Skip It
That Keeps You Moving with Joy

Experience the playful energy of Skip It, the iconic motion-based toy that inspires active fun for all ages. From nostalgic classics to modern spin-ready designs, Skip It makes movement exciting, encourages coordination, and turns every jump into a moment of pure joy. Step into a world where fitness meets play and discover why Skip It continues to captivate generations.

Skip It is a kinetic, ankle-attached toy designed to encourage active movement. The toy consists of a rotating tether with a rolling ball or counter at the end. The player slips the loop over one ankle and swings the tether in a circular motion, hopping over it with the opposite foot.
It’s simple in concept but addictive in execution—combining rhythm, timing, agility, and cardiovascular exercise in one endlessly repeatable motion. Kids treat it as a game, adults enjoy it as light exercise, and families use it as an activity for outdoor play.

Skip It Retro Outdoor Toy, Light Up Ball and Digital Counter, Pink

Skip It Retro Outdoor Toy, Light Up Ball and Digital Counter, Blue

Why Skip It Stands Out

A Toy That Truly Gets Kids Moving

Skip It stimulates full-body activity — jumping, timing, balancing, and coordination — while feeling more like play than exercise. It encourages movement without pressure, making it ideal for active breaks, recess, outdoor playdates, or backyard fun.

Solo or Social Play

Skip It works perfectly alone but becomes even more exciting with friends. Kids can:

  • count who can skip the longest
  • create timed challenges
  • invent trick patterns
  • build mini-competitions in groups

It fosters friendly competition and cooperative fun, just like in the original 90s playground experience.

Simple Yet Addictive Gameplay

There’s only one goal: keep skipping!
The straightforward design makes it immediately understandable and satisfying. Kids naturally challenge themselves to improve their rhythm and speed, creating an engaging loop that keeps them active for extended periods.

Compact, Lightweight, and Easy to Use

No batteries, screens, or assembly needed.
Skip It is:

  • portable
  • durable
  • great for travel
  • ideal for quick active moments indoors or outdoors

Its simplicity is one of its greatest strengths.

A Blend of Retro Charm and Modern Design

Modern Skip It toys deliver smoother spin mechanisms, safer materials, and more ergonomic ankle loops while preserving the nostalgic structure and bright color schemes that made the original iconic.

Great for Coordination and Motor Skill Development

Skip It naturally helps develop:

  • rhythm and timing
  • balance
  • agility
  • endurance
  • spatial awareness

It’s a playful introduction to physical activity with genuine developmental benefits.

Classic Models vs. Modern Versions

Skip It has gone through multiple evolutions, and each offers unique features:

Classic Skip It (Retro Style)

  • lightweight plastic construction
  • spinning ball and rope mechanism
  • simple ankle loop
  • mechanical skip counter (in some versions)
  • bright neon colors typical of the 80s–90s

Modern Skip It (Contemporary Models)

  • smoother bearings for easier spin
  • soft foam or rubber ends for safety
  • ergonomic, soft-touch ankle cuffs
  • LED light-up balls in some versions
  • enhanced durability for outdoor surfaces
  • upgraded counters or digital tracking
  • themed color palettes (pastel, neon, sporty colorways)

Some modern versions are marketed as “fitness toys,” combining fun and exercise for kids and even adults.

Safety Tips and Play Guidelines

To ensure the best experience:

  • Use Skip It in an open area with enough room.
  • Start at slow speed to build coordination.
  • Wear sneakers for better grip and softer landing.
  • Avoid uneven surfaces to prevent tripping.
  • For younger children, choose soft-foam or lightweight models.

The Origins of Skip It: From Retro Hit to Timeless Classic

Skip It first appeared in the late 1980s as a brightly colored, lightweight ankle-skip toy that revolutionized outdoor play. The concept was brilliantly simple: attach the loop around one ankle, spin the ball around in a circular motion, and jump over it with the other foot. The original model quickly gained massive popularity thanks to its catchy marketing campaigns, TV commercials, and its unique mix of physical challenge and easy accessibility. Kids could play solo or compete with friends, trying to beat each other’s jump counts.
Later, new versions were released featuring:

  1. built-in mechanical counters, allowing kids to track skips
  2. weight-adjusted spinning balls for different skill levels
  3. weight-adjusted spinning balls for different skill levels
  4. updated color themes and collectible editions

Today, Skip It is both a retro favorite and a modern active toy for energetic kids looking for screen-free fun.

FAQ

What is Skip It and how does it work?

Skip It is a classic, motion-based toy designed to encourage active play, coordination, and rhythmic movement. It consists of a lightweight hoop that fits around one ankle, connected to a ball that rotates in a circular motion as the player skips over it with the other foot.
To use it, you place the loop on one ankle, gently push the toy outward to start the rotation, and hop over the moving ball with your free leg. The faster you move, the quicker the Skip It spins — turning simple skipping into a fun, fitness-boosting game.
Modern versions may include digital counters, softer materials, and improved ergonomics, making the toy more comfortable and accessible for kids and adults.

Is Skip It safe for children, and what age is it best suited for?

