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Best Early Development & Activity Toys

Updated June 2022
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Melissa and Doug Geometric Stacker
Melissa and Doug
Geometric Stacker
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Trusted Brand
Bottom Line

This toy is best for ages 2 to 4, but can be played with for a long time.

Pros

This set comes with 3 different stackers of different shapes and colors to keep your toddler intrigued and entertained. Helpful for learning sorting, colors, shapes, and hand-eye coordination. The interlocking squares provide a challenge for more advanced children. Can also be used for abstract or imaginative play.

Cons

Some reviewers have noted chipping paint on the toy.

Best Bang for the Buck
Sassy Tummy Time Floor Mirror
Sassy
Tummy Time Floor Mirror
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Best for Tummy Time
Bottom Line

This stand-up mirror helps add learning elements to baby's tummy time.

Pros

The mirror helps babies recognize their reflection and improve their vision. The ladybug and bee can rotate and are different textures for babies to grab and feel. The frame is made of foam, making it soft and safe for babies to cuddle or play rough with.

Cons

Falls down easily, but is lightweight.

BOBXIN 15 Pieces Baby Blocks
BOBXIN
15 Pieces Baby Blocks
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Best Blocks
Bottom Line

These blocks are safe for teethers to chew and bite.

Pros

In addition to building blocks of different colors, this set comes with 3 textured balls. The toys float so they can also be used in the bath. While they are great sensory toys for babies, they can also be used as the child ages thanks to the numbers and math symbols on the blocks. They also work as a matching game, with certain blocks having pieces that fit together.

Cons

Water can get stuck inside the blocks, making them hard to clean.

Buckle Toys Busy Board
Buckle Toys
Busy Board
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Best for Fine Motor Skills
Bottom Line

A board that helps toddlers develop fine motor skills without any mess.

Pros

This board is 11 by 8 inches and has a handle for easy carrying, making it perfect to take on the go. It includes 4 different types of buckles, 1 flap, 1 shoelace-style closure, and 1 zipper. Toddlers and children with special needs can practice opening and closing all of the items. Suitable for baby's tummy time.

Cons

The board is made out of foam, so it's not the most durable.

Learning Resources Farmer's Market Color Sorting Set
Learning Resources
Farmer's Market Color Sorting Set
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Feature-Packed
Bottom Line

This set allows for kiddos to learn colors, sorting, and new vocabulary.

Pros

This colorful and comprehensive toy set teaches color recognition, sorting skills, and vocabulary as kids learn new foods. It comes with 25 foods in 5 colors, as well as 5 baskets. Features an activity guide and stickers for labeling.

Cons

Not BPA-, phthalate- or lead-free.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

30
Models
Considered
196
Consumers
Consulted
8
Hours
Researched
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