A Preschool Teacher’s Gift Guide for Grandparents in 2025

  • Posted by Lauren Williams

Picked by a Preschool Teacher Who's Spent 12 Years Successfully Preparing Kids for School Through Play

Let me start with a little honesty.

After twelve years in the classroom, I’ve seen plenty of toys that look promising on the shelf… but end up forgotten after a day or two. I’ve also seen the rare ones that children come back to 2 months later – the toys that survive rough play and bring out focus in even the busiest kids.

Those are the gifts I’m sharing here.

Whether you’re shopping for a curious toddler or a high-energy preschooler, these are the ones I’d recommend to the families I know and trust. They’re well-made, screen-free, and chosen not just for what they do – but for the way they draw children in, keep them engaged, and help them prepare for school.

So, let’s get into it – the last one is not what you’d expect.

1. Alphabet Parking Maze

Age: 3+

Montessori Alphabet Parking Maze.
Little girl playing with a Montessori Alphabet Parking Maze game.
Blobs with text explaining benefits of the Montessori Alphabet Parking Maze toy and a little girl playing with it.
Infographic showing the Montessori Alphabet Parking Maze board and benefits of playing with it.
Top view on a toddler moving cars with letters inside a parking maze game with a magnetic pen.
Close up on a hand moving a little car inside the Montessori Alphabet Parking Maze with a magnetic pen.
Boy sitting on his bad and playing with his Montessori Alphabet Parking Maze toy.
Woman's hand holding a magnetic pen and moving a small wooden car with a letter R on it to it's designated parking spot on the playing Montessori board.
Close up on little wooden cars with letters on them featured in the Montessori Alphabet Parking Maze game for toddlers.
Infographic showcasing features of the Montessori Alphabet Parking Maze game, emphasizing that it is a perfect travel toy for children.
Close up on a magnetic pen attached to a wooden board moving a little wooden car with a letter
Woman's hand interacting with the Montessori Alphabet Parking Maze by moving a ramp with a magnet pen so that a little wooden car can pass through.
Close up on a magnetic pen attached to the Montessori Alphabet Parking Maze board.
Mother and son playing with the Montessori Alphabet Parking Maze.
Montessori Alphabet Parking Maze dimensions.
Alphabet Parking Maze packaging by Montessori Generation.
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Montessori Alphabet Parking Maze.
Little girl playing with a Montessori Alphabet Parking Maze game.
Blobs with text explaining benefits of the Montessori Alphabet Parking Maze toy and a little girl playing with it.
Infographic showing the Montessori Alphabet Parking Maze board and benefits of playing with it.
Top view on a toddler moving cars with letters inside a parking maze game with a magnetic pen.
Close up on a hand moving a little car inside the Montessori Alphabet Parking Maze with a magnetic pen.
Boy sitting on his bad and playing with his Montessori Alphabet Parking Maze toy.
Woman's hand holding a magnetic pen and moving a small wooden car with a letter R on it to it's designated parking spot on the playing Montessori board.
Close up on little wooden cars with letters on them featured in the Montessori Alphabet Parking Maze game for toddlers.
Infographic showcasing features of the Montessori Alphabet Parking Maze game, emphasizing that it is a perfect travel toy for children.
Close up on a magnetic pen attached to a wooden board moving a little wooden car with a letter
Woman's hand interacting with the Montessori Alphabet Parking Maze by moving a ramp with a magnet pen so that a little wooden car can pass through.
Close up on a magnetic pen attached to the Montessori Alphabet Parking Maze board.
Mother and son playing with the Montessori Alphabet Parking Maze.
Montessori Alphabet Parking Maze dimensions.
Alphabet Parking Maze packaging by Montessori Generation.
Teaches:
Letter recognition, fine motor skills, patience, and problem-solving

Why I picked it:
I’ve used plenty of alphabet toys in the classroom, but most get boring once the letters are learned. This one doesn’t. Kids love guiding the little cars into their parking spots, and the letters become a natural part of the game instead of a chore. This toy gets played with by kids who already know their ABCs and by those still learning.

