It’s no secret around here that we ? all things Montessori, especially when it comes to toys. We love their simple, beautiful design; we love that they each have a clear purpose; and we love that they grow with your child and help encourage hours of open-ended, imaginative play.
If your little one has moved beyond her favorite infant Montessori toys, it’s time to check out our picks for the toddler years. We’ve selected toys that build fine motor skills, develop cognitive thinking, encourage pretend play, and that satisfy every toddler’s “I can do it myself!” urge!
1. For helping out
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. We also love that it’s sturdy and adjustable to grow with your child. It’s an investment, but one that we think is well worth the splurge!
Little Partners Kitchen Helper
$176.99, Wayfair
2. On the move
Perfect for pretend play, this all-natural, durable (and a-dorable) doggie push toy made from solid maple will be a playroom staple for years to come. We also love that Little Sapling plants a tree for every toy sold! ?
Little Sapling Dog Wooden Push Toy
$34.00, Etsy
3. Sorting skills
One of the most popular Montessori-inspired toddler toys that packs a conceptual punch—these colorful wooden cups and balls teach colors, numbers, and spacial skills, along with developing fine motor skills. So many ways to play!
Mama May I Colored Cups and Balls
$24.00, Etsy
4. A soft doll
Montessori-inspired dolls should be as lifelike as possible. We love that this one fits the bill while also being completely machine washable and durable enough for hours of toddler pretend play.
Lakeshore Washable Doll
$19.99, Lakeshore Learning
5. Peg dolls
Simple, colorful peg dolls are a Montessori fave. They’re perfectly sized for little hands, and there are countless ways toddlers can play and pretend with them for many years. We love these because they also teach sorting and basic colors.
Grimm’s Seven Friends in 7 Bowls
$55.95, Amazon
6. Household objects
Toddlers will love practicing their “knife skills” with this wooden food set—and you’ll love that you won’t have to worry about a trip to the hospital! This is a great play set to start teaching your little one about household asks.
Melissa & Doug Cutting Food Play Set
$17.09, Amazon
7. Practical life activities
The Montessori approach focuses a great deal of attention on teaching little ones the basics of "real life” routines and responsibilities. Why not accomplish this and get your shelves dusted at the same time? ??
Melissa & Doug Let’s Play House Pretend Play Set
$26.99, Amazon
8. Realistic figurines
Just like with dolls, the Montessori approach encourages kiddos to play with animal figurines that look just like the real thing. These hand painted figurines are super detailed, come in dozens of varieties, and are perfect for hours of imaginative play.
Schleich Wildlife Starter Set
$16.99, Amazon
9. Complex puzzles
When your toddler has mastered simple puzzles, it may be time to start developing their spacial skills and move up to tangrams. This one’s pieces not only fit within the hexagon base, but also can be removed and manipulated into whatever shape your little one can dream up.
Mako Toys Tangram Puzzle
$12.99, Amazon
10. Interlocking blocks
Interlocking blocks are the perfect challenge for any curious toddler looking for the next step up from classic block sets. These wooden robots will help your kiddo learn about building, balancing and stacking.
Tree Hopper Toys Whoa-Bots
$20.00, Tree Hopper Toys
You might also like:
- Montessori at home: 8 ways to peacefully transition into toddlerhood
- 17 Montessori-friendly objects you can buy at Ikea
- 11 Montessori-friendly toys you can get at Target ?
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