Montessori Toys for 2 Year Olds

What Skills Are 2 Year Olds Learning Right Now?

At this stage, toddlers are leveling up their skills daily. Some of the big ones include:

• ✔ Figuring out how things work – flipping switches, turning knobs, pressing buttons
• ✔ Getting better at using their hands – opening lids, stacking, sorting
• ✔ Recognizing colors and shapes – starting to match and group objects
• ✔ Imaginative play – making up little stories and pretending

And because they're constantly testing things (including the durability of their toys), it's important to pick ones that can handle a bit of rough play.

What to Look for in a Wooden Montessori Toy

So, what is it that makes a simple toy great, and how would you go about choosing the best Montessori toy for a 2 year old toddler? You will not go wrong if you pick any of the toys from this category, but if you need help shortlisting these, here are three picks that can help you choose the best Montessori toy for your 2 year old.

When buying a toy for a 2 year old, make sure the toys are:

• 🔹 Safe & Non-Toxic – A great educational toy has no sharp edges, no tiny parts, and no harmful materials. Toys are made according to choking hazard safety regulations and without sharp edges.
• 🔹 Age-Appropriate – You want your child to play with toys that stimulate the progress of specific skills that develop during a certain period. The right Montessori toy offers a mix of challenge and fun.
• 🔹 Durable & Sustainable – You want a longer-lasting toy that your child will have difficulty breaking, and you can pass it down from generation to generation. A good practical toy must be able to last because let's be honest, toddlers are tough on their toys.

Need some ideas? Here are a few solid picks:

🔐 Montessori Locks and Latches

If your toddler is always trying to mess with keys, faucets, and latches, this is a lifesaver. It gives them their own set of switches and locks to play with—fine motor skills and independence-building all in one. Voted amongst the best toys for preschool within our collection.

🧩 Montessori Sorting Toys

A selection of fun little sorting toys that help with colors, shapes, and matching. Plus, they strengthen those tiny hands as they work to fit the pieces together. A fun way to teach the Montessori method to your child.

🧱 Montessori Stacking Toys

Let's be honest. Who doesn't like to stack things on top of each other? Maybe build a tower with building blocks or check to see how many blocks will fit on a horse's back? These stacking toys allow your toddler to do just that and help develop your toddler's imagination, problem-solving, dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and fine motor skills. Isn't it always fun in the end to tumble and crash the structure you just built and learn about cause and effect!?!

Why Montessori Toys for Toddlers?

✨ What Makes These Toys Worth It?

• 🎯 Encourage independent play and focus
• 💡 Support problem-solving and cause-effect thinking
• 🚀 Promote creativity through open-ended design
• 🏠 Crafted from safe, durable, often US-made materials
• 👪 Trusted by Montessori parents and teachers alike

Research has shown that kids who engage in Montessori-style learning often develop stronger problem-solving skills, better focus, and more independence. A recent 2023 study^[1] found that "Montessori education outperformed traditional education on a wide variety of academic and nonacademic outcomes."

Ready to Find the Right Montessori Toy?

Every toddler is different, so when you are looking for the best Montessori learning toys for toddlers, consider what matches their curiosity. Whether they love sorting, building, or pretend play, there's something out there that'll keep them engaged and help them grow.

At Alphabet Trains and Toys, we want kids to play smart and grow smarter—we believe the right toys can make all the difference.

What's Next? Toys for 3 Year Olds

References

1. Randolph JJ, Bryson A, Menon L, Henderson DK, Kureethara Manuel A, Michaels S, Rosenstein DLW, McPherson W, O'Grady R, Lillard AS. Montessori education's impact on academic and nonacademic outcomes: A systematic review. Campbell Syst Rev. 2023 Aug 7;19(3):e1330. doi: 10.1002/cl2.1330. PMID: 37554998; PMCID: PMC10406168.