My favourite toy at the moment is the Touch and Feel Farm Animals from John Crane’s Branching Out Collection. I was chatting with a Mum at the Upottery Christmas Market on Saturday, as she was looking for a first shape sorting game suitable for a 12 month old baby – her Goddaughter. I showed her our gorgeous Tish Tash Toys catalogue focusing on the Dexterity, Shapes and Colours toys within the ‘Learn’ section. The Touch and Feel Farm Animals is a great choice for anyone looking to buy something a bit different for either their own little one or as a gift.

There are actually three of these touch and feel shape sorting toys in the range and they are all perfect for one year olds, either for Christmas or birthday or a special treat! The Touch and Feel Farm Animals board measures 20cm and is made of a lovely smooth wood (from replenishable sources). There are four friendly farm animals – a cow, pig, sheep and duck which can each be slotted into their different shaped holes. However – the unique and clever part of this toy is the interesting textured part of the board which each animal shape sits on. For example the circular sheep sits on a lovely lambswool type fabric. A literally touchy feely toy!

The other two texture toddler toys in the range are the Texture Puzzle Bugs (pictured above) – a ladybird, frog, snail and bee all with tactile fabric pieces attached to the wooden shapes. There is also the Touch and Feel Safari (see below) another great first puzzle for children from John Crane.

Click here to order your own copy of the Tish Tash Toys catalogue or see the website www.tishtashtoys.com