Simple toys, serious development: why your child needs a shape sorter, stacking tower and hammer toy

Why it matters?

The early years of life are not just about "early development." This is the stage when the foundation of the whole future personality is formed. But many parents don’t realize how much impact the simplest toys can have. What does a wooden stacking tower give to a child? Why hit balls with a hammer? Why are shape sorters better than a tablet?

At first glance, these toys seem too simple. But that’s where their power lies.

Simplicity that works

Educators and neuropsychologists around the world agree: the simpler the toy, the more actively the child’s brain works. Without buttons, sounds, or screens, attention focuses on actions and sensations.

"A toy should not entertain — it should help the child act." — Dr. Maria Montessori

These toys stimulate the hand, concentration, and thinking. The child decides what and how to do — and this is the basis of autonomy and intelligence.

Shape sorter: the first logic challenge

Shape sorters are more than just fun. They help a child:

• Understand shape, size, and color
• Develop spatial reasoning
• Build focus and attention
• Train fine motor skills (rotation, grip, precise movement)

According to the Child Development Institute at the University of Iowa (2020), children who regularly play with sorters master classification and logic skills faster — a key foundation for future math literacy.

Stacking tower: logic, control, patience

The classic stacking tower teaches a child to:

• Arrange by size
• Evaluate object relationships
• Plan sequences
• Practice persistence

It’s an exercise in patience and logic. The child experiments, fails, and tries again. This self-correction process is key for language development and emotional regulation.

Hammer toy: targeted effort

Hammer toys — where the child hits balls through holes — develop:

• Hand-eye coordination
• Strength and control of muscle effort
• Understanding of force and boundaries
• Satisfaction from result

"Early tool use, even in play, directly links to the development of the prefrontal cortex." — Prof. Carla Hanna, University of British Columbia

This means such play helps children later plan better, manage impulses, and focus on tasks.

No batteries — but real impact

These toys don’t entertain. They invite action, failure, repetition. This is lived experience, not passive consumption.

Neuroscientists emphasize that movement and tactile exploration form neural connections. Through these toys, children develop:

• Long-term memory
• Cause-and-effect thinking
• Intrinsic motivation

Simplicity ≠ outdated

Some parents think "the more high-tech the toy — the better." But in reality — the less a toy does on its own, the more the child does.

Shape sorters, hammers, stacking towers — they aren’t old-fashioned. They’re essential. A serious investment in the future.

That’s why you’ll find them in Montessori, Waldorf and Reggio Emilia classrooms. That’s why therapists and psychologists start with them.

How to choose the right toy?

Look for toys that are:

• Made of safe materials: wood, silicone, fabric — no toxic coatings
• Safe shapes: smooth edges, durable assembly
• Simple design: not overloaded
• Age-appropriate size and handling

At Kindeco, we carefully select only those toys that follow these principles. All are certified, eco-friendly, and tested by us.

Conclusion

Development doesn’t start with screens. It starts with hands, with action, with simple toys.

A toy that looks "simple" can become one of the most powerful tools for growth. Give your child a wooden stacking toy — and you’ll see how attention, thinking, and confidence are born through play.

Kindeco supports conscious choices. Not for trends. For the future.