Montessori Inspired: Top 12 Confidence-Building Toys

The Montessori theory of toys is deeply rooted in the educational philosophy developed by Maria Montessori. In Montessori education, toys are seen as tools for learning and development rather than just objects for entertainment. 

Furthermore, Montessori toys are chosen based on the child's developmental stage and interests, promoting individualized learning and autonomy. They are also often open-ended, meaning they can be used in multiple ways and grow with the child as their abilities and interests evolve.

Here's a list of twelve toys designed to be captivating and evolve along with your baby or toddler, becoming cherished favorites throughout their growth journey.

1. Scarves for Kids Play

These Scarves for Kids Play are incredibly versatile and open-ended toys that can be used in countless creative ways. When Emily was a baby, we used them for playing peekaboo, which was a hit. We also poked holes in a cardboard box, letting her practice fine motor skills by pulling the scarves out and pushing them back in. Now that she's older, we're using them to learn colors and counting. Emily loves dancing with the scarves and coming up with all sorts of fun games. The possibilities are endless, making these scarves one of her all-time favorite toys that never seem to get old.

2. Duplo Legos

These larger, child-friendly versions of traditional Legos are perfect for little hands. Duplo sets encourage creativity and building skills and are versatile enough to entertain children for years to come. Duplo Legos are suitable for children aged 18 months and up. 

3. Ice Cream Shop by Moover

Designed in Denmark, the Ice Cream set encourages kids to play together with the sweet treats they love, which is the first toy my 18-month-old daughter reaches for. The colorful pieces teach kids not only the colors and shapes but enhances their imagination to create different combinations.

4. Learning Kitchen Tower for Toddlers

A kitchen tower that allows toddlers to safely reach countertops and sinks is indispensable for involving them in cooking activities.

Look for features such as height adjustability, foldability, safety rails, and a step to encourage their movement independence—important for small spaces and growing children.

We chose the Wooden Learning Tower by Wood City because it met all our criteria for a reasonable price. Keep in mind that adjusting the height can be troublesome because the instructions are unclear, and we accidentally broke the internal pins, not realizing they were there. The instructions mentioned that the floor slides down, but it doesn’t. Aside from that, we’re really enjoying this learning tower. 

The only extra cooking item we bought was a wooden knife, and for everything else, we utilized items from our own kitchen.

5. Baby Doll Stroller

Pretend play is essential for a baby's development. Pushing a doll stroller can ignite their imaginations, allowing them to role-play as caregivers and nurture their social and emotional skills. This activity also enhances gross motor skills, improving coordination and balance. Emily received her doll stroller from her grandma and enjoys playing with it daily, both indoors and outdoors. It has become a favorite at the park, often attracting other children and sparking imaginative play together. This stroller is consistently a popular toy!

6. Musical Set made from Metal and Wood

These toys are designed to be easy to operate, which ensures that even young children can successfully make music with minimal frustration. This immediate feedback from cause and effect is gratifying for kids, as they realize they can control and create different sounds. This early success in music-making boosts their self-esteem and encourages them to explore and learn new skills.

For a musical toy set that embodies these benefits, I recommend checking out the OOOK's International Wooden Music Set. It's an eco-friendly, easy-to-use and open-ended set that's perfect for babies or young toddlers eager to explore music.

7. Bath toys

Duplo Legos 18+ also offers building floating bath legos, making bath time both fun and educational by enhancing a toddler’s imagination and fine motor skills. We encourage you to practice pouring with this Duplo Legos set, or even better, with any unbreakable cups you have in your kitchen during bath time for a mess-free experience.

8. Fruit Cutting Toy by Fat Brain

Fruit Cutting Toy by Fat Brain is wonderful for teaching toddlers about different fruits, improving their motor skills, and introducing concepts of part and whole through play. Fat Brain excels in providing high-quality and timeless toys. Their children's toys are built to last and can be passed down through many generations.

9. Popping Stacking and Nesting Cups by Fat Brain

Stacking and nesting cups are simple yet essential for early development. They teach basic counting and improve hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills. These particular cups are of amazing quality, offering a sensory experience and multifunctionality.

10. Spinning Toy by Fat Brain

A spinning toy captivates toddlers with its movements and colors, encouraging sensory interaction and understanding of cause and effect. There aren't enough words to explain how much Emily played with her spinning toy as a baby, and she still loves it occasionally even now.

11. Melissa and Doug Age Appropriate Puzzles

Melissa and Doug Puzzles are fantastic for cognitive and language development, improving hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills. Melissa and Doug offer a variety of puzzles that are designed to be age-appropriate and a challenge as your child grows. Right now, we are enjoying the animal puzzle for the little ones, which has an amazing grip and handling size. 

12. Melissa and Doug Frolicking Frog Wooden Pull Toy

The Melissa and Doug Frolicking Frog Wooden Pull Toy encapsulates the Montessori Theory of Toys through its charming, natural design and interactive features. Crafted from high-quality wood, this pull toy enhances motor skills as children pull the frog along and watch its amusing hopping action. It's truly a treasured addition to any child's toy collection for many years of their toddler life.

If you enjoyed this post about the 12 Best Montessori inspired confidence-building toys for your child, you’ll love our next article on teaching your child independent play. It’s packed with simple tips to help them enjoy their own company while they learn and grow.