Stacks of imaginative ways to use them (The First Years Stack'em Up Cups)

Member Name: bruffyboy

Product:	The First Years Stack'em Up Cups
Date:	09/04/09 (70 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: encourage imaginative play

Disadvantages: none

As many previous reviews seem to have said, these cups are all about creativity and imagination. For those who've never seen them, they're just plastic coloured pots that get slightly smaller so they fit into each-other. They have imprints on the bottom, and small holes too. They cost around £4.

Like many good baby toys, you can do more with these as you get older. On the most simple level, a parent can stack them up into a tower, and baby can knock them down (seems to make my kids laugh). At their hardest level, the child can do the stacking themselves (probably a 3 year old would be able to do that).

The imprints on the bottom are ideal for when you play with plasticine, as you can press them down onto it and make an impression of an animal or whatever is on there.

The holes make them good for sand or water, as you can fill them up, lift them up and let them drain down. In the bath, this is a good way of getting baby comfortable with having the shower on them, using a toy that they are used to.

The cups are also good for simply putting things in, such as toy cars, or bits of food.

Finally, you can teach colours with these pots, which is something I do with my own son.

They're hard-wearing, and have never shown any signs of cracking or breaking, which is great because they're used for all sorts.

It's so interesting how such a basic invention has gone down so well with kids for years because it allows them to make their own mind up about the function it will take. My son currently likes putting things in the cups, then carrying them around.

All in all, a simple yet multi-functional toy that is a real winner.

Summary: buy them!