The Top 6 Montessori Toy Shelves that Improve Playtime

Toy storage poses a challenge for many households with children. The clutter of toys can easily overwhelm your child's bedroom, playroom, and even your living room. As a mom and former Montessori teacher, I know one solution that results in higher quality play and less mess.

Montessori toy shelves along with rotating toys are the ultimate toy organization solutions. Learn all about the Montessori method of storing toys and which toy shelves are best.

How to Solve Kids Toy Storage

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by too many choices? This happens to children and adults alike. Studies show that children enjoy better quality play when there are fewer toys available.

What does this mean for kids' toy storage? Essentially, parents and caregivers should display fewer toys on children's toy shelves.

Additionally, a quality Montessori toy shelf can help showcase toys. Simple in design, Montessori shelves offer a neutral, yet functional option. Children can independently access and return toys to the shelves.

What is the Montessori Method of Storing Toys?

The Montessori method for storing toys involves toy rotation. Instead of displaying many toys, you choose a few to place on your Montessori toy shelf. Leave ample space on the shelf for each toy, ensuring it's easy to access and replace the toys. Each set of toys should sit in a beautiful box, basket, or on a tray.

Every so often, you store some or all the toys that were on display. Then, you bring out "new" toys. The toys don't need to be brand new, they can be toys you've kept in storage for a while.

I've noticed that children approach toys they haven't seen for a while with renewed interest and excitement. With this approach, you can get more life out of your toys, and more appreciation for them as well. Plus, with fewer toys available at a time, clean-up is also straightforward.

The Best Montessori Toy Shelf

1. Best Montessori Toy Shelf: Stackable Play Shelf by Piccalio - $139

Perfect for your child's Montessori bedroom or playroom, we designed the Stackable Play Shelf to grow with your child. This Montessori toy shelf is close to the ground, making it ideal for crawlers and toddlers alike. As your child grows, stack a shelf on top. Alternatively, place the second shelf to the side for additional storage.
Simple, easy to move, and attractive, you can add baskets of toys, stuffed animals, books, and more to the toy shelf.

Highlights:

• Made of FSC-Certified birch plywood
• Greenguard Gold Certified
• Stack two shelves to save space
• Round edges for safety
• 16 inches deep, accommodating large baskets

2. Best Shelf for Toys and Books: Montessori Bookshelf by Piccalio - $239

While it's technically for books, have you noticed how perfectly a stuffed animal fits on our Montessori Bookshelf? The Montessori Bookshelf features deep shelves so that you can stack books or add a few fluffy friends to the mix. Also, storage space on the back of the shelf is ideal for storing baskets of toys, cars, blocks, and more. Offering the best of both worlds, it's truly a toy shelf and bookshelf all in one.

Highlights:

• Made of FSC-Certified birch plywood
• Greenguard Gold Certified
• Front facing design allows toddlers to view book covers
• Storage space for toys and books in the back
• Round edges for safety

3. Best Toddler Shelf for Toys: LUNA Montessori Large Toyshelf by Bush Acre - $176.13 

Store a wide range of toys on this lovely, 3-tiered shelf. Featuring gorgeous unfinished natural wood, you can finish the shelf however you'd like or simply leave it as is. This toy shelf offers plenty of space for toys. A slanted design brings light to the lower shelves, helping your toddler pick out their favorite items and activities.

Highlights:

• Made of Baltic birch plywood
• Unfinished, natural wood
• Handles make moving the toy shelf easy
• 15 inches deep, accommodating large baskets

4. Best Toy Storage Organizer: Cube Shelves by Sprout - $479

We love Sprout's simple, yet elegant Cube Shelves. The cubbies make it easier to keep toys organized, as each toy can have its own space. Add baskets to keep things neat. Or, as your child grows older, you may consider including storage cube drawers for a cleaner look.

Highlights:

• When your child is younger, you can remove the feet to make the shelf closer to the ground
• Cubbies encourage organization
• Choose the size of your shelf, featuring up to 16 cubes

5. Simplest Montessori Toy Shelf: Montessori Shelf 3-Tier by Rad Children’s Furniture - $295

Simple yet attractive, Rad Children's 3-Tier shelf is sturdy. The simplicity of the design keeps the focus on the materials and toys. This shelf also features an open back, meaning you can access it from both sides. This may be a slight drawback for toddlers, as they may accidentally push baskets or toys too far onto the shelf, resulting in spills.

Highlights:

• Made of Euro birch wood
• 11.5 inches deep, which may be a bit shallow for some items

6. Best Shelving for Toys: Montessori Playshelf by Lovevery - $400

Gorgeous and featuring several compartments, the Montessori Playshelf offers three tiers for storing toys. Plus, you can store additional toys in a hidden compartment, making it simple to rotate your child's toys.

Highlights:

• FSC-certified Baltic birch
• Built-in storage keeps items not in use out of sight
• 9.5 inches deep, which may be a bit shallow for some items

The Best Montessori Toy Shelf for Your Child

When choosing a Montessori toy shelf, look for a shelf that's simple, yet attractive. Consider the size of the shelf so that it will both fit in your space and accommodate your child's toys. Do you have a favorite toy storage organization system? Let us know about it in the comments below.

Sources:
Psychology Today: Study Underscores Why Fewer Toys Is the Better Option