Introduction
So you’re looking at Monti Kids and trying to figure out if it’s actually worth the money.
I get it. The boxes look beautiful in those Instagram posts.
The toys are gorgeous wood pieces that make you feel like a better parent just looking at them.
But then you see that $297 price tag per box and suddenly you’re second-guessing everything.
Here’s what I know after digging into this whole thing. Monti Kids is basically a subscription that sends you montessori baby toys every three months.
You get about 12 toys per box, plus video guides showing you how to use them, access to Montessori educators you can ask questions, and a private Facebook group with thousands of other parents doing the same thing.
The company was started by Zahra Kassam (she was on Shark Tank if you care about that stuff). The whole idea is that instead of you staying up late googling “best toys for 8 month old” and reading contradictory Amazon reviews until your eyes blur… they just send you a curated box of stuff that’s supposed to be developmentally suitable.
But does it actually work? And more importantly, is it worth spending basically the cost of a car payment on baby toys?
That’s what we’re figuring out here.
Understanding the Basics
What You’re Actually Paying For
The subscription costs $297 per level. There are 8 levels total from birth through age 3.
So if you do the full thing from day one… that’s $2,376 total.
Before you close this tab, here’s how that breaks down. It’s about $66 per month.
Or roughly $2 per day if you want to make yourself feel better about it (that’s less than a latte, right?
That’s what the marketing wants you to think).
Each box comes with:
- Around 12 toys made from wood and natural materials
- A parent guide showing when and how to introduce each thing
- Video tutorials (these are actually pretty helpful from what people say)
- Weekly emails with a schedule for rolling out the toys
- Access to schedule 30-minute calls with actual Montessori educators
- Private Facebook group access
- The parent learning center with courses and stuff
Free shipping in the US. You can pause or cancel whenever.
The Montessori Part Actually Matters
Real quick on Montessori since everyone throws that word around now.
It’s an actual educational method from like 100+ years ago. Not just a trendy marketing term (even though it gets used that way constantly).
The basic idea is that kids learn better when they can explore things themselves at their own pace. The toys are simple, made from natural materials, focus on one skill at a time, and don’t have batteries or flashing lights or singing animals.
A Montessori toy might be a wooden cylinder that fits into different sized holes. Boring looking, sure.
But it teaches hand-eye coordination, problem solving, size differentiation… all that stuff.
The problem is that real Montessori materials are expensive as he’ll. A single knobbed cylinder set can run you $40-60 just for that one toy.
If you tried to stock a whole Montessori shelf yourself, you could easily drop $500-800.
That’s partly why these subscription boxes exist. Multiple families essentially share the development cost of sourcing and curating everything.
How It Compares to Just Buying Stuff Yourself
Someone actually did the math on this. They tried recreating a Monti Kids box by buying the same types of toys from Amazon and Etsy… and it came out to over $200 just for the physical items.
So you’re paying an extra $75-100ish for the parent education stuff, the coaching access, and the community.
Whether that’s worth it depends on how much you value having someone tell you what to do. (No judgment, being a parent is overwhelming and sometimes you just want someone to make decisions for you.)
The main competitor is Lovevery which costs $80 per kit every two months. That’s way cheaper (like $480/year vs Monti Kids at roughly $1,188/year).
But Lovevery boxes have fewer items and less parent support from what I understand.
Key Considerations Before You Subscribe
The Hidden Stuff People Don’t Think About
Storage. Each box is 12 toys.
If you subscribe for a year that’s 48 toys.
Add in gifts from grandparents and hand-me-downs and suddenly your living room looks like a daycare exploded.
Montessori is supposed to be minimal and curated. Having 200 toys defeats the whole purpose.
Some people rotate toys in and out of storage. Others pause the subscription during Christmas and birthdays when relatives go crazy with gifts anyway.
Space for setup matters too. Montessori at home works best with low shelves where your kid can see and reach everything.
If you’re in a tiny apartment or don’t have room for that kind of setup… the toys still work fine, but you lose some of the philosophy behind it.
What Actually Comes in the Boxes
This breaks down by age (there are 8 levels total):
Levels 1-2: Birth to 6 months
High contrast cards, soft sensory balls, grasping toys, mirrors, play gym stuff. The focus is visual development and basic sensory exploration.
They guide you on tummy time activities and tracking development.
Levels 3-4: 6 to 12 months
This is when babies start moving on purpose. You get more textured items, object permanence toys (like those ball drop boxes), stackers, things that encourage reaching and grasping.
Parents learn how to set up those low shelves I mentioned.
Levels 5-6: 12 to 18 months
Walking toddlers need different stuff. Push toys, pull toys, more complex stackers, and practical life activities that let them copy what they see you doing.
Levels 7-8: 18 months to 3 years
By now your kid has opinions about everything. The toys support problem-solving and imaginative play.
Building materials, shape sorters, puzzles, everyday life skill stuff.
