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Montessori toys for learning through play

Montessori toys encourage your little one to discover, learn and grow while playing. It's not only fun, but also promotes experiential learning.

Here you'll find educational and sustainable Montessori toys by age:

In need for a Montessori-friendly toy storage?

A multicolour UNDERHÅLLA 40-piece wooden building block set
A playful children's room features a wooden train track on the floor next to a box of toys and drawings, a desk lamp on a stool, and a wall with colorful dots.

What are Montessori toys like?

Montessori toys are inspired by reality and encourage free play. Little ones let their imagination run wild while discovering the world, which develops their creativity, concentration and fine motor skills.

Each toy focuses on one skill at a time, such as sorting colors or recognizing shapes. This helps children concentrate without distraction. Many toys are made from sustainable or recycled materials.

You play the leading role in this journey of discovery. Observe your little one carefully and guide where needed. This way you'll find the right toy together for every moment.

Here you'll find educational Montessori toys grouped by age. Remember: the choice depends on your child's developmental level.

0 – 6 months: sensory discovery

This phase certainly isn't about playing more, but it is about them discovering themselves and their environment. You'll see constant learning and sensory development. Babies are sponges and their little minds absorb everything. It's a great time to start stimulating their imagination!

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A grey/blue GULLIGAST rattle
A multicolour GULDVÄVARE mobile
A multicolour GULLIGAST baby gym
A multicolour LEKA baby gym with bright coloured hanging rings and shapes on top of a green playmat in a baby’s bedroom.
A bunny/beige DVÄRGHARE soft toy

6 - 12 months: movement and exploration

This is when babies start getting curious about the world around them – they don't stop exploring and laughing! They do more and more with their hands, and use their fingers and palm to grip things. This is mostly a stage where they're always moving – they start to sit up and move around in their own way. It's constant development!

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A multicolour UPPSTÅ toy hammering block
A multicolour UPPSTÅ stacking rings
A multicolour UPPSTÅ bead maze

12 - 18 months: first steps and words

Your little one will be walking soon. They're sure to be eager to take their first steps. They express themselves better and better, they start to say more words and, most crucially, this is when they begin to explore and entertain themselves.

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A multicolour UPPSTÅ toy hammering block
A multicolour UPPSTÅ stacking rings

18 - 36 months​: experimenting and helping

How big you've got! They're developing more and more, and getting increasingly curious about their surroundings. So they need Montessori toys to help them experiment, have fun and learn. They'll also want to help with household tasks like sweeping and dusting. They love imitating us! It's important to keep stimulating their fine psychomotor skills with textures and shapes, and by fitting objects together and building.

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Top shot of a breakfast table set with a plate of waffles and several bowls. A toy train track snakes between them.
A beige SANDARED pouffe in the childrens room
A FJÄLLVRÅK domino game in the kitchen

3 years+: creativity and concentration

Now's the time to use toys that match their needs and interests, and satisfy their curiosity about things and moments, with a constant focus on stimulating their creativity, concentration and imagination.

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A multicolour UNDERHÅLLA educational wooden clock
Close up shot from above of table where two children are playing with UNDERHÅLLA cards on white table.
A FLISAT doll’s house/wall shelf
A FLISAT children's table in the childrens room
A MÅLA drawing paper roll

Organise your Montessori toys

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Two light white stained pine TROFAST frames with a tabletop make a desk in a children’s room with a FLISAT stool in front.
A TROFAST room divider in the middle of a children’s shared bedroom holding orange, lilac and mesh boxes, with toys on top.
A pine FLISAT children’s table with a TROFAST storage box in its top stands under some FLISAT wall storage on the wall.

Order is another important factor for giving kids the autonomy they need. So let us give you some ideas for organising your Montessori toys. Make sure Montessori toys are accessible and visible at their height, so they can reach everything and get their toy independently. Rather than jumbling them all together, keep your toys on rotation. That way, you can avoid jumbling them up, refresh your organisation and spark your little one's interest. A reading corner at their height, and with the covers visible, lets kids choose the children's books that they're most interested in at that moment. We know that everyday life can leave your house looking not how you want it, but don't worry!  But it does help kids take more care of their things and put things away before getting another toy out.

Child safety

All safety is great

When it comes to babies exploring during every stage of their development, we also need to protect their possible movements and be aware of hazards, because anything can happen in the blink of an eye!

At IKEA, you'll find a selection of protectors, safety latches and everything else you could need.

Child safety

Benefits of Montessori toys

Children learn best through play, discovery and experimentation. Montessori toys stimulate this natural curiosity and help your little one develop skills through their own imagination and creativity. These toys keep your child engaged for hours and encourage them to discover the world with all their senses. Choose toys that match your child's age and developmental stage for optimal play enjoyment.

Learning with Montessori toys

Toys are more than just fun, they're also an educational experience. An important feature of Montessori toys is that they're inspired by reality rather than fantasy. They stimulate imagination and creativity while children discover, practice and learn.

Discover also our craft materials for creative discovery moments.

Tips for a Montessori play space at home

Create an environment that supports the Montessori philosophy:

  • Provide low storage units so children can reach their toys independently, such as the TROFAST system
  • Rotate toys regularly to prevent boredom and maintain curiosity
  • Limit the amount of toys to avoid overstimulation
  • Create a calm, tidy play corner with plenty of natural light

Combine Montessori toys with practical children's rugs for a comfortable and safe play area where your little one can move freely.