I adore these funky little scoopers, which look like Darth Vader helmets that have been sunnily upcycled for the Light Side. The Bilibo Mini Primary Colors Combo Pack by Moluk set has become one of my go-to birthday and holiday gifts—it appeals to kids of various ages and interests, and it’s unusual, in a good way. (These scoopers are also available in a pastel set, as well as in a larger, 16-inch size, which we recommend in our guide to gifts for 2-year-olds.) The Mini Bilibos are made from a tough, non-bending plastic; each one measures about 5 inches in diameter. (All six scoopers can be stacked together, and in the summer, you can keep them permanently stashed in a beach bag.) The Mini Bilibos defy categorization—their exact purpose is unclear—and, as a result, they remain fresh and continue to invite imaginative play. My daughter pretends hers are tiny hot tubs for other toys to enjoy, and sometimes she uses them as cookware—she once used them to “bake” a blueberry chocolate cake in the shower.
