UK toy distributor littleCONCEPTS is marking the 25th anniversary of MOLUK’s Bilibo, alongside the launch of two additions to the open-ended play range.

Created by Swiss designer Alex Hochstrasser as part of his diploma project at the Zurich University of the Arts, Bilibo launched in 2001. The curved shell has no buttons, fixed function or prescribed way to play, allowing children to use it as anything from a seat and spinner to a boat, drum or hiding place.

littleCONCEPTS has distributed MOLUK in the UK since 2018, supplying independent toy and gift retailers, department stores, garden centres, bookshops and early-years specialists. Philip Nelson, co-founder of littleCONCEPTS, says, “I first met Alex and discovered Bilibo at Spielwarenmesse in 2008. Even then, it stood out as one of those rare designs that feels instantly distinctive but leaves all the important decisions to the child.

“We have proudly distributed MOLUK in the UK since 2018, and it has been wonderful to see Bilibo continue to win over new generations of families, retailers, educators and therapists. Twenty-five years on, its simplicity feels more relevant than ever.”

 

 

Bilibo range expands with Midi and Dots

Bilibo Midi is a compact, lightweight shell designed for younger children and play on the go. Smaller than Bilibo Classic, it can be used for sensory play with water, sand, snow, loose parts and natural materials, indoors or outdoors. Bilibo Dots comprises 36 colourful play counters with eyes. Children can count, sort, flick, thread, collect, hide and spin the pieces, supporting fine-motor skills, early maths and imaginative play.

Both additions have received the German spiel gut seal for play value. Bilibo Midi was also selected for The Toy Insider’s 2026 Spring & Summer Toy Guide and won Silver in the Best Heritage Toy Brand category at the Junior Design Awards 2026.

Bilibo celebrates its 25th anniversary on 28 September. The original design has featured in exhibitions including Century of the Child at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, plus design collections in Paris, Brussels and Zurich.