Sorting toys are not just fun; they can significantly enhance your 3-year-old's cognitive development! Engaging in sorting activities helps children improve their problem-solving skills, boosts their understanding of categories, and encourages critical thinking. This page offers insights into the benefits of sorting play and practical tips for parents and educators to foster these skills through enjoyable activities. Join us in exploring how sorting toys can make learning exciting and effective for your little one!
Sensory Sorting Fun for Little Hands
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The Battat Sort & Stack Combo is an engaging sensory sorting set ideal for toddlers aged 2 and up. This delightful activity cube and stacking ring set encourages hands-on exploration, enhancing fine motor skills and cognitive development as little ones shake, rattle, and sort bright shapes. With no lids to fuss with and soft flaps for easy access, it's a fantastic choice for fostering independence and curiosity in early learners. 2+ years
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, cognitive development, sensory exploration, independent play, color recognition, shape sorting
Why we love it:
Sensory Sorting Fun for Little Hands features no lids for easy access, making it a stress-free way for toddlers to explore shapes and boost their problem-solving skills.
Sort-'Em-Up Pups for Learning Fun!
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Learning Resources Sort-'Em-Up Pups brings a delightful twist to early education! As parents and educators, we cherish toys that stimulate growth, and these playful puppy pals do just that. With 28 unique toy dogs featuring attributes like color, ear shape, and spots, our little learners dive into sorting and matching exercises that build essential cognitive skills. Plus, clean-up is a breeze with the handy dog house—making learning fun and hassle-free for us all! 3+ years
Develops skills:
cognitive skills, color recognition, sorting, matching, fine motor skills, problem solving
Why we love it:
Sort-'Em-Up Pups for Learning Fun! features 28 unique toy dogs, making sorting and matching a colorful adventure that brings delightful hands-on learning right to our living rooms.
Colorful Skills with Stack and Sort Fun
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The Melissa & Doug Stack and Sort Board is an engaging wooden educational toy that makes learning vibrant and exciting for children. Designed for little hands, it helps develop essential skills such as color and shape recognition, fine motor abilities, and hand-eye coordination, turning playtime into valuable learning moments. As parents and educators, we can appreciate how this toy supports cognitive growth while keeping our little ones entertained and inspired. 2-4 years
Develops skills:
color recognition, shape sorting, fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, cognitive development
Why we love it:
Colorful Skills with Stack and Sort Fun features vibrant wooden pieces that make shape sorting not just educational, but a delightful way to spark curiosity and creativity.
Discover Fun with VTech Sort and Discover Drum
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VTech Sort and Discover Drum is the perfect blend of fun and learning for our little ones! As our babies sort shape blocks into the vibrant drum, they’re not just having a blast – they’re also developing essential motor skills and cognitive abilities. With each block that’s dropped in, the magic shape sorter recognizes it and introduces playful animals, shapes, and numbers, turning playtime into an engaging educational experience. Plus, the flashing light and colorful sounds add an interactive element that captivates their attention and encourages imaginative play! 6-36 months
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, cognitive development, shape recognition, auditory skills, imaginative play
Why we love it:
VTech Sort and Discover Drum's vibrant colors and playful sounds engage little ones while they sort shapes, turning play into essential learning moments that spark curiosity.
Apples for Learning: Sort and Match Fun
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Learning Resources Attribute Apples is a delightful set that invites our little ones to explore sorting and matching like never before! This engaging collection of 27 vibrant apples helps toddlers develop essential motor skills as they pick up, turn, and study each piece. With opportunities to sort, classify, and compare attributes like size, color, stems, leaves, and even a little friendly worm, our children will dive into a world of exploration and cognitive growth. Plus, the activity guide introduces fun Venn Diagrams to enhance higher-order thinking skills, making it perfect for curious minds aged 3 and up! 3+ years
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, sorting, matching, cognitive development, critical thinking, color recognition
Why we love it:
Apples for Learning: Sort and Match Fun includes 27 vibrant apples, making sorting and matching a delightful way for toddlers to explore and broaden their cognitive horizons.
Fun with Nesting and Sorting Blocks
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The Melissa & Doug Nesting and Sorting Blocks set offers a delightful introduction to colors and numbers for little learners aged 2 and up. With 6 brightly colored buildings and 6 charming wooden vehicles, children can engage in hands-on play that enhances their cognitive skills and fine motor development. As they match and stack, they'll not only boost their counting abilities but also nurture their creativity in a supportive, eco-friendly environment. 2+ years
Develops skills:
cognitive skills, fine motor development, color recognition, counting, creative play, problem solving
Why we love it:
Fun with Nesting and Sorting Blocks includes 6 adorable wooden vehicles that make counting and color matching a delightful adventure for tiny hands and big imaginations.
