Overview
For many families, picky eating is a daily challenge—one that can be stressful for both parents and children. Turning food discovery into play, especially through hands-on, imaginative toys, can make a world of difference in encouraging curiosity and reducing mealtime battles. The Learning Resources Farmer’s Market Color Sorting Set is a food-themed educational toy designed for preschoolers and toddlers, aiming to foster positive associations with fruits and vegetables through sorting, pretend play, and open-ended exploration. In this review, we take a deep dive into how this set works, why it’s a favorite among child development specialists, and how it might support your family’s journey toward more adventurous eating habits.
What’s Inside / Build Quality
The Farmer’s Market Color Sorting Set arrives in a sturdy, brightly colored box that instantly captures children’s attention. Inside you’ll find:
- 25 realistic, soft-plastic fruits and vegetables—five each in red, yellow, orange, green, and purple hues.
- 5 baskets, each color-coded to match the food items.
- An activity guide with suggested play ideas to encourage learning and engagement.
The produce pieces stand out for their lifelike details and vibrant colors. Each piece is made from BPA-free, phthalate-free plastic that feels solid, yet lightweight and easy for small hands to grasp. The baskets are just the right size for sorting and stacking, and they’re durable enough to withstand enthusiastic play. All components are easy to wipe clean—an important feature for families with young children who might mix real snacks and play food. There are no small, loose parts that pose a choking risk, making this set suitable for ages 3 and up.
Learning & Development Benefits
This toy is more than just a sorting game—it’s a springboard for a range of early learning skills, especially valuable for children hesitant to try new foods. Here’s how:
- Color Recognition & Matching: Sorting foods by color reinforces visual discrimination and categorization, foundational skills for early math and science.
- Fine Motor Development: Picking up and placing the produce helps strengthen hand muscles and hand-eye coordination.
- Language Growth: Naming the foods, colors, and engaging in pretend play encourages vocabulary building and communication.
- Food Familiarity: Handling toy versions of real fruits and vegetables can make these foods less intimidating, laying the groundwork for more positive interactions at the table.
- Social Skills: Playing pretend market or kitchen games nurtures sharing, turn-taking, and cooperation.
- Cognitive Flexibility: Sorting by different criteria (color, shape, type) supports logical thinking and creative problem-solving.
For picky eaters, exposure to the look, feel, and names of various foods in a low-pressure environment can increase openness and curiosity—essential steps in building a more varied palate over time.
Setup & Use
Getting started is as simple as opening the box. The set requires no assembly and comes ready for immediate play. Here are some suggested ways to maximize its benefits:
- Sorting Games: Have your child match produce to the correct baskets by color. For added challenge, sort by shape or type (fruits vs. vegetables).
- Pretend Play: Set up a “farmer’s market” or play kitchen. Take turns being the shopper and the vendor, encouraging conversations about the foods.
- Food Discovery: Introduce the toy produce alongside real versions during snack time. Encourage your child to compare color, size, and texture.
- Counting & Math: Practice counting the pieces, simple addition or subtraction, and grouping by quantity.
- Cleanup & Storage: The baskets and box make it easy to keep pieces together and tidy up after play.
The Farmer’s Market Color Sorting Set is portable and can be used at the kitchen table, on the floor, or even outdoors. Its straightforward design makes it accessible for both independent and guided play.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Realistic, vibrant produce pieces spark curiosity and engagement.
- Durable, easy-to-clean materials stand up to everyday use.
- Supports multiple areas of early development—fine motor, language, social, and cognitive skills.
- Encourages positive food associations in a low-pressure, playful environment.
- Ready to use out of the box; no assembly required.
- Activity guide included for ideas and inspiration.
Cons
- Limited to five basic colors—some children may crave more variety or complexity as they grow.
- The produce selection, while realistic, is not exhaustive (e.g., missing some common veggies or fruits).
- Basket size may be small for group play or for storing additional items.
- No sound, light, or electronic features for kids who enjoy interactive tech toys.
