Toys that Encourage Babies to Start Talking

As parents and educators, we know that the journey of language development begins early in a baby’s life. This page explores various engaging and interactive playthings that can help spark those first precious words. You'll find insights into how certain activities and sounds can stimulate speech, encouraging your little ones to express themselves. Join us in discovering playful ways to support your baby's communication skills as they explore the world around them!

Bright Starts Teething Toys for Happy Babies

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Bright Starts Everything Nice Teething Toys 9-Piece Set is a delightful choice for parents wanting to soothe their little ones through teething. These vibrant, BPA-free toys not only provide multi-textured relief for sore gums, but they also encourage babies to develop their grasping and sensory skills as they explore. With chillable teethers offering extra cooling comfort and fun shapes that engage tiny hands, this set makes self-soothing a playful experience. Parents can enjoy watching their child learn and grow while keeping those smiles bright during this challenging stage! 3 months+
Develops skills:
grasping skills, sensory exploration, fine motor skills, self-soothing, visual tracking
Why we love it:
Bright Starts Teething Toys for Happy Babies includes 9 vibrant, multi-textured pieces that turn teething into a playful adventure for little ones while supporting their developmental milestones.

Vibrant Rattle & Shake for Babies

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The Bright Starts Rattle & Shake Barbell Toy is a colorful delight ideal for babies aged 3 months and up. This engaging toy not only captures your little one's attention with its vibrant beads and mirror but also encourages sensory exploration and motor skill development. The textured handle is perfectly designed for tiny hands to grasp, making it great for promoting grip strength and coordination. As parents, we cherish toys that are not just fun but also foster learning through play—this rattle is a fantastic way to start that journey! 3 months and up
Develops skills:
sensory exploration, fine motor skills, grip strength, hand-eye coordination, cognitive development, visual tracking
Why we love it:
Vibrant Rattle & Shake for Babies features colorful beads and a mirror, making it a delightful tool for sensory exploration and promoting essential motor skills from an early age.

Augie Sloth: Hugs That Teach

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Augie Sloth Plush is the perfect cuddle buddy that invites little ones to embrace creativity and comfort! With its ultra-soft, huggable design, Augie encourages imaginative play and emotional development. The extra-long arms not only make for a snug fit but also promote fine motor skills as children learn to grip and hug their new friend. Ideal for kids aged 1 and up, this delightful sloth plush is not just a toy; it’s a companion that nurtures soft skills and offers countless opportunities for storytelling and connection. 1+ years
Develops skills:
emotional development, imaginative play, fine motor skills, storytelling, social skills
Why we love it:
Augie Sloth features ultra-soft, huggable arms that not only make for cozy cuddles but also encourage little ones to embrace their creativity and build connections through play.

Bugs That Inspire Learning Fun

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The Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Bag of Bugs invites kids into a colorful world of exploration and learning. With 10 lifelike bugs that spark curiosity, this set enhances counting, sorting, and imaginative pretend-play activities, all while nurturing vital skills like hand-eye coordination and color recognition. Parents and educators will love how it naturally encourages an interest in the natural world, making learning feel like an exciting adventure! 2-5 years
Develops skills:
hand-eye coordination, counting, sorting, imaginative play, color recognition
Why we love it:
Bugs That Inspire Learning Fun includes 10 lifelike bugs that open the door to imaginative exploration, making nature-themed learning feel like a thrilling adventure for curious minds.

Is That True?! Trivia Game Fun

Our Rank:
Is That True?! is a captivating trivia party game that encourages critical thinking and enhances reasoning skills for players of all ages. With more than 400 entertaining questions mixing truth and fiction, this game sparks curiosity and discussion, making it a fantastic tool for learning and social interaction. Parents and educators will love how it fosters teamwork and communication while providing endless laughter and surprising insights. 8+ years
Develops skills:
critical thinking, reasoning, teamwork, social interaction, curiosity, communication, problem solving
Why we love it:
Is That True?! Trivia Game Fun includes over 400 entertaining questions that spark lively discussions, turning family game night into a hilarious learning adventure.