Baby's Fun First Sorting Blocks
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Fisher-Price Stacking Toy Baby’s First Blocks Set introduces infants to the world of colors and shapes while engaging them in sorting, stacking, and dropping activities. Designed for little explorers aged 6 months and older, this set not only fosters fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination but also encourages cognitive development through interactive play. With a convenient bucket for storage and a handle for travel, it's the perfect companion for both home and on-the-go learning adventures. 6+ months
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, cognitive development, color recognition, shape sorting
Why we love it:
Baby's Fun First Sorting Blocks comes with a convenient storage bucket, making cleanup a breeze while turning playtime into a colorful adventure of learning and discovery.
Shape Sorting Fun for Little Hands
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The Playskool Form Fitter Shape Sorter Matching Activity Cube Toy is a delightful way for toddlers and kids aged 18 months and up to dive into the world of shapes and colors. With nine easy-to-grasp shapes to match and sort, children can develop essential fine motor skills and cognitive abilities while enjoying tactile play that encourages repeated exploration. Parents will appreciate the easy storage feature, making clean-up as simple as a snap! 18 months and up
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, cognitive abilities, shape recognition, color matching, problem solving
Why we love it:
Shape Sorting Fun for Little Hands includes nine easy-to-grasp shapes, making sorting a delightful way for kids to build essential skills while parents enjoy quick clean-up.
CoComelon Shape ‘N Sort Xylophone Fun!
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CoComelon Shape ‘N Sort Xylophone is an enchanting tool for learning that combines music and shape recognition seamlessly! With its vibrant colors and charming CoComelon characters, this toy invites our little ones into a world of creativity and discovery. Children will not only enhance their shape-sorting skills with the included circle, square, triangle, and star, but they will also experience the joy of making music as they explore a full octave of delightful notes. It's a wonderful way to support early cognitive and motor skills, making this instrument an excellent choice for parents and educators seeking hands-on learning fun! 2-5 years
Develops skills:
shape recognition, fine motor skills, musical exploration, pattern matching, cognitive development
Why we love it:
CoComelon Shape ‘N Sort Xylophone Fun! features vibrant colors and charming characters, making music and learning shapes feel like a magical playtime adventure.
Interactive Vending Machine Learning Fun
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The Melissa & Doug Sort, Stock, Select Wooden Vending Machine Play Set is a delightful educational tool for children aged 3 and up. This engaging play set not only entertains but also fosters essential skills like sorting, counting, and letter recognition, allowing kids to explore cause-and-effect relationships through imaginative play. As they insert play coins and make selections, children will develop cognitive abilities while indulging in hours of creative fun, making it a favorite among parents and educators alike. 3+ years
Develops skills:
sorting, counting, letter recognition, cognitive development, imaginative play
Why we love it:
Interactive Vending Machine Learning Fun includes play coins that let kids explore cause-and-effect relationships while fine-tuning essential skills, making math feel like a game.
Stacking Shapes Garden: Fun Learning Awaits!
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Stacking Shapes Garden is a delightful way for our little ones to build essential cognitive skills while having a blast! This charming puzzle board helps toddlers with counting, shape recognition, sorting, and more through engaging play with cute stacking plants. As they stack and sort, they also strengthen their fine motor skills—perfect for developing coordination and that all-important pincer grasp. Plus, with a parent guide filled with creative activities, we can turn playtime into enriched learning moments together! 2-5 years
Develops skills:
counting, shape recognition, sorting, fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, cognitive development
Why we love it:
Stacking Shapes Garden brings joy with its engaging stacking plants, transforming playtime into a delightful adventure for nurturing essential skills right at home.
Minnie Mouse Activity Train Adventure
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Disney Minnie Mouse Play n' Sort Activity Train is the perfect blend of fun and education for our little ones! With its engaging music and flashing lights, this train captures the imagination while helping toddlers develop essential motor skills through shape sorting. As they slide, press buttons, and discover realistic train sounds, they’re also boosting their cognitive skills and hand-eye coordination. This toy not only entertains but also stimulates learning, making it an ideal choice for parents who value educational playtime. 12-36 months
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, cognitive skills, hand-eye coordination, shape sorting, auditory processing
Why we love it:
Minnie Mouse Activity Train Adventure features engaging music and flashing lights, making learning feel like an exciting journey while helping little ones master essential skills.