Bonus:
It’s completely self-contained, so there are no pieces to lose. That also makes it a great quiet-time activity for travel or waiting rooms.

2. Dino Busy Board

Age: 2+

Montessori Dino Busy Board.
Blonde boy sitting, laughing, and hugging his Montessori Dino Busy Board
Little girl sitting on the carpet and playing with her Montessori Dino Busy Board
Infographic showcasing gadgets, accessories and practical life skills of the Montessori Dino Busy Board for children.
Woman's hand interacting with the Montessori Dino Busy Board by tying a shoelace.
Hand interacting with the Montessori Dinosaur Busy Board by opening a pocket.
Infographic showcasing the Montessori Dino Busy Board for children as a perfect travel companion and screen-free fun.
Snap pockets, clock, laces, and clock that teach practical life skills inside of a Montessori toy.
Infographic showcasing elements of the Montessori Dinosaur Busy Board for kids.
Colorful gears for fine motor skills inside of the Montessori Dino Busy Board.
Open Montessori Dino Busy Board showcasing all its contents.
Montessori Dino Busy Board dimensions.
Dinosaur Busy Board packaging by Montessori Generation.
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Montessori Dino Busy Board.
Blonde boy sitting, laughing, and hugging his Montessori Dino Busy Board
Little girl sitting on the carpet and playing with her Montessori Dino Busy Board
Infographic showcasing gadgets, accessories and practical life skills of the Montessori Dino Busy Board for children.
Woman's hand interacting with the Montessori Dino Busy Board by tying a shoelace.
Hand interacting with the Montessori Dinosaur Busy Board by opening a pocket.
Infographic showcasing the Montessori Dino Busy Board for children as a perfect travel companion and screen-free fun.
Snap pockets, clock, laces, and clock that teach practical life skills inside of a Montessori toy.
Infographic showcasing elements of the Montessori Dinosaur Busy Board for kids.
Colorful gears for fine motor skills inside of the Montessori Dino Busy Board.
Open Montessori Dino Busy Board showcasing all its contents.
Montessori Dino Busy Board dimensions.
Dinosaur Busy Board packaging by Montessori Generation.
Teaches:
Practical life skills (zippers, snaps, buttons, buckles), fine motor control, focus

Why I picked it:
The dino might be the hook, but the real value is in the buckles, zippers, snaps, and buttons. I’ve watched three-year-olds struggle with their coats in winter and four-year-olds get frustrated with their shoes – these same kids come back to this board again and again until they can work the clasps and fasteners without thinking.

It’s a low-pressure way to practice the exact motions they’ll need to dress themselves every day.

Bonus:
Unlike wooden boards, this one’s lightweight and easy to pack, so kids can carry it around themselves. I’ve had students bring it to circle time just to show off what they can do.

3. DIY Fun Chair

Age: 3+

Montessori DIY Fun Chair.
Little boy playing with a Montessori DIY Fun Chair.
Woman's hand tightening a screw on the Montessori DIY Fun Chair toy.
Infographic showcasing the Montessori DIY Fun Chair and it's features.
A hand interacting with the Montessori DIY Fun Chair toy set by making a car out of wooden parts.
Infographic showcasing educational benefits of the Montessori DIY Fun Chair wooden toy set for toddlers.
Different designs that can be made with DIY Fun Chair toy set parts explained on a colorful infographic.
Boy sitting next to a sofa and playing with a colorful wooden Montessori Chair toy.
Creative design made using colorful wooden pieces featured in the Montessori DIY Fun Chair set for children.
A multicolored wooden car and a lion figurine riding it, made out of DIY Fun Chair parts.
Close up on high-quality wooden pieces of the Montessori DIY Fun Chair toy set for children.
Close up on wooden parts and tools included in the Montessori DIY Fun Chair box.
Little boy assembling his Montessori DIY Fun Chair using a toy screwdriver featured in the set.
Montessori DIY Fun Chair dimensions.
DIY Fun Chair packaging by Montessori Generation.
All wooden pieces, screws, and tools featured in the Montessori DIY Fun Chair box.
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Montessori DIY Fun Chair.
Little boy playing with a Montessori DIY Fun Chair.
Woman's hand tightening a screw on the Montessori DIY Fun Chair toy.
Infographic showcasing the Montessori DIY Fun Chair and it's features.
A hand interacting with the Montessori DIY Fun Chair toy set by making a car out of wooden parts.
Infographic showcasing educational benefits of the Montessori DIY Fun Chair wooden toy set for toddlers.
Different designs that can be made with DIY Fun Chair toy set parts explained on a colorful infographic.
Boy sitting next to a sofa and playing with a colorful wooden Montessori Chair toy.
Creative design made using colorful wooden pieces featured in the Montessori DIY Fun Chair set for children.
A multicolored wooden car and a lion figurine riding it, made out of DIY Fun Chair parts.
Close up on high-quality wooden pieces of the Montessori DIY Fun Chair toy set for children.
Close up on wooden parts and tools included in the Montessori DIY Fun Chair box.
Little boy assembling his Montessori DIY Fun Chair using a toy screwdriver featured in the set.
Montessori DIY Fun Chair dimensions.
DIY Fun Chair packaging by Montessori Generation.
All wooden pieces, screws, and tools featured in the Montessori DIY Fun Chair box.
Teaches:
Following instructions, problem-solving, hand-eye coordination, and basic tool skills

