Searching for the best shape sorter toy for your toddler in 2023, aiming to combine fun with cognitive and motor skill development? You’re making a wise choice. As the toy industry evolves, there are now more innovative and engaging shape sorter options than ever before.
Considering the latest trends and my expertise in toy selection and child development, I’ve curated a comprehensive guide spotlighting the top shape sorter toys for toddlers in 2023 that are currently leading the pack.
Let’s piece this together, sifting through the latest designs, safety features, and educational benefits, guiding you to the perfect shape sorter toy that promises hours of learning and entertainment for your young explorer.
Best Shape Sorters
1. Melissa & Doug Take-Along Shape Sorter – Editors Choice
Step into a world where learning meets play with the Melissa & Doug K’s Kids Take-Along Shape Sorter.
Crafted with precision and designed to stimulate young minds, this toy doesn’t just introduce shapes—it opens doors to a universe of color, texture, and imaginative fun.
Whether at home or on the move, your child’s cognitive growth is just a shape away!
Pros
- Comes with a padded carrying case that doubles as an activity center.
- Includes nine textured blocks in different shapes and colors.
- Helps babies and toddlers develop important skills through play.
Cons
- Some reviewers have noted that the circle shape has a hole in the center that can trap little fingers.
- The toy might not be as engaging for older toddlers who have already mastered their shapes and colors.
- The price point might be a bit high for some parents.
This toy is designed to be an on-the-go activity center that you can take with you wherever you and your baby go. The padded carrying case includes two activity sides with crinkly flaps that have pictures of familiar items above and matching shapes beneath. Your baby can lift the flaps, identify the pictures, match the shapes, and drop the textured blocks through the sorter. Then, they can pull the plush dog around the edge to unzip the case and start all over again.
Educational Value and Skill Development 4.8/5:
- Shape Recognition and Sensory Stimulation: The toy comes with 9 textured blocks in distinct colors and shapes, promoting shape recognition. The added texture provides sensory stimulation.
- Fine Motor Skills: The act of sorting and fitting the shapes into their respective slots aids in the development of fine motor skills.
- Communication Skills: The crinkly flaps with pictures can be used to introduce new words and concepts, fostering communication skills.
Safety and Durability 4.7/5:
- Materials: The toy is described as padded, suggesting it’s soft and likely safe for younger users.
- Choking Hazards: Given the brand’s reputation and target age range, it’s likely designed with child safety in mind, but always ensure the blocks are not too small for the youngest users.
- Wear and Tear: The toy’s padded nature might make it more resistant to wear and tear compared to harder materials.
Engagement and Interactivity 4.8/5:
- Play Variability: The toy offers shape sorting and the added feature of crinkly flaps, providing more than one way to engage with the toy.
- Interactive Features: The crinkly flaps add an auditory element, and the textured blocks provide tactile stimulation. The pictures on the flaps can spark conversations and storytelling.
- User Experience: The take-along handle suggests it’s designed for on-the-go fun, making it versatile and adaptable to various settings.
2 TOP BRIGHT Wooden Shape Sorter Toys Runner Up
Immerse your child in a symphony of colors, shapes, and imaginative scenarios with the TOP BRIGHT Wooden Shape Sorter.
Built for both education and entertainment, this shape sorter not only sharpens cognitive abilities but also fuels creativity.
Dive deep into a world where every shape tells a story, and every play session becomes a learning journey.
Pros
- Made from high-quality materials that are safe for children.
- Encourages role-playing and imaginative play.
- Helps promote learning and development.
Cons
- Some children may lose interest in the toy quickly.
- The toy may not be challenging enough for older children.
- The price may be higher than other similar toys.
This shape sorter car is perfect for parents who want to provide their children with a safe and fun toy. The car is made from high-quality materials that are safe for children, and it has been fully tested to the highest US ASTM and European EN71 toy safety standards. The car is also designed to be comfortable for children’s hands, with careful polishing and a high-quality plastic wood combination that gives the car more texture.
Educational Value and Skill Development 4.8/5:
- Shape and Color Recognition: The toy is designed to help children recognize different shapes and colors, promoting early cognitive development.
- Fine Motor Skills: The act of sorting the shapes and rotating the barrel enhances fine motor skills.
- Hand-Eye Coordination: Placing shapes into the mixing bucket promotes hand-eye coordination.
- Conceptual Learning: Introduces children to concepts of space and movement with the rotating barrel and push-pull car mechanism.
Safety and Durability 4.8/5:
- Materials: The toy is tested to US ASTM and European EN71 toy safety standards. It is painted with washing paint spraying and is free from harmful substances, emphasizing safety and environmental protection.
- Construction: The toy combines plastic and wood, which suggests durability. Edges are polished for a comfortable grip.
- Choking Hazards: As it’s designed for 1-2 year old children, care should be taken to ensure no small parts pose a choking risk.
Engagement and Interactivity 4.7/5:
- Play Variability: The toy offers multiple modes of play – sorting shapes, rotating the barrel, pushing and pulling the car, and role-playing with the driver figure and the door that can be opened.
- Interactive Features: The “crunch” sound made by each shape when placed into the bucket adds to the sensory experience.
- User Experience: The immersive design allows children to focus on playing and learning simultaneously.
3. Fisher-Price Stacking Toy Baby’s First Blocks Best Budget
Experience the magic of simple play with Fisher-Price’s Stacking Toy Baby’s First Blocks.
Perfectly sized for tiny hands and brilliantly colored for curious eyes, this toy is more than just blocks—it’s a foundation for a lifetime of learning.
Unearth the joy of discovery and watch as your child builds, stacks, and explores the realms of shape and color.
Pros
- The set of 10 colorful blocks is perfect for sorting, stacking, and dropping.
- All blocks fit inside the bucket for easy storage.
- The easy-carry handle makes it perfect for take-along play.
Cons
- The blocks may not be challenging enough for older infants.
- The plastic material may not be as durable as wooden blocks.
- The lid of the bucket may be difficult for some infants to remove.
This toy set is perfect for infants ages 6 months and older who are just starting to learn about colors and shapes. The chunky and colorful blocks are easy for little hands to grasp and sort, helping to strengthen their hand-eye coordination and dexterity while enhancing their problem-solving skills.
Educational Value and Skill Development 4.7/5:
- Shape Recognition: The toy is designed to introduce babies to different shapes, promoting early shape recognition.
- Color Recognition: The blocks are colorful, introducing babies to various colors and aiding visual development.
- Fine Motor Skills: Sorting, stacking, and dropping the blocks promote the development of fine motor skills.
Safety and Durability 4.7/5:
- Materials: Given Fisher-Price’s reputation, the toy is likely made with child-safe materials.
- Choking Hazards: The toy is designed for infants aged 6 months and older, so it’s crucial to ensure the blocks are not small enough to pose a choking risk.
- Wear and Tear: The all-blocks-fit-inside-bucket design suggests a compact and durable design, but always ensure regular checks for any wear and tear.
Engagement and Interactivity 4.6/5:
- Play Variability: The toy allows for sorting, stacking, and dropping, offering multiple ways for babies to play and explore.
- Interactive Features: The toy’s primary interactivity comes from physically handling the blocks. The bucket’s easy-carry handle suggests mobility and adaptability to different play settings.
- User Experience: The inclusion of a storage bucket with an easy-carry handle is a thoughtful design choice, promoting organized play and making it easier for parents and caregivers.
4. Melissa & Doug Shape Sorting Cube
Rediscover the timeless joy of shape sorting with the Melissa & Doug Shape Sorting Cube. A classic wooden marvel, this toy invites children to a tactile experience that’s both challenging and rewarding. As each shape finds its home, watch as your child’s face lights up with accomplishment and wonder.
Pros
- The 12 chunky shapes with rounded edges are easy to grip and maneuver for little hands.
- The toy is made of high-quality, solid wood, making it durable and long-lasting.
- The toy is entertaining for kids while it promotes learning.
