Toys

The 39 Best Montessori Toys For 1-Year-Olds By Category 

Updated on
montessori toys for 1 year olds

 

What Should I Teach My 1-Year-Old Using Montessori?

Some Montessori classroom or home activities your little one can try when they’re around one year old:

  • Object permanence – an object, usually a wooden ball or coin, still exists even if they aren’t always visible
  • Matching puzzles according to the correct shapes and sizes
  • Correctly arranging parts of the stacking toy
  • Simple crafts and activities for little hands
  • Supervised Montessori climbing toy activities
  • Learning about objects and images from the real world

 

What Toys Should My 1-Year-Old Be Playing With?

There isn’t a perfect toy that can suit all children and meet their needs. Still, getting them educational toys is a good idea because they can learn even while playing. Musical instruments can also be a good choice.

Another example, the Manhattan Toy Skwish Natural Teether (see below), can let young children learn about concepts like cause and effect or improve their motor skills.

Aside from the Montessori toys for 1-year-olds we list below, you can also find inspiration from our extensive list of learning toys for your little one.

 

What Are Montessori-Approved Toys?

Italian pediatrician and educator Maria Montessori created the Montessori method in the early 1900s after observing children with intellectual disabilities under her care. (1)

She theorized that these methods can also be effective in a classroom setting for regular students. (1)

Some of the common characteristics of Montessori toys:

  • Made of high-quality natural materials
  • Based on the real world
  • Simple but beautiful
  • No electronic parts
  • Teaches one skill at a time
  • Made for a particular age or milestone
  • Useful and practical
  • Can teach life skills
  • Designed for independent play

 

At What Age Can You Start Montessori Toys?

Kids can start playing with Montessori toys even before their first birthday.

Here’s our gift guide for Montessori baby toys.

Continue reading for our recommendations for 1-year-olds.

 

The 39 Best Montessori Toys For 1-Year-Olds

Montessori Climbing Toys & Pikler Triangles

1. Avenlur Olive – Pikler Triangle, Ladder & Climber Slide (6+ months)AMAZON BUTTONETSY BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Pikler triangle set with a reversible ladder and slide
  • Product Safety: Non-toxic and BPA-free varnish (bisphenol-A, a toxic chemical in plastic manufacturing); DCA-free (dichloroacetic acid)
  • Materials: Sustainable New Zealand pine wood
  • Age Range: 6+ months 
  • Educational Value: Gross motor skill development, balance control, and creativity
  • Extra Features: Foldable
  • Certification: ASTM certified (American Society for Testing and Materials) and CPSIA certified (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act)
  • Made In: Not indicated
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Can be pricey
  • Customer Reviews:

Really pretty, and my son loves it. Had to re-drill some of the pre-drilled holes, but otherwise it was easy to assemble too.” – reviewer on Avenlur

 

2. All Circles PlayBox Little Climber – Wooden Climber (6 months to 4 years old)ETSY BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Adjustable climbing with baby slide
  • Product Safety: Child-safe, non-toxic materials and paint; free from formaldehyde, heavy metals (lead), and VOCs (volatile organic compounds)
  • Materials: FSC-certified (Forest Stewardship Council)  birch wood with stainless steel fasteners
  • Age Range: 6+ months to 4 years old
  • Educational Value: Gross motor skills, confidence, and balance control
  • Extra Features: Different configurations available
  • Certification: FSC and ASTM
  • Made In: Not indicated
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Can be pricey
  • Customer Reviews: 

My son is 17 months old and loved this product. It was the first thing he jumped on in the morning. He didn’t play with anything else. He was on this structure for hours.” – Reviewer on All Circles

really enjoying it.” – Reviewer on All Circles

 

Object Permanence Box (Ball Or Coin Box)

3. Lunniya Permanence Box with Tray Three Balls (6-12 months)EBAY BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Smooth-finished object permanence box
  • Product Safety: Large balls; without choking risks
  • Materials: High-quality wood
  • Age Range: 6-12 months
  • Educational Value: Science concept (object permanence), fine motor skills, focus, hand-eye coordination, and concentration
  • Extra Features: Ball size meets non-choking standards
  • Certification: Not indicated
  • Made In: Not indicated
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Not readily available in other online shops; no reviews for comparison
  • Customer Reviews: None

 