You don’t have to start at birth by the way. Plenty of people jump in at 6 months or 12 months or whenever.
You can start at any level that matches your kid’s age.
| Level | Age Range | Focus Areas | Example Items |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | Birth, 6 months | Visual development, sensory exploration, tummy time | High-contrast cards, soft balls, mirrors, grasping rings |
| 3-4 | 6, 12 months | Object permanence, hand-eye coordination, intentional movement | Ball drop boxes, texture boards, stackers, cause-effect toys |
| 5-6 | 12, 18 months | Gross motor skills, practical life, independence | Push/pull toys, nesting boxes, simple puzzles |
| 7-8 | 18 months, 3 years | Problem-solving, imaginative play, complex tasks | Building sets, shape sorters, knobbed cylinders, life skill tools |
Who This Actually Makes Sense For
You’re probably a good fit if:
- You want montessori baby toys but don’t want to research everything yourself
- You value expert guidance and don’t mind paying for it
- You like the idea of a curated, minimal approach to toys
- You have the budget (be honest with yourself here)
- You’re a first-time parent and feel overwhelmed by all the options
- You’re into sustainable, eco-conscious products and don’t want plastic stuff everywhere
You’re probably NOT a good fit if:
- You’re stretching your budget to make this work (there are cheaper options)
- You already have a ton of toys and limited storage
- You like researching and picking things yourself
- You prefer your kid to have a wide variety of toys to choose from
- You don’t really care about the Montessori philosophy specifically
Step-by-Step Guide to Making This Work
Starting Out
If you decide to try it, start with just one or two levels. Don’t commit to all 8 upfront just because the marketing makes it sound like you should.
See if you actually use the video guides. Check if the Facebook group is helpful or just annoying.
Figure out if your kid engages with the toys or ignores them.
The first box includes some bonus courses and extra materials that give you more bang for your buck. So level 1 or whichever level matches your kid’s age right now is probably the best testing ground.
Actually Using the System
Here’s the thing everyone forgets. You’re supposed to introduce the toys gradually over the three-month period between boxes.
They send you a weekly email schedule. You’re meant to add like 2-3 new items per week, not dump all 12 toys out at once.
This keeps things interesting longer and prevents your kid from getting overwhelmed and just… ignoring everything.
The parent guides show you how to “present” the toys in a Montessori way. You model how to use it once, then step back and let your kid explore.
You’re not supposed to hover or fix them or show them the “right” way constantly.
That’s the actual educational part. Not the toys themselves, but how you introduce them.
Getting Value from the Parent Support
The educator consultations are 30 minutes where you can ask specific questions. Don’t waste these on vague stuff.
Come prepared with actual problems: “My 14-month-old throws the stacking rings instead of stacking them, what do I do?” or “How do I set up the playroom when I only have one bookshelf?”
These sessions are way more valuable when you treat them like you would a paid consultation (which… technically you are paying for as part of the subscription).
The Facebook group is what you make of it. Some people love it and get tons of ideas from other parents.
Other people find it overwhelming or full of the kind of competitive parenting content that makes you feel bad about yourself.
You can ignore the group entirely and still get value from the boxes if that’s not your thing.
Expert Tips (From People Who’ve Actually Used This)
The Toy Rotation Thing Is Real
Montessori parents are obsessed with toy rotation. The idea is you keep like 8-10 toys accessible and store the rest.
Every week or two you swap things out.
This makes old toys feel new again. It keeps the play space from looking chaotic. And it actually extends how long your kid stays interested in things.
If you mix Monti Kids with toy rotation… you’re basically set for years without buying anything else. (Except you will, because grandparents exist and birthdays happen and Target is evil with their dollar section.)
The Materials Quality Actually Matters
One thing people consistently mention… the toys hold up really well.
They’re solid wood, not particle board. The finishes are non-toxic.
Things don’t fall apart after two weeks like some of the cheap Amazon montessori baby toys you might buy instead.
If you treat these like heirlooms you can pass down to a second kid or sell in mom groups later. There’s actually a decent resale market for Monti Kids items (though obviously don’t count on recouping the full cost).
Don’t Ignore Your Kid’s Actual Interests
The boxes are curated based on typical development. But your specific kid might not care about something until two months after it arrives.
Or they might obsess over one random toy and ignore everything else.
That’s normal and fine. Montessori is supposed to follow the child’s interests anyway.
If something isn’t landing… put it away and try again in a month. Don’t force it just because the guide says your kid “should” be interested at this age.
Combine It With Practical Life Stuff at Home
The expensive toys are great, but some of the best Montessori activities cost nothing.
Letting your toddler help you pour water. Giving them a cloth to wipe the table.
Letting them scoop beans from one bowl to another.
The Monti Kids boxes include some practical life items but you can extend that philosophy to regular daily stuff. That’s where you get the most long-term value actually… in understanding the approach, not just having fancy toys.
