Kaplan Early Learning Barnyard Sort & Play - 6 Barnyard Animals and Wooden Sorting Box

While this barnyard shape-sorting set should appeal to those who prefer wooden toys over plastic, a few drawbacks should be considered.

The six double-sided animals are made of smoothly finished lightweight wood.

And the hinged top of the set's very sturdy 6-cubic-inch box easily opens to reveal these happy-faced, freestanding animal cutouts.

But the hinged top proves a mixed blessing.

It's secured by two small magnets that allow the hinged flap to stay shut when the box is empty.

Once you turn the box over to plop in the duck, however, the lid falls open and sets all the farm animals free--a rather noisy experience.

Also, all of the animals fit into every side of the box, potentially diminishing the shape-learning value of the toy.