4. Montessori & Me Coin Box (1+ years old)Montessori & me buttonAMAZON BUTTONETSY BUTTONEBAY BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Coin box with drawer
  • Product Safety: 100% non-toxic material
  • Materials: Sustainably harvested rubberwood
  • Age Range: 1+ years old
  • Educational Value: Object permanence, hand-eye coordination, problem-solving skills, fine and gross motor skills, logical thinking, and concentration
  • Extra Features: Coin size meets non-choking standards
  • Certification: ASTM International and CPSIA (according to Amazon)
  • Made In: Not indicated
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Can be pricey
  • Customer Reviews: 

Well constructed item. Coins are appropriate safe size for young toddler.” – reviewer on Amazon

High quality natural wood, perfect for a curious little one.” – reviewer on Amazon

 

5. Adena Montessori Baby Push Object Permanence Ball (1+ years old)AMAZON BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Object permanence box with colorful balls
  • Product Safety: Non-toxic and water-based paint
  • Materials: Solid hardwood (according to Amazon)
  • Age Range: 1+ years old
  • Educational Value: Hand-eye coordination and science concepts (object permanence)
  • Extra Features: Designed with a ball race track
  • Certification: Not indicated
  • Made In: China
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Some complaints about the toy’s quality
  • Customer Reviews:

The little colorful balls are perfect for little hands.” – reviewer on Amazon

…the balls don’t make it over the lip. The only way for them to come out is when a second ball pushes d it out.” – reviewer on Amazon

 

Tummy Time & Sensory Toys

6. Manhattan Toy Skwish Natural Teether (0+ months old)Macy's ButtonAMAZON BUTTONEBAY BUTTONWALMART BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Educational teething toy
  • Product Safety: Non-toxic water-based finish
  • Materials: Natural wood
  • Age Range: 0+ years old
  • Educational Value: Multi-sensory activity, grasping, gross motor skills, and cause and effect
  • Extra Features: Can be used as a toy or a teether
  • Certification: EN71 (European toy standard) and CPSIA
  • Made In: Thailand (according to Amazon)
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Some complaints about the toy getting tangled
  • Customer Reviews:

 great product, not worried about pieces falling off or being torn off.” – reviewer on Amazon

“…the kids managed to completely mangle it and I couldn’t get it to return shape, so I trashed it.” – reviewer on Amazon

 

7. Heirloom Kids Montessori Spinning Rainbow Drum (6+ months)ETSY BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Spinning drum with multi-colored patterns
  • Product Safety: Polished using beeswax and flaxseed oil
  • Materials: Solid maple
  • Age Range: 6+ months
  • Educational Value: Fine motor skills and learning colors
  • Extra Features: Makes a sound with movement
  • Certification: CPSC-certified (Consumer Product Safety Commission) inks
  • Made In: USA
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Can be pricey
  • Customer Reviews: None

 

8. HABA Fun with Sounds Wooden Discovery Blocks (1-2 years oldWALMART BUTTONAMAZON BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Colorful wooden blocks that make different sounds
  • Product Safety: Non-toxic water-based stain
  • Materials: Solid beech wood
  • Age Range: 1-2 years old
  • Educational Value: Musical ability, fine motor skills, and sensory perception
  • Extra Features: Different sounds for musical experimentation
  • Certification: PEFC certified for sustainable forestry (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification)
  • Made In: Germany
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Some complaints about the toy being overpriced
  • Customer Reviews:

loved these for my boys.. perfect size to not choke when put in their mouth!” – reviewer on HABA USA

I don’t see much use for this toy beyond ~ 18 month, but I would still recommend it.” – reviewer on HABA USA

 

Ball Drops, Rolling Pieces, & Race Tracks

9. KiwiCo Rainbow Ball Run (1+ years old)KIWICO BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Open-rail ball tracker that creates a musical “plink-plunk sound” as the ball bounces along the steps
  • Product Safety: Non-toxic; passes rigorous tests to check all safety standards
  • Materials: Child-safe materials
  • Age Range: 1+ years old
  • Educational Value: Coordination, cause and effect, sensory play, problem-solving, fine and gross motor planning, visual and auditory development, concentration, and logical thinking
  • Extra Features: Large balls; includes step-by-step instructions
  • Certification: Tested by independent product safety testing labs
  • Made In: Not indicated
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Can be pricey
  • Customer Reviews: 

