Best Sorting & Stacking Toys of 2026

Jimmy Roof Avatar
Jimmy Roof
Last Updated: Jan 20, 2026

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Sorting and stacking toys are a great way to help children develop their fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities. These toys come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, and are designed to challenge children's abilities to sort and stack objects in different ways. Some popular sorting and stacking toys include wooden block sets, shape sorters, and stacking rings. These toys are not only fun for children to play with, but they also provide educational benefits. As children learn to sort and stack objects, they develop their hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, and cognitive skills.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Sassy Stacks of Circles Stacking Ring STEM Learning Toy Cover #TOP 1
Sassy Stacks of Circles Stacking Ring STEM Learning Toy
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Generic Fish Montessori Fishing Sorting Toy 22 pcs Cover #TOP 2
Generic Fish Montessori Fishing Sorting Toy 22 pcs
ftb score rating icon 9.7
The First Years Stack N Count Cups Cover #TOP 3
The First Years Stack N Count Cups
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Sorting & Stacking Toys

Sassy Stacks of Circles Stacking Ring STEM Learning Toy

80795FAAM
Multi
Sassy Stacks of Circles Stacking Ring STEM Learning Toy Cover
Sassy Stacks of Circles Stacking Ring STEM Learning Toy, Age 6+ Months, Multi, 9 Piece Set

The Sassy Stacks of Circles Stacking Ring STEM Learning Toy is a 9 piece set perfect for babies aged 6 to 24 months. The straight post and chunky rings help strengthen hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills respectively. The different textures and weights of each ring provide textural variety, great for mouthing. The clear ring with colorful beads also allows babies to connect the sound to sight.

What We Like
Bright colors and textures
Encourages motor skill development
Durable and safe materials
Easy for babies to grasp
Multi-purpose teething toy
What We Don't Like
Rings may be smaller than expected
Pieces can scatter easily
#TOP 2

Generic Fish Montessori Fishing Sorting Toy 22 pcs

Generic
PL002V
Medium
Generic Fish Montessori Fishing Sorting Toy 22 pcs Cover
Fish Montessori Toys for Baby 1 Year Old to 3 Year, 22 pcs Fishing Sorting Toy 1 2 Year Kids with Stacking Cups, Boy One Year Old Girls Easter Birthday Gift Toddler Toys for

The Generic Montessori Fishing Toy offers a fun and educational experience for toddlers. It includes a playmat, fishing rod, soft fabric fish, and numbered cubes, making it a versatile 4-in-1 game that helps you engage your child in sensory play and early learning. This toy supports your little one’s development by improving hand-eye coordination, color recognition, counting skills, and fine motor abilities, perfect for kids starting at 12 months. Made from soft, high-quality fabric, it’s safe for babies with no hard edges or small parts to worry about. Plus, it comes with a carrying bag, so you can easily store and take the toy anywhere for on-the-go play.

What We Like
4-in-1 educational game
Supports motor and cognitive skills
Soft, safe materials
Includes carrying bag
#TOP 3

The First Years Stack N Count Cups

Y2341F
Multi
8 Piece Set
The First Years Stack N Count Cups Cover
The First Years Stack & Count Stacking Cups - Colorful Baby Stacking Water Toys Set - Stackable Cups for Learning - Baby Bath Toys - Toddler Water Table Toys - 8 Count

These colorful baby toys consist of eight brightly colored cups that can be stacked together with unique holes in the bottom for water play. Children can enjoy fitting the toy cups together, stacking them up, or turning them over and hiding things underneath. The cups feature large numbers on the bottom to practice counting and number recognition. Plus, they are made without BPA, making them a great choice for your baby's safety.

What We Like
Durable and sturdy
Versatile play options
Bright, engaging colors
Easy to clean
Affordable price
What We Don't Like
Simple design
#TOP 4

Aigybobo Farm Animals Toy Set

A8-OQNO-QSLM
Multicolor
Medium
Aigybobo Farm Animals Toy Set Cover
Learning Toys for 1,2,3 Year Old Toddlers, 20Pcs Farm Animals Toys Montessori Counting, Matching & Sorting Fine Motor Games, Christmas Birthday Easter Gift for Baby Boys Girls Age 12-18 Months

Aigybobo Farm Animals is a 20-piece toddler preschool learning toy set that includes 10 farm animals and 10 barns. The animals are designed to be cute and realistic, making them interesting partners for babies. The set helps develop fine motor skills through finger puppet play, hand-eye coordination exercises, and learning activities such as "put in" and "take out." It also serves as a Montessori learning toy, allowing kids to learn about different farm animals, numbers, colors, and sorting. Safety is a priority, as the toys are made of odorless and lightweight vinyl, while the barns have smooth edges. This STEM toy is perfect for gifting on occasions like Children's Day, birthdays, and Christmas, providing endless learning fun for toddlers.

