If you are thinking of gifting a young child with a bike this holiday season, this Kettler Sprint training bike is a great option. We aren’t quite ready to upgrade from tricycling, but our Kettler trike has served us well. When my middle daughter is ready for a bike, this is the route we will likely go. Designed for children ages 2-6, it features a pedal-less design that helps kids pick up the fundamentals of bike-riding. This allows for an easy, training-wheel-free upgrade to a larger bike as children grow.  You can purchase one of these bikes on sale for $99.95 at blueberryforest.com. Moms of boys need not fear, other color choices are also available.

If your child is in the tricycle stage, you might want to consider this new Road Hog Tricycle by Airflow Collectibles. Not only is it cool looking, it’s functional as well. Made of heavy duty steel, it has a working headlight, rubber tires, an adjustable spring leather seat, saddle bag, grip tassels, and lead-free powder-coat paint. At 26″ high, it’s recommended for ages 3 to 6 years. Your child can hog the road in style (or at least the driveway) pedaling this tricycle. You can view it at MilkShop.com, where it sells for $315.

When your child becomes too old for a tricycle but not old enough for a “big kid” bike, this Sprint Push Bike by Kettler might be the way to go. Made of carbon steel, plastic, and rubber, it is designed to be safe and easy for children ages 2 to 6 to ride. The bike has no pedals - it moves from the push of the child’s feet. This helps children develop balance that will be needed to ride a real bicycle later. Plus, using one’s feet to make the bike move is added exercise for your child.

The tires are 12″ and are tubeless, the seat is height-adjustable, and the bike even features a safety handbrake and kickstand, just like a “big kid” bike. Made in Germany, the bike measures 31″ x 24″ x 19″, and will accommodate a child up to 100 lbs.

In addition to this cute frog design, the Kettler Sprint Push Bike comes in a variety of other themes, including Princess and Flame. You can view them all at Maukilo.com, where this bike sells for $124.99.

The name Radio Flyer evokes happy thoughts for many parents, memories of summer days spent on a tricycle or bicycle or winter fun on a sled. Now your child can experience the same kind of fun on this Classic Lights & Sounds Tricycle by Radio Flyer. A perfect Christmas gift, this tricycle is made from strong steel and comes in the classic Radio Flyer red, with a bell, so that everyone can see and hear your child coming.

This tricycle has been updated from the old days, as it has an electronic dashboard that makes turn signal noises, plays music, and honks the horn. There is also a useful storage compartment under the tricycle’s seat.

Recommended for ages 18 months to 3 years, this tricycle does require adult assembly. Be prepared to put it together before Christmas morning so your son or daughter will have a wonderful surprise awaiting them under the tree. You can purchase it at ToysRUs.com, where it sells for just $39.99.

I have very fond memories of riding a tricycle as a child.  I tried to foster similar memories in my older daughter by buying her a tricycle at a young age, but she wasn’t having any of it.  I’m now pinning my hopes on my daredevil toddler.  I was recently fortunate enough to cash in the Pampers Points I have been saving for this great Kettrike Jumbo Tricycle. My sister’s son has one, which I have admired, and I am confident that my little one is going to enjoy it immensely, too.

The tricycle features a convenient push bar that parents can use to steady their child or help her along when she gets tired.  You can remove this bar when you don’t need it.  The trike is designed to grow with your child and is recommended for ages 1-5.  The bike is designed and made in Germany from high-quality materials.  If you don’t have a stash of Pampers Points handy, you can purchase one for $179.99 at Oompa.com. It would make a great Christmas gift.

My three children are all close in age but they each differ in their motor skills. You’ll notice from the photo above that this is a pedal-less, chainless push bike that moves by foot power.

The LikeABike Mountain Bike is totally adaptable to your child’s stage of confidence and balance.  It is built for kids ages 2-5 years, and comes in Pink and Green.

You can buy one for $279.00 at BabyBazaar.com.