The third annual Baby & Kids Expo, hosted by Reed Exhibitions Japan at Tokyo Big Sight from 6-8 July, was a huge success by any measure. Not only was it bigger, with around 365 exhibitors attending from around the world, it was by far the best yet.

Over the next five days, LMNOP will bring you the cream of the crop, from eco-hot rods to inspired educational games. So stay tuned and be the first in Australia to get the skinny on the very latest from established brands and exciting newcomers.

A. Kapla
Kapla’s stand was as impressive this year as it was in the first, with a 2m high Eiffel Tower made entirely of its signature planks. If you fancy giving your kids the tools to create their own monuments, then check out Kapla’s unique design. Using the planks teaches dexterity, balance and harmony, while at the same time offering the freedom to build a brave new world. Choose from a range of boxed sets, in plain or a range of bright colours. You can also buy beautifully designed Kapla books with blueprints for advanced Kapla-ites.

B. Brio
Swedish company Brio’s latest range of wooden cars and pull toys are just plain delightful. We particularly loved the bright and charming Bamboo Bumble Bee and Birdie toys, whose wings revolve as they’re pulled along. And the classic formula one-style Race Cars in bold hues are just begging to battle it out for poll position down your hall.

C. Stample
Local fashion designer Atsuro Honjo showed off his range of candy-coloured PVC wellies and vibrant cotton acrylic socks that looked so good you could serve them up for dessert. He also makes a range of smart canvas bags. Stample is a hugely popular label in Japan, so here’s hoping it makes its way across the pond sometime soon.

D. Xyloba
One of the standout toys in a standout show, the Xyloba marble run lets kids combine their creative construction skills with their budding musical talents. First, build the tower using the clever interlocking system and slot the coloured Carillon keys (each a different note) into the run. The ingenious design allows you to make tracks of different lengths that correspond to note lengths: minims, crotchets and quavers. Once you’ve built your run, roll the metal marble down the wooden chute, it sounds out the melody you’ve created. The Xyloba comes in three sizes: Piccolino, Mezzo and Orchestra.

E. Green Toys
A favourite LMNOP brand, Green Toys™ showcased its latest range of environmentally friendly toys. The super-cool new Race Cars are made from 100% recycled plastic milk containers, so they can tear up the floor without destroying the planet. Also on our Christmas list are the Fire Truck and the nifty Tool Set – perfect for busy little carpenters.