A Montessori-inspired gift guide—for newborns to 6-year-olds

From their earliest days all the way through toddlerhood, this stage-based play gym brings all kinds of age-appropriate Montessori activities together. Starting with the brilliant five zone play mat with flaps that can reveal or conceal in order to prevent overstimulation, little ones can explore sounds, colors and textures. Add in the collection of interchangeable toys (including an organic cotton high contrast Montessori ball, sustainably-sourced wooden batting ring, and an organic cotton teether with BPA-free silicone ring) and cards, and they’ll be busy and learning for hours. Even better, as they grow it can be transformed into a cozy fort to play in!

Stacking rings have been a part of early play for generations. And for good reason! They help babies develop and refine their hand-eye coordination and dexterity, while presenting a set of challenges that grow along with them. Start by handing them one ring to place and work up to placing them in size order.

As young babies can’t yet see color, simple black and white images are the most striking to them. This set is great because the images can be used individually, or strung together into a book.

Another toy we love for little ones who are still working on visual development, dexterity, and hand-eye coordination is a black and white grasp ball. The segmented fabric design makes it easy to hold and manipulate while the dalmatian pattern helps strengthen eye sight. For the tiniest babes, it can be hung from a play gym or baby seat and as they get older it’s fun to chew, drop and throw.

As your baby drops the ball into the hole, watches it disappear, and then finds it again, they learn that things do not necessarily disappear when they can’t see them anymore.

It is never too early to start reading to your baby and books that feature real images of people, nature and everyday items are a great place to start. This one has been around for ages but it’s still a top favorite given the gorgeous range of diversity featured.

Instead of a shape sorter that can get a bit frustrating at this age, a simplified InnyBin allows them to easily take shapes in and out.

This is a great first puzzle as it is made of beautiful wood and has only three pieces.

This beautifully handmade ring is a grabbing toy, teether and rattle all rolled into one. It’s perfect for little ones exploring tactile senses as they practice reaching, grasping and hand-eye coordination. Like everything from Loulou Lollipop it’s thoughtfully crafted from birch wood and food-grade silicone so you’ll never have to worry about toxins or chemicals

Encouraging sensory exploration is a huge part of the Montessori philosophy. These sensory balls are brightly colored, have varied textures, and are perfectly sized for chubby little hands.

Shake it up, baby! Each of these brightly colored eggs makes a different sound, encouraging musical abilities in even the tiniest among us.

This eight-block set gives little ones a lot to discover! Each block includes a different surprise to help explore cause and effect while building motor skills and coordination. And while they’re great on their own, they also integrate seamlessly with a growing block collection! They’re made from sustainable beechwood and non-toxic water-based paint, so no worries when they end up in their mouth.

A Busy Board is a great way for preschool kids to practice fine motor skills which eventually translate into more independence. From zipping and tying to buckling velcroing, they’ll not even realize they’re learning since they’re having so much fun.

Play silks are a perfect vehicle for open-ended play—and one that your kiddo will keep coming back to. Turn them into flags when exploring new lands, a cape for saving the day or a quick cover for a simple game of peek-a-boo. These Montessori faves are costly upfront, but so worth the price.

Is it a couch? A bed? A spaceship? Or a castle? Only your little one will know the answer! Encouraging open-ended play is a Montessori must—and few pieces of kid furniture offer imaginative inspiration like play couches. There are a ton to choose from these days, but Figgy remains a favorite. Made from six or seven separate foam pieces with a variety of pillow shapes which can be purchased separately, it offers more flexibility than other styles. Your little one will love that it’s fun, soft, and endlessly rearrange-able, and you’ll love that it’s safe, free of harmful chemicals, and machine washable.

Pikler triangles are a staple in Montessori classrooms and have subsequently gained popularity at home as well. Developed as a tool to help improve motor development skills, to forge independent activity, and to allow freedom of movement, they’re endlessly entertaining for toddlers and bigger kids alike. This foldable version comes with detachable ramp that features a rock climbing wall on one side and a flat surface for sliding on the other.

