Gift Guide: Best Montessori Toys for 1 Year Olds

If you’re searching for the best Montessori aligned gift ideas for 1 year olds, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re looking for a Birthday, Holiday, or Christmas gift, our Montessori one-year-old gift guide is a great place to start. We have ideas that include budget-friendly Montessori toys from Amazon to gorgeous custom-made items from Etsy, as well as our favorite picks from Montessori-aligned companies such as Lovevery.

Wooden Ball Tracker Montessori Gift for 1 year old

Wooden Ball Tracker

A ball tracker has many benefits including developing motor skills, eye strength, and bilateral integration skills. Makes a great Montessori gift that can be used for several years.

My first abc book Montessori Gift for 1 year old

First Word Books

My First ABC, My First 123, and My First Colors: These board books by DK are a great collection to have for your baby or toddler. When possible, Montessori-aligned books should show real images as opposed to illustrations. These board books are a great choice for your baby or toddler to begin recognizing images, words, numbers, and colors.

Wooden Walk ‘n’ Roll

From the smooth-turning, well-balanced drum to the sturdy handle, this push-pull toy shows will last for years. An effective way to encourage spatial awareness and introduce directional language (forward, backward). Bring it out again later for imaginative play (lawn mower, vacuum cleaner).

wooden egg cup and ball and cup Montessori Gift for 1 year old

Montessori Egg Cup Set

The egg and cup or ball and cup is another classic Montessori material for 1 year olds. It is a simple but beneficial toy that makes a great gift.

Screen Shot 2023 10 04 at 8.58.59 PM
From HeirloomKidsUSA on Etsy

Wooden Ring Stacker

This simple yet beautiful set of stacking rings is made from maple, walnut, and cherry wood with non-toxic glue.

Wooden Montessori Spinning Drum Gift for Babies 6 months to 12 months

Montessori Spinning Drum

The spinning drum is another classic Montessori material that makes a great gift for 1 year olds. Can be used from ages 6 months to 2 years.

shape peg puzzles Montessori Gift for 1 year old

Shape Puzzles

This set of shape peg puzzles is a great Montessori gift idea. They help your child develop their motor skills, gripping skills, hand-eye coordination and brain stimulation.

51c5ElH7uQL. SL250

First Music Set

As Maria Montessori herself said, “Every human group loves music.” This is a great first music set for a 1 year old with 9 different instruments included.

object permanence box wooden Montessori Gift for 1 year old

Object Permanence Box

An object permanence box is a classic Montessori toy. They have many benefits including fine and gross motor skills as well as hand-eye coordination.

Anatomically Correct Baby Doll

Baby dolls in Montessori are realistic and anatomically correct because learning materials should reflect the realism and diversity of the world. They help children to develop social-emotional learning and value people from diverse backgrounds.

Climbing Arch with Pillow

Montessori climbing toys make great gifts, and this climbing arch is a good first choice for a 1 year old. The steps are small, they can use the rails to pull up with their hands, it allows them to safely use their growing bodies in new and exciting ways.

Custom Family Book

Possibly our very favorite gift idea, this custom wooden board book can be created with pictures of your 1 year old and any family members (plus friends and pets!) that you choose.

Tripp Trapp High Chair

More than just a high chair, the Tripp Trapp is loved by Montessori parents around the world. It grows and adjusts with your baby and can be used until they’re 3 years old. One of our favorite Montessori aligned gifts!

first book of emotions Montessori Gift for 1 year old

First Book of Emotions

This is a board book that introduces the 6 basic facial expressions (happy, sad, angry, surprised, silly, and sleepy) using real images of babies.

Pikler Triangle Set

Climbing toys such as a pikler triangle are often recommended by Montessorians. This is a great gift for an 18-month-old that will be used for many years.

Wooden Color Book

This Montessori-inspired wooden book uses only realistic images. Each original illustration features an object from the natural world that displays the color on the page.

Push Toy

This is a wonderful toy for babies who are newly walking and very active. Once babies begin walking, they begin to focus heavily on developing their gross motor skills, and this push toy aids in that development.

Wooden Rainbow Flip Toy

Shake, flex, and flip! This engaging wooden toy stimulates infants’ senses. Sturdy elastic enables each piece to flip out then back like a flower in bloom

Rainmaker Rainbow Stick

Children will discover cause and effect as they watch clear plastic beads cascading through a rainbow of wooden flowers. Can be used as a rhythm instrument or rattle, it makes a soft, soothing sound that imitates the natural sound of rain. Ages 6 Months+

Montessori aligned push walker gift for babies

Push Walker

This walker from HABA is our favorite from our recommended push walkers article. Wheel speed can be adjusted depending on the walking skill of the child. Recommended age 10 months+.

Artful Skwish Grasping Ball

This dynamic web of rods, balls, and beads suspended on strong elastic cord fascinates babies; the open design makes it easy for little fingers to grasp, manipulate the pieces, and keep a grip on the cord.

Wooden Little Copter

It’s seamlessly crafted with smooth, rounded edges, fully functional wheels, and a twirling propeller to fuel both fine motor skills and budding imaginations. Ages 10 Months+

Toddler Hammered Flatware Set

This set has the look and feel of real flatware—because it is! This set includes a feeder spoon (5¾”) for infants, a blunt-tipped toddler fork (5″), and a toddler spoon (5″).

This set will grow with the child and is the perfect size and weight for the youngest learners. 

Classic Wooden Rocking Stacker

Young children love the delightful clacking sound the wooden rings make when slid onto the rocking base. This activity helps develop size discrimination and hand-eye coordination. 

Shape Sorter

This is a classic developmental toy that not only gives toddlers practice with shape discrimination, but also cause and effect. The design of this shape sorter is wonderful for a younger child who is new to the concept.

1-Year-Old Play Kit

Lovevery offers 4 different play kits for 1 year olds that offer a variety of Montessori-aligned toys for your toddler. Activities include games, puzzles, toys, and practical life materials.


Recommendations for Montessori
Click The Image Above For Recommendations!