VTech Sort and Discover Activity Cube
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The VTech Sort and Discover Activity Cube is a vibrant, multi-sensory playstation designed for curious minds aged 9 months to 3 years. With over 75 songs, sounds, and melodies, this engaging toy introduces essential concepts such as colors, numbers, and animals through interactive play. As little hands explore the spinner, slide different animals, and press piano keys, they develop crucial fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. It’s not just fun; it’s a wonderful way to foster cognitive development while your toddler enjoys hours of discovery and joy! 9 months to 3 years
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, cognitive development, color recognition, number awareness, auditory skills
Why we love it:
VTech Sort and Discover Activity Cube features over 75 songs and sounds, making learning colors and numbers a lively experience that keeps little explorers entertained and engaged.
Learn and Play with Shape Sorting Fun
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The Melissa & Doug Shape-Sorting Wooden Dump Truck Toy combines playtime with valuable learning experiences for toddlers aged 2 and up. This engaging toy encourages shape recognition, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving skills as little ones match colorful wooden blocks with the truck's openings. With its built-in play figures and interactive features, it offers a delightful, screen-free way for children to develop essential cognitive skills while enjoying imaginative play. 2-5 years
Develops skills:
shape recognition, hand-eye coordination, problem solving, imaginative play, fine motor skills
Why we love it:
Learn and Play with Shape Sorting Fun includes vibrant wooden blocks that turn learning into a delightful puzzle, making shape sorting an adventure for tiny hands and curious minds.
Shape Sorting Sea Turtle Adventure
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The Learning Resources Seymour The Counting Shapes Sea Turtle is a delightful way for toddlers to explore shapes, colors, and counting! As little ones sort the baby sea turtles by shape and pop them onto Seymour's shell, they engage in fun, hands-on learning that enhances their fine motor skills and cognitive development. This eco-friendly toy, made from 70% post-consumer recycled plastic, not only teaches essential early learning concepts but also instills a love for sustainability. Parents and educators alike will appreciate the included Activity Guide packed with kid-friendly facts that enrich playtime with meaningful learning. 2-5 years
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, shape recognition, color identification, counting, cognitive development
Why we love it:
Shape Sorting Sea Turtle Adventure features eco-friendly materials and enhances learning by transforming sorting shapes into an engaging ocean of fun and sustainability.
Fruit Counters: Fun Math Learning Adventures
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edxeducation Fruit Counters provide an engaging way for our little ones to dive into the world of numbers and colors! These delightful counting and sorting toys are perfect for preschoolers, helping to develop vital cognitive and fine motor skills while making learning fun. With their vibrant colors and different fruit shapes, kids can practice counting, sorting, and even creative language skills as they describe textures and colors. Perfect for games or even imaginative play, these counters are a wonderful addition to any learning environment, sparking curiosity and joy in every session. 3-5 years
Develops skills:
cognitive skills, fine motor skills, counting, sorting, language development, color recognition
Why we love it:
Fruit Counters: Fun Math Learning Adventures provide vibrant, engaging fruit shapes that turn counting and sorting into a tasty learning feast, leaving our little ones hungry for knowledge.
Discover Fun with the Activity Cube!
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VTech Sort and Discover Activity Cube is an exhilarating way for little ones to explore a world of colors, numbers, and sounds! With five sides of engaging activities, this cube introduces over 75 songs, melodies, and phrases that make learning feel like playtime. As our children twist, slide, and sort colorful blocks, they're not just having fun; they're developing fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and cognitive abilities. It's the perfect companion for early learning and discovery that we can joyfully support as parents and educators! 12 months+
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, cognitive abilities, color recognition, sorting, auditory recognition
Why we love it:
Discover Fun with the Activity Cube! includes five sides of engaging activities that make learning colors, numbers, and sounds a musical adventure at playtime.
Colorful Learning with the Puzzle Play
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Fisher-Price Wood Preschool Toy Color Wheel Puzzle is a delightful introduction to shape-sorting play for our little learners. This engaging puzzle features 19 vibrant wooden pieces that not only captivate preschoolers but also promote essential fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities. With etched guidelines in the storage tray, kids can easily sort and classify shapes, making it a fantastic tool for developing cognitive skills. Plus, we love knowing it’s made from sustainably sourced wood and painted with non-toxic materials, so it’s safe for our precious ones to explore! 3+ years
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, problem solving, shape sorting, cognitive development, color recognition
Why we love it:
Colorful Learning with the Puzzle Play features 19 vibrant wooden pieces that spark cognitive development while ensuring safety with sustainably sourced materials for little explorers.