Why I picked it:
Building something they can actually sit in gives kids a huge sense of accomplishment. I’ve seen students carefully line up pieces, figure out which bolt goes where, and proudly announce, “I MADE THIS!”

Look, it’s not just pretend play – using the child-safe tools and real screws shows them how everyday objects are put together, and it naturally teaches patience when things don’t fit the first time.

Bonus:
It’s not just a chair – you can use the tools and pieces to build dozens of designs, like cars, boats, towers, bridges, you name it. 

4. Memory Match

Age: 4+

Montessori Memory Match.
Preschooler girl playing with a wooden Montessori Memory Match game with a board and colorful pegs.
Infographic showcasing educational benefits of the Montessori Memory Match game and two siblings playing with it in their playroom.
A hand preparing to throw the dice of the Montessori Memory Match Game which features a wooden board with holes, and pegs with colored bases for memory matching.
Woman's hand placing a green colored peg onto a memory match board.
Infographic showcasing build materials and quality of the Montessori Memory Match game, as well as it's benefit of easy storage and cleanup.
Close up on wooden pegs, board, and a dice from the Montessori Memory Match game for children.
Top view on the Montessori Memory Match and it's pegs that are turned upside down to show different colors.
Infographic explaining rules of the Montessori Memory Match game.
Close up on a wooden Montessori Memory Match game for children.
Montessori Memory Match dimensions.
Memory Match game packaging by Montessori Generation.
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Montessori Memory Match.
Preschooler girl playing with a wooden Montessori Memory Match game with a board and colorful pegs.
Infographic showcasing educational benefits of the Montessori Memory Match game and two siblings playing with it in their playroom.
A hand preparing to throw the dice of the Montessori Memory Match Game which features a wooden board with holes, and pegs with colored bases for memory matching.
Woman's hand placing a green colored peg onto a memory match board.
Infographic showcasing build materials and quality of the Montessori Memory Match game, as well as it's benefit of easy storage and cleanup.
Close up on wooden pegs, board, and a dice from the Montessori Memory Match game for children.
Top view on the Montessori Memory Match and it's pegs that are turned upside down to show different colors.
Infographic explaining rules of the Montessori Memory Match game.
Close up on a wooden Montessori Memory Match game for children.
Montessori Memory Match dimensions.
Memory Match game packaging by Montessori Generation.
Teaches:
Memory, concentration, turn-taking, fair play

Why I picked it:
Matching games aren’t new, but this one has a twist – You roll the die and must find a pawn on the board whose hidden color matches what the die shows – only one guess per turn.

The twist of combining luck with memory slows kids down. They need to pause, scan methodically, and remember where each color hides. It’s deliberate, engaging, and keeps attention longer than any matching game I’ve seen so far.

Bonus:
Because the colors are hidden, the game stays challenging even after kids have played it many times. It’s like chess, dice, and memory game all rolled into one.

