Buy classroom educational toys by the activity, the number of groups using them at once and the contents of one complete set. A nursery does not need the same purchasing plan as a family buying one gift. Shared resources need enough working sets, a way to keep the components together and a clear activity for the learners who will use them.
This guide is for nursery teams, classroom teachers, learning-centre buyers and people arranging a school activity in the UAE. It uses real Sharifco product formats to show how to plan quantities. The station layout is an example you can adapt, rather than a claim that every product suits every nursery age group.
Start with a learning action and a practical question
Write the action you want to offer: “match an Arabic letter to its outline”, “put numerals in order” or “rotate a block until it fits”. This gives a purchasing shortlist more direction than a general request for “educational toys”. Then ask how many groups will use that action at the same time.
For the learner, the task should fit current abilities. For the setting, the materials also need to fit the table space, storage and way staff supervise the activity. NAEYC’s toy guidance makes matching toys to emerging abilities a central selection point.
What should a nursery check before choosing?
- Age marking: check the actual pack for every selected product. “Early learning” is a category label, not a single age rating.
- Activity difficulty: decide whether children will match, sort, sequence or calculate; these demand different knowledge.
- Complete contents: identify what belongs to one board or set and whether the pieces are shared between its activities.
- Routine: check how pieces will be counted, stored and maintained using the manufacturer’s care instructions.
- Language: choose resources that match the language being used in the session.
The arithmetic tile set and screw-matching board have photographed 36+ months marks. The Arabic peg puzzle’s exact age marking needs checking on the physical product. Those examples should not be treated as recommendations for all children attending a nursery.
A worked example for three classroom stations
Suppose you have 24 learners in six groups of four. You choose three station types, with two groups working at each type at one time. If each group uses one complete set, you need two sets for each station type: six complete sets in total. Adjust group size, supervision and activity difficulty to your setting and the product markings.
| Station | Example activity | Complete sets used at once |
|---|---|---|
| Arabic letters | Letter-and-picture puzzle: match a chosen letter and name the picture. | 2 boards: one for each of two groups |
| Numbers | Arithmetic tile set: match numerals or build a suitable equation. | 2 complete sets: one for each of two groups |
| Shapes | 3D block tower: turn and fit pieces to copy a guide arrangement. | 2 complete puzzle sets: one for each of two groups |
When the groups rotate, the same six sets can stay at their stations. The count is based on simultaneous group use, not one toy for every child. If the plan instead requires each learner to take a complete set home, the quantity becomes 24 sets. These are two different purchasing goals.
Build an activity with a clear start and finish
Arabic letter station: choose, match and discuss
Start with a few pieces from the Arabic letter-and-picture board. One learner chooses a piece, another locates its outline, and the group discusses the nearby picture or printed word. These are suggested turn-taking roles, not a manufacturer player-count claim. Finish by returning the fitted pieces to the same board.
Number station: match before increasing the challenge
With the arithmetic tile set, begin at a suitable level: find a named numeral, copy a number arrangement or build a familiar sum. For children ready for the supplied questions, choose a relevant reference card. The two trays do not represent two separately supplied sets; they share the listed components of one complete set.
Shape station: try a different orientation
The Wooden Brain Tower combines a frame, joined-cube block shapes, wooden end pieces and an illustrated guide. Choose an achievable arrangement, try turning a piece, and compare it with the guide. Its numbered side strip is part of the tower design, not a count of independent toys in the order.
What if the session needs number order rather than equations?
The animal number train is another option to consider. Each complete retail set contains one locomotive and ten number vehicles, 0–9. Two groups each using a complete train need two sets, containing 22 vehicles altogether. The vehicle count is useful for checking components; it does not turn those two retail sets into 22 complete learning kits.
When should you plan the order?
Before a new topic or activity programme starts, check existing resources and identify the missing complete sets. For a dated event, send the required date with the enquiry and confirm stock, packing and fulfilment arrangements before promising the activity to families.
For repeated use, plan a simple return check: the correct board, its matching pieces, its guide or cards and a labelled storage space. Ask about care instructions or replacement-component availability when relevant; do not assume every model has spare parts or can be washed in the same way.
How to request educational toys for a UAE school or nursery
Start through Sharifco’s wholesale enquiry page or WhatsApp +971 56 549 2976. A first enquiry can simply describe the age group, activity and delivery city. If the shortlist is ready, add the product links, quantity of complete sets and required date.
Hello Sharifco. We are planning three activity stations for 24 learners. Please quote two Arabic letter boards, two arithmetic tile sets and two Brain Tower puzzle sets, subject to our age-suitability checks. Delivery is to [city], needed by [date]. Please confirm complete contents, packing, availability and the total quote.
Retailers and online sellers can also request a business quote. Pieces per carton, any minimum quantity and prices are confirmed by item. For a visit, Sharifco Trading Co LLC is at Dubai Spice Souk, Al Ras, Deira; ask about the specific models before travelling.
Quick questions from classroom buyers
Do I need one educational toy per child?
Not for every activity. Calculate the number of complete sets used simultaneously. For individual take-home gifts, count a complete unit for every recipient instead.
Does buying two trays mean two sets?
No. The arithmetic listing includes two trays inside one set. Count retail sets separately from their components.
Can I order mixed products?
You can ask for a mixed-product quote. Confirm the packing and any minimum for each selected item. For a home gift rather than a classroom purchase, see our educational toy guide for home learning.
Product details and buying information reviewed on 18 October 2026. Check the linked listing, current shipping policy and product packaging for the version you order.