Plan Toys Plan Toy Balancing Cactus

This is a fantastic toy, one of my favorites in the Plan Toys line, and we own more than a few of them. I don't mean just fun for the kids; my husband and I like playing with it also!

My children, two and four, were immediately taken with it. We haven't yet played it as a 'game' but that's really just a bonus interpretation of its uses anyway. It's fun to just stack it in really precarious ways (ie. those other than what's pictured) and see how long you can keep it from toppling while building it up as tall or wide as possible. If you were to build the cactus, as is pictured, it is very attractive and proves to be quite stable. This is nice for shelving the toy when I'm too busy to supervise my youngest with it. The real challenges are not in building what is expected, but are self-imposed; pushing the limits of what can be balanced atop this generally stable base.

This toy/game consists of a total of 19 pieces that fit together with a peg-and hole system. Each progressively smaller piece has less holes, and the coral-orange pieces have no holes, and so cannot be built upon. Another reviewer mentioned that the pegs fit loosely in the holes and this is true. A piece will often swivel downward from the weight of a successive piece. This doesn't bother me, but I thought it was worth mentioning.

Here are the pieces that come with this set, and their measurements (information that seems difficult to come by per my observation before ordering):

1 Unfinished Wooden Base (5 holes): 3.5" tall x 2.5" (widest point at top) 1.5" (at bottom)

3 Large Dark Green Pieces (3 holes): about 3.25" tall x 1.75" wide

3 Medium Green Pieces (2 holes): 2.75" x 1.5"

3 Medium (Slightly Lighter) Green Pieces (2 holes): 2.75" x 1.5"

3 Small Red Pieces (1 hole) 2" x 1"

3 Small Yellow Pieces (1 hole) 2" x 1"

3 Small Coral-Orange Pieces (0 holes) 2" x 1"

Of note, especially with the many reviews stating that kids under three love this toy, is that the age recommendations are spot on. If you allow a younger child to play with this toy, it is important to be mindful of the fact that the smaller pieces are precisely the right size to cut off their airway if they were to accidentally swallow one.

Other than that already assumed issue I think this is a wonderful toy with the potential to be enjoyed by young and old alike.

I purchased this product for my twin 3 year olds. They love it! They play with it every day.My only complaint is that the pieces seem to fit less snug after lots of use so the pieces turn as you add a new piece but I would absolutely buy this again based on this purchase. My twins love building the pieces as high as possible and I know they are learning in the process. Great toy!

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I picked up this toy on a whim because I love simple, durable wooden toys and the cactus shape was so novel.I wasn't fully expecting that my toddler (26 mos) would take to it as he has, but it truly is one of his favorite toys. He loves to try different combinations and when it topples is eager to "try again."He seriously will play with it for an hour.I also love that it teaches cooperationit's been a great vehicle for teaching my toddler the foundations for social game-playing.I use the cactus to teach "my turn" and "your turn," and now he uses this language as well and LOVES it. Honestly the best toy I've found in monthswish other toys were such a hit for him. Fun and educational!

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My daughter's one and a half and she adores this toy. She got the concept quickly and easily, though she doesn't understand the 'game' aspect of taking turns, she enjoys stacking the pieces and it keeps her well occupied.

Not only that, the design is beautiful and the craftsmanship is top notch. We really love this toy. I'll be buying more from this company.

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This was my 2 year old's favorite Christmas present. We can play it as a family, and my daughter loves losing.

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