Many of us have fond memories someone in the family pushing around a small mower either in the yard following Dad around the yard while he took care of the lawn, or simply indoors with a small toy mower that served to help the little ones learn to work as they mow the grass around the Little Tikes playhouse. These are generally suited for kids from about 18 months to 5 years. There are a number of these for sale these days, so we take a look at a few of the best sellers and see how they perform.

Hasbro Playskool Chompin' Mike The Mower

The biggest selling feature on this mower is that it has a dozen or so phrases that it says as it's running. Some of the older reviews referred to one of these as a belching sound that it followed up by excusing itself, which some folks found to be offensive. For the last few years, however, it appears they have taken that out, and the mower's "sayings" are relatively innocuous. There is an on-off switch for the mower, so if they noise is too much in can be eliminated. It has simulated grass that swirls around a chamber, and the mouth is animated.

Overall this toy seems sturdy enough, and will last for years. You can also find it in a package with a "string trimmer" for a full set of kids lawn and garden tools.

Little Tikes Mulching Mower

Little Tikes has a new take on the old popcorn popper mower. This toy has the balls that pop up inside a clear dome (along with the popping sound), so the kids can see the "mulch."

It has a key for simulated on/ off switch, and a gear control and gas cap. Since it's from Little Tikes you know that it will handle a lot of wear and tear. Great for for the new toddler to push around and build his walking skills, but it does not give total support, so don't consider it a walker.

Fisher Price - Bubble Mower

Some folks love bubble mowers, others aren't so fond of them. They always come with some expectation of a mess since you are mixing kids and a soapy solution, but this mower attempts to address that by using a plastic container for the solution that screws into place, which should at least reduce the spillage, and a control to adjust the flow of the bubble solution. This mower is targeted at a slightly older group, 24 months and above.

The simulated controls on this unit include and "electric start" key and a speed control lever. You can also find one of these in pink.

There are some complaints that some people can't get the bubbles to start up. There are directions included that detail how to get it started, and it may take longer to start than you expect, but even with that some find they can't get it to work. So check out the reviews on Amazon to see how much you think that may apply to you.

Real Sounds Lawn Mower

For 2 years and under, this mower is most at home indoors. The wheels and handle aren't really made for outdoor grass, and it's best suited for the toddler who is just starting to walk and can push this around the carpet.

These are some of the more popular toy mowers available today. Let us know your thoughts on these or any children's garden tools below.