If you are anything like me, I love spoiling my babies with fun toys. However, not just any toys. The last thing I want is a cluttered house full of plastic, light up, obnoxiously noisy toys that seem to be the most popular thing marketed at the moment. I want something that will be both fun and educational because kids can learn SO much through play! So, my husband and I try and focus on buying Montessori toys.
What Is Montessori?
A Montessori toy is one that promotes engagement and serves a learning purpose, rather than just entertainment and/or a distraction. They usually are not battery powered, which is great for us parents to not have to scour the house for AAA batteries. These toys stimulate learning by encouraging kids to experiment. It should be a toy that they can hold and touch, as learning to manipulate objects is key in helping children develop their fine motor skills. The toy should also give them the opportunity to work independently at their own pace and use their creativity.
This year, I created a wish list for both of my kids that we were able to send to family and friends for the holidays. This way, I know it will be something that won’t end up in the donate bin shortly after unwrapping. Below are some of the items on our list this year:
Pickler Triangle
This adorable set invites toddlers to climb, explore, and conquer new heights. Perfectly sized for tiny hands and big imaginations, it promotes both physical activity and endless giggles.
Melissa & Doug Harvest Market Grocery Store
This grocery store set cultivates imagination as little ones explore the vibrant world of pretend play, picking and packing their favorite foods.
Melissa & Doug Wooden Deluxe BBQ Grill, Smoker & Pizza Oven
Calling all future grill masters! This toy sparks creativity but also encourages fine motor skills as toddlers flip wooden burgers, smoke imaginary delicacies, and craft their mini pizzas. Guaranteed hours of interactive fun.
Chef’s Coat, Apron & Hat
Calling all tiny chefs! I absolutely adore this mini chef’s coat set, it comes with a coat, apron and hat PLUS you can personalized with their name…I foresee picture overload on your camera roll.
Soft Climbing Activity Set
Encourages imaginative play while providing a safe environment for tiny adventurers to conquer mini peaks. Watch as your toddlers build confidence and coordination with every soft step.
Wooden Tool Box & Bench
The perfect hands-on workbench for tiny hands, fostering creativity and fine motor skills. A super cute accessory to match the workbench is this Melissa & Doug tool belt so they can “help” you with all the projects around the house.
Melissa & Doug Wooden Take-Along Sorting Barn
This portable barn provides endless entertainment as little ones engage in shape sorting and imaginative play. Compact and easy to carry, it’s the perfect companion for fostering creativity and motor skills.
Baby Balance Bike (12-24mo)
Designed with safety and smiles in mind, this mini bike helps toddlers build confidence in their first steps while enhancing coordination.
Slumberkins Hammerhead Shark Stuffie & Book
Paired with an engaging storybook, this duo not only sparks imagination but also fosters valuable life skills through a heartwarming tale to develop relaxation skills and self-acceptance. They also have matching Hammerhead pajamas!
Melissa & Doug Play House Set (Dust/Sweep/Mop)
This realistic wood cleaning set will inspire hours of screen-free, hands-on, and open-ended play. It’s designed to build confidence and promote independence plus mimicking everyday chores helps teach responsibility and self-esteem.
Toniebox Audio Player Starter Set (Paw Patrol)
The Toniebox is made by parents, for parents. It provides a screen free experience. The speaker plays bedtime stories, educational activities and songs which is perfect for their growing minds. They also have a Frozen set or Peppa Pig.
Vegan Leather Collapsible Play Tunnel
Let your kid’s imagination go wild with this chic collapsible tunnel. Use inside or outside for hours of fun and hide and seek.
Personalized Name Puzzle
Adorable custom puzzle that is simple and helpful for them to start learning their name. Plus the tiny knobs help them manipulate the pieces.
Carrots Harvest Game
Comes with seven different sized carrots to promote problem-solving skills and made of natural pine wood and water-based paint. These carrots resemble real carrots with soft felt tops perfect for tiny hands and a great toddler game they will love.
Melissa & Doug Farm Friends Hand Puppets
Cultivate imaginations with this 8-piece set. These puppets encourage parent-bonding and creative play that will bring stories and songs to life.
Foam Ball Pitt
Soft yet durable ball pit will bring hours of active play. The best addition to your playroom to allow your toddler to “hide” and relax in his own special pit.
Toddlerhood is a wild time for parents and having the right toys around can help make life a lot more fun and engaging. I hope you find the perfect gifts for your toddlers and hope my list resonates with you. Enjoy this precious toddler time and Happy Holidays!
Kari
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