Toys & Books

Our Favorite Montessori-Inspired Toys for Infants and Toddlers

written by OJUS PATEL

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Source: @alainakaz
Source: @alainakaz

The Montessori method of education has been around for almost 100 years without much change, and there’s a good reason why—it focuses on nurturing the inherent gifts of children and sees them as capable, sufficient, and curious beings.

Lately, though, the method has caught fire as educational researchers confirm more and more that children learn best through exploration and discovery, rather than traditional, adult-directed education. There are many more resources now on how to utilize the Montessori method in your home—from setting up a child-centered space to implementing the philosophy in your parenting to setting up and selecting toys that promote open-ended play.

Montessori-inspired toys are typically passive, which means that they only respond to a child’s manipulation. Passive toys are seen as most beneficial for children’s development as they create active learners. An active toy, one that sings or lights up or moves on its own, likely allows the child to be passive which doesn’t create a great space for growth or development.

These are some of our favorite Montessori-inspired toys for babies and toddlers – let us know which ones are your little ones’ favorites!

Crate&Kids
Etched Wooden Blocks
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Melissa & Doug
Wood Building Blocks
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Manhattan Toy
Sensory Rattle and Teether Grasping Activity Toy
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Crate&Kids
Roundabout Wooden Baby Puzzle
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Manhattan Toy
Wee Baby Stella Baby Doll
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LilyandRiver
Little Climber
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Amazon
Object Permanence Box with Tray
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rainbow stacking toy
Amazon
Wooden Rainbow Stacking Toy
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Amazon
Baby Wood Box Piggy Bank
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Learning Resources
Jumbo Jungle Animals
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hape musical toy
Amazon
Hape Mighty Mini Band Wooden Percussion Instrument
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Hape
Color and Shape Wooden Block Sorter
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Hape
Wooden Vehicles
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Melissa & Doug
Rainbow Stacker Classic Toy
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Amazon
Bee to Hive Matching Game
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Amazon
Wooden Shape Color Sorting Clock
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Melissa & Doug
Primary Lacing Beads
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Amazon
Wooden Lacing Apple Threading Toy
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Amazon
Wooden Colorful Shape Puzzle
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Amazon
Wood Blocks Number Toy
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Amazon
Wooden Busy Board
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Amazon
Wood Baby Rattle
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HABA
Rainbow Sensory Fabric Ball
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Hape
Mini Wooden Musical Shake & Rattle Rainmaker
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Amazon
Soft Building Blocks for Teething Babies
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