Best Montessori Toys for 1 Year Olds (12-24 Months)

The second year brings walking, talking, and a drive for independence. Here are the best toys for each stage, backed by developmental science and parent reviews.

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Young Toddler (12-18 Months)

Focus: Walking, first words, and fine motor refinement

Physical milestones

Walks independently
Stacks 2-3 blocks
Scribbles with crayons

Cognitive milestones

Says 5-10 words
Points to body parts
Follows 1-step directions

Push/pull toysShape sorterStacking toysSimple puzzles (3-5 pieces)CrayonsBead mazePlay kitchen basics

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Toddler (18-24 Months)

Focus: Language explosion, pretend play, and independence

Physical milestones

Runs
Kicks ball
Stacks 4-6 blocks
Turns pages

Cognitive milestones

50+ words
2-word phrases
Sorts shapes and colors
Pretend play emerges

Building blocksNesting toysSimple lacingMusical instrumentsPretend play setsSand/water toysBalance board

Our Top Picks for 1 Year Olds

Real products with real prices and verified ratings

Top Pick

Melissa & Doug

Melissa & Doug Shape Sorting Cube - Classic Wooden Toy With 12 Shapes

Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle & Sensory Teether Toy, Blue/Green/Orange, 5 Inch x 4 Inch x 3.5 Inch

TOY Life Wooden Toys Cars, Montessori Baby Toys 6-12 Months, Wooden Baby Toys Rattle Cars for Toddlers 1-3, Baby Boy Girl Nursery Decor, Montessori Toys for 1 Year Old Boy First Birthday Gift Car Set

7 PCS Wooden Baby Toys Set - Organic Infant Rattles Newborns 0-6 Month & Montessori-Inspired Musical Instruments for 0-12 Month - Natural Toddler Developmental Toys

Wooden Baby Toy 8pcs, Montessori Toys for Babies 1-3 Years Old, Wooden Rattles Toy Set for Infant Grasping, Sensory Development, Gift for Baby Boys Girls (Natural Wood) wood-1

Fisher-Price Wood Montessori Toy Object Permanence Box Sort & Find, American Montessori Society Seal of Excellence, Wooden Shape-Sorter Learning Activity for Baby Ages 1+ Years (Amazon Exclusive)

★★★★★ 4.5 (103)

$5.99 Prime

View on Amazon →

Free Toddler Toy Checklist (12-24 Months)

Get our printable checklist with the exact toys recommended for each stage of your toddler's second year.