10 Montessori-inspired toys your toddler won’t get bored with
Toys that help your toddler meet his developmental needs will keep him coming back again and again.
The holiday season seems to start earlier and earlier each year and it’s easy to get swept up in the latest toy trends like buying yet another cute stuffed animal. However, with many of us trying to declutter, this can lead to giving an excessive amount gifts that our children won’t use after a few weeks (or even days!).
When thinking about what to gift your toddler this year, try thinking about how your toddler will use the toy over the next year, or even two.
The toys that stand the test of time for toddlers are those that meet their developmental needs. These toys are super fun, but also align with your tot’s inner drive to develop physically and mentally.
Gross Motor Toys
Toddlers have endless amounts of energy so toys that encourage them to develop their muscles and coordinate their movements are a great option.
A balance bike is a great way for toddlers to gain the coordination needed for a real bicycle, and this one couldn’t be more beautiful.
As the weather grows colder, it is priceless to have indoor gross motor options like the a slide for your toddler to help him use his abundant energy and meet his need for big movement when it’s just too cold outside.
Fine Motor Toys
These toys help toddlers exercise the muscles of their hands, preparing them for more precise movements like writing with a pencil. Puzzles are also great for developing problem solving skills.
Tender Leaf Toys Touch Sensory Tray
This sensory tray includes four solid wood animal shapes with different tactile patches underneath, presented on a shape sorter tray. Encourages color and shape recognition through play.
This Fishing memory game is a wonderful gift because it truly grows with your child. A young toddler will enjoy simply looking at the colorful pictures. An older toddler can practice matching the pictures, and then can move on to the greater challenge of playing the actual game. The varying levels of challenge keeps this toy interesting for years.
Tot-sized Tools
Toddlers love to help around the house. Whether it’s helping you to vacuum, sweep, sort clothes or stack the dishwasher, they will be hot on your heels trying to lend a hand. Play kitchens can be a great way to start teaching your tot how things work.
Milton and Goose Essential Play Kitchen
Cooking with your child is not only fun, but can truly help solve the daily struggle of getting dinner on the table. A toddler who is happily engaged helping you mix and chop won’t be hanging on your legs begging you to play. This cooking set by Odette Williams is the perfect gift for budding chefs.
Creative Toys
Toddlers won’t get bored with toys that let them use their creativity because their experience will be different every time.
The natural materials of these blocks make them an excellent choice to help your child explore their creative side.
A xylophone makes a great rainy day toy. Bring this out whenever your child seems antsy at home and enjoy discovering rhythm together.
The adjustable height of this easel allows your toddler to comfortably create for years as he grows in both stature and ability. The easel features a magnetic whiteboard on one side and chalkboard on the other.
You can trust that any of these toys will light up your child’s face when she first sees it, as well as engage her for many hours in the months and years to come.