The Lamaze Multi-Sensory Soft Sorting toy has so many things going for it!  My daughter had one when she was little, and I've purchased one for nearly every friend who has had a baby since then.  (It's a great shower gift!)  First of all, this sorting toy is made of soft, plush fabric (when so many similar ones are made of plastic).  It's made of bright colors with many different patterns AND textures.  This keeps the baby's attention and is a great learning tool, as well.  Also, because the purpose is to figure out which shape goes into which hole, the baby is working on motor skills. ...