The design is exciting to the eye. The sound attracts curiosity without being annoying. The sound alone made the baby come to see what was happening.” – Reviewer on KiwiCo

I was a little disappointed that the wrapping around some of the tubes isn’t smooth and has creases or air bubbles under it.” – Reviewer on KiwiCo

 

10. Melissa & Doug First Play Wooden Safari Zig-Zag Tower (1+ years old)EBAY BUTTONWALMART BUTTONMacy's ButtonAMAZON BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Montessori-inspired wooden tower
  • Product Safety: Free from lead (heavy metal) and other toxic materials
  • Materials: Natural wood
  • Age Range: 12+ months
  • Educational Value: Color and shape recognition; fine motor skills 
  • Extra Features: Rolling toys available for individual play or with the track
  • Certification: FSC certified and CPSIA; complies with US and EU safety standards
  • Made In: China (according to Amazon)
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Some complaints about the design
  • Customer Reviews:

Child plays with the separate pieces and the whole unit.” – reviewer on Melissa & Doug

Pieces come out as soon as you lift it up. I am constantly picking up the pieces from the floor.” – reviewer on Melissa & Doug

 

Wooden Puzzles

11. Grimm’s Spiel & Holz 12-Piece Wooden Rainbow Stacking Tunnel (1+ years old)AMAZON BUTTONEBAY BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: 12-piece rainbow-colored arc puzzles 
  • Product Safety: Natural oils 
  • Materials: Wood
  • Age Range: 1+ years old
  • Educational Value: Fine motor skills and color or shape puzzle learning
  • Extra Features: Differently-sized rainbow arcs
  • Certification: EU standards (EN 71), CPSIA, and ASTM 963 standards; FSC certified
  • Made In: Germany or Bosnia
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Can be pricey; some complaints about quality
  • Customer Reviews:

Beautiful colors. It is not too heavy so my kids should be able to build with the different arches with ease.” – reviewer on Bellaluna Toys

Horribly made, gaping between arches and no quality control.” – reviewer on Bellaluna Toys

 

12. Fat Brain Toys Let’s Learn Shapes! Wooden Puzzle (1+ years old)WALMART BUTTONAMAZON BUTTONEBAY BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Shape puzzle with peg holders
  • Product Safety: Passes toy safety standards
  • Materials: Wood
  • Age Range: 1+ years old
  • Educational Value: Visual-spatial skills, fine motor skills, shape learning, color learning, logic, matching skills, and reasoning
  • Extra Features: The puzzle base can be used to keep the pieces together.
  • Certification: ASTM and ICTI (International Council of Toy Industries) 
  • Made In: China
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Some complaints about quality
  • Customer Reviews:

Great puzzle for my 18mo! – reviewer on Fat Brain Toys

The wooden shapes are thin and very likely to be chewed (gummed) and didn’t interest a 12 – 13-month-old.” – reviewer on Fat Brain Toys

 

Color & Shape Sorters

13. KiwiCo Cell Shape Sorter (1+ years old)educational toysKIWICO BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Science-themed shape sorter
  • Product Safety: Passed rigorous tests for all toy safety standards
  • Materials: Solid wood with cotton strings
  • Age Range: 1+ years old
  • Educational Value: Hand-eye coordination, shape & color recognition, and early STEM learning (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics)
  • Extra Features: Includes a biology-themed board book
  • Certification: Certified by independent product safety testing labs
  • Made In: Not indicated
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Can be pricey
  • Customer Reviews:

Very well made. The sorter will grow with the child.” – reviewer on KiwiCo

Very good idea. The colors are engaging without being overstimulating.” – reviewer on KiwiCo

 

14. Ulanik Balls in Cups Montessori Toy Wooden Sorter Game 12 Balls (1+ years old)educational toysAMAZON BUTTONETSY BUTTONEBAY BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Wooden color sorter
  • Product Safety: Child-safe wax cover
  • Materials: Natural linden wood
  • Age Range: 1+ years old
  • Educational Value: Thinking, focusing, memory, diligence, attentiveness, perseverance, sensory, and fine motor skills
  • Extra Features: Plywood tray with a linen bag
  • Certification: Certified as a children’s product
  • Made In: Czech Republic
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Some complaints about possible choking risks
  • Customer Reviews:

