Stacking toys are very popular for kids in their first couple of years. They offer all kinds of benefits, including color and shape recognition, hand-eye coordination, and more. There are plenty of options on the market, and they come in different styles and shapes. So, how do you know which set is best?
I’ve gathered the 7 best stacking toys in a variety of styles, so you should easily be able to find one that you think your child will love.
Why it’s great: If you’re looking for a tried and true stacking toy that’s been around for generations, look no further than the First Years Stack N Count Cups. These cups come in a variety of bright colors sure to capture your baby’s interest. The sizes nest inside each other, and the bottoms of the cups even have numbers on them to help your little one begin to recognize them and start counting. With holes in the bottom, this set is even great for water play!
Keep in mind: The cups are a little on the smaller side.
Good for: Parents who want a time-tested stacking toy.
Why it’s great: Melissa & Doug always makes great toys, and this set of stacking blocks is the perfect example. It comes with ten blocks in varying sizes for building, stacking, and sorting. They’re all brightly colored and have cute animal graphics to capture your child’s attention. Plus, they have the alphabet, so your little one can start learning their letters. The animals depicted on the blocks all start with one of the letters on the block, which will help your child start to make associations.
Keep in mind: The blocks are made of cardboard, so they may not last as long as some of the other options.
Good for: Little ones who are ready to learn their alphabet.
Why it’s great: This is a super cute stacking set in rainbow colors. Not only will your child love stacking and nesting these cups, but they can also snap together to turn into balls! Your little one will have just as much fun rolling these around before taking them apart to stack again. Plus, each cup is labeled with a number, which will help your child start recognizing and learning to count.
Keep in mind: Unsnapping the balls is a little difficult, so it’s not likely your child will be able to do it on their own.
Good for: Younger babies under a year who are interested in colors and stacking.
Why it’s great: Instead of plain-old stacking rings, the Sassy Stacks of Circles come in bright colors and different textures, offering a unique experience with each piece. Each ring is easy for little ones to grip, and many of the rings work great as teething toys! One of the rings even doubles as a rattle. The base is sturdy and easily holds the rings without falling over, making stacking fun and easy. Plus, the center of the rings are all the same size, and so is the post, so they can be stacked in any order.
Keep in mind: These rings have numbers on them, but they’re so small that it’s hard for babies to recognize.
Good for: Babies who need more than just colors to attract their attention.
Why it’s great: Green Toys is an eco-friendly brand that’s all about saving the environment and reducing your carbon footprint. These stacking cups (and most of their other toys) are made from recycled plastic milk jugs. They come in multiple colors, and they’re shaped like stars, so you’ll get something a little different and unique than the regular stacking cups out there. Your little one will love stacking or nesting these cups, and they have holes in the bottom, so they’re great for water play. The bottoms are also numbered, which helps for recognition and makes it easier to figure out the stacking/nesting order.
Keep in mind: The star shape makes these a little harder to stack but easier to nest.
Good for: Families who prefer eco-friendly toys.
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Why it’s great: After a while, all stacking toys start to look the same. However, this toy has its own unique feature that makes it a lot more fun. It comes with six discs in bright rainbow colors. As your child stacks them on the post, they twist and slide down the corkscrew to the bottom. Your child will love learning about cause and effect, and the discs don’t have to go in any order, alleviating any frustration over putting them in the wrong order.
Keep in mind: The white post is easily removed, so be careful that your child doesn’t think it’s a sword!
Good for: Babies who need more than just stacking to keep their attention.
Why it’s great: Most stacking toys come in the form of a few different styles, but this one shakes off the mold. Made of wood that’s sturdy and durable, these pieces stack together to build an adorable bunny. The paint is non-toxic and water-based, making it perfectly safe for babies (since we know all toys end up in the baby’s mouth). The cute design is sure to attract your child’s attention, and they’ll have a blast stacking their bunny.
Keep in mind: These rings don’t give much leeway in the order they’re stacked, but you can go for the bear stacker instead if you need something easier.
Good for: Babies who love bunnies and families that want an adorable toy that doubles as a nursery decoration when not in use.
The The First Years Stack N Count Cups is our overall top recommendation. It's the highest quality product we have found with the most affordable price making it the best value on our list..
You’ll find plenty of benefits to stacking toys. From stimulating interest and play to hand-eye coordination and motor skills, your baby can build a lot of their skills with these toys. On top of that, most stacking toys offer other learning opportunities, such as colors, letters, or numbers. Your little one will also have to master some critical thinking to nest or stack shapes and cause and effect.
Age can vary based on the type of stacking toy you choose, but you’ll probably want to start around 6 months at the earliest. Stacking toys are typically the most fun for babies between the ages of 9 months to 2 years, depending on the set you get. If you’re looking for something that may last a little longer, consider getting a block set. It may be harder for little ones to control and stack, but building blocks will entertain your child for years to come.
That varies a lot based on your child’s age and skill level. Stacking cups or rings are the best beginner stacking sets for younger babies. Blocks and more advanced stacking sets are better for toddlers. Whether you go with rings, cups, blocks, or something unique, consider what will likely hold your child’s attention the best.
With so many options and styles, the features you should look for can really vary based on your child. The material is the first thing you should consider. Softer toys are better for young babies but may be boring for older toddlers. Look for stacking toys that are age-appropriate for your child. It’s also a good idea to find a toy that’s a little more versatile. This could just mean that you can stack or nest the pieces or that they have numbers or letters on them. Something that makes them more than just a stacking toy.
Depending on your child’s age, you’ll want to consider the size of the pieces in the set. Smaller pieces could pose a choking hazard for babies. You’ll also want to make sure that the toys are made BPA-free with no harmful chemicals, as it’s highly likely they’ll end up in your child’s mouth at some point. Check for sharp corners on blocks or other shapes, and always supervise your child while they’re playing with these toys.
Stacking toys have been one of the most recognizable baby toys for generations. Little ones love trying to build things, and most stacking toys make this a little bit easier for babies. The bright colors and educational add-ons make these toys even more beneficial. No matter which style you choose, your child is sure to have a blast with these pieces. You should find plenty of variety on our list, with at least one that’s sure to capture your child’s interest.
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