Shape Sorter for 16 month old

[ChicagoMama]

Hi,

I'm looking for a shape sorter that:
1) has shapes that are actually distinct from one another
2) is do-able for my 16 month old!

She's very interested in shape sorting, and we actually have TWO already -- one is a snail shape sorter that plays a cute little tune (FP, I think). Problem with this one is that two of the shapes are so similar to one another that she gets frustrated using it. The other is a Chicco shape sorter which is SO difficult to use even for mommy (you have to use a set of KEYS to take the shapes out of the sorter - honestly, it requires the child to have exceptional color recognition and fine-motor skills to manipulate the keys, which are different for every shape. Unreal.)

So -- any votes for a good shape sorter out there? I've seen ones in combo with "busy centers", would appreciate your picks in this category.

Becky

Mama to DDs Shelby 09/19/02 and Sydney 10/13/03

(Was formerly pale_ale but had a computer virus/forgot password)

[momma_boo]

DD got a Lego shape sorter for Christmas from a co-worker that might fit your bill.

It has 4 shapes: oval, square, triangle and flower shaped. Each shape is its own color (all the ovals are blue, etc).

Plus, they are stackable (being Lego and all).

She got it at Toys R Us. Here is a link for it: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000096O00/qid=1075132347/sr=1-2/ref=sr_1_2/103-6552336-7358246?v=glance&s=toys

[August Mom]

I really like the Shape-O from Tupperware, although you may think it has too many shapes. With my 17-month-old, I need to turn it to the correct side for some of the shapes. But, he really likes it. It's ball-shaped and he doesn't have too much difficulty getting the shapes in and out. To remove the shapes, you pull the top and bottom parts apart with the attached handle. My DS gets aggressive sometimes and shakes the shapes around the room, but finds it very fun. :) http://order.tupperware.com/pls/htprod_www/tup_show_item.show_item_detail?fv_item_category_co de=7000

We also have the busy box from Discovery Toys. There are 8 different shapes, 4 on each side of the box. There are 4 colors of shapes. To get the shapes out, you stick your hand inside the box and pull them out. DS doesn't really like to stick his hand in there and the space is a little small for an adult hand (although I can retrieve the shapes).

[caleymama]

I like the Tupperware one too. So much so that my Mom (who has kept EVERYTHING) recently found mine for me to give to DD. I think it would meet your criteria. I believe that Target carries some Tupperware things - I think the shape sorter was approx. $20 there a few months ago.

[August Mom]

I haven't noticed them at my Target, but a lot of malls now have Tupperware kiosks in them, at least where I live.

[kaitlinsmommy]

We have FP plastic blocks and the cover is a shape sorter. It's perfect for dd at 14 months because there aren't too many shapes & it was only about $8.

For more advanced, we have the Parents activity cube and it is great too. There are a lot more shapes and while she enjoys it now, I think it will be better when she's a little older.

[egoldber]

Actually I read somewhere (myabe here?) that Tupperware removed their stuff from Target because it was cannibalizing their other sales outlets. I know that my Target stopped carrying Tupperware a few months ago.

HTH,

[caleymama]

It was probably at least 6 months ago that I looked at the Tupperware shape sorter at Target, so I'm sorry if I gave incorrect info. It's still a great toy and I have seen mall Tupperware kiosks that might have it.

[cma]

We have this one

http://shop.store.yahoo.com/kazootoys/rolshapsorby.html

The shapes also rattle and DD likes to use them as maracas.

HTH

[Dcclerk]

My guy is far from 16 months (just 7 months) and has no concept of actually putting the shapes through the respective holes, but we have this shape sorter and it is one of his all-time favorite toys.

It really is very pretty in person and has a great sound. Each shape has little beads in them which make them fun to bash around. I will confess to preferring wood toys over plastic, but even my friends who have no such bias are drawn to this toy...
http://store1.yimg.com/I/richmondtrainandhobbyshoppe_1772_4453542



http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/2148.jpg

[muskiesusan]

I really like that that shape sorter as well, but when I was thinking of buying it I noticed it was recalled. You might want to check that out. http://www.smallworldtoys.com/recall.jsp?loc=recall

Susan
Mom to Nicholas 10/01/01
& Baby #2 due 4/23/04!!!!

[Dcclerk]

Yikes-- thanks for letting me know! I checked out the recall notice and it seemed to have been from a couple of years ago, so I'm hoping that I got a new and improved one. Nevertheless, I called their CS to find out if mine would be subject to the recall and will let you know if all of them are.

EDITED TO ADD...

I just talked to CS, and they said that since mine was bought in the last year, it would not be subject to a recall. Yay! It really is one of DS's favorite toys and I would have been sad to take it away.

[mik8]

My DD is only 5 mos. but I bought this (see link below) because it got great reviews on 2 magazines. It's called the jumbo elephant shape sorter.

http://store.yahoo.com/jryzerman/elshso.html

I bought it online for $15 before I knew our local Target carries them for $11 something. I also like the shape-O from tupperware. One of the kiosks at a lot of malls occasionally has a tupperware exclusive items and runs sale once in while.

[muskiesusan]

Thanks for calling, I think I may get it now. I'm never sure about the recall notices and wish they would be more clear whether the product has been updated or not. I also fear stores having old stock.

Susan
Mom to Nicholas 10/01/01
& Baby #2 due 4/23/04!!!!

[sarasprings]

We have 3 -- the tupperware one, which DS can do on his own now at 20 months), a wooden one with about 15 shapes, which he can almost do, and an Ambi Toys one with 3 shapes (ball, cube, 3-D triangle) on top and a key to open it. This was by far the easiest for him to do because the shapes went in easily and the color of the shapes match the edge of the holes.