It teaches great coordination and is very nicely made.” – reviewer on Amazon

These are a terrible choking hazard for any babies under the age of three.” – reviewer on Amazon

 

Busy Board

15. Baby Boo Busy Board (1+ years old)ETSY BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Handmade busy board with 10 sensory activities
  • Product Safety: Non-toxic materials 
  • Materials: Eco wood
  • Age Range: 1+ years old
  • Educational Value: Hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, logic, and memory
  • Extra Features: Objects from the real world
  • Certification: Not indicated
  • Made In: Not indicated
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Can be pricey
  • Customer Reviews:

It’s so beautiful!!!! Exactly the colours I asked for.” – reviewer on ETSY

The board is pretty, but some workshops deserve to be improved.” – reviewer on ETSY

 

16. Smart Board Store (Toddlers & Older)ETSY BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Customizable busy board
  • Product Safety: Environmentally friendly and safe
  • Materials: Plywood
  • Educational Value: Fine motor skills, logical thinking, and hand-eye coordination
  • Extra Features: Includes a xylophone
  • Certification: Not indicated
  • Made In: Ukraine (ships worldwide)
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Can be pricey
  • Customer Reviews:

Exceeded expectations!” – reviewer on ETSY

I just wish the seller had a better labeling system on what each bord comes with.” – reviewer on ETSY

 

Wooden Blocks

17. Hape Maple Wood Kids Building Blocks (12+ months)HAPE BUTTONWALMART BUTTONEBAY BUTTONAMAZON BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: 50 wooden toy blocks in five colors
  • Product Safety: Child-safe, water-based paint and non-toxic finishes; free from toxic chemicals
  • Materials: High-quality wood
  • Educational Value: Early engineering, hand-eye coordination, dexterity, and fine motor skills
  • Extra Features: Includes cloth bag
  • Certification: EN 71 and ASTM F963 (European and American safety standards)
  • Made In: China
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Some complaints that the blocks are too small
  • Customer Reviews:

Perfect for my little one‘s hands.” – reviewer on Hape

These blocks are small… look bigger in the pic!!” – reviewer on Amazon

 

18. HABA Bad Rodach 18 Piece Wooden Building Blocks (18+ months)WALMART BUTTONEBAY BUTTONAMAZON BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Town-themed wooden toy blocks
  • Product Safety: Water-based paint
  • Materials: Reforested, untreated beech wood
  • Age Range: 18+ months
  • Educational Value: Three-dimensional thinking
  • Extra Features: Unconventionally shaped blocks
  • Certification: PEFC
  • Made In: Germany
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Can be pricey
  • Customer Reviews:

Beautifully made.” – reviewer on HABA USA

Very creative blocks, son plays for hours with them.” – reviewer on HABA USA

 

19. LOVEVERY Block Set (18+ months)LOVEVERY BUTTONAMAZON BUTTONEBAY BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: 70-piece block set
  • Product Safety: Free from heavy metals and phthalates
  • Materials: Wood and strings
  • Age Range: 18 to 48+ months
  • Educational Value: Imaginative play, Montessori activities, fine motor skills, and STEM concepts like gravity, force, and velocity
  • Extra Features: Includes pieces for creating a toy wagon
  • Certification: Meets global regulatory safety standards
  • Made In: Network of suppliers in Asia
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Can be pricey
  • Customer Reviews:

Best block set I’ve ever found.” – reviewer on LOVEVERY

At the end of the day this is just a basic block set. I don’t know if it’s worth the high price tag.” – reviewer on LOVEVERY

 

Multi-Sized Cylinder Blocks & Peg Boards

20. Adena Montessori 6 Rings on Peg (1+ years old)AMAZON BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Wooden peg puzzle with colorful rings
  • Product Safety: Child-safe paint
  • Materials: Wood
  • Age Range: 1+ years old
  • Educational Value: Fine motor skills and logical thinking
  • Extra Features: Doubles as a stacking toy
  • Certification: Not indicated
  • Made In: China
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Some complaints over quality
  • Customer Reviews:

Makes my baby busy and active.” – reviewer on Amazon

The quality is not what I was expecting to see.” – reviewer on Amazon

 

