Babes and Kids

Pros:  This shape sorter is very durable.  It's made of a hard plastic, and measures just over 5" by 5". No matter how much it has been thrown, stepped on, etc, it has still held up.  It has holes for 18 shapes and is great for teaching basic shapes.  We picked this particular toy up at Kohl's just before Chandler turned 2.  He was engrossed in playing with it the entire afternoon while my mom and I shopped.  He continued to play with it at home and still plays with it to this day.  He would hold up a shape, I would tell him the name of the shape and he would try to find where it went.  Chandler can name all of his shapes now, and I'm sure that has much to do with the shape sorter.  Each side of the shape sorter is finished with a different texture to also stimulate touch.  It has stripes on 2 sides, raised dots on 2, and raised triangles on the other two sides.  The top of the shape sorter opens on one side, making it easy access to get the shapes out.  It did take Chandler a bit to get ahold of the concept of opening it, as it is hinged and only opens on one side. The shapes have the fun textures on them and come in red, orange, and yellow.  They are chunky and are great for little hands to hold and grasp. Although this toy is recommended for children 12-36 months, Chandler still enjoys playing with it, and he turned 3 almost 4 months ago.  Another pro - this toy is extremely affordable.  We bought it on clearance for $3, but regular price is $5-6.  So it's a great toy without breaking the bank.

Cons:  The top part of the sorter where you open it up to get the shapes out comes off.  This usually happens if Chandler has been too rough with the toy or throws it.  It easily fits back into the grooves though as it is a hinged lid and is a quick fix.  

The Bottom Line:  Great educational toy, great price, durable, bright and fun.

Price:  $4.99

Where to Buy: Hasbro Toy Shop, Target, Walmart, Kohls

Pros:  The is a fun interactive toy for babies.  It rolls around, giggles, laughs, sings, and lights up.  Once baby gets to it, they can push different buttons to hear animal sounds and names.  It has 2 volume settings so you can set it louder or on a quieter mode. Like most toys, it has a little song it sings everytime you turn it on. It's fun to see your child reach for it only for it to roll away a little bit and encourage them to come after it.  

Cons:  This toy is HEAVY.  It weighs a couple pounds and is not such a good idea if you have an older child who likes to throw things, aka my son.  I assume it has to be heavy for it to roll around the way it does, but I think it is a little ridiculous. And the ball doesn't even roll that far, just around in circles. The animal sounds will also randomly go off without your baby touching the buttons which I think is a little annoying, as well as the song that the balls sings over and over.

The bottom line:  Cute toy but very heavy  for a baby toy and somewhat annoying.

Price:  $12.99

Where to Buy:  Amazon