Hedgehog Clock Game

Hedgehog Clock Game — a shape puzzle first, a number game next, and a clock a long time after that

A wooden hedgehog clock, about 27 x 27cm, with twelve chunky number blocks that each fit their own shaped slot, and hour and minute hands that turn. Suitable from 12 months, from Speedy Monkey.

🦔 What it does at each age

We would rather be straight about this. A one-year-old will not learn to tell the time from it, and nobody should expect them to. What they get at the start is a twelve-piece shape puzzle: each block has its own shape, so it only fits one slot. Then the numbers start to matter, and the blocks become something to count round the face. Turning the hands and talking about "dinner time" and "bath time" is the last stage, and that is the part that leads, years later, to reading a clock.

🔢 Twelve blocks round a circle

Twelve is a lot of pieces for a young toddler, so start them with three or four out and leave the rest in. As they get the hang of it, take more out. Because the numbers go round in order, putting them back is also the first time many children meet the idea that numbers come in a sequence.

🌳 Wood and paint

Speedy Monkey design their toys in France and make them from wood finished in child-safe paints. This one carries UKCA and CE marking.

⚠️ Worth knowing before you buy

• It is not a time-telling toy at one. At this age it is a shape puzzle. The clock part comes into its own much later, usually from about four.
• Twelve pieces is a lot to start with. Take a few out at a time until they are confident.
• Wood is wipe-clean only. Use a damp cloth, never a soak.

What we like about it

• Twelve shaped number blocks, each fitting one slot
• Hour and minute hands that turn
• Grows from shape puzzle to number game to clock
• A friendly hedgehog design that looks good out on a shelf
• Wood with child-safe paint, UKCA and CE marked
• No batteries, no screens

Specification

• Suitable from: 12 months
• Contents: hedgehog clock board with turning hour and minute hands; 12 shape-matching number blocks
• Size: approx. 27 x 27 x 3cm
• Material: wood with child-safe paint
• Brand: Speedy Monkey, designed in France
• Safety: UKCA and CE marked
• Care: wipe with a damp cloth

❓ Frequently asked questions

Will it teach my child to tell the time?
Not at one, and not on its own. It gives them the numbers in order and the idea that the hands move. Telling the time properly usually comes at school age.

Is it too hard for a one-year-old?
All twelve at once can be. Start with a few blocks out and the rest in place, and it becomes a puzzle they can finish.

Do the hands come off?
No, the hour and minute hands are fixed to the board and turn.

How do I clean it?
Wipe with a damp cloth. Do not soak painted wood.

🔍 Which first puzzle or shape sorter?

This one first, then the rest of our Speedy Monkey puzzles and sorters, simplest first. All are suitable from 12 months:

• Hedgehog Clock Game — this one. Twelve number blocks round a clock face, with hands that turn.
• Animal Puzzle — a frog, koala, hedgehog and fox in a board, the simplest of the set.
• Early Learning Puzzle Board — four shapes and a bear to lift out and put back.
• House Shape Sorter — eight patterned blocks to post, and a roof that lifts to get them out.
• Animal Shape Box — a fox, teddy, deer and frog to post, small enough to carry about.
• Building Blocks With Shape Sorter — 50 printed blocks, with a bucket whose lid is a shape sorter.
• Garden Surprise Puzzle — six knobbed eggs with chicks and bunnies hiding underneath.
• 5 in 1 Wooden Activity Cube — a shape sorter on one side and four more activities on the rest.

Our guides to puzzle toys for babies and Montessori toys go into more detail.

Safety information

Adult supervision recommended. Check the toy regularly and stop using it if any piece is cracked, splintered or loose.

❤️ From our family to yours

Carefully chosen products for babies, toddlers and parents. Browse the rest of our Speedy Monkey range and our wooden toys — free UK delivery on orders over £25.