Want to introduce colors to your toddler but are hesitant to invest in pricey color sorting toys? Especially when you’re not even sure they’ll enjoy them for more than a day or two?”
Or maybe your little one was excited by their color toys at first… But now they barely look at them.
When my toddler was really into colors, anything bright and colorful would instantly grab her attention. That’s why this classic popsicle color sorting activity, with a fun rainbow twist, made learning colors even more exciting for her.
If your toddler is really into colors, you should definitely try this activity. It’s fun, interactive, and a great way to introduce colors while enhancing fine motor skills.
Ages: 18 months+
prep time: 10 minutes
Here’s my toddler in action — not quite a textbook pincer grip yet, but her little hands are getting there through this color sorting activity!
Improves Hand-Eye Coordination
It’s your toddler’s ability to use their eyes to guide their hands — like watching where a popsicle goes and pushing it down through the slit.
Every time they post a popsicle stick through a slit or match a color, they’re not just playing —they’re building essential life skills like dressing, feeding, and writing!
Supports Object Permanence
Ever noticed how your toddler gets thrilled when something hidden reappears? That’s object permanence — understanding that things exist even when not seen.
When they post a stick through a hole and it disappears, they learn the object is still there. It’s a tiny moment, but it’s a big brain win!
This also helps them become more independent in play, understanding that Mama may be out of sight but still around.
Encourages Sorting Skills
Toddlers love putting things where they “belong.” Sorting by color, size, or shape helps them understand how the world works.
This activity lets them spot patterns, compare items, and group things — all while playing!
Teaches Color Recognition
Colors aren’t just pretty —they’re a whole new language! This activity helps toddlers associate color names like “red”, “blue”, and “yellow” with actual colors, reinforcing memory and language together.
When Should You Introduce This Activity
You can try this activity when your toddler starts matching similar objects — that’s usually a sign they’re in their “sensitive period” for sorting.
I noticed around 18 months old that my daughter was grouping similar shapes. So, I thought, “Why not try colors, too?” —and it worked like magic!
At first, I wasn’t sure how to teach her colors. So, I tried some DIY sorting activities — and in just 2–3 months, she wasn’t only sorting colors correctly but also naming them!
By 21 months, she could name most of the vibrant, prominent colors.
P.S. No two toddlers are the same. Some may show interest in sorting earlier, some later — even beyond 24 months. And that’s totally okay!
Just observe your child’s curiosity — that’s your best cue to start.
Supplies Needed
- Colored popsicle sticks
- An empty box
- White paper
- Glue stick
- Colored markers
- Paper cutter or scissors
How to prepare this sorting activity (step-by-step)
step 1
I took a square-shaped box and covered the top with white paper using glue.
step 2
Then, using colorful markers, I drew a rainbow.
(Skipped indigo and added pink, white, and black because more colors = more fun for my daughter!).
step 3
I cut 5 small slits (slightly wider than my popsicle sticks) in each color stripe using a paper cutter.
That’s it! With minimal effort, you can recreate this in any free corner at home
How to Introduce This Activity
I like the Montessori-style “presentation” approach. Here’s how I did it with my toddler
I placed the activity on her play shelf. Popsicles went in a woven basket next to the box.
She noticed it right away, grabbed the sticks, and said, “What it?”
I gently took them and demonstrated how to insert each stick into the matching color. Then I showed her how to push them fully down so they disappeared.
She loved the moment the stick dropped in with a thud — “Yaaay!” she cheered.
I let her explore the activity on her own, for as long (or short) as she wanted.
When she was done, I gently encouraged clean-up by singing:
“Let’s clean up altogether, hurry up, hurry up, hurry hurry up.”
Then we returned everything to the shelf.
She doesn’t always help yet, but I keep trying — building the habit bit by bit.
Challenging Part of This Activity
The hardest part for my toddler? Pushing the long stick all the way through.
The sticks wobbled while inserting, making balancing tough.
Same session — but here’s the tricky bit. That stick kept wobbling while she tried to push it through. A real balancing test for those tiny fingers!
I let her try her way and only stepped in if she was too frustrated. Patience is key!
How Long Will It Keep Your Toddler Engaged
It depends!
Sometimes she played for 15-20 minutes; other times, just 2.
She doesn’t just stick to sorting and posting either. Sometimes she throws the popsicle sticks all over the floor, tries inserting them through the lid’s closing flap, and experiments inserting markers through the slits— and her little improvisations keep going.
Make This Activity More Fun!
- Sing rainbow songs while naming each color.
- Turn it into a game — time how fast they sort and post all sticks.
- Celebrate every match with high-fives and cheerful “Yaaays!”
Frequently Asked Questions
Our box lasted over six months and still works during toy rotations. I used a sturdy cardboard box to make it last.
Yes! Store the box in a paper bag or wrap it in plastic. Keep the popsicles inside the box, bundled with a rubber band.
Yes, if your toddler is new to color-sorting activities, you should supervise and play along. Joining in helps them learn the names of each color — and lets you gently guide them through any frustration, especially when it comes to balancing the sticks.
And of course, supervising also lowers the risk of your little one mouthing the colored wooden sticks (because let’s be honest — toddlers love putting everything in their mouths!).
You’ll find tons on YouTube and Spotify! You can play one on a speaker or sing it yourself.
Have you tried a similar activity with your toddler? I’d love to hear how it went in the comments!
