Rainbow Vehicle Set
$98.95
Our Most Loved
Little Village
$98.95
Rainbow Pastello
$129.95
Rainbow Construction Set
$175.95
Rainbow Forest Set of 10
$99.95
Montessori, as it should be
Inviting, intentional, adaptable
Our goal is to cater to parents who are interested in Montessori, but find aspects of the philosophy to be outdated.
Maria Montessori's philosophy was deeply rooted in the idea that education should adapt to cater to the needs of the child, at the time and place in which they exist. Montessori education, therefore, is not a static set of principles, but a dynamic approach that should evolve in line with the changing needs of society.
We offer a range of open-ended toys which embody the essence of Montessori education while embracing the richness of other educational philosophies.
Do you sell Grimms brand products?
No, we do not sell Grimms products. Any similarities between our products are attributed to the fact that the designs of both brands are inspired by the original toys of the Waldorf Steiner philosophy. There are several distinct differences between how our products are designed and produced when compared to Grimms products. While each product designed by Grimms is carved from a single piece of wood to incorporate a sense of character and uniqueness, we do not employ this approach since it can impact aspects of functionality, thereby undermining the philosophy guiding Montessori practises. For example, a young child will become frustrated and give up on stacking the rainbow if the pieces do not fit together easily. If adult intervention is required to knock or force a piece in/out of place, the child's focus will be disrupted and negatively impact their interest and motivation to continue interacting with the pieces. Our products are designed to promote interest, focus, and independence by prioritizing functionality.
Where are these products manufactured?
We work with several suppliers to ensure all of the products we create are of the highest quality. Currently, we work with several suppliers located in Kathmandu, Nepal, and 1 supplier in Zhejiang, China. We prioritize fair working conditions and thus, only partner with small businesses that are guided by the same principles. The woods, paints, and stains used for production of our toys are tested and certified to adhere to international safety standards.
What makes a toy "Montessori"?
The truth is, there's no such thing as a Montessori toy. Maria Montessori developed materials that directly support the developmental needs of children and most of these materials are typically only found in a Montessori classroom. While we do stock some authentic Montessori materials, most of our products are "Montessori Inspired", but not all Montessori inspired toys are created equal- in fact, the market is flooded with them and while many of these toys are similar in appearance, there is much more to the design of Montessori materials than meets the eye.
Want to know more? Head over to our blog post: Montessori: Just an Aesthetic?
Blog Posts
The "Grimms's Rainbow" Obsession
The Grimm's Rainbow, a beloved toy known for its vibrant colors and versatile design, actually has its roots in the Waldorf Steiner education philosophy rather than being a creation of...
The Case for Fewer, Higher Quality Toys: Research Insights
In today's market, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of toys available for our children. From electronic smart toys to plastic playsets, the options seem endless. However,...
Child-Centric Learning: Montessori vs. Waldorf Steiner Education
Montessori and Waldorf Steiner education are two "alternative" approaches to childhood education, each with its own unique philosophy and methods. While they share some common values, such as a focus...
Montessori: Just an Aesthetic?
Montessori products are often admired for their beauty and simplicity. However, to reduce Montessori to just an aesthetic would be to overlook the profound educational philosophy that underpins it. While...