As a mom who's tried countless toddler toys, I was genuinely impressed by the Kecristv Montessori set. The moment I unboxed it, I noticed how smooth and sturdy the wooden pieces felt - no splinters or rough edges that could hurt tiny fingers.

During our morning play sessions, my 18-month-old immediately gravitated toward the brightly colored shapes. The chunky design made it easy for her to grasp, and I didn't have to worry about choking hazards. We started with just the circles and squares at first (as other reviewers wisely suggested), and within weeks she was matching all five shapes!

What surprised me most was how this simple toy became a multi-sensory learning tool. We counted the pieces together, named the colors in Spanish and English, and even created little stories about the "shape friends" going on adventures. The food-safe paint has held up remarkably well against drool and the occasional toss across the room.

One afternoon, I watched my toddler problem-solve independently when she couldn't fit the star shape. After three attempts, she rotated it slowly until it clicked into place - that "aha!" moment was priceless. The pegs are generally sturdy, though like one reviewer mentioned, we did have one peg loosen after several months of vigorous play.

Compared to similar Montessori toys, this set stands out for its thoughtful design. The uniform block sizes prevent frustration (no wobbly towers!), while the variety of shapes keeps toddlers engaged. It's become our go-to gift for first birthdays - I've already bought three sets for friends!

My only minor complaint? The storage bag could be more durable. We ended up using a small basket instead. But at this price point, with this level of educational value, it's a small compromise for hours of screen-free learning fun.