Fun for all ages, 7 Jan. 2010

Have only had this toy for a short while, but so far it is a hit with not only my 3 year old (for whom it was intended) but also my 18 month old who uses it as a puzzle. After only a week my son can now do the belt and clip and has taken an interest in threading the shoelace. The only downside I can see is that the black buckle is too difficult for me to open (let alone a child). Am hoping with time, with use, it gets a bit easier.

This review is from: Melissa & Doug Basic Skills Board (Toy)

Hard for little fingers to use - but is intended for 3+yrs, 6 July 2013

This was a gift for my daughter's first birthday. I thought it was perfect because my little girl can't get her hands on enough buttons and zips. She loves them. However...it's too hard for her to use even 6 months later. The belt, buckle, clip, zip and button are really difficult to manipulate - even for me! I've tried using it myself to loosen the parts but it's not just that they are tight. Try unzipping something on a small piece of wood and you'll see what I mean. You need to hold the exact opposite point to where you are pulling/pushing the zip or it won't work. I LOVE Melissa and Doug toys so I'm going to hide this toy and bring it out again when my daughter is around 2 and see if she is better able to use it then.

UPDATE: I've pulled it out again...actually, she did! She's 17 months and she can do so much more of it on her own. She was so proud of herself for managing to do up the buckle. She hands it to me every 6 or so seconds so that I can undo it for her to have...

This review is from: Melissa & Doug Basic Skills Board (Toy)

great learning toy, 9 Dec. 2012

Loved this.Each of the pieces comes out to make opening and closing easier. This is one of the few toys with open ended zip that you have to relocate before zipping up. Good buy

Verified Purchase This review is from: Melissa & Doug Basic Skills Board (Toy)