Montessori toys: more than just playing
More and more parents are aware of how their children learn and develop. In a world where screens are everywhere, the need for open-ended toys is growing. These are toys that give children complete freedom to do whatever they want with them. No fixed rules, no predetermined outcomes, just endless discovery, trying, failing, and trying again. This learning process is incredibly valuable and perfectly aligns with what we stand for at Zappie.
What makes toys truly Montessori-proof?
Montessori toys are often associated with wooden toys , and rightly so. Organic and environmentally friendly materials are important for children to explore and work with. At Zappie, we therefore try to use as little plastic as possible and work with wood or other bio-based materials whenever possible. This not only makes them more sustainable but also more pleasant to touch and play with.
In addition, good Montessori toys have a number of clear characteristics:
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Open-ended nature: Children decide for themselves how they use it.
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Inviting and tactile: Toys should be attractive to touch and try out.
- Encourages self-discovery: There is no “right” or “wrong,” children learn by experimenting.
Technical toys within Montessori: is that possible?
Many people immediately think of wooden blocks and beaded strings when they think of Montessori, but technological toys also fit perfectly here. One of our favorite examples is the Zappie Airplane Shooter .
This box provides children with a step-by-step construction kit to build their own airplane shooter. Once it's finished, they can experiment endlessly with different airplane models. Which shape flies the farthest? How does wing size affect aerodynamics? By discovering and testing for themselves, children learn without it feeling like "school." This is precisely the essence of educational toys in a playful way!
👉 Discover the Airplane Shooter Box
The benefits of Montessori toys for children aged 5-9
As specialists in educational and technical toys, we see every day how children develop through play. The best thing about Montessori toys? Learning through play!
Think about yourself: if something is boring, you hardly remember anything about it. But if something is truly fun, you learn without even realizing it. This is equally true for children. They discover, test, and improve themselves, without any obligation.
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Montessori toys stimulate:
Creativity and problem-solving thinking
- Independence and self-confidence
- Motor skills and coordination
- Perseverance and curiosity
From what age are Montessori toys suitable?
The younger, the better! At Zappie, we see children as young as 5 making enormous strides with technical and open-ended toys. That's why it's ideal for elementary school age. It's a persistent misconception that Montessori toys are only for toddlers – children aged 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 still get so much out of them.
Check out our toy boxes for children in this age group.
My personal favorite: the Draaikunst Box
I'm a huge fan of creative toys. That's why the Draaikunst Box is my favorite. It allows children to experiment with colors and patterns and create new works of art again and again. It's the perfect example of open-ended toys , because there's no limit to what you can do with it. And the best part? You're not just engaging with art, but also with technology and physics without even realizing it.
Discover the Draaikunst Box
Montessori toys as an investment in the future
Whether it's technical toys, educational toys, or wooden toys , the most important thing is that children are given the freedom to explore. Montessori toys aren't just a fad, but a proven method for stimulating children's development.
Want your child to experience how much fun learning can be? Then check out our Zappie toy boxes , specially designed for curious children aged 5 to 9 .
View all Zappie subscriptions and discover the magic of Montessori in a playful way!