The Best Places to Find Affordable Montessori-Inspired Toys For Babies and Toddlers

There are so many different approaches to parenting and how to raise children. One philosophy that my husband and I have started exploring for our son is the Montessori approach. Montessori can look different to different people and there is no exact way to follow Maria Montessori’s teachings.

I searched high and low to find the best stores and brands for affordable Montessori toys. Today I’ve compiled a list of my favorite affordable Montessori-inspired toys for babies and toddlers and where you can find them.  Some of the products featured in this post were gifted to me. 

The Best Places to Find Affordable Montessori Inspired Toys For Babies and Toddlers

Pink Montessori

You will find many interesting, fun and affordable Montessori inspired toys and education materials at Pink Montessori. Their goal is to bring affordable and quality Montessori education materials to fulfill Maria Montessori’s mission to cultivate the child’s own natural desire to learn. They have over 200 affordably priced items on their website and show their true concern for safety in all the products they sell.Use Promo code Pink9 to get 10% off your purchase!

Geometric Shape Peg Board with Large Knobs 

It seems as if puzzles are always a favorite toy among all little ones. This affordable Montessori inspired toy puzzle from Pink Montessori is perfect for little hands. The large knobs make it easy for kids to grasp. The colorful shapes not only grab attention but help kids distinguish between the different pieces and assist with learning. This is a great exercise in helping to improve gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination and visual discrimination of shapes.

The moment I set this puzzle down, my niece was all over it! At 14 months old, she had a blast taking the pieces off faster than I could put them back on. We quickly realized that this puzzle is great for toddlers, but really attracts kids of all ages. I brought it with our family to our Thanksgiving gathering and instantly it attracted young kids of all ages. They really enjoyed coaching the little ones through finding the right spot for each shape.

Small Bell

My 4-month old son loves everything that can shake, rattle and roll! This affordable Montessori-inspired toy bell from Pink Montessori was the perfect fit for his small hands. He quickly realized that he could wrap his little fingers around the pillars and make some noise. The more he shook it, the more it rang and the more he smiled. These self-rewarding toys are perfectly aligned with the Montessori style of play for babies.

The small bell is sturdily built of high-quality, natural German Beachwood with a non-toxic finishing. It is a great affordable Montessori inspired toy for babies ages 3 months to 1.5 years old, under adult supervision.

PlanToys

PlanToys mainly focuses on safely-made wooden toys. Their toys focus on those most important first five years. This is when children’s brains are growing the fastest and parents should be encouraging their children to experience the freedom of play. With a strong mission to create a sustainable world, PlanToys is thoroughly concerned about every single step of the production line. They are wholeheartedly committed to minimizing environmental impacts.

Van Walker

This next affordable Montessori-inspired toy is all about fostering independence. I know several little ones that would love more freedom and independence in their lives. This Van Walker from PlanToys allows your little mover to get up and go, with a little added assistance. Your baby can store their favorite affordable Montessori-inspired toys in the front “van” and take them for a stroll.

This walker is made for babies ages 10 months and up. As with all toys, you want this to be used under adult supervision. I was given the advice to weigh down the front to help give balance to early walkers. You can also lock the wheels so that the van is stationary for added fun.

For Small Hands

The company For Small Hands understands that learning starts at birth. They have a whole line of affordable Montessori inspired toys for learning and tools for life at all ages. For Small Hands really focuses on those hard to find, child-sized items that every Montessori family wants for their little ones in their home. Check out their well organized and well-stocked website here.

Artful Skwish

Is it a ball or a rattle? Infants know right away — it’s both! Leading to endless open play for now and the future to come. The Artful Skwish is perfect for small hands and pops back into shape no matter how you squeeze it. My son loves to twist it around and I like that it is easy for him to hold.

This dynamic web of rods, balls, and beads suspended on a strong elastic cord fascinates babies. My son loves the noise it makes as he moves it around in his hands. The open design makes it easy for little fingers to grasp, manipulate the pieces, and keep a grip on the cord. I love that it is simple and beautifully made. This is an affordable Montessori inspired toy that I can be proud to display as it truly looks like a piece of artwork.