Playful Learning with Ladybug Sorting Fun
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The Hape Shape Sorter Ladybug Pull-along is a delightful and engaging tool for toddlers aged 12 months and above. This charming ladybug encourages shape recognition, fine motor skills, and cognitive development as little ones explore how to match the blocks with the unique openings in its wings. Plus, with its rubber-rimmed wheels, parents can rest easy knowing their floors will remain scratch-free during all the playful adventures! 12 months and up
Develops skills:
shape recognition, fine motor skills, cognitive development, problem solving, hand-eye coordination
Why we love it:
Playful Learning with Ladybug Sorting Fun features unique openings in its wings, making learning shapes a charming adventure for little hands while protecting our floors from toddler chaos!
Fisher-Price 3-in-1 Spin & Sort Fun!
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Fisher-Price Baby to Toddler Toy 3-in-1 Spin & Sort Activity Center and Play Table is a fantastic choice for parents looking to foster their child's development from infancy into toddlerhood! Featuring a spinning seat and four engaging activity pods, this center offers a delightful 360 degrees of exploration that encourages motor skills, sensory discovery, and cognitive challenges. As your baby grows, simply transform it into a sit-at play table and shape-sorter to keep the educational fun flowing! With over 10 activities, machine-washable parts, and space-saving design, it's as practical for parents as it is entertaining for kids. 0-3 years
Develops skills:
motor skills, sensory discovery, cognitive challenges, spatial awareness, problem solving, creativity
Why we love it:
Fisher-Price 3-in-1 Spin & Sort Fun! features a spinning seat and over 10 activities, making it an ever-evolving toy that grows with your child while keeping them thoroughly entertained.
Fruitful Learning with Shape Sorting Fun
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The LeapFrog Spin and Change Apple Shape Sorter is a delightful tool that encourages children aged 18 months and up to explore shapes and colors in a fun and engaging way. By pressing the apple's stem and matching shapes to openings, kids enhance their problem-solving skills and hand-eye coordination. Made with 85% reclaimed plastic, this eco-friendly toy not only nurtures cognitive development but also fosters a love for the environment, making it a brilliant choice for today’s conscious families. 18+ months
Develops skills:
problem solving, hand-eye coordination, color recognition, shape matching, cognitive development
Why we love it:
Fruitful Learning with Shape Sorting Fun features an interactive design that not only teaches shapes and colors but also encourages eco-consciousness with 85% reclaimed plastic.
Colorful Worms for Counting Fun
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The Learning Resources Measuring Worms set brings vibrant squishy learning to the forefront! Perfect for kids 3 and up, these worms not only make counting, sorting, and measuring engaging but also support early math skills and cognitive development. With various colors and sizes to explore, you'll find this hands-on toy is a fantastic way to introduce foundational math concepts and spark a love for learning in your little ones. 3+ years
Develops skills:
counting, sorting, measuring, early math skills, cognitive development, fine motor skills
Why we love it:
Colorful Worms for Counting Fun brings vibrant, squishy learning to the forefront, making foundational math concepts a delightful hands-on adventure that sparks curiosity in little learners.
Nesting Barns & Sorting Animal Playset
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The Melissa & Doug Nesting and Sorting Barns and Animals bring a world of fun and learning right to your living room! This delightful match-and-stack set of six colorful barns and matching wooden animals introduces essential first concepts like counting, sizes, and colors through engaging hands-on play. We love how these barns not only nest for easy storage but also boost our little ones' hand-eye coordination, problem-solving skills, and narrative thinking—making learning feel like an exciting adventure. With captivating designs and educational benefits, this toy is a must-have for fostering creativity and early cognitive development in our children. 2-5 years
Develops skills:
counting, problem solving, hand-eye coordination, color recognition, spatial reasoning, narrative thinking
Why we love it:
Nesting Barns & Sorting Animal Playset includes six colorful barns that make sorting animals a delightful counting adventure, turning playtime into an engaging learning experience.
Spike The Hedgehog: Playful Learning Fun
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Meet Spike the Fine Motor Hedgehog, our delightful companion for toddlers aged 18 months and up! This engaging toy not only captivates little hands with its colorful, easy-grip quills but also develops essential skills like hand-eye coordination and cognitive growth through sorting, counting, and color matching. Perfect for home or classroom settings, Spike transforms simple play into a rich educational experience that grows alongside your child's developmental journey. 18 months+
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, cognitive growth, color recognition, sorting, counting
Why we love it:
What's not to love about a prickly little friend that doubles as an educational powerhouse? Spike the Hedgehog not only brightens up playtime with his colorful quills, but he also sneaks in vital skills like sorting and counting—so you can feel totally justified when you settle in with a well-deserved cup of tea. Plus, we can't resist the chance to watch our toddlers giggle as they figure out how to give Spike a colorful new 'do'—it’s like personal grooming meets early math skills!
