sophisticated wooden toys from Swedish design group Playsam are known for being classic, contemporary and cosmopolitan and enjoy a following in the executive (desk toys) market. However, the Rocking Rabbit is designed with child’s play firmly in mind; nonetheless, it is also one of the company’s most awarded designs.
With its shiny body in bold red, black or white, its leather ears and rosy cheeks for handles, this Rabbit is a cheeky little design that is as fun to live with as it is to ride upon…
With the iconic value of Playsam’s toys and design, this would be a shoe-in as the rocking horse to hand down from one generation to the next. The seat height is a relatively low 30cm, making it easy for the youngest of children to clamber onboard.
Good For… Developing the skills of balance, coordination, imaginary play, self confidence.
Keep in Mind… Children will need to be old enough and competent at balancing before you leave them to play with this Rocking Rabbit alone.
What Kids Love Those soft leathery ears, when they are toddlers, and then the potential rocking power when they are older (and like a little more risk with their rock n roll).
What Parents Love The aesthetics of the object itself and of course the distraction power of having something that will literally rock their child’s world.
Awards A winner of the Excellent Swedish Design prize (a highly esteemed prize awarded from 1983 to 2002), the Rocking Rabbit is also recommended by the Spiel Gut guide.
Designer Details Stockholm born designer Björn Dahlström started his career in animation and graphics for television and film productions before moving into advertising. From 1982 on, he began designing industrial and product designs and quickly earned a multitude of Excellent Swedish Form awards, at least one every year from 1991 through 2000 – one of these is for the Playsam Rocking Rabbit. He has been commissioned to produce designs for companies including Playsam, Kasthall, Magis, Hackman/Iittala, Skeppshult, Fjällräven, Pukeburg and Atlas Copco and has earned a bevy of awards and prizes including the highly regarded “Torsten and Wanja Söderberg Prize”. In 2001, Dahlström was the Swedish Designer of the Year in 2003. He is also represented at the Röhsska Museum in Gothenburg and the V&A Museum in London.
The Rocking Rabbit also features in MyLittleStyleFile’s 12 We Love: Bunnies feature.