Is it Montessori or not?

Are these items truly Montessori-aligned?

As more and more toys, books, and products are marketed as “Montessori-inspired” or “Montessori-aligned“. But not everything that carries that label truly aligns with the Montessori philosophy. Unfortunately, Maria Montessori never trademarked her name, which means that anyone can use the term “Montessori” — even for products that go completely against her educational principles.

On this page, I share short, honest videos where I take a closer look at different items — from toys and books to learning materials and everyday objects — and explore whether they really fit within Montessori principles. I look at things like design, purpose, age-appropriateness, and how they support independence, concentration, and hands-on learning.

My aim isn’t to criticise but to help parents and caregivers make more thoughtful choices about what they bring into their homes. Montessori isn’t about owning a specific set of materials — it’s about understanding why certain toys and tools nurture a child’s development more effectively than others.

So if you’ve ever wondered whether something is truly Montessori or not, you’re in the right place.

What would you like me to review next?