IKEA has tons of Montessori-friendly products. We reviewed all the newest IKEA products released in 2021 and picked out our favorites that are Montessori aligned or that would work well in a Montessori home environment.
Make sure you check back often, as we’ll update this article as IKEA releases more products throughout the year!
DUNDRA Activity Table: This is the first “train table” that IKEA has offered and we’re loving it! We love the clean, modern look as well as the functionality. It features a drawer for storage which which makes clean up a breeze. Train tables, like this one, fit perfectly in a Montessori environment. It doesn’t have to be used soley for playing with trains. Incorporating child-sized furniture into your home and learning environments, allow children to explore and learn independently.
BERGIG Book Display: This is another first of its kind product at IKEA! This bookshelf is very Montessori-friendly! Front-facing bookshelves, like this one, allow the child to better see and access their books. You’ll notice that front-facing bookshelves hold less books than tradition bookshelves – this helps to not overwhelm the child. This book display also have a shelf which is perfect to display additional books or toys. There is also a storage drawer at the bottom. This bookshelf is truly unique and we’re big fans!
TROMMA Wall Clock: We’re hoping to pick up this wall clock on our next visit. It’s perfect for teaching the basics of telling time. It’s unique in the sense that the numbers are actually holes – so you can see the color of the wall through the numbers. It also is super cheap – only $1.99!
GEGGA Basket: This soft, braided basket is made of 100% cotton. This basket would make great toy storage (especially for stuffed animals). The GEGGA basket could also be a good option for a child-sized hamper.
VÅRFINT Bamboo Tray: We love the look of this bamboo tray. Trays are a staple in a Montessori environment.
KRYSSMAST Table Lamp: Traditional lamps can be tricky (and/or dangerous) for little ones to turn on and off. That’s why we love this new lamp from IKEA. It features a pull chain that even the littlest ones can safely use independently. Fostering independence is a core principal in Montessori philosophy.
BJÖRKBERGET Desk Chair: For older children who are sitting at a desk, IKEA just came out with this new desk chair. It swivels and comes in 3 colors: beige, blue and gray!
FÖRENLIG Watering Can: IKEA always has a nice selection of watering cans. This new watering can caught our eye as being perfect for a Montessori household. It’s lightweight (made of steel) and features an easy-to-hold- rounded handle. These features make this watering can very kid-friendly!
Planters with Saucers: Speaking of watering plants (a wonderful Montessori practical life activity!), we like these new pots with saucers IKEA just released. Children (and grown-ups) have a tendency to overwater, so these are a must, especially for indoor plants! Each features a slightly different look and comes in different sizes: The MUSKOTBLOMMA is lighter in color, has rounded edges and comes in 6″ and 4 3/4.” The INGEFÄRA comes in the same sizes as well as bigger sizes (9.5″ and 12.5″) and has a darker color with straight edges.
VITLÖK Plant Stand: We like this plant stand because it’s for indoor or outdoor use. Even more importantly, it’s low enough to the ground where children can still help care for the plants. Very Montessori-friendly!
LÄTTBAKAD Spatula: IKEA released this set of spatulas. We like it because it comes with two – a bigger one and a smaller one so your child can work right alongside you! Perfect for decorating cakes!
LÄTTBAKAD Dough Cutter: In the same collection, IKEA also just released this dough cutter. This looks like it would also make a great starter knife for children. And it’s only $3.99!
JÄSNING Bread Basket: What a unique product! This bread basket is made of rattan and comes with a cotton/linen insert. It can be used in the bread-making process to let your dough rise & then as a serving bowl!
MARIATHERES Children’s Apron: Children’s aprons are nothing new at IKEA, but this the newest version. Kid-sized aprons are Montessori-friendly. This one is machine washable and made of renewable resources (100% cotton).