21. Heirloom Kids Montessori Size Discrimination Peg Toy (12-24 months)ETSY BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Multi-sized peg toy
  • Product Safety: Non-toxic flaxseed oil or beeswax for staining
  • Materials: Cherrywood
  • Age Range: 12-24 months
  • Educational Value: Concentration, problem-solving, and size discrimination
  • Extra Features: Differently colored pegs
  • Certification: CPSC 
  • Made In: US
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Can be pricey
  • Customer Reviews:

Very impressed with the quality!!” – reviewer on ETSY

The wood is finished nicely and I love the colors!” – reviewer on ETSY

 

Ribbons, Lacing, Beading, & Threading Toys

22. Melissa & Doug Classic Toy Bead Maze (1+ years old)Macy's ButtonWALMART BUTTONAMAZON BUTTONEBAY BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Montessori-inspired bead maze
  • Product Safety: Free from lead (heavy metal) and other toxic materials
  • Materials: Wood and metal
  • Age Range: 12 months to 3 years
  • Educational Value: Fine motor skills, concentration, and problem-solving
  • Extra Features: Sturdy wooden base
  • Certification: FSC-certified, CPSIA, and complies with US and EU safety standards
  • Made In: China (according to Amazon)
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Some complaints about splinters and poor product quality
  • Customer Reviews:

Great toy for a one-year-old.” – reviewer on Amazon

SPLINTERS!! Rough wood. Be careful with your babies.” – reviewer on Amazon

 

23. Adena Montessori Lacing with Tray (18+ months)AMAZON BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Wooden lacing toy with bright colors
  • Product Safety: Child-safe paint
  • Materials: Wood and string
  • Age Range: 18+ months old
  • Educational Value: Fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, sorting, cognitive, and visual perception skills
  • Extra Features: Includes tray
  • Certification: Not indicated
  • Made In: Not indicated
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Can be pricey
  • Customer Reviews:

 

Everything was high quality and sturdy.” – reviewer on Amazon

 

Stackers

24. Hape Counting Stacker Toddler Wooden Stacking Block Set (12+ months)WALMART BUTTONEBAY BUTTONAMAZON BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Multi-colored, hexagonal stacking block set
  • Product Safety: Non-toxic finish; child-safe materials
  • Materials: Wood
  • Age Range: 12+ months
  • Educational Value: Spatial relationships and spatial relationships
  • Extra Features: Includes number guide
  • Certification: EN 71 and ASTM F963 (European and American safety standards)
  • Made In: China
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Some complaints about quality
  • Customer Reviews:

Very nice counting toy. It caught my little son’s attention right away.” – reviewer on Hape

Some of the shape holes were drilled too small for the pegs, and were stuck.” – reviewer on Hape

 

25. Lily & River Little Stackables (12+ months)ETSY BUTTONMacy's Button

  • Pros & Best Features: Multi-player game pieces
  • Product Safety: Baby-friendly sealant and colors
  • Materials: Wood
  • Age Range: 12+ months
  • Educational Value: Concentrate, focus, control, and coordination
  • Extra Features: Includes canvas pouch
  • Certification: FSC
  • Made In: Phoenix, Arizona
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Can be pricey
  • Customer Reviews:

We absolutely love these and it has been amazing watching my 18 month old play with them.” – reviewer on Lily & River

Beautifully crafted, the wooden stackable pieces have smooth edges and the size is perfect for little hands.” – reviewer on Lily & River

 

26. Melissa & Doug Rainbow Stacker Classic Toy (18+ months)EBAY BUTTONWALMART BUTTONAMAZON BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Colorful stacking toy
  • Product Safety: Child-safe materials
  • Materials: Wood
  • Age Range: 18+ months
  • Educational Value: Logical thinking and fine motor skills
  • Extra Features: Multi-colored rings
  • Certification: CPSIA and FSC-certified 
  • Made In: China (according to Amazon)
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Some complaints that the product is small
  • Customer Reviews:

Great old school toy!!” – reviewer on Melissa & Doug

Little smaller then I thought it would be but will be great for her tiny hands I’m sure.” – reviewer on Melissa & Doug

 

Wooden Pop-Up Toys

27. Fat Brain Toys Pound & Tap Hammer Bench (1+ years old)AMAZON BUTTONWALMART BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Wooden hammer bench toy
  • Product Safety: Passes toy safety standards
  • Materials: Wood
  • Age Range: 1+ years old
  • Educational Value: Tactile exploration, cause-effect learning, and hand-eye coordination
  • Extra Features: Lifetime guarantee
  • Certification: ICTI and ASTM
  • Made In: China
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Some complaints about quality
  • Customer Reviews:

