Montessori toys: what are they and how to choose them?
Montessori toys are toys inspired by the ideas of the Italian doctor and teacher Maria Montessori: simple, made from natural materials or pleasant to
Montessori toys are toys inspired by the ideas of the Italian doctor and teacher Maria Montessori: simple, made from natural materials or pleasant to the touch, and designed so that the child can explore independently. The goal is not to entertain, but to do it yourself, repeat and learn at your own pace. In this guide you will discover what Montessori toys are, how to recognize them, which ones are suitable for children aged 0 to 3 years old and how to apply Montessori principles at home.
What is a Montessori toy?
Montessori toys are based on the philosophy of Maria Montessori (1870–1952). In 1907, she opened her first Casa dei Bambini in Rome, a children’s home where she observed children and developed materials adapted to what she saw. His main lesson: children have a natural need to learn. The adult does not have to direct him, but above all must provide an environment in which the child can discover for himself.
Montessori-style toys therefore focus on practical, concrete activities and experiential learning. They help the child to follow their own interests, to challenge themselves and to explore the world independently. Their design is generally minimalist, without flashing lights, songs or batteries. It is the child who does the work, not the toy.
Good to know: “Montessori” is not a protected term. Not all toys sold under this name really fit the philosophy. This is why it helps to know what to watch out for.
What are the principles of Montessori toys?
- Autonomy. “Help me to do it alone” is undoubtedly the most famous Montessori thought. A toy must be able to be used by the child without assistance.
- Freedom in a frame. The child himself chooses what he plays with, in a safe and orderly environment prepared by the adult.
- Follow the child. You observe what occupies your child and adapt to it, rather than following a fixed schedule.
- Sensitive periods. Maria Montessori described periods when children are particularly receptive to certain skills, such as movement, language or order. Toys that match it are often used for a long time and with concentration.
- Respecting everyone’s rhythm. Every child develops in their own way, physically, cognitively, socially and emotionally.
- The prepared environment. A tidy and safe space, where everything is at child height and has its own place.
How to recognize a real Montessori toy?
| Feature | What it means | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Simple and calm | no distracting lights, sounds or busy print | plain wooden cubes |
| A single goal or skill | the toy focuses on one thing at a time, such as shape, size, or colour | shape sorter, stacking rings |
| Self-correcting | the child sees for himself if he has succeeded, without an adult needing to tell him | a shape only fits in the correct opening |
| Realistic | close to the real world: real animals or objects rather than imaginary characters | realistic animal figurines, real child-sized kitchen utensils |
| Natural and pleasant materials | materials that have weight, texture, and temperature | wood, silicone, cotton, metal |
| Developmentally appropriate | stimulating, but accessible | large button puzzle pieces for young toddlers |
| Usable independently | the child can take it, use it and put it back | a toy that fits on a low shelf |
Wood, silicone and other materials
Wood is the classic Montessori material: it is warm to the touch, has its own weight and lasts a long time. Silicone has also found its place, especially for the little ones. This material is soft and pliable, easy for little hands to grip and resistant to biting and chewing. It is therefore well suited to the oral phase and sensory exploration. Silicone stacking cups, puzzles and sorting toys offer different textures and shapes that invite grabbing, stacking and sorting.
Regardless of the material chosen, the main thing is that the toy offers something to discover and is safe for your child’s age.
What is not a Montessori toy?
To fully understand the difference, it is useful to also know what is not suitable. A toy that mostly does something on its own, like blinking, talking, or playing songs, leaves little room for personal discovery. The same goes for toys with many simultaneous functions: the child does not know where to start and quickly moves from one thing to another. A toy that is too difficult or, on the contrary, too easy is less suitable, because it does not offer a real challenge. This doesn’t mean you have to get rid of all other toys. You can also introduce Montessori principles gradually, for example by temporarily putting away overly stimulating toys and arranging some simple toys clearly.
What are the benefits of Montessori toys?
- Fine motor skills. Screwing, threading, stacking and inserting shapes into an opening strengthen hand and finger muscles and improve coordination.
- The autonomous game. As the toy is simple and accessible, your child can challenge themselves without constantly needing help.
- Focus. A calm toy with a single, clear goal invites longer, uninterrupted play times.
- Problem solving and perseverance. Finding out which shape goes where or how to make a tower fit provides satisfaction and self-confidence.
- Creativity and imagination. Much Montessori material is open-ended: a set of cubes can become a tower, a route or a sorting exercise.
- Language. Realistic toys are an opportunity to name what your child does and sees.
To find out exactly how Montessori toys promote concentration, independence and a calmer pace of play, read How do Montessori toys contribute to child development?
Which Montessori toy for which age?
