Yookidoo Shape ‘N’ Spin Gear Sorter. A Developmental Activity Toy for Kids Ages 1-3. Toddlers Montessori Sortering Game with Multiple Colors and Shapes, That Also Spins.

These were for a 1 year-old who was already into figuring out how things work. I thought these interactive gears might spark some "aha!" moments for her. She was immediately drawn to them, but as 18 months is much more interested in how they work and interact. The 6 gears are attached to each other with hinged joints, so you can stretch them out in a straight line or fold them back on each other or bend them in a circle. Each removable ring also provides opportunities for discovering how that affects the interplay of all the gears. Each gear has a different shape and its own color; and matching ring in shape and color. So from the very beginning, this toy may engage young children with matching shapes and colors. It is also sturdy plastic and does not have any sharp edges. This could also be easily washed in a childcare setting.