Toddler Toy Mantra: Less Is Better + Batteries Not Included.

This is a sponsored post brought to you by our play partnership  with Playskool and Socialstars. #PlayskoolCrew

When I became a mom I never once imagined how quickly toys and baby gear would overwhelm my home. In fact when first handed the laser gun and sent on my merry registering way, I went crazy. Crazier than a kid in a candy shop. 
Needless to say it wasn't very long before the inside of my house began looking an awful lot like the brightly colored aisles of a baby store.
With my second and third babies I chose much more wisely when it came to baby products, purposefully seeking out those with a smaller footprint, less pieces and perhaps not so many bright colors. I've never been one to fancy modern or streamlined decor but it's funny how having babies and small children at home will alter your tastes. 
They weren't kidding when they said, "having a baby changes everything."
Nearly six years later and three kids deep into Motherhood, I'm singing a way different tune. The less pieces the better. Batteries? No, thank you and if a toy can somehow fold in on itself and contain all of its piece in one compact movement? We'll take two (one for us and one for the gift pile) and I will sing its praises from the rooftops.

One of the latest toys we've stumbled upon that fits all three of the criteria listed above is the Pop-Up Shape Sorter from Playskool. I cannot say enough how much I love this toy. Not only is it fun and engaging but it folds up neatly and is great for on-the-go adventures.
It features a large plastic kitty face with rubber collapsible compartment that expands for all kinds of shape-sorting fun. Not only is this toy great for enhancing both fine motor skills and practicing both color and shape matching, but it also collapses flat with room to store all of its pieces and fits easily into a diaper bag for easy portability.

Now that I have two boys in school some days, I'm finding myself with lots of extra quality time just me and the baby. While I'm loving all of the extra hands-on snuggle time with him, I also love getting down on the floor with him, focusing all of my undivided attention on him and really taking note of just how much and how quickly he's learning things. 
It didn't take long for him to learn how to piece together the shapes and sort them in their proper places. My favorite moments, however, are those of frustration as he would try to endlessly cram the heart block in the circle hole. Seeing his brows knit together in frustration, his tiny kissable lips pursed tightly- I was overwhelmed with the amount of cute. 
Even my 3 year old joins in on the fun and this toy has been a great aide in teaching him his shapes and colors. Our final verdict? Another six thumbs up from me, Mom, the 3 year old and the 16 month old. 
Tell me, what are some of your favorite ways to keep the toddler toys from consuming your home? 

Play, stow and go for fun on the run with the Playskool Pop-Up Shape Sorter!