PlanToys First Shape Sorter Wooden Montessori Toy 12m+

The PlanToys First Shape Sorter is a simple wooden shape matching toy for babies and toddlers from 12 months, with three colourful 3D shapes attached to the sorter by a cord so the pieces stay together wherever the toy goes. Match the red square, yellow triangle and blue cylinder to their corresponding openings, turning and repositioning each piece until it fits.

This is a lovely first shape sorter and first birthday gift, with just three shapes to concentrate on rather than a whole box full. Babies can begin by holding and exploring the chunky pieces, then gradually start comparing them with the openings and working out which one belongs where. As they rotate a block and try again, they are learning through their own hands and getting immediate feedback when the shape fits.

The three pieces introduce basic 3D shapes, colour matching, spatial awareness and early mathematical thinking in a really accessible way. Grasping, turning and guiding the blocks through the holes supports fine motor control and hand-eye coordination, while working out why a piece will not fit encourages problem solving, persistence and self-correction. PlanToys also highlights visual development, coordination, problem solving, cause and effect, mathematical thinking, and language and communication for this toy.

It is part of this PlanToys Montessori-inspired collection, and the pared-back design suits that approach beautifully. There is one clear activity to focus on, the child can see for themselves whether a piece fits, and the play encourages concentration, purposeful movement and increasingly independent exploration. PlanToys describes the design as encouraging calm, focused play and learning through hands-on experience.

One of the most useful details is that all three blocks are securely attached by a cord. There are no loose shapes to disappear under the sofa or get left behind, making this a particularly handy wooden toy for taking in the car, on holiday, to a café or when visiting family. The easy-grip handle makes it simple to carry too.

The pieces can also become part of simple early language play as children begin to hear and use words such as red, yellow, blue, square, triangle, round, in, through, turn and match.

Made sustainably in Thailand from rubberwood using organic pigments, water-based dyes and formaldehyde-free glue.

Find the PlanToys First Shape Sorter at Babipur, with more carefully chosen Montessori-inspired wooden toys for matching, sorting, fine motor development and early learning.