Learning Resources Shape & Color Garden Set — An Honest Review
The Learning Resources Shape & Color Garden Set is a toddler-focused outdoor play kit that mixes hands-on gardening with early learning. It is a small, colorful collection of flower pieces, pots, and soil pieces that children can assemble. The set aims to teach color recognition, shape matching, and fine motor skills while offering sensory play suitable for preschool and Montessori-style activities.
What this set does
The kit lets children build flowers from different shaped and colored components. Kids match petals, stems, and centers to create flowers and arrange them in small planters. The pieces are sized for little hands and are intended to be used indoors or outside. The play encourages imaginative play, simple counting, and color/shape identification. It doubles as a tactile sensory toy and a basic hands-on introduction to gardening themes.
Key features
- Brightly colored plastic pieces in various shapes and sizes.
- Multiple flower components for building and sorting.
- Small planters and soil-like parts for arranging completed flowers.
- Designed for toddlers and preschoolers; suitable for Montessori activities.
- Lightweight and easy to clean.
Pros
- Simple concept that encourages color and shape learning.
- Durable plastic parts that tolerate outdoor play.
- Good for cooperative play and group activities in preschool settings.
- Safe, rounded pieces sized for toddlers (choking-risk guidance should still be followed).
- Easy to store and reconfigure for repeated play scenarios.
Cons
- Plastic feel may not satisfy kids who prefer realistic gardening tools.
- Some pieces are small; supervision is recommended for younger toddlers.
- Limited number of pieces — older preschoolers may outgrow it quickly.
- Assembly options are basic; not suitable for complex construction play.
Who should buy this
This set fits families and educators who want a low-maintenance, educational toy for toddlers. It works well in daycare, preschool, or Montessori-style learning centers. If your child enjoys sorting, matching, and simple pretend gardening, this set will keep them engaged for short, focused play sessions. It also makes a pleasant gift for birthdays or as a sensory toy option.
Who should skip it
If your child prefers realistic role-play tools or is already deep into complex building toys, this set may feel limiting. Also skip it if you want a heavy-duty outdoor gardening toolset designed for real soil and digging. For older children (4+ who want challenging tasks), look for larger sets with more pieces or mixed-material toys.
Short comparison with similar toys
Compared with wooden gardening sets (such as those from Melissa & Doug), the Learning Resources set is lighter and more colorful but less tactile. Wooden sets offer a more realistic feel but are harder to clean after outdoor use. Compared with Green Toys’ outdoor kits, this set is more focused on shape and color learning than on real digging or tool use. If you want sensory play with educational focus, choose Learning Resources; for realistic gardening play, opt for a sturdier tool-based kit.
Final assessment
The Learning Resources Shape & Color Garden Set does what it promises: it introduces toddlers to basic gardening ideas while reinforcing color and shape recognition. It is easy to use, safe for supervised toddlers, and useful in group learning settings. The main trade-offs are its simple design and plastic feel, which may not suit every child. For families seeking a lightweight, educational sensory toy that supports Montessori and preschool activities, this set is a sensible choice. If you need a more realistic or long-lasting outdoor gardening toy, consider other options.
Overall recommendation: a practical, child-friendly learning toy for early learners who enjoy sorting and pretend gardening. Keep an eye on age-appropriate guidance and supervise the youngest children during play.