What We Like
Color recognition and matching
Animal and number learning
Fine motor skill development
Durable and sturdy design
Pretend play and finger puppets
What We Don't Like
Some animals don't clearly match barns
Barns slightly smaller than expected
#TOP 5

Fisher-Price Baby Toy Gift Set with Rock-a-Stack Ring and Baby’s First Blocks

FWP37
Multicolor
Small
Fisher-Price Baby Toy Gift Set with Rock-a-Stack Ring and Baby’s First Blocks Cover
Fisher-Price Baby’s First Blocks & Rock-a-Stack Toy Set, Bucket of 10 Shapes & Ring Stacking Activity for Developmental Play Ages 6+ Months (Amazon Exclusive)

The Fisher-Price Baby Toy Gift Set includes two classic toys: the Rock-a-Stack Ring Stacking Toy and Baby's First Blocks Set. The Rock-a-Stack toy features colorful rings and a rocker base, which can help develop hand-eye coordination and dexterity. The Baby's First Blocks Set includes 10 colorful blocks and a storage bucket, which are perfect for sorting and put-and-take fun. This toy bundle can help develop problem-solving skills, making it an ideal gift for babies.

What We Like
Durable and safe plastic
Bright colors
Easy to grip
Supports early learning skills
Convenient storage case
What We Don't Like
Material quality could be better
#TOP 6

Melissa & Doug Wooden Barn Toy

30149
Multi-color
8.0 x 7.5 x 6.5
Melissa & Doug Wooden Barn Toy Cover
Melissa & Doug Take-Along Wooden Toy Barn, 11-Pc Portable Toddler Playset with Farm Animals & Pop-Up Roof, Preschool Learning Toys for Girls & Boys 2+

The Melissa & Doug Barn Toy is designed to engage your child in imaginative play while promoting essential skills. With its flip-up roof and built-in handle, you can easily transport the barn and access the 10 wooden farm pieces. These chunky animals and tractor are perfect for little hands, allowing toddlers to grasp and manipulate them with ease. Additionally, the sorting holes encourage matching and sorting activities, enhancing fine motor skills while keeping playtime fun and interactive.

What We Like
Durable wooden construction
Portable and easy to carry
Encourages shape sorting skills
Bright, engaging colors
Easy to clean
What We Don't Like
Barn door doesn't open
Paint may chip over time
#TOP 7

MINGKIDS Montessori Multi-Sensory Shape Sorting Toy

HE0222
Multicolor
Medium
MINGKIDS Montessori Multi-Sensory Shape Sorting Toy Cover
MINGKIDS Montessori Toys for 1 Year Old, 6 Pc Multi Sensory Shape, Toddler Developmental Learning Birthday Gifts, Baby Toys 12 Month

The MINGKIDS Shape Sorting Toy is designed to spark your child's curiosity as they push shapes through elastic bands, encouraging hands-on exploration and discovery. Made from high-quality ABS plastic with smooth, rounded edges, it ensures your baby’s safety and comfort during play. The set includes six colorful shapes, each with unique textures that not only help your toddler recognize colors and shapes but also enhance their sensory skills through touch. The sturdy, skin-friendly elastic cords are durable and gentle on little hands, making this toy a safe and engaging learning tool for your 1- to 2-year-old.

What We Like
Durable, high-quality materials
Educational and developmental value
Bright colors, engaging design
Easy to clean
No batteries required
What We Don't Like
Smaller size than expected
Small parts caution for mouthing

LEGO DUPLO My First Number Train - Building Toy for Toddlers

6332184
Multicolor
LEGO DUPLO My First Number Train - Building Toy for Toddlers Cover
LEGO DUPLO Number Train Toy - Learn to Count - Building Blocks for Toddlers, Girls & Boys, Ages 1.5+ - Sensory Toys for Early Development & Cognitive Skills - Gift for Birthdays - 10954

The LEGO DUPLO My First Number Train is an educational toy for toddlers aged 1.5 years and older. This new version of the iconic LEGO DUPLO Number Train has more colors and features 10 DUPLO number bricks carried in the carriages of the push-along train. It helps children learn to count by loading and unloading bricks in the correct order, improving their fine motor skills. The set also includes boy, girl, and dog LEGO DUPLO figures to inspire imaginative role-play and education. The toy is an ideal gift for kids aged 1.5 and older.