Trivia Fun with I Should Have Known That!

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I Should Have Known That! is an engaging trivia game that challenges players to discover fascinating facts while unraveling the mysteries of everyday knowledge. It not only sharpens critical thinking and recall skills, but it also encourages teamwork and friendly competition, making it the perfect addition to family game nights and classrooms alike. With over 400 questions designed to spark curiosity and laughter, this game ensures that players will leave with both knowledge and a sense of wonder. 14+ years
Develops skills:
critical thinking, recall skills, teamwork, friendly competition, curiosity, communication
Why we love it:
I Should Have Known That! features over 400 questions that spark curiosity and laughter, transforming family game night into a delightful quest for knowledge and fun.

That Escalated Quickly: Hilarious Learning Fun

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That Escalated Quickly is not just another card game; it's a delightful experience designed to spark laughter while enhancing critical thinking and social skills. As we read the quirky question cards and assign intensity levels, we're honing our ability to evaluate and articulate opinions collaboratively. This game encourages open communication and understanding among players, making it an excellent choice for family game nights or friendly gatherings. We can already imagine the joy and memorable moments it will bring into our homes! 10+ years
Develops skills:
critical thinking, social skills, communication, opinion articulation, problem solving
Why we love it:
That Escalated Quickly features quirky question cards that spark laughter while building teamwork and conversation skills, making family game night both educational and entertaining!

Engaging Forest Babies Puzzle Fun

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Forest Babies I Love You Match-Up Puzzles from Mudpuppy is a delightful way to encourage little ones to explore their world! With charming illustrations of baby bears, rabbits, and owls, these beginner puzzles not only entertain but also foster essential skills like problem-solving and fine motor development. As children match baby animals with their caregivers, they engage in meaningful play that strengthens their cognitive abilities. Plus, the sturdy storage box keeps everything organized, making it a perfect gift for curious minds eager to learn! 1-3 years
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, problem solving, cognitive development, matching skills, early literacy
Why we love it:
Engaging Forest Babies Puzzle Fun includes charming illustrations of baby animals that make learning feel like an adorable adventure while boosting little ones’ problem-solving skills.

Bright Starts 2-in-1 Jumper & Table

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The Bright Starts Bounce Bounce Baby 2-in-1 Activity Jumper & Table is a delightful way to support your little one's growth and development. Designed to transform from a fun, bouncy activity jumper for younger babies into a playful table for adventurous toddlers, this toy offers years of engagement. With an electronic frog that ribbits, plays cheerful melodies, and lights up, it encourages sensory exploration and auditory awareness. Plus, the included toy storage bag ensures that all of your child’s favorite toys are within easy reach, promoting organization skills right from the start! 0-3 years
Develops skills:
gross motor skills, sensory exploration, auditory awareness, organization skills, imaginative play
Why we love it:
Bright Starts 2-in-1 Jumper & Table features an electronic frog that ribbits and plays melodies, making every bounce an engaging sensory adventure for little ones.

Pea Pod Babies Surprise Collectibles

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Pea Pod Babies is an engaging collectible surprise toy that not only sparks excitement but also promotes creativity and imaginative play in kids aged 4 and up. As children unwrap each mystery capsule, they develop fine motor skills and practice patience while creating their unique mini baby and outfits. Beyond the fun, this toy encourages storytelling and social sharing, making it a hit for both individual play and group settings like parties or playdates. 4+ years
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, patience, creativity, storytelling, social sharing, imaginative play
Why we love it:
Pea Pod Babies Surprise Collectibles feature mystery capsules that ignite creativity while fostering patience, turning every unwrapping into a delightful surprise party for little hands and minds.

Discover the Magic of Shimmer Babies!

