Studio RedEye partnered with Manhattan Toy to develop Birdie Hide-N-Seek, a teether toy that blends visual charm with playful interaction. Designed for babies 6 months and up, the toy delivers a simple, delightful surprise: press one bird down, and the other pops up and chirps.
We began with category and trend analysis to understand the landscape of infant toys—focusing on how young children engage with sound, texture, and motion. These insights helped us prioritize a playful, repeatable interaction that would feel gentle, rewarding, and emotionally warm rather than overstimulating. The result was a peek-a-boo-style mechanic that introduces babies to early cause-and-effect play. The soft chirp reinforces that moment of discovery with just the right amount of sensory feedback.
We chose a bird motif for its warmth, familiarity, and natural movement. Birds are a recurring symbol in early childhood toys, and in this case, the nest form supports both story and function. It provides an easy grip for little hands and a safe, textured surface for teething. The rounded base encourages rotation and handling, while the simple shapes keep the experience focused and accessible.
Studio RedEye led the early design exploration and part development, defining the overall look, feel, and usability of the toy. We worked closely with Manhattan Toy's internal team to bring the visual concept to life, translating playful storytelling that feels both modern and emotionally resonant.
Birdie Hide-N-Seek captures the spirit of Manhattan Toy's brand: joyful, tactile, and thoughtfully designed to support early learning through hands-on play.