39 Montessori Toys For 1 Year Olds By Category

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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 old

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

Pros & Best Features: Customizable busy board

Product Safety: Environmentally friendly and safe

Materials: Plywood

Age Range: Toddlers and older

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)

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

Age Range: 12 months to 3 years old

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

Pros & Best Features: Push or pull wooden toy

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)

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 Collection

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)

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

Cons: Can be pricey for a baby book

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)

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)

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)

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

Certification: Greenguard Gold Certified for low chemical emissions, including toxic VOCs and ASTM

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)

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)

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)

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)

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/