Toddlers are obsessed with stacking, shape sorting, color matching and patterns. This toy from the Italian brand Quercetti satisfies all of those needs, with less frustration than other traditional stacking toys. A soft flexible mat and lightweight plastic pegs make this a safe toy. The rounded shapes and accessible design make it easy to clean, and the colors are attractive to younger children. The Geokid Daisy is a great, colorful open-ended play toy.

Average Cost: $8.95 (tub), $18.50(play set)
Age Range: 3+
Official URL: http://www.softdough.com
Rating:
While one certain “mega name” has captured the market for non-toxic brightly colored modeling dough, there are other makers of this magical childhood substance, and some lesser known companies offer interesting twists and that really re-awaken that magic that we remember from [...]

Availability: Widely available
Average Cost: $6-10
Buy @ Amazon
Product Link: Wooden Trio
Rating:
This wooden trio has three rounded hardwood triangles fastened with a strong red cord. Each triangle of the trio has an “activity”- wooden beads, fabric shapes of varying textures and colors, and wooden rings. The red cord is tied loosely enough that the triangles [...]

Availability: Online and off.
Average Price: $6.99
Age Group: 3-5
Rating:
Product Link: Bear in a Square Board Book
This board book is great for quite a few age ranges, despite the publisher’s recommended 3-5 y/o range. Younger babies will love to explore this book, because the pages are a tough cardboard that seem to resist even [...]