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Hatchimals CollEGGtibles, Shimmer Babies 12-Pack Egg Carton is a delightful adventure for our curious little ones! As we crack open these charming eggs, we reveal eight sparkly Shimmer Babies, each one ready to inspire imaginative play and valuable learning experiences. With accessories that encourage nurturing skills and a playful gender reveal twist, kids can engage in role-playing that fosters social skills and emotional expression. Plus, the themed nursery backdrop not only boosts creativity but also provides a perfect setting for storytelling and engaging group play. 5+ years
Develops skills:
imaginative play, social skills, emotional expression, nurturing skills, group play
Why we love it:
Discover the Magic of Shimmer Babies! comes in a 12-pack egg carton filled with sparkly friends, making every hatch a chance for storytelling and nurturing adventures.

Bright Starts Snuggle & Teethe Plush Toy

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The Bright Starts Snuggle & Teethe BPA-free Crinkle Teething Plush Baby Toy - Elephant is the perfect companion for your little one! With adorable teether 'feet' that soothe sore gums and crinkly fabrics that encourage exploration through sound, this plush toy blends comfort and relief in one delightful package. Designed for curious minds on the go, it not only fosters sensory development but also promotes hand-eye coordination as babies grasp and play. Snuggling and soothing have never looked cuter or more fun! 0-12 months
Develops skills:
sensory development, hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, problem solving, auditory exploration
Why we love it:
Bright Starts Snuggle & Teethe Plush Toy features adorable teether 'feet' that soothe sore gums while encouraging little ones to explore sounds and textures, making comfort and discovery so much fun!

Vibrant Musical Bouncing Ball for Babies

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VANLINNY NEW Bumble Ball for Babies is a delightful way to engage your little one in active play! This fun, colorful ball vibrates and rolls, producing joyful music that encourages babies to chase, grasp, and explore. Not only does it spark laughter and excitement, but it also supports crucial motor skills development in a playful manner. Perfect for both toddlers and even furry friends, this bumble ball is a must-have in every playroom, making it an ideal gift for curious minds aged 3 years and up! 3+ years
Develops skills:
gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination, auditory skills, exploration, problem solving
Why we love it:
Vibrant Musical Bouncing Ball for Babies vibrates and rolls while playing joyful music, making it a delightful way for little ones to chase, grasp, and giggle their way to motor skill mastery.

Bright Starts Wanderlights Baby Walker Fun

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The Bright Starts Wanderlights 2 Ways to Play Baby Walker is a vibrant adventure for little ones starting their walking journey! With delightful melodies and sounds, this walker not only entertains but also encourages early exploration and introduces cause-and-effect learning in an engaging way. We love that it easily transitions from a sturdy walker to a fun floor play experience with a light-up monkey toy that sparks curiosity. Adjustable to grow with our babies from 6 to 18 months, it provides a safe and sturdy way for them to strengthen their legs and coordination while surrounded by cheerful jungle details. 6-18 months
Develops skills:
gross motor skills, coordination, cause and effect, auditory skills, spatial awareness
Why we love it:
Bright Starts Wanderlights Baby Walker features delightful melodies that engage little ones while they strengthen their legs and coordination, making every step an exciting discovery in their jungle adventure.

Bright Starts Safari Beats Musical Drum Toy

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The Bright Starts Safari Beats Musical Drum Toy is the perfect introduction to rhythm and sound for your little one! Tailored for babies aged 3 months and up, this vibrant toy features three colorful drums that activate delightful songs, engaging sounds, and interactive lights to stimulate sensory exploration. With two modes of play, it encourages both independent play and joyful interaction, fostering a love for music while developing coordination and motor skills. It's also super convenient for parents on the go, making it an ideal companion for playdates and family outings! 3+ months
Develops skills:
music appreciation, sensory exploration, hand-eye coordination, motor skills, social interaction, rhythm
Why we love it:
Bright Starts Safari Beats Musical Drum Toy features three colorful drums that activate delightful songs and lights, making it a joyful way for babies to explore music and rhythm.

