STELLA PYRAMID

A stacking pyramid where every ring feels different.

Most stackers vary only in size. This one changes material as you go: natural wood, coloured wood, velvet, cotton, smooth and very soft. So a toddler is learning textures at the same time as they are learning order, and there is a reason to handle each ring rather than just jam it on.

Stella the Fawn's face goes on last, which matters more than it sounds. A stacker with a proper ending gives a child a goal and a payoff, and they are far more likely to finish it than abandon it half-built.

Threading a ring onto the rod takes aim, grip and two hands working together. Then they pull it all off and do it again. Assembled it stands 18.8 cm, and the fabric rings are machine washable at 30 degrees.

Stella is the cheerful one, forever dancing and leaping in every direction.

Lilliputiens is a Belgian brand, founded in 1995 and designed by a team largely made up of parents working alongside early-childhood specialists. Tested to EN71 and ASTM standards and screened for AZO dyes, cadmium and phthalates.

SIX RINGS, EVERY ONE DIFFERENT - Natural wood, coloured wood, velvet, cotton, smooth, very soft. A stacker where each piece feels different in the hand, not just a size smaller than the last.

THE FACE GOES ON LAST - Stella the Fawn's head sits on top to finish it, which gives a toddler a clear goal and a genuine payoff at the end. Stackers without an ending get abandoned halfway.

REAL FINE MOTOR WORK - Threading a ring onto a wooden rod takes aim, grip and both hands working together. Then they take it all off and start again, which is the whole point.

A SOFT STACKER THAT WASHES - The fabric rings are machine washable at 30 degrees, so this survives the mouthing stage that ruins most wooden stackers.

18.8 CM ASSEMBLED - Stella is the cheerful one, forever dancing and leaping in every direction. A small tag shaped like a friend is hidden in there too, because Lilliputiens never leaves a detail out.

12 months and above

Wood and fabric (polyester, velvet, cotton) on a wooden rod