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Gifting season is here, and we want our readers to know all of our favorite Indigenous-owned shops to support.
There are many reasons to support Indigenous-owned businesses, some of which clothing company Red Rebel Armour mentions here:
- Purchasing from authentic Indigenous businesses is crucial to the economic empowerment of Indigenous communities. Often these companies invest back into their Native communities and support future generations
- Authentic Indigenous businesses are vital in preserving and promoting cultural pride, and a way for non-Indigenous people to learn more and appreciate Indigenous culture
- Shopping at authentic Indigenous businesses combats cultural appropriation and misrepresentation
Consider shopping at one of these Indigenous-owned businesses in the United States and Canada for your family’s travel needs, or as gifts for those you love.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, we may receive a small commission if you book travel or make purchases using these links.
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- What is a balance bike
- Why use a pedaless bike instead of training wheels
- How to choose a balance bike
- Review of Specialized balance bike
- Review of the woom 1 balance bike
- Review of the Strider balance bike
Full review of balance bike contenders
Looking for the best balance bike for your little one? We’ve tested and compared the top contenders to help you find the perfect ride. From lightweight frames to adjustable seats, we break down the key features, pros, and cons of each model so you can make an informed choice.
Aurora Heat Natural Hand Warmers
Ditch the Hot Hands and opt for a natural hand warmer from the Indigenous-owned Aurora Heat. Made from natural beaver pelt and from family tradition, this Chipewyan-owned company sells natural fur to keep you and your kids’ hands and feet warm in the winter.
I purchased a pair of hand warmers before my family’s trip to Alaska. They kept my hands quite toasty, even in sub-zero temperatures! Only problem is that they are small, and pricey, so make sure little hands don’t lose them.
woom 1
- pros
- Lightweight
- Rear brake
- Great for smaller children
- cons
- Less adjustable heights
I found a used purple woom 1 to match the purple woom 3 of my older child so both kids could have the same bike!
The lightweight frame made it easier for our two- to three-year-old to ride. The bright green brake on the handlebar is a great way for kids to practice braking at an early age. A three-year-old can even do it!
My kiddo enjoyed the balance bike at age two, but grew too tall for the seat and handlebar height at age 3. I did not like that the bike was not as adjustable as other balance bikes, and that we would need to purchase the woom 1 Plus ($299) for our taller balance biker.
strider
Ages 18 Months to 5 years
- pros
- Lightweight
- Adjustable seat
- Taller handlebars
- cons
- None!
We borrowed the Strider balance bike and found it to be the easiest balance bike for our three-year-old. The frame was lightweight at 6 lbs., 11 oz. and the seat was adjustable with taller handlebars so it fit our child until she was ready to move to a pedal bike.
She started riding it immediately and found balancing to be easier and more fun on this bike than others. This was our favorite bike by far.
Final thoughts
Our balance bike debate felt very much like the Goldilocks story: one bike was too small, one too light, and one was just right.
Take my word for it and get the Strider bike for your budding bike enthusiast.
In any case, be forewarned that you might find yourself with a toddler who would rather turn their bike upside down than ride it.
I recognize the cost of a balance bike could be cost-prohibitive for some families. Guardian Bikes have similar high ratings and are cheaper. I would also suggest saving the environment (and your wallet) by finding a secondhand bike on the woom website, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace.
Depending on your child’s size, age, or skill-level, you could even skip the balance bike all together. Just take the pedals off a regular bike and let your new-rider try balancing on the bike before they try pedaling. If you decide to go that route, make sure to check out our woom 3 review and tips on how to teach your kiddo to ride a bike.
Happy biking!
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