Green Ring Teether Toy

Next up is the simple, natural, non-toxic Green Ring teether. The inner ring is made from a smooth maple, and the soft teether on the outside is made from natural cornstarch rubber with a lovely, smooth texture. The perfect size and shape to fit in a baby’s hand. Use two pieces separately, or as a whole.

It isn’t hard for babies to know exactly what to do with this one. Grab it, put it in their mouth, repeat. The circle design allows it to be hung from a mobile or handled freely. The simple design is pleasing to parents and the small shape is perfect for small hands. Making this a great option!

I Play Baby

Make sure you check out I Play Baby. Their abundance of products are sure to fit perfectly into any Montessori home.

Sprout Ware Dumbbell Rattle Made From Plants

This toy encourages learning the healthy, natural way. Sprout Ware Dumbbell Rattle is made from plant-based plastic to support baby’s health and well-being. It is easy to hold, shake, and makes a playful rattle sound. The Sprout Ware Dumbbell Rattle stimulates the baby’s sensory, movement, interactive, cognitive, and creative learning pathways for early, whole development.

We found this rattle to be easy to clean, which is important when everything ends up in my son’s mouth! He didn’t have any trouble grasping the center handle and shaking the lightweight rattle. It is available in three different colors on their website and perfect for babies 3 months and up.

Green Sprouts Burp Cloths and Bibs

It’s not all about fun and games when it comes to babies. The more my son plays, the more he drools and gets everything wet. This is completely fine with me but might get uncomfortable for him especially now that it’s wintertime. That is where the Green Sprouts Muslin Stay-Dry Teether Bib made from organic cotton comes in handy!

The super absorbent organic cotton muslin outer layers and waterproof inner layers keep baby dry and can be used for feedings or daily drooling. They come with a detachable silicone teething ring so baby always has a teether close by to soothe sore gums. Check out the I Play Baby website to find a bunch of resources for parents along with affordable Montessori inspired toys for your little one.

Sprout Ware Stacking Cups Made From Plants 

Filling, pouring, and sprinkling water with Sprout Ware Stacking Cups turns bath time into playtime. They are safe for all kinds of play with the BPA- and PVC-free plastic. The smooth texture and simple design that is easy for little hands to hold. Babies also enjoy stacking and sorting all six sizes and colors, or sifting sand through the holes in the cups! The Sprout Ware Stacking Cups stimulate baby’s sensory, movement, interactive, cognitive, creative, and naturalist learning pathways for early, whole development.

But don’t be limited to just the tub or the beach. These stacking cups can go as far as your little one’s imagination can take them. They offer endless play options for those creative little minds at work. At only $8, these are another great option as an affordable Montessori inspired toy for your little one. 

Green Toys

Green Toys toys are made from 100% recycled material and manufactured right here in the US! They repurpose those old milk jugs and yogurt containers we recycle into toys that return to our home in a new form. They believe in kids turning off the electronics and getting on the ground to play! Check them out as an affordable Montessori inspired toy option for your kids!

Elmo Wagon

Let your little one load up Green Toys Elmo’s Wagon with all their favorite things! Sturdy and durable for indoor and outdoor toddler play, this wagon offers endless real-life and imaginative play. The 100% cotton rope handle makes it easy for little ones to haul around their most prized possessions, and also tucks inside for convenient, safe storage.

Right now we are in the heart of Minnesota winter with a not yet walking little one. But I imagine many trips around the garden with this little red wagon next summer. With a price point of under $25, this affordable Montessori inspired toy is perfect in so many ways.

Affordable Montessori Inspired Toys Block Set

The Green Toys Block Set is the world’s most environmentally friendly basic building set — and now it’s better than ever! The 18 boldly colored, lightweight blocks have been re-engineered for easier grip and better stacking action. This unique block set includes a variety of shapes for building castles, towers, or any imaginative structure budding architects can dream up. Plenty of affordable Montessori inspired toy fun!

So whether you strictly follow a Montessori lifestyle or are just looking for some fun toys for your little one, be sure to check out these companies and all the great items they have to offer. Do you have a favorite Montessori inspired toy for your baby or toddler? Tell me about it below!