Open-ended toys like wooden blocks encourage creativity and long stretches of concentration. This one is the only block set you’ll ever need.

Exploring rhythm and music together is a great activity for those cold winter months when outdoor play may be more limited.

Unlike bikes with pedals and training wheels, balance bikes make learning to ride effortless and fun. By learning the key skill of balance first, they’re able to progress to riding without having to “unlearn” bad habits that take hold when riding with training wheels. This version from New Zealand brand Wishbone is pricier than others, but designed to last far longer than most models with a 2-in-1 frame that can be flipped as they grow. The heirloom quality construction means it can easily be passed down as well.

Sensory play is a critical part of the Montessori method. This beach set is great for sand or water and allows little ones to scoop, pour, sift and experiment.

This toy is so simple, yet so entertaining for babies and young toddlers, who love practicing taking things out and putting them back in.

A quality child-sized gardening set is one of the earliest ways small children can help with yard work.

If they’re really ready to dig in (see what we did there?) and help, a kid-sized wheelbarrow and tools gives them all the license they need.

Toddlers love to help with whatever household chores you are doing. A mop, dust pan and broom just their size allows them to clean alongside you.

A learning tower is the perfect tool for the curious toddler. There are so many uses here, but we especially love it for all things in the kitchen, whether it’s cooking, baking, or even learning to meal prep or wash dishes. 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. It’s an investment, but one that we think is well worth the splurge! (Check out more of our favorite learning towers!)

This stacker looks beautiful on the shelf and also offers a challenge and introduces the concept of rainbow order.

This simple but well-stocked outdoor kitchen from Hape is designed to withstand the elements and last long enough to be passed down–a tenet of the brand we’ve always appreciated! We love that every feature is designed with mixing and making in mind, from the generously sized water tank and sink to the recessed bowls on the stove top. There’s also knobs to turn and an oven as well as plenty of storage space below. The set also comes with a pot, ladle, two bowls, two flowerpots, a sieve, water tank, sink, faucet and oven plate.

There are so many fun ways for your 3-year-old to play with these colorful beads and necklaces. They encourage fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and open-ended play.

This medically accurate and super detailed 100 piece floor puzzle is not only a great tool for learning about the human anatomy–it’s also four feet long!

This early hammering work is great for hand-eye coordination and introducing a real life skill. The cork board and tacks can be used over and over to create endless patterns and shapes. Pro-tip: Store the tacks in a small tin with a magnet to keep them from ending up somewhere they shouldn’t. (Like your foot.)

Exploring patterns is highly engaging and great for pre-math skills.

A memory game is a wonderful gift that grows with your child, as younger children enjoy simply examining and matching the pictures and older children love the actual game.

Once a child can be safe and in control, giving them real tools builds confidence and allows them to participate in purposeful work.

Simple games like bingo allow young children to practice playing a game with friends, including how to win and lose graciously. This one from modern-minimalist brand kiko & gg also helps teach numbers 1-50 and bonus! looks impossibly adorable on the shelf.

Toys that support scientific exploration encourage your child to be his own teacher and keep his curiosity alive.

Yoga helps children learn self-regulation, calming breathing techniques and control of their bodies. Bonus: Add these yoga cards!

Calming activities like Japanese brush painting help children in Montessori classrooms learn to be peaceful and can do the same in your home.

Origami encourages development of spacial skills and a different way of thinking and children love seeing all of the things they can create with just paper.

Cutting, chopping and prepping fruits and veggies is a great way to get little ones involved in cooking (with supervision of course). This set offers the real thing with safety measures that keep it age-appropriate.

Same goes for mixing and baking! The Kinderkitchen collection from Kuhn Rikon is designed with real cooking by mini chefs in mind. This three-piece set is great for whipping up their next greatest creation.

Bring the outdoors in with these realistic play mats. Each leaf, rock, log and stump is made from grippy rubber to create endless patterns for hopping, skipping and jumping across.