Are Montessori Toys Worth It?

If you’re a Gen Z or Millennial parent, chances are your Instagram explore page is flooded with picture-perfect playrooms and impossibly clean bedrooms. A quick scroll through your feed will reveal wooden puzzles, mini kitchen utensils and $80 shape sorters—all in subdued, earthy colours.

Some say these Montessori toys promote independence and screen-free play, while naysayers chalk up the trend to Sad Beige Parenting—a less-is-more approach to dressing and decorating for children. Other critics say that, while very pretty, many gadgets featured under #montessoritoys #montessoriathome and #minimalhome aren’t in line with the Montessori method. 

Mel Craig is a co-founder of the Toy Testing Sisters, a duo that reviews playroom-picks to help families choose quality over clutter. She says that many parents are on the hunt for a Pinterest-ready toy collection. 

“There’s a lot of pressure online to have a minimalist, neutral playroom,” said Craig. “Aesthetics matter to some degree, but we always remind parents that play is messy, colourful and should be kid-led.

If you’re feeling the pressure or wondering why the Montessori toy in your cart is so expensive, here’s everything you need to know.

What are Montessori toys, really?

Montessori is an educational approach designed to foster a child’s independence and love of learning through battery-free activities, kid-centred environments and real-world tasks.

Lauren MacKenzie-Pratt is a teacher with ten years of experience working in Montessori schools. She says that Montessori environments for ages 18 months to three years old provide opportunities for kids to develop hand-eye coordination, self-care skills and an understanding of how to maintain the classroom. Think wooden stacking blocks that are simple enough to be set up and put away by children, for example.

According to Craig, these types of toys are simple in design but rich in purpose. “They let kids explore at their own pace without bells, whistles or flashing lights doing the thinking for them,” she said.

Montessori materials—toys, activities and sensory objects—placed on low shelves, within your little one’s reach, also encourage independent decision-making.

“You do not need to offer a million choices,” said MacKenzie-Pratt. “Your child should be called to make choices without feeling overwhelmed by too many options.”

So, next time you see a post of a playroom flooded with toys, or decor that’s out of a child’s reach, remember that it’s not a true Montessori environment—even if the hashtag says otherwise.

Do Montessori toys actually help kids learn better?

According to MacKenzie-Pratt, a Montessori environment invites children to explore the materials they find most interesting. These materials are intentionally curated to support their development and refine specific skills, such as patience, preparation and problem-solving. For example, many Montessori classrooms offer baking as a daily activity using kid-friendly kitchen tools.

"As many of us know, there is really only one way to follow a recipe," said MacKenzie-Pratt. "But for children, there are many adventures on the side. They may become distracted by a friend and learn how to navigate a new social situation, they may drop a glass and learn the importance of carrying one item at a time, they may run out of time and learn how to deal with disappointment."

This hands-on approach is a hit with parents who want to make at-home playtime more purposeful.

"Montessori toys often focus on life skills or sensory development, which helps kids build confidence and concentration naturally," said Craig.

However, some parents also point out the limits of Montessori play and schooling. In this essay about pulling her child out of Montessori school, one mom shares why the approach isn't for everyone.

Are Montessori playrooms actually colourless?

The algorithm might love a neutral, minimalist playroom, but there are all sorts of ways to approach Montessori-friendly spaces.

“The aesthetic is usually warm, minimal and simple, but long gone are the days of keeping everything beige,” said Rebecca Simon, an interior designer and the founder of Maison Ellie Interiors. She adds that soft and calming pops of colour can elevate a child's space without taking away from a focus on natural materials. Montessori toys and furniture are usually made from non-toxic white oak, maple and birch woods.

“To me, a Montessori approach is less about how the room looks and more about how it feels and functions,” said Simon.

The price tag problem

Despite the function-over-fashion philosophy, many Montessori toys come with a designer price tag. Learning towers, wooden climbing tools that help kids reach countertops, can run families upwards of $350, for example. That’s more expensive than most electric scooters, children’s smartwatches and Nintendo Switch models!

