Life in the Canary Islands is special – nature is omnipresent, the climate is mild, and children grow up in an environment that invites discovery. But what happens when the toys at home are made of plastic and leave little room for true creativity? More and more parents in Tenerife, Gran Canaria, La Palma, and the other islands are asking themselves this question – and consciously opting for wooden toys based on the Montessori principle.
What does Montessori actually mean?
Montessori education, developed by the Italian physician Maria Montessori (1870–1952), is based on a central principle: children learn best by doing. Instead of passive entertainment, they need materials that appeal to their senses, occupy their hands, and challenge their thinking.
Wooden toys naturally meet these requirements:
- They are tactilely experienceable – weight, texture, and warmth appeal to multiple senses simultaneously
- They are open-ended – no predetermined outcome, maximum creativity
- They are free from harmful substances – no BPA, no PVC, no plasticizers
- They work without electricity – no screens, no batteries, no distractions
Why wooden toys are particularly useful in the Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are an archipelago in the Atlantic with limited resources. Anything that comes here must be transported by ship or plane – and what is discarded remains for a long time. Plastic toys break quickly, end up in landfills, and disproportionately burden the island environment.
Specific advantages of wooden toys for island families:
- Durable – withstands several childhood phases and can be passed on
- Repairable – a scratch is no reason to throw it away
- Biodegradable – no microplastics ending up in the Atlantic
- Climate-stable – solid wood responds well to the mild, humid Atlantic climate of the Canary Islands
- Value-retaining – high-quality wooden toys retain their value and can be given as gifts
Which wooden toy is suitable for which age?
| Age | Toy type | Promotes |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 years | Grasping & stacking games | Fine motor skills, spatial thinking |
| 2–4 years | Sorting games, puzzles | Concentration, problem-solving |
| 4–6 years | Letters, numbers, colors | School preparation, playful |
| 6+ years | Construction, building kits | Logic, perseverance, creativity |
Handcrafted in the Canary Islands – a difference you can feel
Industrially manufactured wooden toys are not the same as handmade ones. At Canary Soulmade Crafts, our learning materials are produced in small batches, with attention to detail and from carefully selected solid wood – made in the Canary Islands, for children in the Canary Islands.
Each piece bears the signature of its maker. A special grain, a slight irregularity – that's what makes it valuable and unique. Children feel the difference, even if they can't name it.
🌿 Note: Natural product with unique grain – Since each piece is handcrafted from solid natural wood, grain, texture, and color may vary slightly – this makes each item absolutely unique.
👉 Discover our collection: Learning Materials & Pedagogy
5 tips for getting started with the Montessori world
- Less is more – better to have 3 high-quality wooden toys than 20 plastic pieces
- Introduce rotation – don't offer everything at once, but rotate
- Participate – wooden toys invite parents to play together
- Incorporate nature – stones, shells, and leaves from Canarian beaches perfectly complement wooden toys
- Quality over quantity – a handmade piece lasts longer than ten cheap alternatives
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Montessori toy only for wealthy families?
No. Montessori means conscious selection – fewer, but better toys. A high-quality wooden toy that lasts 5 years is ultimately cheaper than buying new plastic toys every year.
Is wooden toy safe for toddlers?
Yes, provided it is made from untreated or food-safe wood and checked for small parts. Our products at Canary Soulmade Crafts are handmade and carefully checked for safety.
Where can I buy Montessori wooden toys in the Canary Islands?
At Canary Soulmade Crafts – handcrafted on the islands, with delivery to all Canary Islands.
From what age is Montessori toy suitable?
From birth. Even babies benefit from simple wooden rattles. The complexity grows with the child.
Why is wooden toy better than plastic?
Wood is more durable, free of harmful substances, more tactilely rich, and more environmentally friendly – especially important on an island with limited disposal options.