Alternatives & Similar Toys
If you’re looking for comparable toys or want to expand your collection, consider these options:
- Melissa & Doug Food Groups Wooden Play Food: A set of wooden foods divided by food groups, suitable for sorting and pretend meals.
- Learning Resources New Sprouts Fresh Picked Fruit & Veggie Tote: Features soft, durable produce pieces in a tote, perfect for on-the-go play.
- Hape Healthy Basics Set: Includes wooden milk, cheese, fruits, and veggies for open-ended kitchen play.
- B. Toys Lettuce Eat! Market Set: Colorful, chunky play foods designed for toddlers, with a focus on farmer’s market role-play.
Each of these sets offers a slightly different take on food-themed play, with variations in materials, complexity, and included accessories.
Verdict
The Learning Resources Farmer’s Market Color Sorting Set shines as a developmental toy and a gentle, fun way to help picky eaters become more comfortable with new foods. Its blend of realistic design, open-ended play possibilities, and educational value makes it a worthwhile investment for families seeking to nurture curiosity and positive food relationships in early childhood. While it won’t solve picky eating overnight, it provides meaningful opportunities for exposure and learning through play—a key ingredient in building lifelong healthy habits. If you’re looking for a durable, versatile, and engaging toy that supports both learning and food exploration, this set is an excellent choice for 2025.
FAQ
+Is this toy safe for toddlers who still mouth objects?
+Can this toy help reduce picky eating?
+What skills does the Farmer’s Market Color Sorting Set support?
+Are the produce pieces washable?
+How can I use this toy to start conversations about real food?
+Is this toy suitable for classroom or group play?
+Does the set include an activity guide?
Review: Learning Resources Farmer’s Market Color Sorting Set – Encouraging Food Exploration for Picky Eaters (2025)
The Learning Resources Farmer’s Market Color Sorting Set is a delightful and practical tool for parents and educators aiming to encourage picky eaters to explore a wider range of foods. This toy set goes beyond basic color sorting; it introduces children to the vibrant world of fruits and vegetables in a hands-on, approachable way. The well-crafted, durable pieces are sized perfectly for little hands, making them ideal for preschoolers and early learners. During play, kids naturally develop fine motor skills, color recognition, and early math concepts, all while becoming more comfortable with the look and names of healthy foods.
What truly sets this set apart is its potential for positive food associations. By playing with realistic produce in a low-pressure, creative setting, picky eaters can overcome some of the anxiety or resistance they may feel at the dinner table. Parents can use the set to spark conversations about nutrition, shopping, and even cooking, laying a strong foundation for lifelong healthy habits. In short, this set is a valuable addition to any home or classroom looking to make food exploration fun and stress-free.
- Encourages hands-on food exploration for picky eaters
- Supports color recognition, sorting, and fine motor skills
- Sturdy, realistic produce pieces foster imaginative play
- Great for home or classroom use
My son is a bit sensitive to certain textures and can get overwhelmed by bright colors. Are the pieces or baskets very stimulating in terms of feel or appearance, or do they work well for kids who need a calm sensory experience before bed?
It’s thoughtful of you to consider your son’s sensory needs around playtime. The Farmer’s Market Color Sorting Set does have colorful play food and baskets, but the colors are more muted than neon and the textures are generally smooth and soft, not rough or bumpy. To support a calm experience, try introducing just a few pieces at a time, limiting the number of colors, and letting your child touch the pieces before play. You can also use the baskets separately for gentle sorting without the food items. Always supervise play, especially if your child is under 3, as some items are small. This isn’t medical advice; if you’re concerned, check in with your pediatrician.
Is there any risk of younger siblings under 3 playing with this set, even though the pieces are supposedly safe? I have a baby at home and want to be sure there are no unexpected choking hazards.
You’re right to be cautious about toys with small parts around babies and toddlers. Even though the Farmer’s Market Color Sorting Set is labeled as safe, some pieces may still pose a choking risk for children under 3. For safety, always supervise play, keep the smallest pieces out of reach of your baby, and regularly inspect for any damaged or loose parts. Consider setting up play sessions when your older child can focus, and your baby is occupied elsewhere. This isn’t medical advice; if you’re concerned or unsure, check in with your pediatrician.
