Ultimate Ikea shopping list for your Montessori needs

What to buy that is Montessori Friendly at Ikea?

In my Facebook group, not a week goes by without a post about Montessori-friendly items at Ikea.

Ikea is sure family-friendly. It is also budget-friendly and most of the furniture is made of natural material and often untreated wood.

Their design is very child friendly and I suspect that they must have a Montessori teacher in their design team!

It would definitely be my dream job if I was not a Montessori teacher.

From the children’s furniture to the baskets and trays and all the child-sized tools for practical life, Ikea is one of the best places to shop for your Montessori home.

So follow me in Ikea and watch what I have picked out for you.

Also, download The Ultimate Ikea Shopping List for your Montessori needs by subscribing to my newsletter with the link below.

My favourites:

Shelving units:

• The Yperlig shelving unit is very popular among Montessori families – https://bit.ly/2M2O2qa
• A cheap metallic shelving unit called Munit – https://bit.ly/2yYkS2U
• The Ivar system is a versatile and cheap storage system – https://bit.ly/2FaEFC1
• In our house, we have the biggest Kallax shelving unit and I love how it has evolved with our family’s needs – https://bit.ly/2uRVn3O
• I have also used the Billy bookcases for many years – https://bit.ly/2zifvhT
• The LACK TV bench is cheap and makes a great shelving unit for small spaces – https://bit.ly/2QoayrF
• The shoe racks and shoe benches – https://bit.ly/2CPUHiE

Tables:

You will need a child’s table for snack time, to use it as a weaning table or for crafts.

• The last set is cheap and therefore, you will not feel guilty to trim it to size and to buy it again a year later – https://bit.ly/2J1QMy5
• For a better quality table, choose this one – https://bit.ly/2JJlQ7h
• And the assorted chairs – https://bit.ly/2Mcckx9
• We like the Flisat table with two Trofast trays to store Legos and play dough accessories. Many families have hacked this table into a light table. I don’t use the assorted stool as I prefer my children to have a chair with a backrest – https://bit.ly/2qymbkt

Other great furniture:

• Child’s armchair. A small warning: it doesn’t wash that well! – https://bit.ly/2PREqzX
• A rocking chair for children – https://bit.ly/2Phgnuo
• A very luxurious armchair for children – https://bit.ly/2PemjVl
• A practical footstool. We use it to store my daughter’s knitting projects and our remote controls. It is useful as an extra seat and a footstool but also the perfect storage space for dressing up accessories, soft toys, balls or building sets – https://bit.ly/2F7KgZv
• This rattan pouffe has been featured in many Montessori houses as the perfect support for babies who want to push themselves up – https://bit.ly/2qxMyqN

Toys storage:

You may want to use a proper toy storage.

• I love this Trofast storage combination, especially with the shelves instead of the drawers – https://bit.ly/2zAfcMb
• If like me, your children have a lot of soft toys, this hanging storage unit is ideal. We have hung ours over-the-wardrobe door with an over-the-door hook.
  Hanging storage: https://bit.ly/2zyQsnt
• Very practical plastic storage box
  https://bit.ly/2DoSJWR and a bigger one https://bit.ly/2Qs9cfM

In the kitchen

Eating:

• I like their cotton placemat in a light colour. You can draw with a sharpie the shape of the plates, glass and cutlery to help your child to set up the table.
  https://bit.ly/2JK06IH
• These snap glasses are the perfect size for a weaning glass, only 5cl!
  https://bit.ly/2AQ3jne
• These glasses are only 17cl, and 9cm height so perfect for young children
  https://bit.ly/2ARSiBI
• Stainless steel child’s size cutlery
  https://bit.ly/2zzSqUI
• Plastic bib apron, perfect for baby-led weaning
  https://bit.ly/2rFWXkC
• The children tea set can be used for real food!
  https://bit.ly/2STK2bf
• Small wooden bowls for real food but also for transferring and pouring activities.
  https://bit.ly/2Jgna4M
• A stainless-steel cheaper version
  https://bit.ly/2PELmjN
• A glass version here https://bit.ly/2zyTV5n
• Junior chair with steps for the feet – https://bit.ly/2ARRcG5

Preparing food

• Baking set
  https://bit.ly/2zEMedU
• Egg slicer
  https://bit.ly/2QrmPfc
• Apple slicer
  https://bit.ly/2OvZB5E
• Citrus juicer
  https://bit.ly/2JK19bB
• My children have been able to use this grater since they were a toddler
  https://bit.ly/2jXDd8j
• Mortar and pestle
  https://bit.ly/2Ota2qE
• Another one here https://bit.ly/2qAumN7
• A hand whisk, it’s great fun for a child to use this one and requires some effort. So it will be perfect for the maximum effort period!
  https://bit.ly/2DpWLOt
• The colander in this toy’s set is the perfect size for little hands. And of course, it can be used to wash real fruits and vegetables!
  https://bit.ly/2PekK9U
• Child’s size knife and peeler. Be aware that the knife is very sharp and that the recommended age is 8+
  https://bit.ly/2RIWMAp
• They have 4 different types of children’s aprons:
  https://bit.ly/2PMeci3
• Jug. This one is in fact a vase but it’s the perfect size for pouring activities.
  https://bit.ly/2yYHNLE
• Water dispenser with tap – https://bit.ly/2PJNiqX
• Milk jug, small enough for your child to pour his own drink or to pour between two jugs – https://bit.ly/2yXbQmV

Trays, baskets and mats

• Their smaller tray is 28x20cm
  https://bit.ly/2x6aTIa
• So many choices in term of baskets!
  https://bit.ly/2PfaBcU
• Mats to display the Montessori activities
  https://bit.ly/2s36EK2