Colorful Counting Bears for Fun Learning
Our Rank:
Counting Bears are more than just toys; they are a wonderful gateway to early math skills! With 50 vibrant bears and 5 handy cups, kids can dive into the exciting world of counting, sorting, and color recognition. As we play and learn together, our little ones will develop important cognitive skills, boost their confidence in numbers, and cultivate a love for learning that lasts a lifetime. It’s amazing how something so colorful can turn practice into playtime! 3-6 years
Develops skills:
counting, sorting, color recognition, cognitive skills, early math skills
Why we love it:
Colorful Counting Bears come with 50 vibrant bears and 5 handy cups, turning early math practice into a dazzling adventure that makes learning feel like play!
Discover the Fun with Bear Counters!
Our Rank:
edxeducation Small Bear Counters - Mini Jar is the perfect playful companion for early math mastery! This engaging set includes 60 adorable bear counters, tweezers for fine motor practice, and an activity guide to spark curiosity and learning. We love how these colorful bears transform lessons into hands-on experiences, making counting, sorting, and basic arithmetic feel like a fun game. It’s a fantastic way to nurture cognitive skills while keeping little hands busy and engaged! 3+ years
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, counting, sorting, color recognition, basic arithmetic, cognitive development
Why we love it:
Discover the Fun with Bear Counters! includes 60 adorable bear counters that make early math feel like playtime, turning every lesson into a colorful adventure of learning.
Mickey Mouse Shape Sorting Fun
Our Rank:
The Green Toys Mickey Mouse Shape Sorter Truck is a delightful way for young learners to explore shapes and colors while playing! This eco-friendly toy not only sparks imaginative play but also helps develop essential skills like problem-solving, hand-eye coordination, and cognitive understanding as children figure out where each shape fits. Parents and educators will appreciate its sturdy construction and commitment to safe, sustainable playtime, making it a fantastic addition to any learning environment. 2-5 years
Develops skills:
problem solving, hand-eye coordination, spatial reasoning, color recognition, shape identification, imaginative play
Why we love it:
Mickey Mouse Shape Sorting Fun features a sturdy construction that invites little ones to creatively explore shapes and colors, turning learning into a playful adventure.
Fun & Functional Toy Storage Solution
Our Rank:
The Humble Crew Natural/Primary Kids' Toy Storage Organizer with 12 Plastic Bins is a fantastic way for young children to learn organization skills while having fun! Designed at the perfect height for toddlers, this colorful storage system not only encourages independence but also promotes sorting abilities and early cognitive development as kids learn to categorize their toys, books, and games. Parents and educators will appreciate its durable construction and safety features, making it a wise choice for any playroom or bedroom. Preschool
Develops skills:
organization skills, cognitive development, sorting abilities, independence, fine motor skills
Why we love it:
Fun & Functional Toy Storage Solution features 12 colorful plastic bins that make tidying up feel like a game, teaching kids valuable life skills without the usual fuss.
Colorful Learning with Rainbow Stacker
Our Rank:
The Chuckle & Roar Rainbow Stacker is an engaging Montessori-inspired educational toy that makes learning fun for preschoolers. Designed to enhance cognitive development and fine motor skills through stacking and sorting colorful arches, this silicone toy captivates little imaginations while fostering creativity and problem-solving abilities. A safe and durable choice for parents, it encourages healthy play and exploration in early childhood development. Preschool
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, cognitive development, problem solving, creativity, spatial reasoning
Why we love it:
Colorful Learning with Rainbow Stacker features vibrant silicone arches that captivate little imaginations while promoting hands-on play. It's like giving a preschooler a colorful toolkit for their brain, helping them solve problems and create their very own stacking masterpieces. Plus, it’s a mess-free way to encourage open-ended play—no scattered blocks underfoot, just delightful moments of discovery!
Transportation Linking Blocks - Build & Learn Fun!
Our Rank:
Transportation Linking Blocks are the perfect tool for curious little minds! With 36 vibrant, hollow blocks shaped like planes, trains, and boats, our toddlers can engage in delightful hands-on play that fosters early construction skills. These large, easy-to-handle pieces make it simple for them to connect and disconnect, enhancing their fine motor skills with every 'pop'! Plus, as they count, sort, and sequence the colorful blocks, they're not just having fun—they're building essential cognitive skills for future learning! 18m+
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, cognitive skills, problem solving, counting, sorting, spatial awareness
Why we love it:
Transportation Linking Blocks are made up of 36 vibrant, hollow blocks that turn playtime into a colorful journey of construction and creativity for tiny engineers!