I bought these cupcakes for my then 18 month old (she is now 3 1/2). There are 3 yellow cupcakes and 3 chocolate ones.  Each have their own shapes for sprinkles on the icing, and the knobby "key" that fits into the cupcake bottom matches the sprinkles in shape.  And the pan has a shape in each of the depressions.

The problem-solving idea is to match the shapes up with the pan. Younger children/toddlers learn motor skills by removing and fitting the cupcake tops to the bottoms.  Tiny ones love the different textures that these cupcakes have, and also learn motor skills by removing and replacing them from/into the pan.  The colors are beautiful, and the plastic is mildly soft, yet very firm and durable.

Immediately these toys became and remain a consistent favorite.  Being rather education-oriented, I intended for these to be used in such a fashion.  And they are, in so many variations!  All 3 girls go for them daily, whether it is to play kitchen or restaurant and "bake" them (the 6 and 3 yr olds), match the pieces(the 3 yr old) or chew and carry them around (obviously the 15 month old... well, sometimes the 3 year old too:) Any time cousins or friends come over to play, these cupcakes are incorporated.

Yes there are some shapes that are more challenging to put together (the star and moon, mostly), but isn't that the point?  That's what learning and problem-solving is all about.
I bought these cupcakes for my then 18 month old (she is now 3 1/2). There are 3 yellow cupcakes and 3 chocolate ones. Each have their own shapes for sprinkles on the icing, and the knobby "key" that fits into the cupcake bottom matches the sprinkles in shape. And the pan has a shape in each of the depressions. The problem-solving idea is to match the shapes up with the pan. Younger children/toddlers learn motor skills by removing and fitting the cupcake tops to the bottoms. Tiny ones love the different textures that these cupcakes have, and also learn motor skills by removing and replacing them from/into the pan. The colors are beautiful, and the plastic is mildly soft, yet very firm and durable. Immediately these toys became and remain a consistent favorite. Being rather education-oriented, I intended for these to be used in such a fashion. And they are, in so many variations! All 3 girls go for them daily, whether it is to play kitchen or restaurant and "bake" them (the 6 and 3 yr olds), match the pieces(the 3 yr old) or chew and carry them around (obviously the 15 month old... well, sometimes the 3 year old too:) Any time cousins or friends come over to play, these cupcakes are incorporated. Yes there are some shapes that are more challenging to put together (the star and moon, mostly), but isn't that the point? That's what learning and problem-solving is all about.