Skip It is designed with safety in mind. Most models use lightweight, soft, or foam materials to minimize the risk of bumps or bruises. The ankle loop is flexible and comfortable, making it easy to slip on and off without pressure.

The toy is generally recommended for children ages 5 and up, depending on balance and coordination levels.

To ensure safe play:

  • Always use Skip It on a flat, open surface.
  • Wear comfortable shoes to protect the feet.
  • Start slowly until the child gets used to the movement.

With proper play conditions, Skip It is a safe and enjoyable activity for beginners and experienced players alike.

What is Skip It and how does it work?

Skip It is more than entertainment — it’s an outstanding developmental toy.
It helps improve:

  • Balance and coordination, thanks to the continuous rhythmic hopping.
  • Motor skills, as children practice timing their jumps with the moving ball.
  • Endurance and physical activity, offering a fun alternative to screens.
  • Spatial awareness, because players learn to judge distance and movement quickly.

Because Skip It doesn’t require batteries, screens, or a large play area, it encourages pure, imaginative, and self-directed play — something parents value in the digital era.

Can adults use Skip It too?

Absolutely — Skip It isn’t just for kids. Many adults enjoy it for:

  • light cardio workouts
  • Improving coordination
  • Low-impact exercise sessions
  • Nostalgic fun, reconnecting with a beloved childhood toy

Because the toy relies on rhythmic movement rather than jumping height, it can be used by adults of different fitness levels. Some people even integrate Skip It into home fitness routines as a warm-up exercise or playful aerobic activity.

Skip It has a longevity few toys achieve, thanks to a rare combination of simplicity, nostalgia, and genuine physical engagement.
Its continued appeal comes from:

  • Timeless gameplay that’s easy to learn but still rewarding.
  • Active, healthy fun, which parents increasingly value.
  • Nostalgic connection, as many adults introduce their children to the toy they played with.
  • Endlessly repeatable play, since each session feels like a challenge to beat your own record.

Skip It offers the perfect blend of interaction, movement, and joy — making it a classic that stands strong across generations.

What types of Skip It toys exist today?

Modern Skip It versions come in several styles:

  • Classic Skip It, inspired by the original 90s design with a simple rotating ball.
  • Light-up versions, where the ball glows as it spins, creating a dynamic visual effect.
  • Counter Skip It, featuring a built-in skip counter to track progress and set personal records.
  • Soft foam models, great for younger children due to their lightweight construction.
  • Premium versions, with smoother rotation mechanisms and ergonomic designs.

This variety makes it easy to pick the right toy for different ages, skill levels, and play preferences.

Who Is Skip It For?

Skip It is perfect for:

  • children aged 5+
  • teens looking for a simple activity tool
  • adults wanting low-impact cardio
  • nostalgic collectors of retro toys
  • schools and playgrounds
  • party games or family competitions

Whether bought as a gift or a personal activity toy, Skip It suits anyone who enjoys playful movement with a rhythm-based twist.

Customer Reviews

“I bought the Skip It for my daughter’s 8th birthday, and it quickly became the toy she reaches for every single afternoon. What I love most is that it encourages real movement — she plays with it outside on the patio, in the driveway, and sometimes even indoors when the weather is bad.
At first, she was a bit unsure of the rhythm, but within just a few minutes she figured it out and started challenging herself to beat her own “skips per minute.” It’s been wonderful watching her coordination improve almost daily.
As a parent, I really appreciate that it’s a screen-free activity. It keeps her active, engaged, and happy without any supervision. The materials feel sturdy, the rotation is smooth, and the ankle loop fits comfortably even after long play sessions. It’s the kind of simple, wholesome toy that brings back childhood memories — and I’m glad she gets to experience it too.”

Lily Harrison, Austin, TX

“I bought Skip It for myself after seeing it online and remembering how much fun it was in the 90s. Honestly, it’s even better than I remember. I’ve been using it as a part of my morning cardio routine, and it’s surprisingly effective — my heart rate goes up fast, but it still feels playful instead of feeling like a workout.
The toy is lightweight, easy to store, and somehow manages to turn a few minutes of movement into a full-body warm-up. It challenges the legs, core, and balance without putting pressure on the joints.
What I didn’t expect is how relaxing it feels once you get into the rhythm. Skipping becomes almost meditative, especially when you’re outdoors. If you’re looking for a nostalgic toy that doubles as a fun fitness tool, this one is absolutely worth it.”

Max Jackson, San Diego, CA

“I purchased Skip It for my twins, and it has been a massive hit in our home. They take turns seeing who can go longer, faster, or complete the most rotations without stopping. It’s created a sort of friendly competition that gets them laughing and cheering for each other — a refreshing change from video games fighting for their attention.
The build quality is great; even after several drops, bumps, and hours of play, everything still works perfectly. I also like that the ball is soft enough not to cause any bruises and that it moves smoothly even on uneven pavement.
What surprised me most is how much the kids have improved their balance and coordination in just a couple of weeks. They’re more confident in their movements, and they love showing off new tricks and speeds. Skip It has become a daily part of their playtime, and I genuinely recommend it to any parent looking for a fun, active toy that keeps children engaged for hours.”

Brooke Reed, Chicago, IL