What We Like
Bright colors and engaging design
Educational—teaches numbers and counting
Perfect size for toddlers
Durable and easy to clean
Encourages imaginative play
What We Don't Like
Packaging may arrive opened
Price slightly high
#TOP 9

hahaland Montessori Cloth Fishing Toy Set

PL002V
Medium
hahaland Montessori Cloth Fishing Toy Set Cover
hahaland Montessori Toys for 1 Year Old Boy Girl Birthday Gift - 10 in 1 Cloth Fishing Game Valentines Day Gifts for Toddler Toys 1-3 with Stacking Cups - Number Counting, Color Sorting Learning

The hahaland Fishing Toy Set is designed to spark your toddler's curiosity and support early learning through play. This cloth fishing game includes soft, safe pieces that are perfect for little hands, encouraging your child to explore and develop fine motor skills. You can help your child practice counting and color sorting by catching and organizing the fish, which builds important cognitive abilities. The fishing rods use Velcro and felt instead of magnets, making the game easy and safe for toddlers to use while boosting their confidence. Plus, the materials are gentle and machine washable, ensuring a safe and convenient playtime experience for both you and your child.

What We Like
Colorful and eye-catching design
Promotes hand-eye coordination
Teaches colors and numbers
Portable and easy to store
Soft, safe materials
What We Don't Like
Materials could be sturdier
Velcro requires some patience
#TOP 10

Learning Resources Spike The Fine Motor Hedgehog

LER8904
Multi-color
1 Count (Pack of 1)
Learning Resources Spike The Fine Motor Hedgehog Cover
Learning Resources Spike The Fine Motor Hedgehog, Sensory Toys, Montessori, Ages 18 Months +

The Learning Resources Spike The Fine Motor Hedgehog is a Montessori toy that helps toddlers build fine motor skills, color recognition, sorting, and counting skills through fine motor skill games. It includes 14 pieces, easy-to-grasp quills, and an activity guide. The quills easily fit in the hedgehog for easy storage. This is an ideal gift for toddlers and preschoolers for holidays, birthdays, or even for homeschool.

What We Like
Fine motor skill development
Bright, attractive colors
Easy storage and cleanup
Durable and sturdy design
Educational and versatile play
What We Don't Like
Spikes may feel soft
Initial concern about quality
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What do children learn from stacking toys?

Stacking toys help children develop fine motor skills, including hand muscles, muscle control, intentional grasp and release skills, and finger control. They also learn how to control and position their fingers while picking up and putting objects in place.

2. What are the benefits of playing with stacking toys?

Playing with stacking toys offers several benefits, including the development of fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, visual perception, shape recognition, problem-solving skills, and the ability to concentrate and enjoy a mindful break.

3. How do stacking toys help cognitive development?

Stacking toys contribute to cognitive development by encouraging problem-solving skills. As children rebuild towers, they learn what makes them unstable or stable, promoting critical thinking and understanding of cause-and-effect relationships.

4. What age do babies use stacking toys?

Babies typically start using their hands and fingers to hold and manipulate objects around 8-9 months of age. This is an ideal age for introducing stacking toys to promote their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

5. Why are sorting toys good for toddlers?

Sorting toys are beneficial for toddlers as they help develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, dexterity, and precision. By grasping, twisting, and turning shapes to fit them into corresponding slots, toddlers enhance their cognitive and physical abilities.

6. What are the learning outcomes of stacking?

Through stacking and building games, children learn how to balance objects to keep a tower upright. These activities also enhance hand-eye coordination and introduce early numeracy skills such as size, height, comparison, and order.

7. What age do you start sorting toys?

Shape sorters can be introduced to children as early as 6 months of age and continue to be beneficial up to around 3 years of age.

Editor's Notes

During our sorting & stacking toy research, we found 24 sorting & stacking toy products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 1,185,470 customer reviews through our big data system to write the sorting & stacking toys list. We found that most customers choose sorting & stacking toys with an average price of $16.40.

The sorting & stacking toys are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of sorting & stacking toys, including Sassy, The First Years, Aigybobo, Fisher-Price, Melissa & Doug. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Jimmy Roof Avatar

Jimmy Roof is a toy designer who lives in Chicago with his family. He works in a big toy firm, so he is surrounded by toys every day. Throughout his career, he has developed expertise in children's toys, baby products and preschool education. Jimmy Roof often publishes articles related to toys on key websites.

Sorting & Stacking Toys Comparison Table

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Brand Sassy Generic The First Years Aigybobo Fisher-Price Melissa & Doug MINGKIDS LEGO hahaland Learning Resources
Item Weight - 8.1 ounces - 1.41 pounds 1.39 pounds 2.09 pounds 8.8 ounces 1.19 pounds 11.3 ounces 11.6 ounces
Manufacturer recommended age - 6 months - 3 years - 12 months - 3 years 6 months and up 24 months - 5 years 1 month - 5 years 18 months and up 6 months - 3 years 18 months - 4 years
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.8
ftb score rating icon 8.8
ftb score rating icon 8.7
ftb score rating icon 8.7
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