Whimsical Ocean Babies for Imaginative Play

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The Wild Republic Ocean Babies Figurines Tube is a delightful collection of twelve hand-painted sea life babies that will spark your child's imagination. These charming figurines enhance storytelling skills, encourage role-play, and foster an appreciation for marine life, making them perfect for educational adventures in the tub or on land. Parents will love how sturdy they are, and how easily they clean up after creative play sessions. 3+ years
Develops skills:
imaginative play, storytelling skills, role-play, marine life appreciation, fine motor skills
Why we love it:
Whimsical Ocean Babies for Imaginative Play comes with twelve hand-painted sea life figurines that transport children to an underwater world of creativity and exploration. These charming little ocean dwellers not only enrich playtime scenarios but also cultivate an awareness of marine ecosystems. Plus, they’re sturdy enough for bathtub adventures, and cleanup is as easy as a quick rinse—leaving more time for storytelling and fewer soggy toys on the floor.

LeapFrog 100 Things That Go

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LeapFrog 100 Things That Go is an interactive and educational adventure for kids aged 18 months and older! This delightful toy introduces your little ones to the exciting world of transportation with over 100 words, engaging them in both English and Spanish. With its touch-sensitive pages and three play modes that explore vocabulary, sounds, and fun facts, this book not only sharpens language skills but also fuels imagination. Plus, it’s portable and easy to carry, making learning on the go a breeze for busy families. 18+ months
Develops skills:
language development, vocabulary building, bilingual skills, listening skills, imaginative play
Why we love it:
LeapFrog 100 Things That Go features touch-sensitive pages that introduce over 100 words in English and Spanish, making learning a bilingual adventure that’s fun and engaging!

Grab That Donut! Fine Motor Fun

Our Rank:
Learning Resources Grab That Donut! Fine Motor Game is a delightful way to engage our little ones in playful learning! This interactive game helps strengthen their hand muscles while they grasp colorful donuts using easy-to-hold tongs. As they match colors and shapes, they're not just having fun—they're developing essential fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. We love how this game offers various play modes, allowing for endless creativity whether they're running a donut shop or sorting treats, making this not just a toy, but a gateway to endless educational adventures! 3+ years
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, color matching, shape recognition, problem solving, spatial awareness
Why we love it:
Grab That Donut! Fine Motor Fun includes easy-to-hold tongs, turning color and shape matching into a delightful workout for little hands and imaginations.

Eco-Friendly Teddy Bear for Babies

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GUND Baby Sustainable Teddy Bear Plush is the perfect addition to any nursery and a fantastic gift choice for new parents! This delightful bear, made from 100% recycled materials, is not only irresistibly soft but also fosters an early understanding of sustainability in our little ones. As children snuggle with their new friend, they will develop fine motor skills during playtime, and the bear’s modern design makes it a charming decor piece that enriches their environment. What’s more, this cuddly companion encourages imaginative play and emotional development, supporting growing minds in the most adorable way! 0-2 years
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, imaginative play, emotional development, early understanding of sustainability, sensory awareness
Why we love it:
Eco-Friendly Teddy Bear for Babies is made from 100% recycled materials, promoting sustainability while providing a cuddly companion that nurtures little ones' emotional growth and fine motor skills.

Light-Up Musical Rattle for Babies

Our Rank:
The Bright Starts Grab & Giggle Monkey Light-Up Musical Rattle Toy is a delightful companion for little explorers aged 6 months and up! With its vibrant colors, silly sounds, and engaging giggles, this toy encourages babies to grasp, shake, and discover cause and effect in a fun way. We love how the large, flexible Oball design makes it easy for tiny hands to hold, helping our little ones reach important milestones in their development. Ideal for on-the-go play, this rattle not only entertains but also fosters essential sensory play and motor skills, making it a must-have for any curious baby. 6 months+
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, sensory exploration, cause and effect, auditory recognition, grasping skills
Why we love it:
Light-Up Musical Rattle for Babies features vibrant colors and silly sounds, making it an engaging way for babies to explore movement and sound while developing essential skills.

