There are three settings teaching shapes, food names or playing short musical diddies. Each shape as a picture of a different fruit, like banana or orange. The spinning feature works well when the blender is empty but as soon as you add the shapes, the spinner slows down from the friction. I doubt the educational value of any “educational toy” but I like the cause and effect value; she drops a shape in, it makes a noise. Overall, I think it was a good buy and would recommend it.
Rating: 4 / 5

The shapes aren’t very easy to put it though because of the little buttons that tell the machine which shapes/”fruit” are going in so you really have to push them through vs. most shape sorters. My child likes to just push the buttons to make the blender make noise.

After reading about the report of the child choking on the orange piece, I held it up to my daughter’s mouth and there’s just no way it would fit in there. It would take an incredible amount of dexterity to shove it in there. I’m not trying to discount what happened to the boy, but it seems like a freak accident rather than a widespread problem.

Rating: 4 / 5

We’ve only had this toy for a couple of days, but my son loves it. He plays with it almost non-stop. That’s rare for any one particular toy. He loves putting the (5) shapes in the blender, taking them out or dumping (nice large handle)them and putting the lid on. The lid is an oval, which could be more challenging for younger children. The shapes are difficult to put in the designated holes, however he’s getting the hang of it. In fact I kind of like that it’s a little difficult to put in at his age as it makes it a little more challenging. He has to be a little more deliberate in his actions. The blender recognizes when you put anything inside and when you put the lid on, as well as what shapes you’re putting through the sides. There’s also a couple songs and buttons. He likes to press them. There is also a volume button on the bottom, but it’s still a little loud when on the lowest setting. However, most toys are. The blend button is a little challenging and takes dexterity. He hasn’t quite gotten the hang of that yet. It seems it’s supposed to blend slower when the shapes are inside so that there’s no danger to anyone. If there was true power to it there might be some danger to children. Anyway, it is NOT a hazard and I think it’s an awesome feature.

As for the stickers on the shapes, they are shiny stickers to attract a child’s attention. At this age they’re not of any concern to me. I do however, understand the concern with younger children. It likely won’t kill them, however it’s not ideal for them to be eating stickers. I really only see this happening if it constantly gets wet to loosen the stickers or they knaw or chew on the shapes. Maybe vtech could get rid of the stickers.

Overall, this is the best shape sorter out there and I really think it’s most ideal for 12 months or older. In fact I truly love it for my 17 month old son. Don’t get the Fisher price cookie jar as it had annoying sounds and has less functions for a higher price.
Rating: 5 / 5

I think what I like most about this toy is that it is designed and packaged in a retro-style reminiscent of the classic wind-up tin robots of the ’50s. As such, it probably wouldn’t keep most modern kids entertained for long (nor survive their physical abuse) but it’s really something targeted toward older collectors anyway. Mine will adorn my office desk.
Rating: 5 / 5