Montessori play kits: a complete age-by-age guide for purposeful toddler learning

Choosing the right toys for your child can be overwhelming. With so many options available, it’s hard to know which ones are truly beneficial. Montessori play kits take the guesswork out of playtime by providing curated, age-appropriate learning materials designed to inspire curiosity, build confidence, and encourage independence. At Montessori Toddlers, we’ve created a series of play kits to match your child’s unique stage of growth — from newborn through to preschool age.

What makes Montessori play kits special?

Unlike generic toy sets, Montessori play kits are carefully designed to align with your child’s developmental milestones. Each kit contains beautiful, durable, and purposeful toys made from natural materials like wood and cotton. These materials are safe, tactile, and appealing, helping your little one focus without the distraction of flashing lights or electronic sounds. Every item has a clear educational purpose, whether it’s refining motor skills, encouraging problem‑solving, or supporting language development.

Our Montessori Toddlers play kits by age

0–6 months: the gentle start

In the earliest months of life, babies are soaking in the world around them. Our 0–6 months kit includes sensory‑rich materials to support visual tracking, grasping, and early motor skills. From high‑contrast cards to soft rattles, these tools stimulate your baby’s senses and lay the foundation for healthy brain development — all while making tummy time more engaging.

7–12 months: exploring with intention

As your baby begins to sit, crawl, and interact more actively, the 7–12 months kit offers opportunities for cause‑and‑effect play, object permanence, and fine‑motor practice. Expect toys like drop boxes, rolling cylinders, and textured objects — all designed to match their growing curiosity and coordination.

13–18 months: mastering movement and coordination

At this stage, toddlers are on the move and ready to refine their skills. The 13–18 months kit features toys that encourage hand‑eye coordination, problem‑solving, and early pretend play. Simple puzzles, stacking toys, and practical life tools help your child build confidence while exploring new challenges.

19–24 months: encouraging independence

Between 19 and 24 months, your toddler’s imagination and independence really begin to bloom. This kit includes engaging toys that support language growth, shape recognition, and creative thinking. Activities like sorting, matching, and basic construction keep little hands busy while nurturing essential developmental skills.

25–36 months: building focus and problem‑solving skills

Now that your child can handle more complex activities, the 25–36 months kit introduces early STEM concepts, fine‑motor challenges, and imaginative play materials. Wooden tools, memory games, and sequencing tasks foster concentration, logical thinking, and creativity in equal measure.

36 months and beyond: preparing for preschool

Our 36+ months kit helps bridge the gap between toddlerhood and preschool learning. With materials that promote early literacy, numeracy, and practical life skills, this kit supports your child’s confidence and readiness for the classroom. Activities include early counting, letter recognition, and more advanced puzzles.

How to choose the right Montessori play kit

Each kit is designed with a specific age range in mind, making it easy to find the perfect match for your child. If your child is between stages, choose based on their developmental progress rather than strictly by age. Many parents also invest in multiple kits to rotate toys and keep playtime fresh and exciting.

Age	Focus skills	Shop
0–6 months	Sensory stimulation, visual tracking, early grasp	Shop the 0–6 months kit
7–12 months	Cause and effect, object permanence, crawling coordination	Shop the 7–12 months kit
13–18 months	Hand‑eye coordination, simple problem solving, early pretend play	Shop the 13–18 months kit
19–24 months	Language, matching & sorting, creative thinking	Shop the 19–24 months kit
25–36 months	Early STEM, sequencing, focus and persistence	Shop the 25–36 months kit
36+ months	Pre‑literacy, pre‑numeracy, practical life skills	Shop the 36+ months kit

Why parents love Montessori Toddlers play kits

Parents tell us they appreciate how our play kits make learning effortless and enjoyable. By focusing on quality over quantity, we ensure every toy has a purpose. The result? Less clutter, more meaningful play, and a deeper connection between you and your child as you explore and learn together. For more wooden learning materials, explore our Montessori wooden toys collection.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Montessori play kit?

A Montessori play kit is a curated set of age‑appropriate learning materials made from natural, child‑safe materials. Each item targets a specific skill, encouraging independent, purposeful play.

Which Montessori play kit should I choose?

Start with your child’s current age range. If they’re between stages, choose based on observed skills and interests. Our age and skill table can help.

Are Montessori play kits worth it?

Yes — the kits reduce guesswork, cut toy clutter, and provide developmentally aligned activities that grow with your child.

What materials are used?

We prioritise wood, cotton, and other natural materials, finished to child‑safe standards, and designed for durability.

Do you ship internationally?

Please see shipping details at checkout. We aim to offer reliable shipping options for UK, EU, and beyond.

Bring Montessori learning into your home

With Montessori Toddlers play kits, you’re not just buying toys — you’re giving your child a foundation for lifelong learning. Explore our full range of Montessori play kits today and discover the joy of purposeful play.