I chose to buy this shape sorter for my 12 month old because it is solid wood and the shapes only fit through their own holes. This is important, because MANY shape sorters have more shapes, but they will frequently fit through more than one shape hole.
This toy good for Montessori-style learning, because it has the natural control of error.
This toy is simple, but good quality, and my daughter loves it.
The lid is not attached, like some, but that's fine. We play with it togther and she has almost as much fun matching the lid to the box!
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I purchased this shape sorter for my 17 month old about a month ago, and I am really pleased. We had previously purchased another Plan Toys Shape Sorter Plan Toy Shape and Sort with a very similar name but different design. My child never really took to it, partly because it is not the most intuitive design. She never really figured out the intended way to retrieve the shapes, though she did get creative and find another way! It seemed clear to me that she would be more interested in dropping shaped blocks into a container where she could retrieve them.
Before purchasing I had read a review that pointed out that this a fool proof design in that the shapes will only fit into the right spot. We have found that to be true.
After receiving this sorter, my daughter mastered the round spot quickly and is very good at the other shapes as well. There are two of each shape, so your child can reinforce what they learn when they hit the right spot by putting the same shape in again right away. The lid fits nicely, resting in a groove. It is slightly weighty so it works well and is easy to remove and replace.
I love that this toy is non-toxic with safer rounded edges. Wood toys can be less toxic but a potential hard surface to fall on, so rounded edges show that someone put thought and care into the design.
The wood is a beautiful, matte finish. It feels good in your hands. The colors are rich, and engaging for my child. I don't think you can go wrong with this one!
Update: As my child grew older, she did some of their first stacking with these blocks. The matte finish gives them some grip so they are not as difficult as the Baby's First Blocks by Haba (which I also recommend).
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Yes, the lid does come right off. But for the reviewer complaining that their child has more fun taking the lid off than sorting the blocks: isn't this a toy? If they're having fun doing their own thing, i'm not sure what the trouble is. Sooner or later they'll get into that obsessive sorting stage.
This toy is very solidly built. The blocks are solid wood, the box is sturdy, and the lid fits perfectly on top. It doesn't lock or clip or lock in, there's no hinge. It's a piece of wood that rests on top of the box, and that makes it very easy for the child to remove it and pull the blocks out so they can start sorting all over again. I can't speak for other parents or their kids, but mine loves to upend the box and dump everything out, lid and all. He wouldn't be able to have that fun if the lid locked into place, and i'm glad i don't have to be involved in liberating the blocks every time he's put them all into the box.
(And for anyone who doesn't know much about the Plan Toy company, my favorite thing about them is that they use food-grade dyes for their products, so you never have to worry about your child ingesting toxic chemicals by chewing on them. They also source renewable wood and engage in a variety of other eco-friendly policies.)
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My 21 month old daughter loved this since I opened it & it kept her engaged. I love the quality, all the pieces and box are solid wood, except the bottom of the box is a little different (thinner), however it is pretty solid/sturdy. The box's walls are put together by something similar to a dovestail joint (glued); this means no nails. All edges of box, lid & shapes are rounded & smooth. The shapes fit only in their corresponding shape slot (no cheating :). The box has two openings on the sides to use as handles. The lid sits on a short grove on top of the box & is easily removed by child without assistance (If you tip it over, the lid would fall). My only issue is that MY lid did not sit flat, the top is slighty warped & it wobbles a bit on top of the box (like a wobbly/uneven table). The defect was not significant enough for me to return it, however this would be better if the grove for the lid were a little deeper & of course the lid is flat. Overall happy with this product, it is well made & my child loves it. Oh, and the paint seems good, no chemical odor. Box measures 6" wide & 4" high. [If this helped, please like my review, thanks]
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I got this for my 15 month old son. It is a beautifully made toy; great quality and the educational value is definitely there. I only wish there was a way to keep the lid on. My son gets more enjoyment out of taking the lid off and filling the box with toys. I think if there was a latch or a hinge of some sort, he would be more apt to actually try and get the blocks through the holes. I would not buy this particular product again but I will buy from Plan toys in the future.