5. Domino Run

Age: 4+

Montessori Domino Run.
Close up on starting pieces in the Montessori Domino Run track.
Infographic showing a fully setup Montessori Domino Run track and it's elements.
Woman's hand placing bowling pins at the finish point of the Montessori Domino Run.
Hands assembling the arch with bell part of the Montessori Domino Run.
A ball moving through the Montessori Domino Run track with a goal of knocking down bowling pins at the end point of the track.
Red ball coming towards the end of the Montessori Domino Run track.
Infographic explaining that the Montessori Domino Run toy helps with patience and focus, provides screen-free playtime and hours of fun, and can be played with family and friends.
Woman's hand placing a wooden piece on the Montessori Domino Run track.
Little red ball knocking down bowling pins at the end point of the Montessori Domino Run toy set.
Close up on different elements, balls, and wooden pieces featured in the Montessori Domino Run set for children.
Infographic showcasing different elements of the Montessori Domino Run game for preschoolers.
High-quality and fun Domino Run toy for children featuring different wooden elements, balls, and bowling pins.
Montessori Domino Run box dimensions.
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Montessori Domino Run.
Close up on starting pieces in the Montessori Domino Run track.
Infographic showing a fully setup Montessori Domino Run track and it's elements.
Woman's hand placing bowling pins at the finish point of the Montessori Domino Run.
Hands assembling the arch with bell part of the Montessori Domino Run.
A ball moving through the Montessori Domino Run track with a goal of knocking down bowling pins at the end point of the track.
Red ball coming towards the end of the Montessori Domino Run track.
Infographic explaining that the Montessori Domino Run toy helps with patience and focus, provides screen-free playtime and hours of fun, and can be played with family and friends.
Woman's hand placing a wooden piece on the Montessori Domino Run track.
Little red ball knocking down bowling pins at the end point of the Montessori Domino Run toy set.
Close up on different elements, balls, and wooden pieces featured in the Montessori Domino Run set for children.
Infographic showcasing different elements of the Montessori Domino Run game for preschoolers.
High-quality and fun Domino Run toy for children featuring different wooden elements, balls, and bowling pins.
Montessori Domino Run box dimensions.
Teaches:
Sequencing, cause-and-effect, patience, precision, and early STEM concepts

Why I picked it:
This isn’t just lining up dominoes. Kids build an entire chain reaction – ramps, levers, a spinning wheel, a bell, and even a mini bowling set at the end. I’ve seen children plan the route, test each section, then troubleshoot when something doesn’t go to plan.

It’s hands-on problem-solving from start to finish, and the excitement when the final ball knocks down the bowling pins is contagious.

Bonus:
Because every piece can be rearranged, no two runs have to be the same. You can spend half an afternoon tweaking the layout just to make the ball ring the bell at the perfect moment.

6. Magnetic Maze

Age: 3+

Montessori Magnetic Maze Frog.
Montessori Magnetic Maze Penguin.
Montessori Magnetic Maze Fox.
Child playing with a Montessori Magnetic Maze Frog.
Infographic showcasing three versions of the Montessori Magnetic Maze game.
Infographic showing benefits of the Montessori Magnetic Maze toy for children.
Close up on a magnetic pen moving a red ball inside the Montessori Penguin maze.
Woman's hand moving little balls inside the Montessori Magnetic Maze Frog.
Infographic showcasing different safety elements on the Montessori Magnetic Maze game.
Close up on the Montessori Magnetic Maze Fox, it's magnetic pen and little balls under a clear cover.
Penguin, Fox, and Frog versions of the Montessori Magnetic Maze.
Montessori Generation logo on the back of the Montessori Magnetic Maze game.
Montessori Magnetic Maze dimensions.
Magnetic Maze packaging by Montessori Generation.
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Montessori Magnetic Maze Frog.
Montessori Magnetic Maze Penguin.
Montessori Magnetic Maze Fox.
Child playing with a Montessori Magnetic Maze Frog.
Infographic showcasing three versions of the Montessori Magnetic Maze game.
Infographic showing benefits of the Montessori Magnetic Maze toy for children.
Close up on a magnetic pen moving a red ball inside the Montessori Penguin maze.
Woman's hand moving little balls inside the Montessori Magnetic Maze Frog.
Infographic showcasing different safety elements on the Montessori Magnetic Maze game.
Close up on the Montessori Magnetic Maze Fox, it's magnetic pen and little balls under a clear cover.
Penguin, Fox, and Frog versions of the Montessori Magnetic Maze.
Montessori Generation logo on the back of the Montessori Magnetic Maze game.
Montessori Magnetic Maze dimensions.
Magnetic Maze packaging by Montessori Generation.
Teaches:
Fine motor control, hand-eye coordination, patience, and problem-solving

