Our Favorite Montessori Toys
The Montessori philosophy on toys is that they should encourage children to be independent, explore, and create hands-on learning experiences. You’ll often find Montessori toys are open-ended, created from natural materials, mimic real-world objects, and are self-correcting.
For example, when children have toys like a character from a movie, they tend to follow the scripts they know for that character. For young children it’s hard for them to break the character from the mold and be someone or something else. Open-ended toys don’t come with a pre-written story, a child is left to imagine, be spontaneous, and write the ending themselves. Research shows that the skills developed from creative play as a child are demonstrated by competency and capability in adults!
We compiled our list of top Montessori toys for preschoolers, toddlers, and growing kids.
The Haba Crystal Stacking Game
The Crystal Staking game by Haba is a hit in our house. Designed to promote critical thinking and to develop fine motor skills, it’s a great way to teach your budding architect how to build through beautifully colored blocks. Kids love naming and sorting by color and shape, too. The game offers three (3) levels of difficulty, which allows your child to use it for an extended period of time and the chance to master a skill.
The Figgy Play Couch
Looking to take your fort-building to the next level? The Figgy creates a blank canvas for open-ended play. Turn your Figgy play couch into a rocket ship, obstacle course, or secret hideaway. Durable, sensory-friendly fabrics, waterproof liners, and velcro connectors make this kid’s furniture unique. Being able to connect and disconnect the cushions gives kids a chance to engineer their own adventure. You can even turn it into a play kitchen using the kitchen play panels.
The Lalo Play Tunnel
Ready to crawl on an adventure? Let the Lalo play tunnel lead the way! Designed from high-quality materials and in neutral colors, you’re kids will love all the ways they can play with the tunnel. Did you know that play tunnels can teach kids concepts like in and out, short and long, slow and fast? These are just a few of the ways you can use the play tunnel in a fun yet, educational way.
Lily and River Rocker, Beam, and Stepping Stones set
Balance and fun? Check! The Lily and River rocker, beam and stepping stone set are sure to keep your kids active for hours. Great for improving balance and coordination, this set has endless ways to play. A lesser known benefit is that beams help kid’s develop good posture. Let your kid’s design their own challenge course by laying out the rocker, beam, and stepping stones. It’s a great way to teach about safe risk-taking and decision-making. Plus we love that Lily + River is a mama-led small business!
The KiwiCo Water and Sand Sensory Table
KiwiCo sure has kid’s activities figured out. The water and sand sensory table has multiple uses, a simple yet sturdy design and is made to grow with your kids. One day it’s a play table for water and the next it’s filled with sand. It’s the perfect base for all your sensory play inside or out. Sensory tables have gained popularity over the last few years and according to Cleveland Clinic, “Sensory play can also address two sensory systems that are often overlooked: our proprioceptive and vestibular systems.” Feel good about letting your kids get messy!
New to Montessori? Introducing your kids to Montessori toys
If your kids are used to toys with lots of flashing lights and sounds or being surrounded with a lot toys, they may seem less engaged with more simple toys at first. But don’t give up! In the long-run, kids find Montessori toys to be more engaging. Why? They are doing all the play, not the toy.
- Less is more when it comes to play. Consider a toy rotation and only offering your child a few play items. This creates a less overwhelming environment and gives them a chance to focus on each toy for an extended period of time. It promotes focus and creativity.
- Give your child time to get to know their toy. You may show them how it works, then sit back and let them explore. They almost always find exciting, new uses!
- It’s completely natural to want to help your child when they get stuck and don’t seem to know how to use something - but be patient! Let them struggle a bit, come up with solutions, and off them open-ended suggestions if they need some encouragement.
- Continue introducing the small selection of toys so your child becomes familiar and confident with them. In a toy rotation, you typically swap out toys every one to three weeks (less or more, depending on the child) and do so one or two at a time.
About the author:
Rachel Neill is a mom to six kids. Based in Madison, WI she loves to travel, play, and bake delicious cookies.