I noticed you mentioned the produce pieces are BPA and phthalate free, which is reassuring. Are there any strong or lingering smells from the plastic when the set is new? My child is very sensitive to odors and we try to avoid toys with chemical scents.
It’s completely understandable to be concerned about plastic odors, especially for kids who are sensitive to smells. In our experience with the Farmer’s Market Color Sorting Set, the produce pieces did not have a strong or lingering scent out of the box. However, since sensitivities vary, I suggest unboxing and airing the pieces in a well-ventilated space for a day or two before introducing them to your child. Always supervise young children with new toys and check for any adverse reactions. This isn’t medical advice; if you’re concerned, check in with your pediatrician.
If my child is already familiar with fruits and vegetables but still prefers not to eat them, do you have any suggestions for adjusting play with the Farmer’s Market Color Sorting Set to encourage more hands-on exploration? Would you recommend pairing it with real food tastings at the same time, or is that too much pressure?
It’s natural to want fun activities to help with picky eating. You might try letting your child use the Farmer’s Market set for pretend play first—sorting, naming, or creating stories with the pretend foods—so there’s no pressure to taste. If you want to introduce real foods, keep the mood light: offer small samples alongside the toy, but make it clear tasting is optional. Let your child touch, smell, or play with the real food just like the toys, encouraging exploration at their own pace. Always supervise to prevent choking, especially with younger children. This isn’t medical advice; if you’re concerned, check in with your pediatrician.
Do you have any tips for introducing this sorting set to younger siblings who are under three, especially if they want to play along with their older brother but aren’t quite ready for all the pieces?
It’s wonderful that you want to include your younger child in playtime with their older sibling. For children under three, try offering just a few larger, easy-to-handle pieces at a time and always supervise to prevent choking on small parts. You can encourage simple activities like matching colors or naming fruits rather than full sorting games. Focus on touch, safe pretend play, and talking about the different foods. Remember, this set isn’t designed for toddlers, so keep play short and always monitor closely. This isn’t medical advice; if you have safety concerns, please consult your pediatrician.
We have a younger child in the house along with our preschooler, and I’m always anxious about small toys. Can you clarify how big the individual fruits and vegetables are? Would any of the pieces fit inside a toilet paper tube, for example?
It’s completely understandable to be cautious about small toys with a younger child around. The fruits and vegetables in the Farmer’s Market Color Sorting Set are about 2 inches long, which means some may fit inside a standard toilet paper tube (about 1.6 inches in diameter). For children under 3, it’s safest to keep these pieces out of reach, as they could pose a choking hazard. Always supervise play closely and store the set away when your little one is nearby. This isn’t medical advice; if you’re concerned, check in with your pediatrician.
How would you suggest working this toy into a daily schedule with a toddler who is potty training? Is it better as a post-potty reward activity, or could it be part of a bigger food exploration routine?
It’s great that you’re thinking about how to connect play and learning during potty training. For toddlers, this set could work well as a short post-potty reward—letting your child sort a few fruits and veggies after each success. Alternatively, you can use it as part of a larger daily routine, like playing with the set before snack time to encourage food curiosity. Keep sessions brief (5–10 minutes) and supervise closely, since toddlers may still mouth toys. Make sure all pieces are intact and age-appropriate for your child. This isn’t medical advice; if you’re concerned, check in with your pediatrician.
If a child tends to put everything in their mouth, are there any parts of this set that might be worrying, or is everything truly large enough to be safe for a 3-year-old who still explores with their mouth?
It’s understandable to be cautious when your child still mouths toys at age 3. The produce pieces in the Farmer’s Market Color Sorting Set are generally large enough for preschoolers, but some items (like grapes or peas) might still be tempting for mouthing. Supervise closely during play, watch for any broken pieces, and store the set out of reach when not in use. Always check for wear and tear that could create smaller parts. Every child is different, so trust your instincts—if you’re ever unsure, your pediatrician can help you decide what’s safe.