Why I picked it:
Kids use a magnetic pen to guide tiny balls through the maze, and it’s amazing how much focus that simple action creates. They have to slow down, think about their path, and keep a steady hand to get the balls where they belong.

I’ve had children who usually rush through activities, sit quietly with this for ten or fifteen minutes straight, determined to finish without tipping the balls into the wrong spot.

Bonus:
Everything is sealed under a clear cover, so there are no loose pieces to lose – making it a perfect toy for car rides, waiting rooms, or quiet play corners.

7. Circus Board

Age: 3+

Montessori Magnetic Circus Board.
An opened Montessori Circus Board with chalk, magnetic parts, pen, and an eraser.
Infographic showcasing the Montessori Magnetic Circus Board and how to play with it.
Montessori Magnetic Circus Board educational benefits for children showcased in an colorful infographic.
Woman's hand interacting with the Montessori Magnetic Circus Board by drawing on its whiteboard with a pen with colorful magnetic pieces in the box below.
Hand erasing a drawing on a whiteboard which is part of the Montessori Circus board with colorful animal magnetic puzzles below.
Close-up of a hand placing magnetic circus-themed puzzle pieces on a whiteboard, featuring a clown, horse, and various circus accessories, with additional colorful magnets and a dry-erase marker organized in a wooden box below
Close up of different Montessori Magnetic Circus Board pieces in a wooden box.
Infographic showing the benefits of a wooden Montessori magnetic circus board, highlighting features like boosting creativity, learning to hold a pen, creating vivid stories, and getting ready for school.
Close up of Montessori Magnetic Circus board showing colorful chalk leaning on the board.
Colorful magnetic pieces of the Montessori Circus board placed in a wooden box.
Montessori Magnetic Circus Board dimensions.
Magnetic Circus Board packaging by Montessori Generation.
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Montessori Magnetic Circus Board.
An opened Montessori Circus Board with chalk, magnetic parts, pen, and an eraser.
Infographic showcasing the Montessori Magnetic Circus Board and how to play with it.
Montessori Magnetic Circus Board educational benefits for children showcased in an colorful infographic.
Woman's hand interacting with the Montessori Magnetic Circus Board by drawing on its whiteboard with a pen with colorful magnetic pieces in the box below.
Hand erasing a drawing on a whiteboard which is part of the Montessori Circus board with colorful animal magnetic puzzles below.
Close-up of a hand placing magnetic circus-themed puzzle pieces on a whiteboard, featuring a clown, horse, and various circus accessories, with additional colorful magnets and a dry-erase marker organized in a wooden box below
Close up of different Montessori Magnetic Circus Board pieces in a wooden box.
Infographic showing the benefits of a wooden Montessori magnetic circus board, highlighting features like boosting creativity, learning to hold a pen, creating vivid stories, and getting ready for school.
Close up of Montessori Magnetic Circus board showing colorful chalk leaning on the board.
Colorful magnetic pieces of the Montessori Circus board placed in a wooden box.
Montessori Magnetic Circus Board dimensions.
Magnetic Circus Board packaging by Montessori Generation.
Teaches:
Storytelling, how to hold a pen, creativity, fine motor skills

Why I picked it:
Kids get a box full of circus characters, animals, and props (all magnetic) and a double-sided board to build their scenes. I’ve seen children who freeze up when handed a blank sheet of paper start telling entire stories just because they had a few characters to move around.