There are Montessori toys for babies up to school-aged children. For the first three years, here is a general indication:
| Age | What is happening | Adapted Montessori toys |
|---|---|---|
| 0–6 months | to look, to follow with the gaze, first prehensions | contrasting mobile, gripping toys with varied textures, simple rattle, activity arch |
| 6–12 months | grab and release, sit, crawl, put everything in your mouth | grip ring, stacking cups, sensory balls, basket of objects to take out |
| 1–2 years | stack, sort, put in and take out, walk | stacking cubes, shape sorter, large button puzzles, simple instruments |
| 2–3 years | language, sorting by colour, shape and size, helping around the house | sorting games, threading toys, realistic figures, pretend play with kitchen utensils, building blocks |
| 3 years and over | creativity, logical reasoning, playing together | craft kit with safe scissors for kids, more elaborate building blocks, puzzles with more pieces |
From 0 to 1 year
Babies do not yet play like older children: they learn mainly through the senses and through their hands. Grasping toys with varying textures, shapes and colours promote hand-eye coordination and the transition from reflex to voluntary grasping. A learning arch or mobile gives them something to look at and grab.
From 1 to 2 years
Around his first birthday, your child explores his environment more actively. Stacking cubes can be stacked, knocked over and sorted. Large button puzzles exercise fine motor skills and the understanding of shapes and colours. You will find concrete ideas in what is the best Montessori toy for a 1 year old child?
From 2 to 3 years
At two years old, children become familiar with their environment and want to try new things. Sorting games by colour, shape and size respond well to their need for order. Participating in household chores, such as setting the table or pouring water, is also true Montessori.
3 years and over
At three years old, children are curious and want to be creative. A craft kit with colored pencils, paper, stickers and safe scissors for children exercises creativity and fine motor skills. Building blocks stimulate imagination, spatial perception and problem solving.
How to choose the right Montessori toy?
- Consider the stage of development. Choose a toy that fits what your child knows how to do and finds interesting now, not what he or she should know how to do a year from now.
- Choose open and versatile toys. Stacking cubes that also serve as sorters grow with your child. To find out more, read everything you need to know about open-ended toys.
- Pay attention to the material and finishes. Natural, strong materials last a long time and provide sensory experiences.
- A little but rather than a lot. A few well-designed toys are more valuable than an overflowing toy box.
- Check security. Look at the age indicated and the CE marking. Toys sold in Europe must comply with European safety requirements (EN 71 standards). Avoid small parts for children under 3 years old.
How to apply Montessori teaching at home?
Create a Prepared Environment
Provide a safe and orderly play area where your child can play without unnecessary distractions. A low, open shelf with a few toys side by side works better than a large bin with everything mixed together. Your child sees what is there, can choose for himself and learns to tidy up.
Spin the toys
Only take out a small portion of toys at a time and change them every one or two weeks. This keeps them stimulating and interesting, and the collection does not lose its appeal after a few weeks. To understand why fewer toys often work better, read the strength of minimalist gaming.
Follow your child
Observe what occupies your child and what interests him. Adapt the play space accordingly. Do not interrupt your child when he is playing with concentration, not even to help or praise him.
Involve your child in daily life
Montessori is not limited to toys. Picking up your shoes, filling a cup with a small carafe or helping to cut fruit with a knife suitable for children are also exercises in autonomy and motor skills. Bath time can also be organised this way.
Where can I find more information about Montessori?
If you want to dig deeper, the writings of Maria Montessori herself are a good place to start. There are also many books and websites on Montessori education at home. Montessori schools and nurseries sometimes organise information evenings, and talking with other parents can also be a source of inspiration and practical ideas.
Toys in this article
- stacking cubes
- wooden shape sorter
- silicone stacking cups
Frequently asked questions
What is a Montessori toy?
A Montessori toy is a toy that is inspired by the ideas of Maria Montessori. It is simple, often made of wood or silicone, and designed so that the child can explore independently. It focuses on “doing it yourself”, concentration and learning at your own pace.
How to recognize a real Montessori toy?
A real Montessori toy has a clean design, focuses on one skill at a time and allows the child to see for themselves whether they have succeeded. It is realistic, made of pleasant materials and adapted to the child’s stage of development. “Montessori” is not a protected term, so rely on these characteristics rather than the label.
From what age are Montessori toys suitable?
From birth. For babies, there are contrasting mobiles and gripping toys; for toddlers, stacking cubes, shape sorters and sorting games. There are also Montessori materials for preschool and school-age children.
Are Montessori toys always made of wood?
No. Wood is the classic material, but silicone, cotton and metal are also used. Silicone is particularly suitable for young children because it is soft, flexible and resistant to biting.
How many Montessori toys does a child need?
Not much. A handful of toys on a low shelf, replenished regularly, works better than a lot of toys at once. This keeps your child interested and can concentrate better.