You just have to look at these Beanstax by Zolo and your want to squish and toss and make your own creations. That’s what these adorable shapes are for. Your little one can create his/her own characters by simply stacking the different shapes into their own creations.

The set contains 12 softly touchable shapes and comes in its own reusable carrying case. It makes a great early learning gift for baby’s shower or for the holidays. Visit zolo.com to view this item, priced at $36.

I know this Wimmer-Ferguson Infant Stim Mobile by Manhattan Toy looks a little odd and modern, but there is a reason to it all. Vivid color and bold black and white provides baby with simple to complex images to stimulate early visual activity and pre-reaching movement.

It is reported that an estimated 85% of learning is visual.  The importance of stimulating early visual activity goes beyond just beyond stimulating a child’s interest — it affects all the body systems.

Visit  geniusbabies.com to view this item, which is priced at $24.95.

Something of a puzzle, which I know appeals to my son, the triangle patterned “Trix” toy by Haba is a mind stimulator. I like that it’s brightly colored, made from natural products (hardwood), and something mom or dad can play along with as well (without getting too bored.)

It’s simple, which some parents appreciate, choosing natural and less stimulating toys for their little ones, and it’s not overly pricey. At $5.95, you can’t really lose.

I found it at BekahKates.com and think it’s a toy worth adding to the play room.