I feel like it was yesterday that Nora was born. But, somehow, my tiny little rainbow baby is this vibrant, bouncy, smart, independent 2.5-year-old. And with this realization that she is no longer a little baby, I realized that it's been awhile since I've shared what she's been interested in over the past several months.
You may notice that many of these products have been featured before. That's the beautiful thing about quality, open ended Montessori friendly materials they really do last.
This post contains affiliate links at no cost to you.
With these toys, only a select few were out at any given time. Maybe 6 to 10 depending on the other Montessori work I had made. During this time, I was pregnant with Gus, so I think I relied more on toys (as opposed to making some work for her ) than I had in the past. Also, there may have been other things she used during this time, but these were the highlights, and the things she really did love.
Fine Motor and Logic Toys
These Montessori friendly toys have been well loved for many months. These are Montessori friendly for many reasons including their beauty, they isolate concepts, many are self correcting and they all help to promote independence and concentration while building fine motor skills.
Lacing Sheep -- I love this one!
Stacking Pegs
Rainbow Marble Tree
Button Pegs
Stacking Cone -- another one of my favorites
Shape Sorter
Wooden Story Shape Sorter
Stacking Rings
Balancing Scale
Open Ended Building Toys
These are materials that allow a child to stretch his or her imagination. Blocks and open ended toys allow for kids to work on so many skills as they create. While I wouldn't expect to see these types of materials in most Montessori classrooms, they are a perfect addition for a home.
Grimms Rainbow
Better Builders
Stacking Window Blocks
Water Blocks
Grimms Pyramid -- this is one of the most used things in our home
Favorite Pretend Play
It's a common misconception that Montessori does not allow pretend play. However, you'll find pretend play in Montessori environments everywhere! We try to stick to reality based pretend play and let the child lead in how that play looks.
Anatomically correct doll
Play Silks
Barn and animals -- absolutely, hands down, the most used toy in our home
Playmobil 123
Schleich Animals
Pocket Babies {Similar}
Favorite Puzzles
Nora also went through a huge puzzle phase during this time. You can read more about her puzzles, here and here.
And, that's it! Just some favorites, many of which still grace our shelves now. What did your children enjoy between 2-years-old and 2.5-years-old? Any of these toys a hit?
--- 
