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Best Montessori and Educational Toys for Toddlers (18 months–3 years)
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items Looking for toys that are fun and build real skills? This list is full of toddler-approved picks that help with fine motor control, color recognition, counting, creativity, and imagination. Perfect for screen-free play at home, daycare, or as gifts.
Sections
2
Hands-On Play & Sensory Fun
Independence at Home: Montessori Furniture Picks
Hands-On Play & Sensory Fun
These are the toys and learning tools we grab when we want playtime to do more than just entertain. Each piece sparks curiosity, helps build fine motor skills, language, or problem solving.
The fruits are soft like a plush stuffed animal and perfect for learning about food!
Melissa & Doug Market Basket Fill & Spill Toy
This was such a helpful tool to have when teaching our daughter how to walk! She also enjoys the various busy board style activities on the front of the walker which let her explore her sensory needs.
Wooden Baby Walker Wheels Montessori Toy
I think I might enjoy this as much as my daughter does! I love it as a mom because it’s an 8 in 1 activity box so less toys I have to keep up with but it can keep you little one entertained for so long!
Kizfarm 8-in-1 Wooden Montessori Baby Toys
Magical multi-panel cube that keeps tiny hands busy: with spinning gears, extendable rocket, steering wheel and tiny buttons to push, pull, and twist. Perfect for car rides, waiting rooms, or any time you need a screen-free moment.
Montessori Sensory Toys for Toddlers 1-3
A triple threat of sensory fun: whistle for auditory play, floating balls for visual & cause-and-effect, and blow pipe for breath control + concentration. A toy that hits multiple sense-zones in one package, keeping even strong-willed toddlers en...
TOP BRIGHT 3-in-1 Sensory Toddler Toys
A kid-sized broom, mop, and dustpan that makes clean up feel like play. Great for pretend play and coordination while letting toddlers ‘help out.
Melissa & Doug Dust Sweep Mop 6-Pc Set
I got this for my kiddo and watching them figure out the locks, screws, and keys is somehow the cutest thing ever. It builds real fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, patience, and gives them a sense of pride when they finally unlock something t...
INIFEIDALA Montessori Screwdriver Board Set
Outdoor sensory play at its best. Toddlers pour water into the top to make rain showers while ramps, spinners, and maze pieces keep them exploring.
Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond Toddler Water Table
Play is the best way to learn! This wooden farmhouse kitchen gives toddlers practical pretend play with storage and realistic details to spark language and fine motor skills.
Farmhouse Pretend Play Wooden Kitchen Set
This set is such a win from a Montessori perspective because it’s all about hands-on learning. Over time you’ll see your kid’s concentration improve as they practice screwing pieces together, their confidence grow as they master new skills, and their...
Wooden Kids Tool Bench with Belt & Tools
Add this Pikler Triangle to let your child build strength, coordination, and risk-taking through fun climbing.
Wooden Pikler Triangle Climbing Set
This pretend food set is one of my fave for creative kitchen play and sensory learning. The fruit & vegetable pieces “crunch” when cut, it comes in a handy wooden box, and it’s perfect for building fine motor skills, color recognition, and part-w...
Wooden Fruit & Veggies Cutting Play Food Set
This little hedgehog is a fine motor favorite. Kids pull out and push in the colorful quills while learning to count, match colors, and build hand strength. I love that all the quills stack and fit neatly back inside of it! Anything that I can do to ...
Spike The Fine Motor Hedgehog
Independence at Home: Montessori Furniture Picks
A table + chair set with storage teaches independence, order, and intentional play all in one.
GITAWUSA Kids Table & 2 Chairs Set
A kid-sized table & chair set gives toddlers their own spot to learn, create, and build confidence.
Lalo The Play Kit Table & Chairs
I don’t own this yet but it checks all the Montessori boxes in terms of what I look for in furniture. The table + chairs adjust in purpose (they can double as stools, benches, or even little shelves), and kids get to practice independence by choosing...
ECR4Kids Bentwood Table & Chairs Set
This piece is such a Montessori staple because it grows with your child in so many ways. It works as a step stool, helper tower, little table and chair, and even has a chalkboard for creative play. It gives toddlers the independence to safely join yo...
Woodure 4-in-1 Toddler Kitchen Step Stool