Cons
- The lid slides out too easily, which can be frustrating for some toddlers.
- Some shapes may be difficult to differentiate, making it challenging for some kids to learn.
- The toy may not be as engaging for older children.
This ultimate shape sorter toy is beautifully constructed from high-quality, solid wood and features 12 chunky, vibrantly colored shapes with rounded edges that are easy for little hands to hold and maneuver. Each cube fits through a hole of the same shape on the natural-finish hardwood cube. Kids will delight as they drop each shape into the cube and hear it make a satisfying “clunk” sound. Then they can open the lid, take the cube out, and start all over again!
Educational Value and Skill Development 4.7/5:
- Shape and Color Recognition: The toy comes with 12 distinct bright-colored shapes, effectively aiding in shape and color recognition.
- Hand-eye Coordination and Motor Skills: The design of the toy, which requires children to fit each shape through its matching hole, promotes hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
- Additional Skills: While the primary focus is on shape and color recognition, the toy doesn’t seem to introduce other concepts like numbers or sequencing.
Safety and Durability 4.6/5:
- Materials: The toy is a wooden construction, which typically implies durability. Melissa & Doug are also known for their quality toys.
- Choking Hazards: Given the brand’s reputation and target age range, it’s likely designed with child safety in mind. However, always ensure that the shapes are not too small for the youngest users.
- Wear and Tear: The wooden construction should withstand regular play, though wooden toys can get dents or chipped paint over time.
Engagement and Interactivity 4.5/5:
- Play Variability: The toy primarily offers shape sorting, without mention of other interactive features.
- Interactive Features: No sounds or textures are mentioned, but the act of sorting and the satisfaction of fitting the shapes can be engaging for toddlers.
- User Experience: The easy-to-grip shapes and bright colors are likely to be intuitive and enjoyable for children.
5. Amazon Basics Wooden Shape Sorter and Rainbow Stacker Classic Toy Set
Marrying the beauty of wood with the vibrancy of rainbows, the Amazon Basics Wooden Shape Sorter and Rainbow Stacker is a testament to classic play.
A two-in-one treat, this set promises hours of explorative fun.
Whether stacking high or sorting right, every moment with this toy is a step towards cognitive brilliance.
Pros
- The set is made of plastic and durable wood for reliable strength, making it a long-lasting toy for your child.
- The shape sorter toy and rainbow stacker toy are designed to engage your little one’s hands, eyes, and mind, helping them develop their cognitive and motor skills.
- The bucket with a shape sorting lid and 10 colorful blocks in 5 different shapes and the rainbow stacker toy with 5 rings that also function as a rattle, a maze, and more provide versatility and multiple ways to play.
Cons
- The wooden blocks are painted, so if you have a baby who puts stuff in their mouth, you need to be careful.
- The ring tower itself is not a good size for a small child as it could be a choking hazard.
- The rainbow stacker toy’s rings do not fit in the other holes even though they are the same size as the blocks.
The Amazon Basics Wooden Shape Sorter and Rainbow Stacker Classic Toy Set is a great toy set for your little one. The set is made of plastic and durable wood, making it a long-lasting toy for your child.
The shape sorter toy and rainbow stacker toy are designed to engage your little one’s hands, eyes, and mind, helping them develop their cognitive and motor skills.
The bucket with a shape sorting lid and 10 colorful blocks in 5 different shapes and the rainbow stacker toy with 5 rings that also function as a rattle, a maze, and more provide versatility and multiple ways to play.
Educational Value and Skill Development 4.6/5:
- Shape and Color Recognition: The toy set provides an opportunity for children to identify different shapes and vibrant colors.
- Fine Motor Skills: The act of sorting shapes and stacking rings helps in refining the child’s fine motor skills.
- Hand-Eye Coordination: Placing shapes into the bucket and stacking rings on the tower promotes hand-eye coordination.
- Sensory Learning: The rattle feature in the rainbow stacker offers a sensory experience.
