Best Gifts for Kids: Montessori-Friendly Baby and Toddler Toys

I can’t believe I’ve already been a grandma for five years now! In addition to my 5 year old granddaughter, Zoey, I have an 11-month-old granddaughter, Sophia (Zoey’s sister), and 8-month-old grandson, Caleb. It’s been so much fun to discover new Montessori-friendly toys for babies along with sharing toys that have been Montessori-friendly classics for years.

 

Montessori-friendly toys allow for natural, open-ended learning. They are typically made of wood and other natural materials. (Note: There really is no such thing as a Montessori toy. These are simply toys that work well for families using Montessori principles at home.)

You won’t find easily breakable, battery-operated toys here … just beautiful, natural toys that encourage happy play and optimal mind- and body development. These toys never become outdated … many of them are like my now-adult children’s favorite toys as babies and toddlers.

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Some of my Favorite Picks for Montessori-Friendly Baby and Toddler Toys

Bell Heirloom Rattle for ages infant – 1½

 

Montessori Infant Toys Set for ages 0- 1½

 

Rainbow Ring Clutching Toy for ages ½ – 1½

Green Ring Two-Stage Teether Toy for ages ½-1½

Wooden Bird Shaker by Hohner from For Small Hands for ages ½ – 5

Taggies Colours Toss for ages 0-2 (Caleb adores Taggies and has a number of different kinds. You can find lots of different Taggies on Amazon.)

Classic Rainbow Skwish for ages 0-2 (This was Caleb’s favorite first toy. You can read Christina’s review of the Skwish here.)

Melissa & Doug Caterpillar Wooden Toy for ages ½-3

Schleich Animals (Use the larger ones for babies and toddlers – ones that don’t fit through a toilet paper tube. I’ve used treasure/language baskets with Schleich farm animals, zoo animals, ocean animals, and polar animals.)

I like the Radio Flyer classic walker wagon for pre-walkers on up because of its front bumper to prevent nicks and scratches on the furniture, its stability for babies just learning to walk, and its classic design. (See the walker wagon in action: Meeting the Need for Movement in Crawling/Pre-Walking Babies. This walker wagon has been very popular with all 3 of my grandkids. It helped Zoey and Sophia prepare for walking, and they continued to enjoy it afterward. Caleb loves using it now as he prepares for walking.)

Montessori Object Permanence Box for ages ½-1½

 

Montessori Coin Box for ages ½-1½

Classic Wooden Rocking Stacker for ages 1½ – 3

 

Classic Wooden Walk ‘n’ Roll by Plan Toys for ages 1 – 3½ (You’ll also find the Walk ‘n’ Roll on Amazon, along with lots of other wonderful Plan toys for babies and toddlers.)

Plan Toy Punch and Drop is designed for ages 1+. My grandkids have loved this from 6 months on. Before they can use the mallet, they can push the balls through. The toy works similarly to the Montessori object permanence box with ball and tray where the ball rolls out after being pushed or hammered.

Pound and Roll for ages 1½ – 3 is another variation. They’re all nice, so just choose what you think would be best for your baby or toddler

Grimm’s Seven Friends in 7 Bowls: Set of Wooden Sorting & Matching Rainbow Peg Dolls with Tray is designed for ages 1+. I purchased this set this year and love it for my 12-month-old granddaughter and 9 month-old grandson. It can be used to work on a number of skills, and it’ll be fun for them for a few years.

Junior Ramp Racer for ages 18 months – 4 years

Of course, one of the best gifts for a baby (or adapted for a toddler) is a treasure basket. Check out my roundup posts: “How to Make a Treasure Basket for Your Baby” and “Themed Treasure Baskets for Babies.”

Other Products for Babies and Toddlers that Help Create a Montessori-Friendly Environment

Horizontal Mirror (with included feet, the mirror can be used horizontally for babies and toddlers)

King’s Brand 2-tier 30″ white bookcase. We assembled it without the legs. Even though it has two shelves rather than one,  it isn’t too tall for a baby who can pull him- or herself to a standing position by the shelf. It’s stable enough that it can’t be pulled over. (See the shelf in use: Preparing a Montessori Baby-Toddler Space at Home.)

Baby/Toddler Hammered Flatware Set for ages ½ – 3

First Glass Set – 6 tiny restaurant-quality “glass” glasses – for ages 1-2½