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Birthdays, holidays, or any other time for gift-giving, when it comes to shopping for a toddler- whether it’s for your own or a gift for another, sometimes it can be challenging to find a gift that won’t just add to the clutter of noisey, loud toys, or plastic do-dads. This is a compiled list of montessori-friendly items for your toddler from toddlerhood to preschool age and beyond.

This list was curated with 3 key things in mind- to be open ended, to have a specific developmental aim, and to have the longevity to be enjoyed for years, not just months.

All item pictured are clickable to take you to the page to purchase.

1. Sensory Tray

Pouring, touching, grasping, scooping, filling, the activities are endless! This provides sensory stimulation, as well as fine motor skills such as grasping and pincer grasp.

2. Wobble Board

These not only provide balance and gross motor, but turn it over and it creates a tunnel. Prop it from the couch and it becomes a slide. Children can roll cars down the ramp, and sit inside it for rocking motion, as well.

3. Art Easel

This art easel can drop all the way to the floor so your toddler can enjoy using it, and as your child grows, so can the board. It is also magnetic, which is my personal favorite feature.

4. Kitchen

The simplicity of beautiful wood finish of the Ikea play kitchen, paired with realistic pots and pans and age appropriate utensils, this kitchen can be used for more than just play! This kitchen can be used just as the kitchen in your home is used, when equipped with the right things. Instead of play food, allow your child to prep their own snack and lunch at a kitchen their size. You can even purchase a travel sink spout for running water from the sink, or simply remove the plastic spout and replace it with a water pitcher with a pouring spout.

5. No Peddle Bike/ Balance Bike

A balance bike provides excellent gross motor, and is beginning steps for learning to ride a bike. The bike is low enough that your toddler can first push with their feet, and as they become better with balance, they will soon zoom down the sidewalk, practicing their balance skills.

6. Sweeping Set

Toddlers are excellent helpers when given the opportunity and provided with appropriate tools to do so, and they love to do it! This set is the perfect size for your toddler.

7. Wheel Barrow

Once your child has outgrown a push walker, a wheel barrow can provide the same pushing skills. This wheel barrow has two wheels in the front, which will help the child to be successful with pushing it and balancing it.

8. Kitchen Helper Tower

Bring your child up to adult level in the kitchen. This special stool provides a safe platform for your child so they can be right at counter height, allowing them to help with dishes, food prep, kitchen activities, or anything else.

9. Wood Doll House

This doll house is simple, wood, and even the dolls and furniture inside are made with beautifully crafted wood. Bonus, it can fold up and taken on the go.