This Brio Darling My First Train Set is quite clever, as it combines various types of age-appropriate play (18 months-on) in one toy. In addition to pushing the trains along the track, boys and girls can pull the little foals around and use “Darling” (the mommy horse) as a bridge; or the babies can be attached to her belly for feeding time. What’s really nice is Darling has a zip-up pouch in her belly, where the foal trains can be stored, and carried around… to Grandma’s, for instance! All of the pieces are the perfect size for little fingers. It’s a good idea to introduce this starter train set early on, to see if a child takes interest, before moving on to what can become a pricey hobby. Furthermore, this set is compatible with Brio’s classic sets for older kids, so the tracks, etc., can be used throughout childhood.