My child has a tendency to put everything in their mouth, even at age three. Have you found that the Farmer’s Market Color Sorting Set holds up over time and remains safe after lots of mouthing, or would you recommend it for children who are still very oral?
It’s absolutely understandable to be concerned about toy safety when your child is still mouthing objects, even at age three. The Farmer’s Market Color Sorting Set is made of durable plastic and designed without small parts, but some food pieces are just the right size to fit into a child’s mouth and could pose a choking risk if bitten or broken. If your child is very oral, always supervise play closely, and check the pieces regularly for wear, cracks, or rough edges. You might store the set out of reach when not in use. Consider waiting until your child grows out of mouthing before using sets like this independently. This isn’t medical advice; if you’re concerned, check in with your pediatrician.
When playing with this set, should I stick to just color sorting, or have you found specific pretend play activities that help especially picky eaters get more comfortable with new foods during real family meals?
It’s great that you’re looking for creative ways to help your picky eater feel more comfortable with new foods. Beyond color sorting, you might try pretend grocery shopping, making up silly recipes together, or hosting a toy picnic where your child “serves” you different foods. Encourage gentle exploration—touching, smelling, or describing the pretend food’s texture can help reduce anxiety. Stay close by for safety, especially if your child is under 3, because of small parts. This isn’t medical advice; if you’re concerned, check in with your pediatrician.
I have a child who is very sensitive to textures and can get overwhelmed by certain materials. How does the feel of the produce pieces compare to other toy food sets? Are they soft enough for kids with sensory sensitivities?
It’s understandable to want toys that are comfortable for your child’s sensory needs. The Farmer’s Market Color Sorting Set features plastic produce pieces that are firm but have smooth, rounded surfaces—less squishy than some foam sets, but softer than hard wooden play food. For kids with texture sensitivities, try introducing a few pieces at a time and watch their response. Let your child explore the pieces with their hands before encouraging sorting or play. Always supervise young children to prevent mouthing, especially if they’re sensitive to textures. This isn’t medical advice; if you’re concerned, check in with your pediatrician.
For families who have limited packing space, would you recommend bringing only part of the kit for a trip? Are there certain pieces or baskets that work best for travel play, or does the set lose a lot of its learning value if split up?
It makes sense to want to save space when traveling with little ones. You can absolutely bring just a few baskets or select fruits and veggies from the set—try choosing 2-3 colors and a few matching pieces to support sorting and pretend play. These still offer opportunities for color recognition and food exploration on the go. For younger children, supervise to avoid choking risks with small pieces. While the full set allows for more sorting combinations, using a smaller selection doesn’t take away all the learning fun. This isn’t medical advice; if you’re concerned, check in with your pediatrician.
You mentioned how easy it is to clean these plastic fruits and baskets, which is a big plus with young kids. But from a sustainability aspect, do wooden food toys require more careful maintenance, or hold up better over time compared to these plastic ones?
That’s a thoughtful question about durability and care. Wooden food toys often do need a bit more careful maintenance—wiping them with a damp cloth and avoiding soaking, since wood can warp or splinter if left wet. Over time, they may develop dents or chips, but quality wooden toys can last for years if treated gently. Plastic sets like the Farmer’s Market are generally easier to clean and handle spills, but may scratch or break under rough play. For young kids, always check for loose pieces or splinters with wooden toys, and supervise as needed. This isn’t medical advice; if you’re concerned, check in with your pediatrician.
My child sometimes reacts strongly to certain textures and colors. Have you seen this set work well for kids who have sensory sensitivities, or do you have ideas for adapting play to make it comfortable for them?
It’s completely understandable to want playtime to be comfortable for a child with sensory sensitivities. This set can work well because the pieces are smooth plastic with gentle colors, but every child is different. Start by introducing just one or two pieces at a time, and let your child observe or hold them without pressure. If a certain color or shape is upsetting, set it aside for now. Playing alongside your child and modeling gentle exploration can help, and using a soft cloth or gloves may reduce discomfort. Always supervise young children due to small parts. This isn’t medical advice; if you’re concerned, check in with your pediatrician.