For my 18 month old grandson, he loves it.” – reviewer on Amazon

The pegs push right through the holes easily and come out easily.” – reviewer on Amazon

 

Pull Or Push Toys

28. Janod Sweet Cocoon Multi Activity Baby Walker (1+ years old)educational toysWALMART BUTTONAMAZON BUTTONEBAY BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Wooden walker and activity center
  • Product Safety: Child-safe
  • Materials: Natural wood
  • Age Range: 12+ months
  • Educational Value: Dexterity, musical math skills, concentration, and motor skills
  • Extra Features: Includes a xylophone
  • Certification: FSC-certified wood; meets US and European standards
  • Made In: China (according to Amazon)
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Can be pricey
  • Customer Reviews:

Our baby loved it immediately and won’t stop walking around with it!” – reviewer on Amazon

Poorly made, no quality assurance or control, NOT SAFE FOR INFANTS!” – reviewer on Amazon

 

29. Hape Push & Pull Lawn Mower (12+ months)HAPE BUTTONAMAZON BUTTONWALMART BUTTONEBAY BUTTON

  • Product Safety: Non-toxic finish; child-safe materials
  • Materials: Wood
  • Age Range: 12+ months
  • Educational Value: Coordination, motor skills, and balance
  • Extra Features: Makes a putt-putt sound
  • Certification: EN 71 and ASTM F963 (European and American safety standards)
  • Made In: China
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Some complaints about quality
  • Customer Reviews:

I like the quality of the wood, the colors, and its soft clicking sound.” – reviewer on Amazon

Very flimsy. Not the quality expected but for the price.” – reviewer on Amazon

 

30. Hape Elephant Wooden Push And Pull (12+ months)HAPE BUTTONEBAY BUTTONWALMART BUTTONAMAZON BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Elephant-shaped wooden push-and-pull toy
  • Product Safety: Non-toxic finish; child-safe materials
  • Materials: Wood
  • Age Range: 12+ months
  • Educational Value: Creativity, hand-eye coordination, and balance
  • Extra Features: Can double as a nursery decoration
  • Certification: EN 71 and ASTM F963 (European and American safety standards)
  • Made In: China
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Some complaints that the toy is smaller than expected
  • Customer Reviews:

This is a really cute gift idea for a child.” – reviewer on Amazon

TOY IS EXTREMELY SMALL!!” – reviewer on Amazon

 

Montessori Materials, Play Kits, & Collections

31. Heirloom Kids Montessori 12-18 Month Toddler CollectionETSY BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Montessori puzzle set 
  • Product Safety: Non-toxic 
  • Materials: Wood, fabric, and flaxseed oil or beeswax for staining
  • Age Range: 12-18 months
  • Educational Value: Fine and gross motor skills, problem-solving, and cognitive skills
  • Extra Features: Includes seven developmental toys
  • Certification: CPSC 
  • Made In: US
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Can be pricey
  • Customer Reviews: None yet

 

32. Heirloom Kids Wooden Color Book (1+ years old)ETSY BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Wooden book
  • Product Safety: Non-toxic flaxseed oil or beeswax for staining
  • Materials: Wood 
  • Age Range: 1+ years old
  • Educational Value: Early cognitive development
  • Extra Features: Realistic prints
  • Certification: CPSC
  • Made In: US
  • Product Recall: None
  • Customer Reviews:

The colors are so vibrant. It’s top quality.” – reviewer from ETSY

Beautiful illustrations. Perfect book for teaching colors.” – reviewer from ETSY

 

33. LOVEVERY The Realist Play Kit (19-21 months)LOVEVERY BUTTONEBAY BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Montessori play kit for sensory experiences
  • Product Safety: Free from heavy metals (lead) and phthalates
  • Materials: Child-safe materials
  • Age Range: 19-21 months
  • Educational Value: Pretend play, cognitive skills, and practical skills
  • Extra Features: Includes real flashlight
  • Certification: Meets global regulatory safety standards
  • Made In: Asia (not specified)
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Can be pricey; offered as a subscription
  • Customer Reviews: None yet

 

