They are the perfect all-in-one material for teaching your child their letters and numbers using the Montessori method. When a child engages with a battery-powered toy, they will press a button as they wait to be entertained. Baby-safe beads like these are perfect for tiny hands as your little one tries to manipulate the beads around each other (dont worry, theyre secured together by an elastic band), so theyll build up their hand muscles and coordination in no time. We independently select and share the products we loveand may receive a commission if you choose to buy. I searched for a dowel stacker like this forever. The pieces click together with safely hidden magnets to give their structures just the right amount of integrity. The innovators at Omie believe in the countless benefits to bento box lunches as its compartments help with portion control and different food groups. Babies will practice precise hand movements when they pick up and put the ball into the hole. The 12-piece set features Sesame Streets Grover who encourages your toddler to read, build and enjoy colors with this interactive bundle. 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. Nine foam pieces can be arranged into stairs, a tunnel, and a slide, allowing your child to practice motor and balance skills and burn off all that extra energy. Kids can gain exposure to advanced coding subjects while being creative with these Coding Charms. Even before baby is mobile (crawling typically starts around 8-9 months), a rolling toy can help them develop hand-eye coordination, and its a good way for adults to actively engage with baby as you roll it back and forth. Providing creative possibilities beyond the scope of standard blocks, this stackers will also look beautiful on a shelf. Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. If your child is into trucks and building, chances are this screwdriver set is the perfect gift to help develop their fine motor skills. Exploration and activity are two important pieces of the Montessori philosophylittle hands should be encouraged to sort, pour, scoop and empty with all kinds of liquids and materials. The company just launched its new creamy coconut conditioner, a scent that both parents and children will enjoy. As they get older theyll find tons of different ways to play. They are lightweight for little hands and easy to work with, encouraging independence and joy in their play. Thanks to its light weight and unique shape, its easy for even the tiniest hands to grab onto and explore. The vibrant and easy-to-grip 25-piece set is the perfect introduction to sensory toys and will bring babies into a new world of imagination. When a child sits in a chair with their feet on the floor, they develop better core strength, leading to better fine motor skills, like handwriting and self-feeding. Most are made of natural elements like wood, so kids can learn about texture, temperature, and weight just by playing with the toy. Babylist editors love baby gear and independently curate their favorite products to share with you. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. It comes with furniture for a living room, bathroom, bedroom and kitchen. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. Unstructured playbenefits kids' mental and physical healthit helps them make sense of the world around them through teachingboundaries and social interactionsand it's evengood for you, too, mama. For less than $50, Funboy Kiddie Pools are a personal pick for utilizing safe, non-toxic, soft touch vinyl that is free from harmful chemicals. Montessori toys are simple and typically made of natural materials and are rooted in reality (so think butterflies instead of fairies). A Montessori education is based on self-directed activity, hands-on learning, and collaborative play. Having them available in one kit saves you time searching for toys that target each milestone, and time is valuable when you're a new parent. Funboy just launched Funbaby, a line of fun floaties for kids. If you want to raise a future museum-goer or gallery enthusiast, consider baby essentials from the Etta Loves x Keith Haring collection. This means the toys should look as realistic and true to form as possible. From early concepts like color identification and developing fine motor skills, to more advanced concepts like building, nesting, and pretend play, this simple, colorfuland so, so beautifulheirloom-quality puzzle stacker will quickly become a playtime favorite. This indoor climbing structure is designed to begin use as young as six months and can be configured to grow with your child from there. All Rights Reserved, This is a BETA experience. By choosing toys that reflect the world that your child lives in, they will be encouraged to develop their imagination naturally during their first six years of life. The touching and classic childrens book is a vividly illustrated story of a family of ducks out for a walk and the surprises they meet along the way. Radio Flyer wagons have been around for decadesand for good reason. Kinetic Sand is the perfect, mess-free alternative to a sandbox. These groovy timers are a fun way for kids to learn about the passing of time and an excellent tool to promote relaxation and daydreaming. With stylish original prints like Tropical Palm and Ibiza Boheme, you might want to cool off in it, too. Unlike bikes with pedals and training wheels, balance bikes make learning to ride effortless and fun. As you walk together, your little one can practice all the wonderful vocabulary they learn along the way, too. One celebrated release from Simon & Schuster is Ducks on the Road by Anita Lobel, a Caldecott Honor recipient artist. Imaginations will run wild as playrooms are brightened with this versatile wooden rainbow toy. Dust, Sweep & Mop, available at Target and Kohl's, from $25.19. Created to address specific developmental milestones and skills, these toys are purpose-driven, but still provide plenty of fun. Theyre great for bath time and snack time: they don't have drainage holes so they double as cups for snacks on the go. The silicone flaps make it so little hands can have easy access to their favorite snacks and is portable. The Bundle has everything you need to begin a positive reading journey. Theyll enjoy combing and brushing their own hair by their toddler years, and these items will look lovely on babys vanity. These minimalist-style toys are designed to help your child learn and expand their world through open-ended play. Each doll in this set is based on the adorable characters from the world-famous Studio Ghibli movie, My Neighbor Totoro. Learn more about Made of 100% wood, the 50-piece set includes blocks in 11 different shapes. Jennifer LaBracio Wooden teethers are an ideal solution for tiny sore gums. For a one-time purchase, the Plan Toys 50 Block Set (view at Amazon) is a toy that is fun for all ages and will provide tons of open-ended playtime for your family. If Montessori toys are especially important to your family, the Lovevery subscription kit (view at Lovevery) is a foolproof way to incorporate age-appropriate toys into your childs life. The company also creates conversation cards that focus on topics like Good Citizenship and Respect the Earth, with sets of cards for both parents. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Kids can mix mud and twigs to make the perfect pretend treat. First through listening, then through participating. Gonge Hilltops Stepping Stones (Set of 5), available at Amazon and Fat Brain Toys, from $119.99. Incorporate this educational philosophy from day one with these 10 Montessori-friendly toys. They will also be working on a growth mindset and executive functioning as they learn the steps it takes to build their creation. It doesn't take up much space and is beautifully illustrated. Just note that youll have to be located within the contiguous United States to sign up. Stage 1: Beginning Readers Bundle, available at Bob Books, $52.99. Providing opportunities to do so when your little one is small is a great start. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. The Plan Toys 50 Block Set ranks high on our list because these blocks are simple, easy to use, and perfect for manipulating. This organic cotton crinkle toy will stimulate both auditory and tactile senses as baby grasps and squishes it. This helps kids develop an understanding of ideas, consequences, and cause and effect. Montessori toys encourage children to build, interact, learn, and manipulate. Clutter can be overwhelming for little ones, and the science tells us thatchildren play longer and more happily withlesstoys. Natural Bentwood Multipurpose Kids Wooden Chair Set (3-Piece), available on Amazon, $187.42. While they make 15 adorable key chain charms, they learn about algorithms, sequencing, variables, binary coding and much more. ), refillable paper dispenser, three no-spill cups and a tray for storing paints and other art supplies. If you are starting to consider incorporating more independence into your baby's daily routine, introducing a baby cup is a great start. Related: Everyone loves the Nugget Play couch but these alternatives are equally awesome. Montessori learning is characterized by beauty, harmony, order and closeness to nature. This simple, yet functional, easel from Hape features a chalkboard, a magnetic dry erase board (magnets included! The possibilities are endless, and while kids use their imagination, theyll be gaining awareness of their body, strengthening their balance, and embarking on all kinds of make-believe adventures. Educational toys benefit kids motor, sensory and problem-solving abilities, says Charlene DeLoach, contributing editor at Toy Insider. Rather, it provides them an opportunity to explore and experiment. A nutritious meal provides the fuel they need to get through the school day. With these in mind, Thomas & Friends has launched a special-edition back to school kit, which features five trains to be a companion to toddlers during their first week of school while teaching them bravery and other attributes. You should also look for toys that encourage children to build, interact, learn, and manipulate. Once baby has learned the basics of grasping, theyll love manipulating these wooden beads along the tracks and following the paths with their eyes. Attractive, simple, and loads of fun, older kids will love building with stylishly designed magnetic wooden blocks. These soft and textured blocks will keep your child engaged from baby to toddler years. A bed? Flip it over and its a super fun play structure that can support up to 200 pounds! The bright, realistic images will catch the attention of even the youngest readers, while older babies and young toddlers will love expanding their vocabulary with lots of new words. Speaking of the great outdoors, with the warm months ahead, now is a wonderful time to relax and truly be present with your child. From the creators of the bokee comes the next in their product lineup, the bowl. Perfect for kids 6 months old and up, this budget-friendly four-pack of sensory balls provides satisfying fun as kiddos kick, squeeze, roll, toss, and play. Theres also a removable cover for shade. Luckily parents are wisening up and focusing on the ingredient list more than ever. When looking for toys that foster a childs development, there are three things to remembereducation, engagement and entertainment. Theres a simple delight in watching objects speeding down a ramp, and that joy is not lost on this classic toy. For example, miniature animal figurines should be visually accurate to the actual animal including the right color, shape, and proportions. When choosing toys for your baby and toddler, we like the less-is-moreMontessori-inspired approach: fewer, higher quality toys, each with a purpose, made from mostly natural materials, that can grow along with your child. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider And while youre a few years off from having to decide if a Montessori preschool is the right choice for your family, its definitely possible to start incorporating the Montessori philosophy at home, right from day one, through doing what comes so naturally to your baby: playing. The balls are also great for developing motor skillsyou can bounce, roll and toss them around safely without worrying that your little one is going to get hurt. It can even become a prop for imaginative play. Kids are always dazzled when given real things, making this board appealing to busy young learners. The 42-piece set includes nine differently shaped blocks and can easily be added to other sets or other blocks. Make packing a breeze with Loveverys new Park Blanket, which is easy to carry, fold and clean. This BPA-free, silicone, spill-proof, collapsible, reusable, portable 2-in-1 Bowl + Cup works with both food or drink. Q Toys Natural Counting Board, available at The Tot, $36.99. While they are safe for kids 12 months old and up, older kids will love the challenge of building complex, open-ended structures that have the support of magnets, which allow them to test their limits and creativity. This kitchen comes with everything they need to make classic mud pies and pretend dirt desserts.. It can be filled with sand, rice, or even hold trays of water for years of sensory play. The paper inside makes a satisfying crunch with every movement, and the high-contrast image on the outside is great for developing eyesight (babies can see high-contrast and black-and-white images better than low-contrast in the first few months). Montessori toys should be simple and encourage creativity, like blocks and balls, without being overwhelming, like electronic toys with lots of bells and whistles. Montessori toys are available for all ages and developmental levels. By doing things like reading them books about animals in the wild versus animals having a picnic, it helps them establish a secure connection to the world around them and develop a sense of imagination. Or a castle? I made an impact and a change with my own hard work.. By seeing that the ball did not disappear but instead rolled out of the box and into the attached tray, theyll be learning object permanence. Its safe to say were a bit obsessed with the gorgeous grow-with-me rockers from Cassarokids. This board can support up to 485 pounds, and kids will love exploring and playing with such a versatile toy. Promote balance, coordination, and creativity as kids play alone or with others with this unique set of eight plastic stepping stones. Bead mazes like this one are perfect for building your little ones fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. are a key idea in Montessori thinking. Simple toys that focus on one concept (shapes, colors, etc.) Here both experts share top toys that align with Montessori-inspired education, or simply encourage imaginative play. Liquid Motion and Sand Timers, available at Amazon, $16.59. Games that encourage fine motor development are always a great addition to any toy collection at home, but toys that can provide more than one educational element are even better. The Radio Flyer Walking Wagon is the ideal companion for a little one who is just learning to cruise and take their first steps. I love this wooden play kitchen because it encourages outdoor active play and creativity, says DeLoach. But when it comes to younger babies and toddlers, you want a safer alternative. But sometimes all a young child needs is a classic kiddie pool to splash around in. Below, I've rounded up a list of toys that uphold the Montessori ideals of independence and self-directed learning, are non-commercial, and are powered by curiosity. Made of solid wood, the lack of color and decorations help young children focus on the task at hand. Its betting on a proprietary blend of nutrients like Omega3s and choline to supercharge kids' developing brains. Lets Go Binoculars can be a fun addition to hikes for a toddler as they search for signs of wildlife on your adventures, and come with a strap so your little one can proudly keep track of their gear. Instead of stocking your little ones playroom with tons of toys, choose only a few. Encouraging sensory exploration is a key tenet of Montessori education. These toys will capture a child's attention and ignite their curiosity about the world around them, making them a welcome addition to any home. Your baby will test their own limits within a safe space. Check out some of our favorite Montessori toys that will grow with your child. The thick, round knob on this one-piece puzzle is the perfect size for tiny fingers to grip, and once kiddo figures out how to lift the piece away, their sense of discovery will be thoroughly engaged by the fun surprise waiting underneaththeir own reflection! If you are hesitant to start a literacy routine with your child, look no further than the Bob Books Beginning Readers Bundle. An amazing solution for parents looking to grow their collection of Montessori-based toys, Lovevery delivers a play kit every two to three months with toys catered to your babys age and stage. What age is appropriate for Montessori toys? The Best Toys for 3-Year-Old Boys to Feed Their Creativity, The 22 Best Toys for 7-Month-Olds of 2022, The 12 Best Toys for Independent Play of 2022, The 9 Best Educational Toys for 4-Year-Olds of 2022, The 8 Best Developmental Toys for 6-Month-Olds of 2022, The 19 Best Toys for 5-Month-Olds of 2022, The 9 Best Toys for 12-Month-Olds of 2022, The 8 Best Educational Toys for 2-Year-Olds of 2022, The 19 Best Toys for 6-Year-Old Boys of 2022, The 9 Best Toys for 10-Month-Olds of 2022, The 30 Best Toys for 18-Month-Olds of 2022, The 11 Best Toys for Fine Motor Skill Development of 2022. You may opt-out by. The open-ended nature of blocks allows for endless fun and is appropriate for kids of all ages. Developed as a tool to help improve motor development skills, to forge independent activity, and to allow freedom of movement, theyre endlessly entertaining for toddlers and bigger kids alike. The sparse learning environment should facilitate movement and activity and only include materials that will support the students' development. Your little one will love that its fun, comfy, and endlessly rearrange-able, and youll love that its safe, free of harmful chemicals, and machine washable. As a toddler builds various structures they will be testing out hypotheses and trial and error as they learn lessons in cause and effect along the way. (Check out more of our favorite learning towers!). The pieces are easy to clean and Green Guard (gold) certified. But how many toys do your little onesreallyneed? Theres no official list of approved Montessori toys; rather, a toy is considered Montessori-friendly if it supports the same educational philosophies as the Montessori approach. And a good, or epic, play mat can also serve babys mental development. Best of all, there is a Playroom where families can access a library of live activities and classes. It has been updated. Several details of this design make my Montessori heart swoon. Why? While most sensory balls are made with plastic or silicone, these are made with natural rubber, so theyre Montessori-friendly (but go for a silicone option if a latex allergy is a concern).