Best Montessori Toys for Your 1‑ and 2‑Year‑Old
Choosing toys for toddlers can be overwhelming. Montessori philosophy simplifies the process: pick simple, natural materials that match your child’s developmental stage and invite active exploration. Here are some favorites for 1‑ and 2‑year‑olds.
For 1‑Year‑Olds
- Object permanence box: A ball disappears into a hole and reappears in a drawer, helping babies understand that objects exist even when they can’t see them. The built‑in self‑correcting feature – the ball always ends up in the same place – encourages repeated exploration.
- Simple stacking cups or rings: Lightweight wooden or metal cups encourage nesting, stacking and banging. The repetitive motion builds fine motor skills and concentration.
- Soft grasping toys: Wooden rattles, cloth balls and sensory baskets filled with different textures invite infants to explore with their hands and mouths. Remember, authentic materials prioritise natural fabrics and woods.
- Low knobs puzzle: A single‑shape puzzle teaches the pincer grasp and hand‑eye coordination. Because the piece only fits one way, it provides a control of error.
For 2‑Year‑Olds
Shape sorters and color‑sorting toys: These encourage children to match shapes or colors. Our Rakibo Montessori Color‑Sorting Toy is an excellent choice – it comes with eight vibrant colors and matching compartments. Toddlers can sort, stack, count and even create patterns, strengthening fine motor skills, concentration and early math understanding.
- Practical life tools: A small watering can, broom or set of scoops allows toddlers to participate in household chores. These activities build independence and confidence.
- Wooden blocks: Open‑ended building encourages creativity and problem‑solving. Blocks can become towers, roads or anything your child imagines. The Playroom Collective notes that blocks serve as a grasping toy for infants and later as a foundation for complex architectural creations.
- Musical instruments: Simple instruments like a wooden drum or xylophone introduce rhythm and coordination without overstimulating electronics.
- Books with realistic images: Board books depicting real animals, everyday objects and simple stories build vocabulary and a love of reading.
When shopping for toys, remember the Playroom Collective’s authenticity checklist: natural materials, open‑ended design, self‑correction and realistic representation. Avoid plastic toys that flash or play music automatically – as Zero to Three cautions, “the more a toy does, the less your child has to do”. Simple toys invite your child to be an active participant in play, fostering deeper learning.
Our small, family‑run business designed the Rakibo Montessori Color‑Sorting Toy specifically for toddlers ages 1 and 2. Crafted from smooth wood and painted with vibrant, non‑toxic colors, it encourages sorting, matching and counting. Each disc only fits into its matching slot, so children get instant feedback and learn through trial and error. Add it to your toddler’s shelf and watch their confidence bloom.