Have you already gotten a few texts from loved ones asking you what they should gift your child for Christmas? I know that before my kids’ birthday and holidays I can end up drawing a blank in response to this question.
If you’ve ever died a little inside as you watch your child unwrap another obnoxious, loud toy that you know will overstimulate them and end up forgotten in the bottom of a toy box, keep reading.
You know that your in-laws, parents, or siblings MEAN well, so here’s how you can let them spread some holiday cheer while keeping with your Montessori lifestyle.
Below are some of the top Montessori aligned toys for ages newborn to 12 months old.
Some links included are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. These are items that we’ve personally used, or have come highly recommended and with rave reviews.
What makes a toy Montessori?
There are a few key factors that make a toy “Montessori”. Despite what you may see marketed, it’s not just natural colored wood items, or rainbow stackers & bins of rice.
You want to look for items that teach one skill at a time vs. multiple skills like colors, the alphabet, and shape sorting. By focusing on one skill at a time your child can gain mastery and confidence in that skill before moving on to a new one.
Another hallmark of a Montessori toy (or “material” in Montessori speak) is that it is made from quality materials. This is where a lot of people think you can only have plain wood items. What is more important is that items aren’t made from cheap, flimsy plastic.
Instead, by having beautiful, thoughtfully made items, your child is more likely to be attracted to the toys and treat the toys with more respect. The bonus side of this is that you’ll have things in your home that add to the beauty of your home rather than act as an eyesore.
What are the best Montessori toys for Newborn to 12 months?
It can be hard to figure out what gift to get for a newborn or young infant since it doesn’t look like they do much in the way of “playing”. Keep in mind that they’re going to want to put everything in their mouths – that’s how they learn about this new world that they’re in.
Below I share the details about some of our favorite newborn to 12 month old gift ideas.
Manhattan Toys Skwish
This toy might look a bit like a twisted Cat’s Cradle with some balls stuck in it, but it’s one of the most versatile infant toys around. The balls slide and clack together to create an intriguing sound, it is a teething infant favorite, and it rolls around without get too far away.
Both of my children loved this toy as babies, and it’s one of my go-to baby shower gifts. The Manhattan Toys Skwish is available in rainbow colors, but this neutral tone is a nice option.
Radio Flyer Classic Walker Wagon
You may have seen the fluorescent colored, A-frame plastic busy board on wheels that has been a standard walker option for years. These light up, sound making toys tend to be overstimulating, and are quite prone to tipping towards your child as they struggle to pull themselves up or as they’re learning to walk.
I was a little skeptical when I first heard about this wagon, but wanted to give it a try with my youngest who started walking at 9 months! Man, those second children aren’t messing around.
Despite that early doubt, I have to say that I think this one is worth every penny. Some of my favorite things about the Radio Flyer Classic Walker Wagon are:
- The wagon has front wheels that are designed to go slowly. There is a little piece that kind of clicks through the “spokes” on the back: almost like we used to do with baseball cards on bike spokes. this keeps your newly walking little one from gaining too much speed.
- The low to the ground frame keeps the wagon from being tipsy. And with the actual wagon bed, you can add wooden blocks or books to weigh it down and make it even more stable.
- The wooden side rails are removable. My youngest had a brief obsess with taking them out and slipping on them, so we stored them away for a bit.
Bonus – Montessori Stocking Stuffer Idea!
Crinkle Baby Paper
Have you ever noticed your baby loves empty plastic water bottles to squish, squeeze, and gnaw on? These unique baby materials have a crinkly plastic sheet inside, and will be a hit with your little one.
I wish I had found these with my oldest – water bottle noises were always good at calming him down when nothing else seemed to work.
Get more inspiration
I hope that you have an amazing, and joy-filled holiday season, and that these ideas have inspired your Montessori gift buying search. These are just a few of our favorites, but if you want to have a complete Montessori aligned gift guide for up to age 5 years old, click here to join the early access waitlist for our Black Friday shopping guide.
Also included is a list of 25 Montessori Stocking Stuffers and a thoughtful script you can use to share your gift wish lists with loved ones. You’ll get full access at midnight, Thanksgiving night. Happy shopping!!