Shape Sorters

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The key to effective educational toys for toddlers and infants is to ensure they’re as fun as they are educational. The shape sorters on this list are perfectly balanced in this way. They will get kids giggling and looking forward to their play time, but they also teach important skills.

Top 6 Shape Sorters for Toddlers & Babies

Melissa & Doug Shape Sorting Cube: No list of the best toys for infants and toddlers would be complete without a toy from Melissa & Doug. They’re currently creating some of the most innovative toys that seem simple at first glance, but are actually brilliantly executed. The Shape Sorting Cube is a simple wooden box made with naturally finished hardwood. On each side of the box, several shapes are cut out. The cube also comes with a dozen colored shapes that can be pushed through the corresponding holes in the cube. Simply remove the lid to take out the pieces and start over again.

Fisher-Price Brilliant Basics Baby’s First Blocks: Fisher-Price is one of the most widely known toy manufacturers, and for good reason. These Brilliant Basics Baby’s First Blocks are just that – brilliant. The set comes with a plastic tub that includes a handle and a removable lid with several shapes cut out of it. Inside are ten colorful blocks that are specially designed to be easy to grab and hold, and which can be stored in the bucket when not in use. The handle makes it easy to take this toy on the road, and the interactive play helps teach kids their shapes and colors.

Educo Shake’n Match Shape Sorter: This is a new twist on shape sorters. In fact, almost everything about this toy is different than the other toys on the list – with the exception of the bright primary colors. The toy is made from Baltic Birch plywood and hardwood, and the shape is a unique hexagon. Each side has a different shape and a different color. Of course, there are blocks included as well that can fit within the shapes on each side. However, these blocks are filled with beads, which adds a satisfying auditory element to this toy that the others don’t have.

Battat Shape Sorter Cube: This cube really takes it to the next level. It’s a 6 sided cube and each side has a different type of fun for kids to explore. While the other sorters on this list tend to stick with shapes and colors, this one also includes 3 different numbers, 3 different letters, and a total of 6 shapes. It also includes a bead maze that can mesmerize children for hours at a time. Kids can start off simply playing with the shape portion of this toy, but as they begin to learn their numbers and letters, the toy becomes an entirely new learning experience.

Tolo Toys Rolling Shape Sorter: This is one of the best toys for parents who want to really get their kids moving while they learn their shapes. This rolling shape sorter makes a funny rattling sound as it rolls, which encourages kids to keep it moving. It can roll on hardwood or carpet, and it helps to improve not just hand eye coordination, but it develops strength and agility as well. The lid is easy to remove for easy access, and the toy comes with several brightly colored shapes that can be put through the holes on the top – as long as the shapes match up!

Plan Toys Shape and Sort it Out: This is one of the simplest shape sorters that is best for parents who want a toy that is easy to use. It helps to develop recognition of both colors and shapes, and it works to develop hand eye coordination. The blocks are designed to be a perfect shape for the hands of toddlers and infants, and the box the blocks are dropped in doubles as a storage container. The toy is made out of wood that’s all natural, organic, and recycled. With bright colors, 3 different shapes, and a simple design, this is the top pick for many.

The shape sorters on this list help to develop a wide range of skills, from hand eye coordination to letter and number recognition. Parents who want a simple, classic design have options to choose from, and those who want a toy that can be played with for years to come can choose a more complex design.

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