Materials for 12 to 24 months

We use a mix of Montessori materials and open ended toys in our home. When looking at toys and trying to decide whether or not they are a fit for our home, I try to think about the toy's function or length of use. Since we have a small house, I really appreciate toys that can be used for a long time! I also love being able to use one material in several different ways over the years.

Here is my list of recommendations for ages 12 to 24 months, this is a broad range, and every child is different, so some may be too easy, and others too difficult- observation is key! (contains affiliate links at no cost to you)

Plan toys drum

This is durable and has a beautiful sound that you may actually enjoy!

Unit Blocks are excellent for stacking, concentration, creativity, independent play, fine motor skills, and more!

Also follow thenaturalbabyco.com for restocked for a cheaper one!

Since this isn't available, try regular Guidecraft unit blocks, they normally have a first time coupon.

Chair-

This was one of my babes favorites for her 1st birthday (still using at 2.5). The foam is very sturdy, and it has a removable, machine washable cover.

dolls

A doll is definitely one of my daughter's favorites, These are anatomically correct and come in a variety of ethnicities

Coin slot box

She started using at around 17 months, and still enjoys it at 23 months (she still hasn't mastered the drawer)

Large conical ring stacker- started with just a few rings, gradually added more. She still hasn't mastered at 23 months.

Prices fluctuate on Amazon, so be sure to price check with liltulips.com, or bellalunatoys.com (there are more, just examples)

Wee Baby Stella
We received this for her 1st birthday, and she still uses it at age 2 ❤ Love I can throw it in the washing machine

Squigz

watch for small pieces, though some are larger)
Great for the car, bath, building, attaching to the mirror, etc.! (we are still using at 28 months)

Basic Shape Puzzle

We started with the basic Montessori single shaped puzzles-

Giant Edushape Farm Puzzle

Around 16 months we moved to large knobbed puzzles, this one is HUGE, but does not have photos beneath.

Edushape Fruit Puzzle

After she mastered the giant animal puzzle, we moved to smaller knobbed puzzles (this one doesn't have photos beneath)

We used these Melissa and Doug sound puzzles 18 months, and still at 25 months (no batteries in, but they have realistic images)
The knobs are smaller, but they do have the photos below

Diecast bus

(use discretion with age, the wheels can come off but this is an absolute favorite at 2.5)

Green Toys Ferry Boat

great for the bath or pool

Ugly Cozy Coupe

Look, I know-- it is plastic and hideous, but also ridiculously loved.. I keep thinking about taking the eyes and face off of ours to make it less cartoonish (Still in my living room at age 2.5 )

My babe wasn't too interested until close to 18 months. There are many brands that vary in prices (I would check the weight allowances).
We have the Sarah Silk's Wavy Board. They sell seconds, also occasionally send out coupons.

$- 35 inches long, great weight limit, good reviews
$$ Sarah Silks Wavee Board
$$$ Wobbelboard

A learning tower-- one of the most used Montessori items in our home.

$-We have a DIY Ikea learning tower

$$- amazon learning tower-

$$$- Sprout learning tower

Stokke Tripp Trapp

I held off getting this for as long as I could, but really wish I would have gotten one from the start! Pictured is without the chair attachment if you are confident they won't fall out.They are excluded from almost every discount.

$- find a used one on marketplace or try a different brand.
$$- if you haven't used the Nordstrom app. yet, get $20 off a purchase of $150 or more with your first app purchase
$$$- Amazon

Sensory Balls

Another favorite! These are our go-to "throwing balls" when she decides to throw other things, we use these so much!

Non Toxic Teething Ball

A natural, environmental friendly option to the Infantino sensory balls, great for teething!

Bolt Board (18 to 22 months)

Great for fine motor skills

Sturdy work tray

I always need new trays...always! Don't forget to check the dimensions

Dowel Set (currently unavailable)

A great deal to get several of the dowel materials at once

I believe the square single dowel would be introduced first, then the horizontal dowel (we used at around 17 months), Then the 3 dowels, then the single dowel with different shapes (or something like that)