“The (Montessori) label doesn’t always justify the markup,” said Craig. “Developmentally, a simple spoon and bowl for scooping, or a basket of safe household objects, can spark just as much learning.”

Plus, it’s important to remember that some toys are simply advertised as Montessori-friendly, without actually encouraging hands-on, independent learning.

“The Montessori name is not trademarked, so anyone can call anything Montessori,” said MacKenzie-Pratt. “Companies and educational institutions know the brand sells, which is why we see all sorts of variation within the realm of Montessori.”

For some parents, authentic Montessori materials are worth the splurge. Sophie Shay, a mom of two and the founder of Chez Shay Designs, says that learning towers are one of the most worthwhile investments for families with toddlers.

“It allows your child to safely reach counter height and participate in everyday life, like grabbing a snack, helping prep dinner, or even just hanging out while you cook,” said Shay, who specializes in creating child-centred kids’ spaces.

Regardless of how you feel about the cost, remember that your child’s development doesn’t depend on an $80 stacking toy. And if you want to embrace Montessori toys, activities and designs on a budget, check out these expert-approved tips.

DIY and budget-friendly Montessori toys

Creation station

“This can be as simple as a kid-sized table and chair set, with accessible art supplies nearby,” said Shay. “It invites open-ended creativity, helps develop fine motor skills and encourages children to initiate their own projects without waiting for an adult to set up the activity.”

When it comes to specifics, MacKenzie-Pratt recommends one tray with watercolour supplies and another with six to eight crayons and a small pad of paper. The trays should be light enough for your child to carry on their own. For younger years, leave out some stamps and an ink pad in a basket, with a small notebook underneath. Remember, less is more!

Mortar and pestle

“I would say that the best Montessori toys are actually purposeful activities,” said MacKenzie-Pratt. She also says that her favourite project requires materials that may already be in your kitchen.

Start by making some hard-boiled eggs. Once the eggs cool, children can gently crack and peel the shells, piling them into a mortar and pestle.

“Once they’re done, show them how to crush the shells,” said MacKenzie-Pratt. “They can dump the shell bits in a pot, as shells provide nutrients for the soil. Lastly, have a little jar of salt for your child to pinch and sprinkle onto their egg.”

DIY shape sorter

Montessori shape sorters are a playtime go-to for toddlers and Craig says that you can DIY similar versions for a fraction of the cost.

Simply grab an old shoe box and cut shapes into the lid. Then, create matching shapes out of repurposed fabric scraps or an egg carton. Allow your little one to grasp each shape and try pushing it through the cutout. Then, show them how to open and close the box on their own to encourage child-led play and fine motor skills.

Mason jars and gardening tools

“When you’re thinking of activities, ensure you put out items that help your children care for themselves or the environment,” said MacKenzie-Pratt. “My daughter loves collecting dandelions and clover while walking around the neighbourhood. She puts them in mason jars and places them around the house to beautify our space.”

MacKenzie-Pratt says tasks like this help a child feel more connected to their family while providing a deep sense of purpose. She also says that parents can leave out a tray with a small watering can, a dish holding a cotton ball and another holding some water for children who want to clean leaves or water flowers.

What actually matters in a toy

Craig says that she has received lots of questions from parents who want to embrace the Montessori method, but don’t know how to make it work in real life. 

When shopping for Montessori materials, remember that thrifted wooden toys, secondhand musical instruments and household items are often just as effective as name-brand options. Plus, remember that kids are naturally creative. You shouldn’t feel guilty about skipping the $100 rattle when your little one will be just as entertained by their own imagination. 

“We always encourage starting small by just following your child’s interests,” said Craig. “Remember that the heart of Montessori isn’t about the toy at all, it’s about respecting the child’s natural curiosity and giving them space to explore it.”

Experts

• Lauren MacKenzie-Pratt is a teacher with ten years of experience working in Montessori schools.
• Mel Craig is a co-founder of Toy Testing Sisters.
• Rebecca Simon is an interior designer and the founder of Maison Ellie Interiors.
• Sophie Shay is the founder of Chez Shay Designs. Her approach to interior design for kids' spaces blends Montessori principles with a fresh, modern aesthetic.