The magnets give them a starting point, and from there, the ideas keep flowing. It’s part pretend play, part art project, and part problem-solving as they decide what goes where.

Bonus:
The entire set stores neatly in its box, so it’s one of the easiest toys to take to grandma’s house or trips.

8. Smart Board

Age: 3+

Montessori Smart Board.
Wooden Montessori educational toy for children featuring a board wit shapes, numbers, a fish game, and a wooden board to place all these pieces.
Infographic showing features and elements of the Montessori Smart Board educational toy for children.
Infographic showcasing the quality build materials and benefits of the Montessori Smart Board toy for toddlers.
Woman's hand interacting with Montessori Generation's Smart Board 2.0 by placing a wooden number 10 onto the board.
Hand interacting with a wooden smart board for children by sorting the colorful rings and numbers and solving a simple math addition.
Close up on a wooden board with numbers, shapes, rings, and a magnetic fish game designed for children.
Infographic showing an empty Smart Board on top, and a completely set up board at the bottom, emphasizing on how children will learn sorting skills by playing with Montessori Generation's Smart Board.
High-quality educational Montessori Smart Board toy for toddlers.
Stacking rings, magnetic fish game, shapes and numbers made of wood, featured on the Montessori Smart Board.
Woman's hand interacting with the Montessori Smart Board 2.0 by playing a fishing game with magnets and placing a wooden piece on the board.
Close up on wooden pegs with colorful rings on them, featured on the educational toy called the Montessori Smart Board.
Close up on colorful wooden fish from the Montessori Smart Board 2.0 fishing game.
Montessori Smart Board dimensions.
Smart Board packaging by Montessori Generation.
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Montessori Smart Board.
Wooden Montessori educational toy for children featuring a board wit shapes, numbers, a fish game, and a wooden board to place all these pieces.
Infographic showing features and elements of the Montessori Smart Board educational toy for children.
Infographic showcasing the quality build materials and benefits of the Montessori Smart Board toy for toddlers.
Woman's hand interacting with Montessori Generation's Smart Board 2.0 by placing a wooden number 10 onto the board.
Hand interacting with a wooden smart board for children by sorting the colorful rings and numbers and solving a simple math addition.
Close up on a wooden board with numbers, shapes, rings, and a magnetic fish game designed for children.
Infographic showing an empty Smart Board on top, and a completely set up board at the bottom, emphasizing on how children will learn sorting skills by playing with Montessori Generation's Smart Board.
High-quality educational Montessori Smart Board toy for toddlers.
Stacking rings, magnetic fish game, shapes and numbers made of wood, featured on the Montessori Smart Board.
Woman's hand interacting with the Montessori Smart Board 2.0 by playing a fishing game with magnets and placing a wooden piece on the board.
Close up on wooden pegs with colorful rings on them, featured on the educational toy called the Montessori Smart Board.
Close up on colorful wooden fish from the Montessori Smart Board 2.0 fishing game.
Montessori Smart Board dimensions.
Smart Board packaging by Montessori Generation.
Teaches:
Math, geometry, magnetism, color sorting

Why I picked it:
There are plenty of similar boards out there, but this one’s my go-to. Each column links color, shape, and number together – so 3 is blue, the matching shape is a blue triangle, and there are 3 blue stacking rings. We’re counting, learning shapes, and doing basic math in a way that feels connected.

I can tell you from experience that children take to this hands-on approach faster than any worksheet or flashcard.

Bonus:
A magnetic fishing game sits at the top of the board, so there’s a break from the structured learning and a bit of fun in between.

