The best Montessori toys for newborns to 2-year-olds

Overwhelmed trying to figure out which toys to buy for your little one?

If you’re on the hunt for simple, beautiful toys that will encourage imaginative, open-ended play and grow with your child, then Montessori-style toys may be a perfect fit for your family.

The Montessori Method of education—a child-centered educational approach based on scientific observations of children from birth through adulthood—has been a popular education style for decades. It encourages a supportive learning environment and values the development of the whole child, considering everything from physical and cognitive development to social and emotional.

Related: 21 Montessori inspired toys that will grow with your child

We’ve chosen our top toy picks for newborns to 2-year-olds that build off of the Montessori approach. We love these Montessori toys for what they have—purpose, beauty, and simplicity—as much as for what they don’t—sounds, lights, or other bells and whistles. They’re perfect for everyone from a newbie mom to a seasoned Montessori expert!

A version of this story was published March 9, 2021. It has been updated.