Wind-Up Toys

A wind-up toy is a toy powered by a spring that is tightened by turning it. After release, the spring tries to get in its original, untightened position, and makes the small toy go as well.

Wind-up toys date far back into history, into the 15th century. Karel Grod, a German inventor, created some of the first wind-up toys, including a metal fly and a mechanical eagle. Also, in 1509, Leonardo da Vinci created a wind-up lion as a greeting for Louis XII in Italy. Wind-up toys were at first for only royalty, and were much more elaborate, with a very complex system of gears and springs. René Descartes also created a life-sized wind-up human girl to prove a theory that all animals were very complex machines. However, as legend goes, the mechanical girl was thrown overboard after a man was frightened by it.

After the much larger, elaborate wind-up machine art declined in interest, wind-up toys were created very cheaply and in very large numbers by the 1800s. Wind-up machines then became known as wind-up toys, and were designed in all different forms to move around.
Source: Wikipedia

Kikkerland WindUps are my favorites, mainly due to their modern and creative range of designs. These cute, amazing toys are fun to watch and work great as gifts too.

Critter WindUp

Critter's legs are longer than Tina Turner's and its moves will put any dancer to shame as it taps, shimmies and shakes all over the place! Add him to your already stellar collection of our unique wind-ups for one motley crew of robot insect dancers.

Spinney WindUp

Part of a seemingly endless family of crazy wind-up creatures, Spinney features that unique flair you've come to expect from designer Chico Bicalho. Place him on your desk and watch in amazement as spinney performs a one-man-show like nothing you've ever seen!

Sparklz WindUp

Not quite a Roman Candle on wheels, Sparklz is still quite an exciting mobile pyrotechnic achievement. Wind him up and watch him go as a trail of sparks flies off from behind!

Pintacuda WindUp

Wind-ups have been around for centuries but not since those first ones came out have there been any quite as unique this. Pintacuda is, at best, a little strange at first blush but once you get to know it and witness its one-of-a-kind performance, you will surely never look at a six-legged creature the same way again!

Katita The Hero WindUp

Need a little excitement? Need to be rescued from your humdrum existence of cubicle life? You need a hero! And that hero is Katita, an amazing wind-up that is sure to shake up your dull life!

Katita was named after a female dog in Rio. She became a national hero in Brazil after saving the life of a three year old boy that was being mauled by two vicious pit bulls. She was badly hurt after fending off the beasts, but survived. This Product is homage to the courage of Katita.

Bonga WindUp

The wind-up toy has gone through many changes in its brief history over the last few centuries but things have really begun to snowball as of late! Bonga is the perfect evidence of this. His unique body structure makes him a capable climber and an intriguing indicator of what lies ahead.

Awika! WindUp

A rough, rugged wind-up, Awika will climb its way over anything in its path (as long as it's not too high). Just wind it up and leave the rest to might Awika. Another one of the fine wind-ups brought to you by Chico Bicalho.

Oahaca Pull-String

Are you forced to endure long days sitting behind a bland, boring desk, ruining your eyes by straining to stare at a computer monitor? Then give yourself (and your eyes) a break and stare at something you'll actually enjoy looking at: Oahaca Pull-String, A wild and wacky wind-up that goes berserk when you pull on his string!

Mxykikker WindUp

This WindUp comes with a trick question. What has eighteen legs and crawls over everything?
No, not you nieces and nephews who you volunteered to sit for while your siblings take a vacation. It's Mxykikker WindUp, the weirdest wind-up with the coolest, creepy crawly characteristics you've ever seen.

LePinch WindUp

Le Pinch signifies the ushering of the next generation wind-up toys. The legacy of his ancestors has been leading to this moment and the culmination is that of one near perfect wind-up with a gait that is nothing short of lifelike.