9. Penguin's Clock

Age: 2+

Montessori Penguin's Clock.
Infographic showcasing elements and safety of the Montessori Penguin's Clock toy.
Woman's hand interacting with the Montessori Penguin's Clock by moving a fish-like clock hands.
Montessori Penguin's Clock designed to help children learn shapes, numbers, and colors.
Hand interacting with the Montessori Penguin's Clock by adding the wooden shape with number three on it to the wooden board.
Infographic showcasing educational benefits of the Montessori Penguin's Clock game for children.
Closeup of colorful shapes and numbers that come with the montessori penguins clock.
Educational Montessori toy in the shape of clock designed to help children's development.
Close up of the Montessori Penguin's Clock showing all the different shapes and numbers
Montessori Penguin's Clock's board without accompanying pieces.
Montessori Generation Logo engraved on the back of the Montessori Penguin's Clock 2.0
Montessori Penguin's Clock dimensions.
Penguin's Clock packaging by Montessori Generation.
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Montessori Penguin's Clock.
Infographic showcasing elements and safety of the Montessori Penguin's Clock toy.
Woman's hand interacting with the Montessori Penguin's Clock by moving a fish-like clock hands.
Montessori Penguin's Clock designed to help children learn shapes, numbers, and colors.
Hand interacting with the Montessori Penguin's Clock by adding the wooden shape with number three on it to the wooden board.
Infographic showcasing educational benefits of the Montessori Penguin's Clock game for children.
Closeup of colorful shapes and numbers that come with the montessori penguins clock.
Educational Montessori toy in the shape of clock designed to help children's development.
Close up of the Montessori Penguin's Clock showing all the different shapes and numbers
Montessori Penguin's Clock's board without accompanying pieces.
Montessori Generation Logo engraved on the back of the Montessori Penguin's Clock 2.0
Montessori Penguin's Clock dimensions.
Penguin's Clock packaging by Montessori Generation.
Teaches:
Telling time, numbers, colors, shapes, fine motor skills

Why I picked it:
Each number is a chunky wooden shape that fits into the clock face, so we’re matching shapes, learning numbers, and putting them in the right order before we even start talking about time. The penguin theme makes it inviting, and the movable hands give plenty of chances to practice “What time is it?” in a playful way.

More than once, I’ve seen children sit and spin the hands just to “make it lunchtime” or “bedtime.”

Bonus:
The pieces store right in the clock face, so there’s nothing to lose between uses.

10. Happy Puzzles (6-Pack)

Age: 2+

Montessori Happy Puzzles (6 Pack).
Little boy playing with Montessori Happy Puzzles 6 Pack.
Woman's hand playing with a wooden Montessori car puzzle.
Woman's hand interacting with a ladybug puzzle by adding the last puzzle piece to the board.
Owl design of the Montessori Happy Puzzles (6 Pack) set.
Baby boy sitting on the bad and playing with colorful wooden puzzles.
Ladybug wooden puzzle that's a part of the Montessori happy puzzles (6 pack) set.
Infographic showing benefits of the Montessori Happy Puzzles for children featuring 6 different puzzles.
Infographic showcasing benefits of the Montessori Happy Puzzles 6 Pack.
Blue haired boy sitting on the floor of a playroom and looking at colorful wooden puzzles.
Montessori wooden puzzle in the shape of a colorfully dressed bear.
Montessori toy in the shape of a wooden puzzle depicting a steamboat.
Colorful butterfly variant of the Montessori Happy Puzzles (6 Pack) set by Montessori Generation.
Baby opening a box containing Montessori Happy Puzzles.
Woven sack that holds all the Montessori Happy Puzzles.
Six different puzzles with wooden boards featured in the Montessori Happy Puzzles set.
Montessori Happy Puzzles dimensions.
Happy Puzzles (6 Pack) packaging by Montessori Generation.
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Montessori Happy Puzzles (6 Pack).
Little boy playing with Montessori Happy Puzzles 6 Pack.
Woman's hand playing with a wooden Montessori car puzzle.
Woman's hand interacting with a ladybug puzzle by adding the last puzzle piece to the board.
Owl design of the Montessori Happy Puzzles (6 Pack) set.
Baby boy sitting on the bad and playing with colorful wooden puzzles.
Ladybug wooden puzzle that's a part of the Montessori happy puzzles (6 pack) set.
Infographic showing benefits of the Montessori Happy Puzzles for children featuring 6 different puzzles.
Infographic showcasing benefits of the Montessori Happy Puzzles 6 Pack.
Blue haired boy sitting on the floor of a playroom and looking at colorful wooden puzzles.
Montessori wooden puzzle in the shape of a colorfully dressed bear.
Montessori toy in the shape of a wooden puzzle depicting a steamboat.
Colorful butterfly variant of the Montessori Happy Puzzles (6 Pack) set by Montessori Generation.
Baby opening a box containing Montessori Happy Puzzles.
Woven sack that holds all the Montessori Happy Puzzles.
Six different puzzles with wooden boards featured in the Montessori Happy Puzzles set.
Montessori Happy Puzzles dimensions.
Happy Puzzles (6 Pack) packaging by Montessori Generation.
Teaches:
Problem-solving, spatial awareness, patience, fine motor skills

