A Montessori-inspired gift guide—for newborns to 6-year-olds

There are plenty of Montessori-friendly toys that are beautiful and engaging, but also appeal to children's developmental needs.
By Christina Clemer and Sara Goldstein Updated Sep. 17, 2024
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With so many toys out there, it can be hard to find intentional gifts for our children that are both fun and meaningful. Using a Montessori approach to your shopping doesn’t mean your choices need to be academic. There are plenty of Montessori-friendly toys that are beautiful and engaging, but also appeal to children’s developmental needs. Not sure how to choose the best Montessori gifts for kids? We can help!
Montessori toys are usually made from natural materials, non-electronic and foster independent play, creativity and concentration. Montessori materials are simple and somewhat minimalist in general, and this is especially true for infants and young toddlers. The world is so stimulating for these little ones already, that simple toys made of natural materials spark the child’s curiosity without being overwhelming. Montessori toys are also a great investment since they’re generally well-made and often designed to grow with your little one.
The holiday season is a great excuse to stock the toy shelf with some Montessori gifts. We’ve curated some of our favorites for babies, toddlers and kids that they’ll love as much as you will.
Here are some great options for the littlest ones on your list this year!
Looking for more gift ideas? Check out all of our holiday gift guides!
Our favorite Montessori gifts for babies

$140
From their earliest days all the way through toddlerhood, this stage-based play gym brings all kinds of age-appropriate Montessori activities together. Starting with the brilliant five zone play mat with flaps that can reveal or conceal in order to prevent overstimulation, little ones can explore sounds, colors and textures. Add in the collection of interchangeable toys (including an organic cotton high contrast Montessori ball, sustainably-sourced wooden batting ring, and an organic cotton teether with BPA-free silicone ring) and cards, and they’ll be busy and learning for hours. Even better, as they grow it can be transformed into a cozy fort to play in!

$25
Stacking rings have been a part of early play for generations. And for good reason! They help babies develop and refine their hand-eye coordination and dexterity, while presenting a set of challenges that grow along with them. Start by handing them one ring to place and work up to placing them in size order.

$35
Another toy we love for little ones who are still working on visual development, dexterity, and hand-eye coordination is a black and white grasp ball. The segmented fabric design makes it easy to hold and manipulate while the dalmatian pattern helps strengthen eye sight. For the tiniest babes, it can be hung from a play gym or baby seat and as they get older it’s fun to chew, drop and throw.

$25
This beautifully handmade ring is a grabbing toy, teether and rattle all rolled into one. It’s perfect for little ones exploring tactile senses as they practice reaching, grasping and hand-eye coordination. Like everything from Loulou Lollipop it’s thoughtfully crafted from birch wood and food-grade silicone so you’ll never have to worry about toxins or chemicals

$11.83
Encouraging sensory exploration is a huge part of the Montessori philosophy. These sensory balls are brightly colored, have varied textures, and are perfectly sized for chubby little hands.

$35.50
This eight-block set gives little ones a lot to discover! Each block includes a different surprise to help explore cause and effect while building motor skills and coordination. And while they’re great on their own, they also integrate seamlessly with a growing block collection! They’re made from sustainable beechwood and non-toxic water-based paint, so no worries when they end up in their mouth.
Our favorite Montessori gifts for toddlers

$48
Play silks are a perfect vehicle for open-ended play—and one that your kiddo will keep coming back to. Turn them into flags when exploring new lands, a cape for saving the day or a quick cover for a simple game of peek-a-boo. These Montessori faves are costly upfront, but so worth the price.

$329
Is it a couch? A bed? A spaceship? Or a castle? Only your little one will know the answer! Encouraging open-ended play is a Montessori must—and few pieces of kid furniture offer imaginative inspiration like play couches. There are a ton to choose from these days, but Figgy remains a favorite. Made from six or seven separate foam pieces with a variety of pillow shapes which can be purchased separately, it offers more flexibility than other styles. Your little one will love that it’s fun, soft, and endlessly rearrange-able, and you’ll love that it’s safe, free of harmful chemicals, and machine washable.

$349
Pikler triangles are a staple in Montessori classrooms and have subsequently gained popularity at home as well. Developed as a tool to help improve motor development skills, to forge independent activity, and to allow freedom of movement, they’re endlessly entertaining for toddlers and bigger kids alike. This foldable version comes with detachable ramp that features a rock climbing wall on one side and a flat surface for sliding on the other.

$179
Unlike bikes with pedals and training wheels, balance bikes make learning to ride effortless and fun. By learning the key skill of balance first, they’re able to progress to riding without having to “unlearn” bad habits that take hold when riding with training wheels. This version from New Zealand brand Wishbone is pricier than others, but designed to last far longer than most models with a 2-in-1 frame that can be flipped as they grow. The heirloom quality construction means it can easily be passed down as well.

$209.99
A learning tower is the perfect tool for the curious toddler. There are so many uses here, but we especially love it for all things in the kitchen, whether it’s cooking, baking, or even learning to meal prep or wash dishes. This one from Piccalio is sturdy and adjustable to grow with your child but best of all, it can transform into a toddler-sized table for snacktime. It’s an investment, but one that we think is well worth the splurge! (Check out more of our favorite learning towers!)
Our favorite Montessori gifts for kids

$249.99
This simple but well-stocked outdoor kitchen from Hape is designed to withstand the elements and last long enough to be passed down–a tenet of the brand we’ve always appreciated! We love that every feature is designed with mixing and making in mind, from the generously sized water tank and sink to the recessed bowls on the stove top. There’s also knobs to turn and an oven as well as plenty of storage space below. The set also comes with a pot, ladle, two bowls, two flowerpots, a sieve, water tank, sink, faucet and oven plate.

$29.99
This early hammering work is great for hand-eye coordination and introducing a real life skill. The cork board and tacks can be used over and over to create endless patterns and shapes. Pro-tip: Store the tacks in a small tin with a magnet to keep them from ending up somewhere they shouldn’t. (Like your foot.)

$17.98
Yoga helps children learn self-regulation, calming breathing techniques and control of their bodies. Bonus: Add these yoga cards!
A version of this story was published October 27, 2021. It has been updated.












































































