Stools to promote independence

• We have this one – https://bit.ly/2JBYQWK
• And we have this one in the bathroom – https://bit.ly/2qxohkF
• Another alternative – https://bit.ly/2zBy510
• And another one – https://bit.ly/2OuFuVC

Care of the environment

• Small vase for a flower arranging activity
  https://bit.ly/2qCwYKQ
• Small watering can
  https://bit.ly/2qya4E4
• Small laundry basket
  https://bit.ly/2SQsvkm

In the bathroom

• Mirror with a suction hook – https://bit.ly/2RF8JH1
• We have this Ikea storage board set on the side of our shower
  https://bit.ly/2DqXgrD
• This mirror with hook would be great if you have the wall space
  https://bit.ly/2DqYwuR
• A self-adhesive plastic resistant mirror that is safe for children
  https://bit.ly/2OxoFJA
• We also have these ones in our hallway
  https://bit.ly/2yra10t

Dressing up skills

• The Stuva storage system is fun and very child-friendly
  https://bit.ly/2RCKJV5
• Children clothes stand
  https://bit.ly/2Otaghr

Book display

• We have the pictures ledges in our house
  https://bit.ly/2EVqFvE
• We also have the spice racks – https://bit.ly/2zGcWq3
• And now they offer this https://bit.ly/2qFNhqd
• And this – https://bit.ly/2SSYkcs

Art area

• An Easel – https://bit.ly/2OrKVoc
• Paper roll holder for the table – https://bit.ly/2F9iw73
• We have the Flisat children’s desk that is going to grow with my child – https://bit.ly/2RILVX9
• Black board stickers – https://bit.ly/2OvwgbI
• Magnetic whiteboard – https://bit.ly/2OvN8Pr
• And we have this magnetic pen holder – https://bit.ly/2F9WVLy
• I’m absolutely in love with this wall’s organiser. I’m just not quite sure where and how to use it – https://bit.ly/2JM7p2v
• Here is an art storage basket – https://bit.ly/2QqgkZY
• And another basket that can be used for art supplies – https://bit.ly/2qyJISl
• I have a similar cutlery tray that I use to store art supplies https://bit.ly/2RFv7jD
• I also display some art supplies using the Sunnersta containers, hooks and rails – https://bit.ly/2JMoWYv
• When your children are more independent and able to handle more art and craft supplies, you can use this trolley – https://bit.ly/2RED8VQ
• To store the papers, use a letter rack – https://bit.ly/2PGt81j
• This napkin holder is the perfect size for the inset paper – https://bit.ly/2Du1jDq
• I also use a similar napkin holder to hold the papers in my playgroup https://bit.ly/2RHFfbQ
• To do a colour mixing experiment, use the tubes glasses and holder https://bit.ly/2Qq2qqH
• Set of paints that come with a colour chart – https://bit.ly/2PESg8H
• The stamp pens are a firm favourite here – https://bit.ly/2QvrOvq
• Roll of paper – https://bit.ly/2yYuCdu

Sleeping

• Choose a cotbed that you can open to one side
  https://bit.ly/2QrcnnG
• Foam mattress for cot. We have also used a cot mattress for the movement area when our children were babies
  https://bit.ly/2LJCmYA
• The Kura bed can be used for a floor bed too https://bit.ly/2zYojb2. Leave the mattress within the frame on the floor to have an protection on all sides.
  This toddler bed is perfect for when your child is more independent. If you don’t add the legs, you can also use it as a floor bed https://bit.ly/2DugVa0
• LED night light – safe as you don’t need a plug and your child can turn it on and off himself
  https://bit.ly/2OwKatR

Specifically for babies

• If you are not against it, a real sheepskin
  https://bit.ly/2vYK4qV
• And a fake sheepskin – https://bit.ly/2yX3605
• A baby gym. You can remove the toys, have only one at a time or replace with a more Montessori friendly toy. It is also sturdy enough for when your baby wants to stand up and hold onto something – https://bit.ly/2qzSHTy
• A stacking toys. It is supposed to represent a lighthouse but to make it more logical for a baby, I remove the two top pieces. https://bit.ly/2PeFG0v

Learning materials and toys

• An amazing map board
  https://bit.ly/2FaeD1I
• Black board map stickers – How amazing!
  https://bit.ly/2OSn9G5
• World map poster
  https://bit.ly/2OwE3Wr
• Simple clock https://bit.ly/2Dsgtcy
  And check that hack with free printable to make it even more Montessori https://bit.ly/2AQT6qq
• Solar energy torch handle https://bit.ly/2AR1HJI
• Ikea play kitchen. Make it into a real useable kitchen area for your child.
  https://bit.ly/2ARmjS1
• Big chunky lacing bead
  https://bit.ly/2JK1paj
• Basic train set
  https://bit.ly/2yZN7ON
• For the child who really likes to throw, provide them with a big soft ball
  https://bit.ly/2Drk1f6
• Realistic doll bed
  https://bit.ly/2QlwXpr
• Breakable tea set
  https://bit.ly/2STzp8E
• Memory game – the drawings are realistic
  https://bit.ly/2JLpQEy
• Wooden number
  https://bit.ly/2ARbkrW
• Weaving loom set
  https://bit.ly/2zzrR1U
• Playmat
  https://bit.ly/2OuUW3K
• A swing in your house!
  https://bit.ly/2DrrScG
  
  

Decoration

Realistic prints:

• I love these ones: the Earth, Birds and butterflies
  https://bit.ly/2QlFd8V
• the moon: https://bit.ly/2Pi8gxI
• these animals silhouettes would be great in a child’s bedroom
  https://bit.ly/2yZsu5h
• Picture frame on stand https://bit.ly/2QoXdiN
• Safe picture frame https://bit.ly/2JPBkqE