Anyone visiting the Spielwarenmesse will see many familiar things: balance bikes, push cars, rockers. This makes a product that cannot be clearly assigned to one of these categories all the more striking.
This is exactly the impression you get when you first see the Mini Flip. The spontaneous reaction is less one of recognition and more one of genuine irritation in a positive sense. You've never seen anything like it before. And that is precisely the strength of this concept. The Mini Flip is aimed at children from around nine months old, i.e., an age group that is just beginning to become mobile. Even before children develop a confident gait, this product comes into play and accompanies their first attempts at movement. And it doesn't stop at a single function. Instead, the vehicle combines several uses in one compact design.
At its core, it is a baby walker that can be converted without tools. The Mini Flip changes its function in just a few simple steps. The baby walker becomes a rocker, and the rocker becomes a ride-on toy. This conversion is deliberately simple so that it remains practical for everyday use and does not become a DIY project. It is this aspect in particular that sets the product apart from classic toys. Instead of buying a new vehicle for each stage of development, the system grows with the child. The conversion is done by simply pressing and folding down individual elements. The concept is therefore clearly aimed at durability and a longer service life.
The Mini Flip is not intended as a short-lived toy, but as a companion throughout several stages of development. This is precisely where the Wishbone brand originates, focusing on products that combine several functions. The idea behind it is as simple as it is consistent: buy less, but use it more sensibly – sustainable play. This principle is reflected not only in the functionality, but also in the design. The Mini Flip is sturdily built and designed so that it does not need to be replaced after a few months. Instead, it is intended to remain in use for years, ideally even being passed on within a family.
Another aspect is customizability. The individual elements can be combined in different colors. Several color options are available, allowing the vehicle to be customized visually. The components are offered in separate packaging units, allowing different color combinations to be put together. This addresses a common argument against classic children's vehicles. Instead of committing to a single, often gender-specific color scheme, the product can be designed flexibly. Whether neutral, colorful, or minimalist, the decision is up to the parents.
The product's claim is particularly evident in the choice of materials. The Mini Flip is made primarily of wood, supplemented by other components that have been specifically selected. The focus is on materials that are durable and manufactured in the most environmentally friendly way possible. Wishbone also emphasizes the use of recycled materials in other products. These include plastics from recycled sources and even recycled carpet fibers. The Mini Flip thus represents a product philosophy that views ecological aspects not as an add-on, but as a fundamental principle.
The workmanship makes a convincing first impression. The surfaces are cleanly finished, the transitions are stable, and nothing appears makeshift or fragile. This point is particularly important for products intended for very young children. Safety is not achieved through standards alone, but through confidence in the material and construction. The Mini Flip conveys precisely this trust. It appears robust enough to withstand daily use without seeming rough or clunky. The design remains understated, almost Scandinavian, and deliberately avoids loud colors or superfluous details.
Despite its high-quality appearance, the price remains moderate. The Mini Flip retails for less than one hundred euros. This is remarkable when you consider its multiple functions and the quality of its materials. Instead of being a premium product for a small target group, the vehicle is aimed at families who value well-thought-out concepts without catering to the luxury segment. Wishbone has deliberately positioned itself between the mass market and designer products. The Mini Flip is neither a disposable item nor a status symbol, but a functional toy with a clear identity.
During the conversation, it becomes clear that the product is not only intended for a single child. The idea that a vehicle can be passed on from one child to the next is an integral part of the concept. Siblings, cousins, or even the next generation should be able to benefit from it. This cross-generational approach fits in with the overall orientation of the product. Once you invest in it, you should be able to enjoy its benefits for a long time. At a time when children's rooms are often overflowing with short-lived toys, this idea seems almost unusually consistent. The Mini Flip is thus an example of a different kind of toy. Less gimmickry, more substance. Less replacement, more durability. And that's exactly why this product stays in your memory, even long after you've left the stand.