34. LOVEVERY The Companion Play Kit (22-24 months)LOVEVERY BUTTONEBAY BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Montessori play set for confidence
  • Product Safety: Free from heavy metals (lead) and phthalates
  • Materials: Wood and other child-safe materials
  • Age Range: 22-24 months
  • Educational Value: Bilateral coordination, fine motor skills, and spatial relationships
  • Extra Features: Includes a drawstring bag
  • Certification: Meets global regulatory safety standards
  • Made In: Asia
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Only available as a subscription; can be pricey
  • Customer Reviews: None yet

 

Balance Beams & Stepping Stones

35. Little Partners Learn ‘N Balance Set (18+ months)ETSY BUTTONAMAZON BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Portable balance beam with stepping stones
  • Product Safety: Free from lead, heavy metals, and phthalates
  • Materials: Responsibly-sourced materials
  • Age Range: 18+ months to four years old or up to 100 lbs
  • Educational Value: Balancing, gross motor skills, and coordination
  • Extra Features: Easily adjustable
  • Made In: China
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Can be pricey
  • Customer Reviews:

I love that this expands into a straight line, zig zag or a half rectangle.” – reviewer on Amazon

I’m knocking off a star because though it is nice, I think the price point is high.” – reviewer on Amazon

 

Other Montessori-Inspired Toys For 1-Year-olds

Nesting Dolls 

36. WWF Wildlife Nesting Dolls (Toddlers & Older)

EBAY BUTTONAMAZON BUTTONWALMART BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Wildlife-inspired nesting dolls (pop off the top to find another doll inside)
  • Product Safety: Not indicated; handmade
  • Materials: Wood
  • Age Range: Toddlers and older
  • Educational Value: Learning about animals 
  • Extra Features: Giveaway for a WWF donation (World Wide Fund for Nature)
  • Certification: Not indicated
  • Made In: Not indicated
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Limited product information
  • Customer Reviews: None yet

 

37. PlayfulSoulz Nesting Dolls (Toddlers & Older)

ETSY BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Montessori-inspired nesting doll
  • Product Safety: Food-grade silicone
  • Materials: Silicone
  • Age Range: Toddlers and older
  • Educational Value: Learning about sizes and sequencing
  • Extra Features: Nesting and stacking toy in different sizes and colors
  • Certification: Not indicated
  • Made In: Not indicated
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Limited product information
  • Customer Reviews: None yet

 

Realistic Figurines & Toys

38. PlaySkill Toys Montessori and Waldorf Learning Wild Animals (Toddlers & Older)

ETSY BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Realistic wild animal set
  • Product Safety: Sustainable toys with an eco-friendly bag
  • Materials: Plywood and MDF (Medium-density fibreboard)
  • Age Range: Toddlers and older
  • Educational Value: Early cognitive development, problem-solving, and learning about real-life animals
  • Extra Features: Includes printed puzzle cards with matching realistic animal figures
  • Certification: Not indicated
  • Made In: Not indicated
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: The shop rates this as good for toddlers but also warns that it might not be ideal for kids below three years old; as a safety measure, be sure to watch your kids whenever they’re playing with this toy set
  • Customer Reviews:

I was looking for a high quality, realistic animal & picture game for my little one and this doesn’t disappoint!” – reviewer on ETSY

I’m very disappointed with this item. It is extremely overpriced for the quality of the items.” – reviewer on ETSY

 

39. Wood Contour Canada Wooden Mother & Baby Animals Matching Puzzle (Toddlers & Older)ETSY BUTTON

  • Pros & Best Features: Wooden self-correcting puzzles (animals and their babies)
  • Product Safety: Handcrafted
  • Materials: Birch plywood
  • Age Range: Toddlers and older kids
  • Educational Value: Reasoning skills, visual discrimination, and learning about real-life animals and their babies
  • Extra Features: Realistic animal photos
  • Certification: Not indicated
  • Made In: Canada (ships to the US)
  • Product Recall: None
  • Cons: Might be a little advanced for 1-year-olds; puzzle rated for 3+, but the manufacturer also recommends use for toddlers and pre-K
  • Customer Reviews:

great quality item. does not give my little one slivers.” – reviewer on ETSY

item matched the description and met my expectations.” – reviewer on ETSY

 

Educational Toys & Gift Guides For Young Children

 

Toy Recalls To Monitor

 

 

 

References

(1) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6161506/

 

– Motherhood Community is reader supported. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More