Finding toys that twins can use together is not always easy. Especially when they are one and sharing is a concept not yet known. When we were invited to review the John Crane High Tea Wooden Shape Sorter I readily agreed to have a go, hoping that this might prove to be the kind of joint activity toy I was after.

Esther and William were intrigued as soon as I showed them the box.

They were very keen for me to open it up so that they could look
properly at what was inside. I was a bit worried when I saw that the stand had to be assembled but my fears were unfounded as the beautiful wooden toy is very easy to put together and feels sturdy and strong as soon as it is done.

I tried to show Esther and William the high tea set in all its glory but as fast I was putting cakes on to the pretty pink stand they were taking them off! The cakes are the perfect size for their little hands to grab and explore, just large enough to be licked and chewed safely without being swallowed.

This was Esther and William’s first experience of cake. They seem to really like it!

Before exploring the toy together I watched Esther and William literally get to grips with the High Tea Shape Sorter. They loved all the different colours, the different shapes and loved giving each intricately decorated bakers’ delight the now famous Edspire twin taste test.

This traditional wooden toy has so much potential for creative games and imaginative play. I can imagine Esther serving me afternoon tea with this set for years to come, arranging tea for teddy bears and sellng cakes through a baker’s shop. I can imagine William carefully sorting the cakes into their correctly shaped base, matching the numbers on the cake to the corresponding digit on the stand. I can hear myself asking both children to sort the cakes into odd cakes and even ones. How many cakes would we each get if we invited Mr Octopus to join us for tea? Or Granny and Grandad? I like to think we might use these cakes as models for baking some sweet treats of our own. Playing the role of tea drinker, cake eater, waiter or cake maker will provide endless hours of fun for years to come I am sure. For the children as well as me!

When not being played with the High Tea Shape Sorter makes a beautiful decorative piece in any child’s, though perhaps more a girl’s, bedroom. I have to say though that at the age of one William is just as much interested in this set as Esther, if not more.

This beautiful wooden tea set is available to buy from all good stores including Dillon’s Toybox where you can buy the Tidlo set for £23.95.

If you would like to see more reviews by Mummy and Baby testers follow the links from John Crane’s blog.

You can also follow John Crane on Twitter, Facebook and their blog and website to ensure that you are kept up to date with product news, information and competitions.

Time for tea. Tea for two. Tea for you? Come back to Edspire soon to see a wedding afternoon tea giveaway and for your chance to win a High Tea Shape Sorter Set from John Crane.