This post may contain affiliate links, but all opinions are my own! Read my full disclaimer here !
I have always been a huge fan of the Montessori style of teaching (learn more about it here), which focuses on child-led play and development, designed around their natural interests. Even with our 3 year old, I have sought to really support and develop the things that draw her in. So when LOVEVERY offered to send me a Montessori-inspired play kit to review for our 17 month old Lillie, I jumped right on it!
To be honest, I’ve been eyeing them for a long time. I am so thankful for the opportunity to test it out with our littles and am doing a full review below! If you’ve been considering it too, read on!
As I have mentioned in my other product reviews, I am a huge packaging snob. Good packaging can almost always sell me on a product before I even crack it open! LOVEVERY did not disappoint in this area. The kit arrived in a sturdy, crush-proof box and you are met with beautiful imagery from the moment you lift the flap.
There is a handy reference chart that shows you which age-range kit you are receiving and a breakdown of what is inside. Our girl was sent The Pioneer Play Kit this time.
Each toy is carefully and thoughtfully packaged in, to prevent damage in shipping. They also include a really well-made play guide for the parents! It explains each toy and how you can use it to maximize your child’s learning. Even more valuable is the detailed information on the social, emotional, communication, motor skills, and problem-solving milestones your child may explore at this stage.
Here is a breakdown of The Pioneer Play Kit:
Honestly, I was really impressed with how many toys you get in the play kit, and how sturdy and well made they are! They may look simple, but they are quality. Minimalist Montessori design allows room for creativity to flow, and each toy is really beautiful!
My little one saw me opening the box, and she was so anxious to play that she was not thrilled with how long I was taking to photograph everything!
We busted out the Fuzzy Bug Shrub first, and she was immediately drawn in.
She had fun babbling about the types of bugs, and proudly showed me each one, over and over.
It may seem incredibly simple, but she literally played with this for 45 minutes without asking for anything else. I was the one that initiated a switch in toys! If nothing else, I am already amazed by the attention-span development that this Play Kit has brought. None of the electronic toys hold even close to this time.
Next, I broke out the Wooden Stacking Peg Board. I was amazed that she just naturally knew what to do. I did not have to explain it one bit! Her little mind was just drawn in and she figured it out.
She had so much fun just stacking them up and tearing it down, over and over again.
Again, we got another 30 or so minutes of pure entertainment before I switched her to another activity. So far we were over an hour in and only tried out two of the toys.
While the first two activities were very natural (and highly entertaining!), the Stringing Bead Toy was more of a challenge for her, which I liked. It frustrated her a little at first, but her brain worked to figure it out. Before I knew it, she was happily threading and removing beads by herself.
What was the most surprising to me was the amount of interest this Play Kit garnered from our 3 year old, Addie (excuse our bed-head). She was immediately curious as to what her sister was doing and wanted to play too. After a short skirmish about sharing, I instituted a timer where I rotated them between the girls so that they could each play with an activity.
She could play with the simple Stacking Peg Board toy for hours herself. Mama will definitely be ordering her a kit for her age!
Since taking the pictures for this review, we have also fallen in love with the Race and Chase ramp, and the girls giggle and play with it often (you can see a video in my Instagram Reels!). Lillie absolutely loves the ‘Max and Nana go to the Park’ Board Book (What happens when you get hurt? A story about learning to process and manage emotions). She will carry it around saying “Oh, Max!” Seriously. Cutest. Thing. Ever. And it’s a super simple book, so it fascinates me how much she has taken to it. The sweet garden puzzle challenges her, but we are working on it and I love a good challenge!
My biggest takeaway?
LOVEVERY is worth every dime, and is way cheaper than a babysitter! If you are a work-at-home parent like I am, these Play Kits are invaluable! Any time I pull this kit out, both of my children (now 18 months and 3 years) will engage with it easily for a couple of hours. Most of the time, this is independent play, which has always been a struggle for us with our oldest. Worth it, over and over again!
What’s really cool?
You can start your child from day 1 with a Play Kit tailored to their developmental stage. I only wish I had known about LOVEVERY when my babies were tiny. Next one, Lord willing!
They have a beautifully crafted Play Gym that is designed to give your child an entire year of play! I don’t know about you, but my girls were over their simple play gym by about 3 months, once they could roll out from under it.
I am super intrigued by this, and when we finally build our home, may just have to order one! Check out this goodness, straight from their site:
“Bring the benefits of a Montessori play experience to your home with The Playshelf by Lovevery. The 2-in-1 shelf makes toy rotation and storage simple in a modern, 100% birchwood design. Display the optimal number of playthings at a time for deeper learning at your child’s pace, and keep out-of-rotation toys out of sight for a calm, clutter-free playspace. Watch your child take the lead on their learning as they naturally follow their interests, respect their toys, and embrace order.
Key Features
- 2-in-1 shelf makes for simple toy rotation and storage of up to 6 Play Kits
- Montessori-inspired design
- Includes 2 Wooden Trays and 2 Storage Bins
- 100% FSC-certified Baltic birch
- Soft-close technology to protect your child’s fingers
There’s an entire Home Collection that is filled with purposeful decor to stimulate your child. There is a a 5-star rated Block set, thoughtfully designed to provide years of purposeful play. You can even create a Baby Registry to stock your home with unique toys for your baby. Definitely give LOVEVERY a look over, you will not be sorry!
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