Water Wow! Safari vs Colors & Shapes: Which Pad First?
By Melissa & Doug: #1 Preschool Brand For Wooden Toys | Published: 2026-11-03
Category: Comparisons
Compare the Safari and Colors & Shapes Water Wow! pads on themes, learning goals, and price to pick the right first mess-free coloring pad for your toddler.
Quick answer
Start with the Colors & Shapes pad if you want your toddler to practice early shape and color recognition; choose the Safari pad if animals are more likely to hold their attention. Both are reusable, no-mess water-reveal pads, so the decision comes down to theme and learning focus.
What each pad teaches
The Colors & Shapes pad builds in a search-and-find element and explores circles, triangles, squares, and rectangles alongside colors. That makes it a better fit if you want the activity to reinforce preschool concepts during quiet time.
The Safari pad focuses on bright animal scenes. It does not include the same shape-and-color prompts, so it works best as pure imaginative play rather than a learning tool.
Price and value
At catalog prices, the Safari pad is slightly cheaper (USD 6.20 vs USD 6.38), but the difference is small. Both pads include four reusable pages and a refillable water pen, so the per-use value is similar over time.
If you are buying your first pad, pick based on your child's interests rather than the few cents in price difference.
Reusability and mess
Both pads work the same way: fill the pen with water, color the pages, and let them dry to erase the pictures. Neither requires paint, markers, or cleanup, which makes them practical for travel and restaurants.
The Safari pad is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, which may matter if you prioritize responsibly sourced paper products.
Key trade-offs
- Learning vs. theme appeal: Colors & Shapes adds shape and color learning; Safari offers animal scenes that may be more motivating for some toddlers. If your child already knows shapes and colors, Safari keeps the activity fresh.
- Price difference: Safari is USD 6.20 and Colors & Shapes is USD 6.38 at catalog prices, so cost is nearly identical. Do not let the small price gap drive the decision.
- Eco certification: Only the Safari pad is listed as FSC-certified; the Colors & Shapes listing does not mention certification. Choose Safari if FSC certification is a priority for you.
Product facts
- Water Wow! Water-Reveal Pad - Colors, Shapes: Includes four reusable pages and a refillable no-leak water pen, and explores colors, circles, triangles, squares, and rectangles with a search-and-find element. Gives toddlers repeated shape and color practice without any setup beyond filling the pen.
Water Wow! Water-Reveal Pad - Colors, Shapes - Water Wow! Water-Reveal Pad - Safari: Features bright safari-themed scenes and is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. Animal-loving kids get engaging scenes, and eco-conscious parents get a responsibly sourced option.
Water Wow! Water-Reveal Pad - Safari
Which pad fits your child?
Best for
- Toddlers who are just learning shapes and colors
- Parents who want a quiet activity with a built-in search-and-find game
Not for
- Toddlers who are animal-obsessed and may lose interest in shape drills
- Shoppers who specifically want an FSC-certified pad