Safety and Durability 4.6/5:
- Materials: The toy set is made of plastic and durable wood. The FSC certification (Forest Stewardship Council) ensures that the wood is sourced responsibly, emphasizing environmental considerations.
- Construction: The toy set seems sturdy, with the combination of wood and plastic materials.
- Choking Hazards: Designed for infants aged 12 months and older, the toy should be free of small parts that pose a choking risk.
Engagement and Interactivity 4.5/5:
- Play Variability: The toy set offers a combination of shape sorting and rainbow stacking, providing a diverse play experience. Additional features like rattles and mazes add to the engagement factor.
- Interactive Features: The combination of multiple activities in one set ensures prolonged engagement.
- Storage and Portability: All blocks and rings can be stored in the bucket, which has a carry handle, making it easy for travel.
Buying Guide for Best Shape Sorting Toy
Shape sorter toys are classic developmental tools that have been cherished for generations. They are crucial for promoting coordination, spatial reasoning, problem-solving, and understanding of shapes and colors. When reviewing the best shape sorter toys, consider the following criteria:
1. Educational Value and Skill Development:
- Definition: The inherent ability of the toy to enhance cognitive and motor skills.
- Does the toy effectively teach shape and color recognition?
- How does it promote hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills – do the blocks easily fit into the correct hole?
- Does it introduce any additional concepts or skills, such as numbers, sizes, or sequencing? Does it have lots of different colors?
2. Safety and Durability:
- Definition: The construction quality of the toy and its safety for the intended age group.
- Is the developmental toy made from non-toxic, child-safe materials – do they have any rough edges – do you want a wooden toy?
- Are there any small parts that pose a choking hazard?
- How well does the toy withstand regular play, drops, or rough handling?
3. Engagement and Interactivity:
- Definition: The toy’s ability to capture a child’s interest and keep them engaged over time.
- Does the toy offer multiple ways of playing or levels of difficulty to challenge the child as they grow – the best baby toys grow with the child?
- Are there interactive features, such as sounds, textures, or movement, that enhance the play experience?
- How intuitive and enjoyable is the toy for the child, promoting extended periods of play?
Frequently Asked Questions on Roll Shape Sorter Toddler Toys
What is the ideal age for a child to start using a shape sorter toy?
Most shape sorter toys and stacking toys are designed for children aged 12 months and above. However, some toys may have smaller parts that could pose a choking hazard, so it’s important to read the age recommendations on this educational toy before purchasing these great eye hand coordination toys.
What are the benefits of using a shape sorter toy for toddlers?
Shape sorter toys offer a variety of benefits for toddlers, including improving hand-eye coordination skills, problem-solving skills, and fine motor skills. They also help with shape recognition, shape matching and color recognition.
What are some popular brands of shape sorter toys?
There are many popular brands of shape sorter toys, including Fisher-Price, Green Toys, Fat brain toys, Melissa & Doug, and VTech. Each brand offers a variety of options with different colorful shapes, colors, and sizes.
How can a shape sorter toy help with a child’s development?
Shape sorter toys help with a child’s development by improving their cognitive, motor, and sensory skills. They also help with language development as parents can talk to their child about the all the blocks different shapes, colors, and sizes and about how the shape fits different holes.
What are the different types of shape sorter toys available?
There are many different types of shape sorter toys available, including wooden, plastic, and fabric options. Some toys have shapes that fit into corresponding holes, while others have shapes that stack on top of each other.
Can shape sorter toys be used as a Montessori educational tool?
Yes, shape sorter toys can be used as a Montessori educational tool as they encourage hands-on learning and help with the development of important skills. They also promote independence and self-correction, which are key aspects of the Montessori method.
Our No. 1 Recommended Product
Melissa & Doug Take-Along Shape Sorter Baby Toy
Step into a world where learning meets play with the Melissa & Doug K’s Kids Take-Along Shape Sorter.
Crafted with precision and designed to stimulate young minds, this toy doesn’t just introduce shapes—it opens doors to a universe of color, texture, and imaginative fun.
Whether at home or on the move, your child’s cognitive growth is just a shape away!
