We Interviewed Montessori Teachers: Here’s What They Recommend for Kids

Montessori education has transformed the way parents approach early childhood learning. Rooted in hands-on experiences, independent exploration, and self-directed learning, Montessori toys have become an essential part of every child’s playroom. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best toys to foster creativity, problem-solving, and cognitive development?

To bring you expert-backed advice, we spoke to experienced Montessori teachers and asked them about the best educational toys for different age groups. Whether you’re looking for STEM-based Montessori toys, wooden puzzles, or music toys that boost sensory development, we’ve got you covered.

This guide will help parents choose the best Montessori toys that align with their child’s natural curiosity and developmental milestones. Plus, we’ll introduce some of the top EdutoysHub products that Montessori teachers highly recommend!

What Makes a Toy Montessori? Teacher-Approved Criteria

Prior to exploring toy suggestions, it is important to address a prevalent misunderstanding: not every toy labeled as "Montessori" genuinely adheres to Montessori principles. Numerous mass-produced toys assert that they align with these educational guidelines, yet they often do not satisfy essential educational criteria.

Based on insights from the Montessori educators we consulted, a genuine Montessori toy must:

✅ Be made of natural materials like wood, fabric, or metal to engage a child’s senses.

✅ Encourage hands-on, open-ended learning that fosters creativity and exploration.

✅ Be self-correcting, meaning the child can recognize mistakes and learn independently.

✅ Focus on a single learning concept, avoiding unnecessary distractions or flashing lights.

✅ Be designed for real-world skill development, preparing children for practical tasks.

With these principles in mind, let’s explore the best Montessori toys by age group and why they’re beneficial.

Top Montessori Toys Recommended by Teachers

For Infants (0-12 Months): Sensory and Motor Skill Development

At this stage, infants are developing their sensory awareness, coordination, and basic motor skills. Montessori educators recommend:

🟢 Wooden grasping toys – Help babies strengthen their grip and hand-eye coordination.

🟢 Soft busy books – Fabric books with textures, simple puzzles, and Velcro pieces encourage sensory exploration.

🟢 Musical rattles – Wooden or fabric rattles introduce babies to sound and rhythm.

💡 Recommended from EdutoysHub:

✔️ Soft Montessori Activity Books – Sensory-rich cloth books designed for infant exploration.

✔️ Natural Wooden Teething Rings – Safe and engaging for grasping and early motor development.

Montessori Felt Busy Board - Interactive Handbag Activity Toy for Toddlers

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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For Toddlers (1-3 Years): Independence and Hands-On Learning

As toddlers grow, they become curious explorers, seeking independence and engagement with their environment. The best Montessori toys for toddlers include:

🟢 Busy boards – Featuring buttons, zippers, and latches to improve fine motor skills.

🟢 Wooden stacking toys – Help toddlers develop problem-solving skills and coordination.

🟢 Object permanence boxes – Teach toddlers about cause and effect, strengthening memory skills.

🟢 Simple wooden puzzles – Support problem-solving and hand-eye coordination.

💡 Recommended from EdutoysHub:

✔️ Montessori Busy Board – Designed to enhance fine motor skills through hands-on activities.

✔️ Wooden Shape Sorter – Encourages logical thinking and spatial awareness.

Wooden Multifunctional Musical Instrument Set

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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For Preschoolers (3-6 Years): Creativity, STEM, and Practical Life Skills

As children transition into preschool, Montessori educators emphasize the importance of cognitive growth, creativity, and practical life skills. Their preferred toy suggestions are as follows:

🟢 Building blocks and wooden construction sets – Encourage STEM learning, spatial awareness, and creativity.

🟢 Montessori math beads – Introduce early counting, addition, and subtraction in a hands-on way.

🟢 Musical instruments – Simple xylophones, drums, and bells develop rhythm and coordination.

🟢 Practical life toys – Pouring sets, child-sized brooms, and dressing frames build independence.

💡 Recommended from EdutoysHub:

✔️ Montessori Wooden Number Counting Beads – Hands-on math learning for preschoolers.

✔️ Musical Xylophone Set – Perfect for early auditory development and rhythm recognition.

Montessori Wooden Busy Board with LED Lights

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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Montessori Toys vs. Traditional Toys: What’s the Difference?

Parents often ask whether Montessori toys are better than traditional toys. According to Montessori teachers, the key differences are:

Montessori specialists highlight that, although conventional toys can provide enjoyment, they should fulfill a role that extends beyond mere amusement; they ought to play an active part in fostering a child's cognitive, emotional, and physical growth.

Montessori Play at Home: How to Choose the Right Toys

Montessori educators highlight the importance of choosing toys that align with your child's developmental stage and interests. Here are some recommendations for selecting suitable toys:

✅ Align with Your Child’s Interests – Pay attention to what captivates your child and select toys that nurture those passions.  

✅ Opt for Open-Ended Toys – Choose toys that offer various play possibilities, such as building blocks, to foster creativity and enhance problem-solving skills.  

✅ Emphasize Quality Over Quantity – The Montessori approach advocates for a limited selection of high-quality toys instead of an excessive variety.

 
✅ Establish an Organized Play Area – Arrange toys in an orderly manner to enable children to select and return them independently.

Where to Find High-Quality Montessori Toys

As the popularity of Montessori toys rises, it is essential for parents to exercise caution in their selections. Numerous brands inaccurately label their products as "Montessori" without genuinely adhering to the underlying philosophy.  

To find authentic, high-quality Montessori and STEM toys, parents should consider purchasing from trusted brands that emphasize:  

- Natural wooden materials  
- Hands-on learning rooted in STEM principles  
- Educational experiences that promote open-ended play  

💡 Explore a thoughtfully curated range of Montessori toys at EdutoysHub, where expert-approved selections are crafted to enhance creativity, problem-solving skills, and independent learning.

Final Thoughts: Montessori Toys for Lifelong Learning

Our discussions with Montessori educators revealed a fundamental insight: children thrive in their learning when they are actively engaged, self-reliant, and purposefully exploring their surroundings.

By selecting Montessori-approved toys from EdutoysHub, parents can cultivate a play environment that enhances cognitive growth, nurtures creativity, and develops emotional intelligence.

If you seek tailored Montessori toy suggestions, explore EdutoysHub for a variety of expert-recommended educational toys!