Play & Parenting Guide

Decluttering your child's toy box doesn't mean the bin is the only option. From trusted charities to your local community, here's where gently used toys can find a second home — and why it's worth the small effort for the planet too.

The early years of childhood are a time of incredible learning. Between birth and age three, a child’s brain develops faster than at any other stage of life.

This is why many parents look for toys that support natural learning and development during these important early years.

Montessori-inspired toys are designed to encourage independence, exploration, and hands-on learning.

What Makes a Toy Montessori-Inspired?

Montessori toys typically share several characteristics:

• simple and purposeful design

• natural materials like wood

• open-ended play possibilities

• focus on real-world skills

Instead of overwhelming children with sounds and lights, these toys encourage concentration and discovery.

When parents think about learning toys, they often focus on reading, numbers, or vocabulary. But some of the most important skills children need are actually executive function skills.

Executive function includes abilities like:

• planning

• focus

• working memory

• impulse control

• flexible thinking

These skills help children succeed not only in school, but also in everyday life. The good news is that many toys naturally help children develop these abilities through play.

Here are some types of toys that are especially helpful for building executive function skills.