Why I picked it:
These are often the first puzzles I give to younger toddlers. The pieces are chunky, the pictures are simple, and the shapes fit in only one way, so they get that satisfying “click” when it’s right. With six different designs, there’s variety without making it overwhelming, and each finished picture feels like a small win.

Bonus:
They come in a cloth bag, so the whole set can be stored together or taken on trips without losing pieces.

11. Cooking Tools

Age: 3+

Montessori Cooking Tools utensils for children.
Brother and sister making a salad with Montessori Cooking Tools.
Infographic showcasing a little girl and her mother using the Montessori Cooking Tools, and another girl cutting a red pepper with a plastic knife featured in the set.
Kid-friendly knife from the Montessori Cooking Tools set slicing an apple on a green cutting board with various kitchen tools in the background.
Detailed view of Montessori Cooking tools and its features.
Mother, father, son, and daughter preparing a meal in their kitchen using Montessori Cooking Tools set.
Infographic showcasing how a Montessori Cooking Tools set is a realistic kitchen set for children.
Woman's hand using a safe vegetable cutter to slice an apple on a green cutting board with various kitchen utensils in the background.
Green peeler resting on a yellow cutting Montessori Cooking Tools board with an orange fruit
Infographic showing that safely is guaranteed with Montessori Generation's Cooking Tools set.
Close ups different tools from the Montessori Cooking Tools and how they can be used to cut vegetables.
Montessori Cooking Tools set and all its components on a white background.
Montessori Cooking Tools dimensions.
Cooking Tools packaging by Montessori Generation.
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Montessori Cooking Tools utensils for children.
Brother and sister making a salad with Montessori Cooking Tools.
Infographic showcasing a little girl and her mother using the Montessori Cooking Tools, and another girl cutting a red pepper with a plastic knife featured in the set.
Kid-friendly knife from the Montessori Cooking Tools set slicing an apple on a green cutting board with various kitchen tools in the background.
Detailed view of Montessori Cooking tools and its features.
Mother, father, son, and daughter preparing a meal in their kitchen using Montessori Cooking Tools set.
Infographic showcasing how a Montessori Cooking Tools set is a realistic kitchen set for children.
Woman's hand using a safe vegetable cutter to slice an apple on a green cutting board with various kitchen utensils in the background.
Green peeler resting on a yellow cutting Montessori Cooking Tools board with an orange fruit
Infographic showing that safely is guaranteed with Montessori Generation's Cooking Tools set.
Close ups different tools from the Montessori Cooking Tools and how they can be used to cut vegetables.
Montessori Cooking Tools set and all its components on a white background.
Montessori Cooking Tools dimensions.
Cooking Tools packaging by Montessori Generation.
Teaches:
Cooking, independence, healthy habits, safety

Why I picked it:
This is, without question, the biggest attraction in my classroom. It’s not a toy, but a real cooking set that’s completely safe for children. We use it to make snacks and simple meals, and it’s the one activity every child lines up for.

The tools fit their hands, let them slice soft fruit, spread toppings, or mix ingredients, and they can do it without needing me to step in every few seconds.

Bonus:
Because it’s real cooking, children see their work turn into something we actually eat, and that makes them want to take part every time.

Final Thoughts

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that you can’t force a child to love a toy. The ones that last do so because they fit naturally into a child’s world – they invite play without demanding it, and they grow with the child instead of being left behind. That’s what every item on this list has in common. They’ve proven themselves in real classrooms with real children, and I’d choose them again without hesitation.

Happy Gift Shopping,
Lauren Williams