Bright Starts Tug Tunes Giraffe Toy

Our Rank:
The Bright Starts Tug Tunes On-The-Go Toy for Stroller and Carriers - Giraffe is a delightful travel companion designed to engage and entertain your little one from day one! Featuring four enchanting melodies that play when your baby tugs on the adorable leaf, this toy encourages sensory exploration and musical curiosity. Soft mixed materials provide comfort while promoting motor skill development through reaching and batting, making it a perfect fit for independent play. With its cheerful unisex design, this toy is not only entertaining but also a thoughtful gift for any occasion! Newborn and up
Develops skills:
sensory exploration, motor skills, musical curiosity, independent play, hand-eye coordination
Why we love it:
Bright Starts Tug Tunes Giraffe Toy features four enchanting melodies that inspire sensory exploration while keeping little hands busy, making travel a delightful experience for everyone.

Sort That Sound! Learning Adventure

Our Rank:
The hand2mind Sort That Sound! Activity Set is your go-to resource for fostering phonemic awareness in young learners. This beautifully designed set includes everything from sound tiles to sorting trays, making it an engaging tool for early readers and ESL learners alike. It’s more than just a toy; it’s a dynamic way to help children connect sounds with letters through fun, interactive play. We love how this set not only enhances letter sound recognition but also serves as a wonderful aid in speech therapy, making learning truly enjoyable for our little ones. Preschool
Develops skills:
phonemic awareness, letter recognition, auditory discrimination, sorting skills, speech development, early literacy
Why we love it:
Sort That Sound! Learning Adventure includes sound tiles and sorting trays that transform phonetic learning into a playful and engaging experience, making literacy less daunting and more fun.

LeapStart Learn to Read Volume 1 Fun

Our Rank:
The LeapFrog LeapStart Learn to Read Volume 1 is an incredible educational tool that brings reading to life for children aged 4-7. With interactive audio and animations, kids are captivated as they touch pages and explore letters and words, all while building essential early reading skills. This engaging experience encourages them to recognize short and long vowels, making learning not only effective but also super fun. As parents and educators, we love how this toy fosters a love for reading through hands-on interaction and playful learning! 4-7 years
Develops skills:
early reading skills, vocabulary development, phonemic awareness, letter recognition, listening skills
Why we love it:
LeapStart Learn to Read Volume 1 features interactive audio that brings letters and words to life, making reading a delightful adventure filled with playful learning.

That Girl Lay Lay Fashion Design Kit

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That Girl Lay Lay: Fashion Design Sketchbook is the ultimate creative adventure for aspiring young designers! This engaging kit invites kids aged 6 and up to explore their fashion sense as they sketch, color, and create outfits inspired by their favorite character, Lay Lay. With 30 coloring pages, 214 stickers, and stencils included, children can develop their artistic skills, boost their confidence, and express their unique style in a fun, interactive way. It's a fabulous gift that fuels creativity and self-expression, making every young artist feel like a true fashionista! 6+ years
Develops skills:
creativity, design thinking, fine motor skills, self-expression, color recognition, confidence building, imaginative play
Why we love it:
That Girl Lay Lay Fashion Design Kit comes with 30 coloring pages that let kids unleash their inner fashion designer while developing their artistic flair and boosting their confidence.

Hey, That's My Fish! Adventure Awaits

Our Rank:
Hey, That's My Fish! invites families to dive into an engaging strategic adventure with adorable penguins. This game not only sparks joy but also fosters critical thinking and planning skills as players navigate icy terrains and collect fish. With each move, we find kids developing their problem-solving abilities while enjoying quality time together. Perfect for 2-4 players, this quick-paced game is a fantastic way to learn about strategy and friendly competition! 8+ years
Develops skills:
strategic thinking, problem solving, planning skills, critical thinking, teamwork
Why we love it:
Hey, That's My Fish! invites up to four players for a fun journey while sharpening critical thinking and fostering the joys of friendly competition over fish.

