7 Montessori Toys to Help Your Child Learn Through Play

Invented by Maria Montessori in 1897, the Montessori method of play uses environmentally friendly toys geared toward mastering age-appropriate skill sets to help develop independent, self-sufficient adults. Fine motor skills, logic, and imaginary play are a few of the qualities that Montessori toys aim to achieve. Most Montessori toys are wooden and often handcrafted to be environmentally friendly and non-toxic for children as an added feature. 

To get your Montessori toy collection started, check out some of our favourites below!

Grimm’s Bead Grasper

Use this bright rainbow-coloured grasper (11cm) to enhance your little one’s motor skills so they can learn to hold objects of all shapes and sizes. Crafted with solid maple wood and non-toxic water-based colour stain, this visually appealing grasper is an excellent addition for any Montessori lover. 

Alphabet Tracing Boards with Tracing Stick

Handcrafted with beechwood, the Alphabet Tracing Board is the perfect hands on learning tool for little ones learning their letters. Each board is reversible, allowing younger children to trace uppercase letters on one side, and lowercase on the other. For older kids, check out the cursive tracing board. Designed for hours of fun, your children will have so much fun, they won’t even realize they’re learning.

Grimm’s Building Set Numbers 

Numbers are all around us, which is why it is important to learn them early. With the help of these non-toxic, rainbow stained Building Set Numbers, children 3+ can awaken their motor skills. Crafted with durable and child-safe limewood, your little ones will learn through stacking this set of 11 numbers. Older children can get in on the fun too by creating colourful math equations to keep their minds working hard.

Grapat Together Nins

If a surprise is what you desire, snag Garpat’s Together Nins for the ultimate imaginative play session. Ideal for 36 months and older, this set features three wooden Nins measuring 65mm in height and one baby Nin (measuring 38mm in height). Together this set of four can become a family, a pod of school friends, townspeople, or whatever your child imagines! Each set is chosen at random and comes nestled in a cotton bag. As you collect more sets, the possibilities will continue to grow.

Papoose’s Burger and Chips

Montessori learning is built on a foundation of creating real-life experiences through open-ended play. Play food offers endless possibilities, making it a must-have for your blossoming Montessori toy collection. A favourite among children, the Papoose Burger and Chips set includes everything a little one needs to create the most delicious burger and chips! What will your little one become? Perhaps a chef, a mother or father cooking dinner, or something else? It’s the perfect start or addition to your child’s play kitchen.

Sarah’s Silk Capes

Fighting off dragons, becoming the next princess, and saving the world as a superhero has never been easier than with Sarah’s reversible silk capes. A staple of dress up play, these classic silk accessories feature an elastic neck that is a convenient easy on and off for little hands. Your adventurer can choose from ocean, blossom, and rainbow colours, or mix or match their look with Sarah’s silk crowns and fairy skirts.

Realistic Imaginative Playsets

What better way to prepare for real world skills than through play? A doctor’s playset crafted by Danish toy maker Astrup will provide hours of fun for your young learner. Aside from playing doctor, this fun set will teach your child compassion through creative play. Perhaps your child likes to play barber or beauty shop? The wooden Astrup barber set is durable for even the hardest pretend haircuts! You can even give them a Cuddle Doll to practice their skills on. Either way they won’t be disappointed.

Bring Montessori Play to Your Playroom

Supplementing your child's play with educational Montessori toys is easy thanks to the toy enthusiasts at Toy Box. Virtually browse our wide range of wooden and educational toys to entertain and educate children of all ages. Featuring popular toys from Papoose, Grapat, and many other naturally crafted brands, we have a wide range of toys to enhance your child's imaginative play session!

We encourage you to check out our latest inventory to make your next shopping trip a breeze. Need a little help? We’d love to chat with you more about finding a unique gift for the child in your life.