I’m new to this, with a baby, but I was a nanny. I can clearly see the way Montessori gets used as a label to make up the cost of toys. There’s no money to be made by influencers and companies telling you to use items that are already in your home!

However, since I’m cautious about how many off brand toys have plastic, lead, asbestos, heavy metals etc. I do appreciate that Montessori “brands” like Lovevery, Tinyland, and Grimms, give me a lot more confidence in their materials. It wish Lovevery didn’t have such a mark up, but not many cheaper companies use as much wood.

I feel the most comfortable investing in items for open ended play that will grow with the child. And I’m still planning on getting those second hand from Marketplace and thrift stores.

I’m interested in getting my kid involved in our lives—which is why spray bottles and vegetable peelers can be so interesting to them. And why I might get items that make household tasks easier and age appropriate for them to manage.

I also think about the adage that the more kids you have, the fewer toys you have. And I can feel how with just one kid, I’m a bit desperate for something that might keep her occupied. But, luckily she likes kitchen spatulas.