SHAPE SORTER PLAY BENCH :: Education by Design Store

Customer Reviews

Just a great toy

2004-04-17
My 22-month-old has loved this toy for almost a year. The shapes are attractively colored and very pleasing to hold, and the attached hammer never gets lost! All in all, a very nice version of a timeless toy.

Awesome toy!

2003-10-07
I am constantly looking for non-electronic toys that don't "play themselves". I bought this toy for my 9-month old daughter-each of the shapes have a different rattle sound and she loved to shake them. Now that's she's 11 months she's starting to learn the shapes and using the hammer. My husband and I love to play with this too!

Another rave review!

2005-04-13
This is an excellent and VERY STURDY toy for your child. Highly recommended for age 1.5 - 2.0 or thereabouts. My twin girls are a little late in developing fine motor skills, and these big sturdy pieces (with interesting rattles inside) have been great for playing while working on some important coordination and manipulation activities.

I didn't mind the short tether on the hammer - it helps keep them from using the hammer on stuff they shouldn't. :)

Great, fun toy

2004-10-17
This toy was given to our little one when he was two and he just loves it. It gives him an outlet to bang on something without destroying it and it really keeps him occupied for a little while. He loves the fact that it looks like a tool bench and that he has his own hammer. That hammer has whacked quite a few thngs around the house, including the cat, and it doesn't hurt anything like the drywall, baseboards, etc. Really a nice toy and one that won't destroy other things in the house. It's easier to use than the wooden ones plus you don't have to worry about splinters. Some of the nuts are harder to get through than the others, but it really makes a nice challenge for him.

Excellent toy!

2004-09-19
This toy is great! My son received this when he was a year old and now he is 13 months. Right now, he prefers to remove the shapes, shake them, and bang them together. As he gets older, I know that he will enjoy hitting the shapes in the bench, but he only does that occasionally now. It is a great value and definitely worth buying for your child.

Great educational fun but cut off the string

2004-08-09
This is one of my son's favorite toys. He loves hammering on it and is very interested in the concept of getting the shapes into the correct hole.
The string attaching the hammer is so short that it makes the hammer very hard to use, even for daddy. If the string were longer it would probably be a strangulation hazard, but there is no good reason for the hammer to be tied on. (If you're worried about keeping all the parts together there are already 6 shape pieces that could come out and get lost under the furniture.) I cut the string off at both ends to make the toy usable.

fun shape sorter

2004-07-27
We got this for our son's first Christmas when he was 10 months old. At first he just like the shapes when they were out of the table... they rattle. It wasn't until about 14 months old that he started to understand the concept of hitting them through the table with the hammer. Now at 17 months old it is one of his favorites. The string on the hammer could be just a little longer... it has to be lined up just perfect in order to have enough room to hit the shapes. Also the sides could be a little taller so that the shape actually fell through the other side when it is sitting on the floor. Normally my son wants me to hold it while he hits so he can push the shapes all the way through. Overall we really like this toy and I'm always excited to find a basic non-battery skill teaching toy. We recite the colors while playing with this and some of the shapes... although some are hard to really name. Oh and my son thinks any toy you can hit is great... definate bonus.

Toys and Books

	Dr. Toy's Smart Play . How To Raise A Child With a High PQ Play Quotient Review: "...Play is the work of the young. Through play, children grow -- physically, emotionally and cognitively. "Dr. Toy," Stevanne Auerbach, Ph.D., helps readers to find the toys and playthings that will best advance this growth. This comprehensive book demonstrates a deep understanding of the different needs children have at every phase of their development and provides specific guidelines for choosing toys, computer software, musical instruments and a host of other items children can play with.. "
	Dora the Explorer Mr. Face Plush Backpack Review: My daughter is a big Dora fan and uses this backpack to carry around her favorite toys and books, which is why I gave it 5 stars for educational value. My friend's daughter has it as well, and love hers too. We've had it 6 months now and it's holding up just fine. The map opens up for an added bonus. My daughter likes to wear it and sing the backpack song from the show.
	Star Wars Episode III: Darth Vader Voice Changer Helmet Wow, do I ever wish they had this out when I was a kid! I bought it, and my wife, kids and I have all been playing with it. It has a chest box with several buttons that plays about 5 of Darth's quotes from the movies, or you can switch it to voice changer. The voice changer is fun! It has 3 different levels of depth for changing the voice. ... A must for Star Wars Geeks!!!!

Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, 2005. The Best Toys, Books, Videos, Music & Software for Kids

As featured on NBC's TODAY Show! The experts from the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, the independent consumer organization rate the best (and worst) in children's toys, books, videos, music and software. Don't waste any more money on products that are a waste of your money and your child's time. Here's the guide that every parent (and grandparent) should have before they go shopping.

Guide includes important child development information, basic gear checklists, product comparisons, best shower and birthday presents for every budget, multicultural products, science toys, educational toys and a full chapter on adapting ordinary products for kids with special needs.

Excerpt: ..many of the best hoard games are both entertaining and educational. Many games can improve math, spelling, memory, and reading skills in a more enjoyable way than with the old flash card.