Creative Fun with Play-Doh Starter Set

Our Rank:
The Play-Doh Starter Set 9-Piece Kit is the perfect introduction to creative play for children aged 3 and up. With its engaging tools and colorful modeling compounds, kids can explore their imaginations while developing fine motor skills, creativity, and hand-eye coordination. This kit not only offers countless hours of sculpting fun but also encourages artistic expression in a tactile way that feels delightful. Plus, with the reusable storage tote, this set makes it easy to keep everything organized, whether at home or on the go! 3+ years
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, creativity, hand-eye coordination, imaginative play, color recognition, tactile exploration
Why we love it:
Creative Fun with Play-Doh Starter Set includes nine engaging tools that spark imagination and help little hands develop fine motor skills, all while providing endless sculpting adventures.

BRIO World Train Adventure Starter Set

Our Rank:
BRIO World – 36079 Starter Travel Train Set is the perfect introduction to imaginative play and hands-on learning for our little ones. This delightful 22-piece wooden train set features a classic figure 8 track layout that encourages creativity and storytelling while helping children develop fine motor skills through engaging railway adventures. As parents and educators, we know how critical it is for kids to explore their environment and understand the world around them, and this set does just that! Whether it’s a solo journey or an addition to an existing collection, this BRIO train set builds not just tracks but also lifelong skills and curiosity in our kids. 3+ years
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, creativity, storytelling, problem solving, spatial reasoning
Why we love it:
BRIO World Train Adventure Starter Set, with its 22 delightful wooden pieces, invites little ones to embark on imaginative journeys while developing essential skills along the way.

LeapFrog LeapStart Bluey Fun Adventures

Our Rank:
The LeapFrog LeapStart Bluey Fun and Games Play activity book is a delightful way for kids aged 2-5 years to engage with their favorite characters while building essential skills. With 15+ replayable activities that encourage imaginative play and literacy development, your child will not only have fun, but they'll also enhance their reading comprehension and cognitive abilities. Using the interactive stylus to tap on words and pictures brings each page to life, fostering independence and curiosity. As parents, we know the value of interactive learning, and this book captures the joy of play with educational outcomes that will keep our little ones excited and learning! 2-5 years
Develops skills:
literacy development, cognitive abilities, imaginative play, fine motor skills, problem solving, independence
Why we love it:
LeapFrog LeapStart Bluey Fun Adventures features 15+ replayable activities that transform learning into an exciting journey, making reading a delightful adventure for little learners.

Grab That Monster for Fine Motor Skills!

Our Rank:
Hand2Mind Grab That Monster Fine Motor Activity Set is an exciting way for our little ones to develop essential fine motor skills! As they use the Monster Grabbers to catch and release the adorable Mini Monsters, they are actually strengthening the finger muscles they'll need for writing, tying shoes, and zipping coats. Plus, with color sorting games, they get to practice color matching and sorting while engaging in dramatic play that sparks their imagination. This set is perfect for playful learning and is specially designed to support toddlers in their grip and dexterity development as they grow! 3-4 years
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, color recognition, sorting, imaginative play, grip strength
Why we love it:
Grab That Monster for Fine Motor Skills! includes adorable Mini Monsters for our little ones to catch and release, turning skill-building into a playful adventure.

Bright Starts Soothers & Shakers Gift Set

Our Rank:
The Bright Starts Soothers & Shakers 7pc Gift Set is an absolute must-have for newborns and their parents! This delightful collection features engaging rattles and teethers that not only soothe sore gums but also encourage healthy sensory development. Each toy—like the vibrant Oball rattles—is designed for tiny hands to easily grasp, shake, and explore, fostering fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination while keeping little ones happily entertained. With a mix of textures and sounds, this set invites curiosity and interaction, making it a perfect addition to early learning playtime. Newborn+
Develops skills:
fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, sensory development, imaginative play, exploration
Why we love it:
Bright Starts Soothers & Shakers Gift Set includes seven delightful rattles and teethers that engage tiny hands while soothing sore gums, making playtime a sensory adventure.