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Birthdays, holidays, welcome home, or any other time for gift-giving, when it comes to shopping for a baby- 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 from when baby is still in the womb, up until emerging into toddlerdom. This was curated with 3 key things in mind- to be open ended, have a specific developmental aim, and to be able to be used for years, not just months. As I am writing this, my daughter is approaching 2 years old (what!) and had all of these things introduced before the age of 1, and still uses them all in some way today!

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

1. Topponcino

This special little pillow is the first montessori item baby uses, and is perfect for an expecting mother, or a fresh newborn. The topponcino pillow is the first form of security and consistency in the baby’s life.

2. Wood Gym

These wood gyms are great to set baby under. You can hang different things from the top, from rattles and mobiles, to nature items found outside such as leaves.

3. First Blocks

I like how these are simple, all the same shape, and have color. Simple for banging and visual stimulation of the colors, to more complex of beginning stacking and building.

4. Ball Tracker

Great for visual stimulation. Pre walkers can place the ball on the ramp at their level. As they begin to stand, they can use the tracker to balance, and place the ball in the hole at the top.

5. First Puzzle

This traditional montessori item is perfect for beginning puzzling. The simple shapes make it easy for the child to be successful. The large nob helps develop hand grip which later turns to pencil grasp.

6. Table and chair set

Children can start as early as 5 months old to start sitting on their own at a table their size. This beautiful wood set is perfect for baby through toddlerhood.

7. Riding Car

A simple riding car is great for gross motor movement.

8. Push Walker

While inclosed walkers are not montessori appropriate, a push walker is great for practicing walking and developing those muscles needed. The child can easily choose to use the walker, or stop when they are done, independently. They also can enjoy putting toys inside the front bin. These walkers are great from babies just learning to stand, to toddlers pushing their items from place to place.

9. Climbing Arch

For the baby on the move. This is not only great for gross motor and climbing, but drape a sheet over to make a hide away spot or a tunnel to crawl through, or tie colorful ribbons on the posts for a wonderful sensory activity. The imagination is endless!

10. Books

“Montessori friendly” books utilize real pictures or non-fiction stories. Traditionally in Montessori, make-believe stories and fairy tales are saved until children are able to mentally differentiate what is real or fake in their world. For young babies, books with real pictures from their world, or stories that are non-fiction, help them understand their world around them. Keep them in this bookshelf for independent access and visual order. Here are some of my favorites: