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.
Here are some great options for the littlest ones on your list this year!
Loveevery
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$140
Many activity gyms can be overstimulating, but this one features wood and more muted colors and designs. It also converts into a little tent when baby is older and on the move.
Age: 0-18 months
Oh Happy Tree
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$42.50
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.
Age: 0-18 months
Wee Gallery
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$15.99
As young babies can’t yet see color, simple black and white images are the most striking to them. This set is great because the images can be used individually, or strung together into a book.
Age: 0-18 months
Elite Montessori Store
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$18.99
As your baby drops the ball into the hole, watches it disappear, and then finds it again, he learns that things do not necessarily disappear when he can’t see them anymore.
Age: 0-18 months
MontiKids
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$297
Nurture baby’s sight skills, concentration and coordination with this interactive activity gym. Simply change the mobiles and activities that hang on as your baby develops.
Age: 0+
Global Babies
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$5.99
It is never too early to start reading to your baby and books that feature real images of people, nature and everyday items are a great place to start.
Age: 0-18 months
Fly Whale
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$15.99
This is a great first puzzle as it is made of beautiful wood and has only three pieces.
Age: 0-18 months
PlanToys x pbk
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$24
This six-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.
Age: 0+
Nugget
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$259
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 this ingenious kid-sized “couch” with four separate foam pieces offers endless play possibilities. 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.
Age: 2+
Piccalio
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$329
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.
Lovevery
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$90
Open-ended toys like wooden blocks encourage creativity and long stretches of concentration. This one is the only block set you’ll ever need.
Age: 18 month-3 years old
Melissa & Doug
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$20
Exploring rhythm and music together is a great activity for those cold winter months when outdoor play may be more limited.
Age: 1-3 years old
Wishbone Design Studio
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$199
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 and the heirloom quality means it can easily be passed down.
Age: 0-4 years old
Hape
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$18.50
Sensory play is a critical part of the Montessori method. This beach set is great for sand or water and allows little ones to scoop, pour, sift and experiment.
Age: 1-3 years old
The Original Toy Company Store
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$17.44
This toy is so simple, yet so entertaining for babies and young toddlers, who love practicing taking things out and putting them back in.
Age: 1-3 years old
Kinderific
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$19.95
A quality child-sized gardening set is one of the earliest ways small children can help with yard work.
Age: 1+ years old
Radio Flyer
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$39.97
If they’re really ready to dig in (see what we did there?) and help, a kid-sized wheelbarrow and tools gives them all the license they need.
Age: 3+ years old
Melissa & Doug
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$21.24
Toddlers love to help with whatever household chores you are doing. A mop, dust pan and broom just their size allows them to clean alongside you.
Age: 1-3 years old
Little Partners
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$199.99
This enables your child to work with you at the kitchen counter. This particular model lets them climb in and out of the tower independently.
Age: 1-3 years old
Habbi Habbi
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$74
This book features beautiful careers and includes a ‘magic’ wand that helps kids read in both English and Spanish.
Age: 1-3 years old
Coogam
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$14.99
This stacker looks beautiful on the shelf and also offers a challenge and introduces the concept of rainbow order.
Age: 1-3 years old
Melissa & Doug
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$20.95
As growing toddlers become increasingly aware of and interested in the wider world around them, the weather becomes a fascinating topic.
Age: 1-3 years old
Plan Toys
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$24.99
Here’s the challenge. Move the entire stack to another rod, one disk at a time—without stacking a larger disk on top of a smaller one. Designed in 1883 by French mathematician Edouard Lucas, this puzzle is popular among Montessori teachers as it helps master problem solving, logic and enhance math skills.
Age: 3-6 years old
BM Toys
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$14.95
There are so many fun ways for your 3-year-old to play with these colorful beads and necklaces. They encourage fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and open-ended play.
Age: 3-6 years old
Wonder Toys
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$19.99
These challenging puzzles depict the human body in layers, from a skeleton, to the organs to the anatomy. It also comes with detailed educational cards to learn the different parts of the human body.
Age: 3-6 years old
IKEA
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$18
This early hammering work is great for hand-eye coordination and introducing a real life skill. This one provides a greater challenge.
Age: 3-6 years old
$12.99
Exploring patterns is highly engaging and great for pre-math skills.
Age: 3-6 years old
Little Likes Kids
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$16.99
A memory game is a wonderful gift that grows with your child, as younger children enjoy simply examining and matching the pictures and older children love the actual game.
Age: 3-6 years old
Hape
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$21.99
Once a child can be safe and in control, giving them real tools builds confidence and allows them to participate in purposeful work.
Age: 3-6 years old
Kiko + GG
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$52
Simple games like bingo allow young children to practice playing a game with friends, including how to win and lose graciously. This one from modern-minimalist brand kiko & gg also helps teach numbers 1-50 and bonus! looks impossibly adorable on the shelf.
Age: 3+ years old
Lauri
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$16.99
Toys that support scientific exploration encourage your child to be his own teacher and keep his curiosity alive.
Age: 3-6 years old
Gaiam
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$17.98
Yoga helps children learn self-regulation, calming breathing techniques and control of their bodies. Bonus: Add these yoga cards!
Age: 3-6 years old
Buddha Board
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$34.95
Calming activities like Japanese brush painting help children in Montessori classrooms learn to be peaceful and can do the same in your home.
Age: 5 years old+
My First Origami
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$12.58
Origami encourages development of spacial skills and a different way of thinking and children love seeing all of the things they can create with just paper.
Age: 3-6 years old
Opinel
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$49
Cutting, chopping and prepping fruits and veggies is a great way to get little ones involved in cooking (with supervision of course). This set offers the real thing with safety measures that keep it age-appropriate.
Age: 6+
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