If you want to check out what Monti Kids now offers and see which level matches your kid’s age, you can look at their options here. They break down each level pretty clearly on their site.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Expecting the Toys to Do the Work for You
The toys don’t magically develop your kid’s brain.
You still have to be present. Sometimes that means sitting on the floor playing alongside them.
Sometimes it means observing quietly while they figure something out.
If you’re hoping to buy a subscription that let’s you stick your kid in front of toys while you check out… this isn’t going to work the way you want.
The value is in the parent education as much as the physical items.
Subscribing to Every Level Without Pausing
You don’t have to do all 8 levels consecutively just because they exist.
Maybe you do levels 1-3, then pause for six months because you have too much stuff. Or you skip level 5 entirely because your kid’s development doesn’t line up with that particular box’s focus.
The subscription is flexible. Use that flexibility instead of treating it like you’re locked into something.
Comparing Your Kid to the Marketing Photos
The photos on Instagram show like… peaceful blonde toddlers in white linen concentrating beautifully on wooden toys in perfectly curated Scandi nurseries.
Your kid might dump all the toys in a pile and go play with a cardboard box instead.
That doesn’t mean the subscription isn’t working or your kid isn’t “Montessori material” or whatever. It means your kid is a normal toddler.
Manage your expectations. This is real life, not a lifestyle blog.
Forgetting About Other Sources of Toys
If you subscribe to Monti Kids, you’re going to get roughly 48 toys per year (if you stay subscribed continuously).
Then Christmas happens. Then grandparents come visit.
Then birthday parties.
Then your well-meaning aunt sends three giant plastic things.
Suddenly you have 150 toys and your living room is chaos and you’re stressed because you wanted a minimal Montessori environment.
Talk to relatives about the approach. Make a wishlist.
Or just accept that you’ll have a mix and that’s fine too.
Some people pause Monti Kids during heavy gift seasons. Others ask family members to contribute to the subscription instead of buying individual toys.
Figure out what works for your situation before you’re drowning in stuff.
Why People Actually Stick With This
Here’s what I’ve noticed from reading reviews and forum posts from actual parents using Monti Kids (not just the curated testimonials on their website).
It removes decision fatigue. You don’t have to research toys. You don’t have to wonder if you’re buying the right things.
Someone with expertise made those choices already.
For first-time parents especially, that peace of mind is worth something.
The community connection is bigger than expected. The Facebook group gives you access to thousands of other parents doing the same approach. When you feel weird about doing Montessori at home and all your mom friends think you’re being extra… it helps to talk to people who get it.
It teaches you the philosophy, not just provides toys. After a few boxes, you start understanding the principles yourself. You know what to look for.
You can apply the same ideas to regular household items.
That education sticks with you beyond just this subscription.
The quality is consistently high. You’re not gambling on Amazon reviews or wondering if an Etsy seller will deliver something decent. The items are curated for safety, durability, and actual developmental benefit.
But also… people quit for real reasons too. The cost catches up with them.
They realize they can DIY most of this for less money once they understand the principles.
Their kid doesn’t engage with the specific items chosen. They run out of storage space.
If you’re curious about trying one level to see if it fits your family, starting with their quiz that matches you to the right level might be helpful. At least then you’re starting at the developmentally suitable place for your kid right now.
The Real Bottom Line
Look, $297 per box is a lot of money. If that feels like a stretch for your budget, it probably is.
There are cheaper choices. Lovevery costs less.
DIY Montessori is totally doable once you learn what to look for.
Buying individual montessori baby toys from Etsy or specialty retailers works fine too.
But Monti Kids makes sense for specific situations:
You’re a first-time parent who feels overwhelmed by all the baby gear options and wants expert guidance. You value high-quality, sustainable toys and don’t mind paying more for that.
You want the parent education and community access, not just the physical items.
You have the budget available without stressing about it.
The subscription isn’t about making your kid smarter (they’ll develop just fine with regular toys too). It’s about reducing your stress and increasing your confidence as a parent.
If that value proposition makes sense for your situation… one or two boxes won’t hurt to try. Actually watch the video guides.
Use the educator consultations.
Participate in the Facebook group if that’s your thing.
Then decide if continuing to the next level makes sense.
Don’t commit to all 8 levels just because it sounds like the right thing to do. Buy one box.
See how it goes.
Make decisions from there.
The toys are beautiful. The curation is thoughtful.
The parent support is more comprehensive than competitors.
Whether those things are worth $297 every three months depends entirely on your priorities and financial situation.
Just be honest with yourself about both of those things before you click subscribe.
You can explore the different Monti Kids levels and see what each box contains on their website here if you want to dig into specifics before deciding.
And if you decide this isn’t the right fit… that’s fine too. Your kid will be fine.
You’re already doing a good job by researching this stuff and thinking carefully about what serves your family best.