Why should the square shape always go in the square hole? Life doesn’t always hand you well-fit squares for your square holes, but we all have to learn to improvise with what we have.

If you have ever seen the baby toy where you need to hammer the square cylinder into the square hole, this idea takes the challenge to the next level. On the board would be three uniquely colored shapes with “oddly” cut holes. These shapes would be a circle, a square, and a triangle. The board would include three cylindrical styled shapes with colors matching the shapes color on the board. The natural tendency would be to insert the shape into the matching color and shape hole. However, the shapes have oddly cut holes. The circle will be a small circle hole with three notches such that the triangle shape may pass through. The triangle will contain an irregular style hole that allows the square cylinder to pass through. The square has traingle shape hole that allows the circle to pass through, but is too small for the triangle cylinder to pass through.

The fancy version of this toy could include some basic electrical contacts and digital logic that determine when all three shapes have been inserted correctly, at which point it plays a song.

Basic shape recognition begins in childhood development around age 12 months. I believe this slightly more advanced toy would be suitable for children of this age.