Aliaksandr Shlakunou
2026-03-27T12:59:00+01:00

Wooden Toy Box Guide — How to Choose and Organise Montessori Toys

Every parent knows the struggle: toys everywhere, no system, growing chaos. A well-chosen wooden toy box solves the problem while adding a beautiful furniture piece to the nursery. But not all storage is equal. In this guide we explain how to pick the right wooden toy storage, what to put in it and how to create a Montessori-inspired play space that encourages independent play.

Why choose a wooden toy box over plastic bins?

A wooden toy box is sturdier, safer and far more attractive than a plastic alternative. Natural birch or pine construction means no toxic off-gassing, no cracking and no fading. If you want a truly special gift, a personalised wooden toy box or a wooden personalised toy box makes a wonderful keepsake. Many parents look for a wooden toy box personalised with a child's name, ensuring that their personalised toy box wooden or toy box wooden personalised feels unique. A quality large wooden toy box can last through multiple children. Unlike flimsy fabric bins, a wooden toy box large enough for busy boards and cubes keeps everything visible and accessible. Dedicated wooden toy storage (or toy storage wooden solutions) is a key Montessori principle.

What size do you need?

Choosing between a compact and a large toy box wooden depends on your collection. Whether you need standard or wooden toy boxes personalised for siblings, size matters. For Montessori busy boards (a classic wooden montessori toy or montessori wooden toy) and XL sensory cubes (35 cm), go for a large format. For smaller items like lacing toys and puzzles, wooden toy boxes in medium size work perfectly. Any personalised wooden toy or wooden toy personalised for your child should be stored carefully. Measure your largest wooden toy first, then add 20% margin.

Toy type | Dimensions | Recommended box
Busy House | 60x40 cm | Large wooden toy box (80+ cm)
Busy Cube XL | 35 cm | Medium or large toy box wooden
Busy Cube | 26 cm | Medium wooden toy boxes
Puzzles and lacing sets | 20–30 cm | Toy wooden box with dividers

How to organise a Montessori toy shelf

The Montessori approach recommends displaying only 4-6 toys at a time. Store the rest in a toy wooden box and rotate weekly. This keeps the environment calm and focused while giving each wooden toy its moment to shine. Children engage more deeply when choices are limited and curated.

Top shelf: Current favourites — busy board, sensory cube

Middle shelf: Art and puzzle activities

Bottom shelf / toy box: Rotation stock in toy boxes wooden containers

Best wooden toys to fill your toy box

Busy House — the centrepiece

The Busy House Jungle with 30+ activities is too engaging to stay in any box — display it proudly on the floor. Its 6 walls of locks, gears and mazes provide months of focused play.

Busy Cube — the portable favourite

Busy Cube XL Lunar fits perfectly in a toy box wooden shelf. At 35 cm, it packs a ball maze, gears and lacing into a single cube. Also available in compact 26 cm from our educational cubes collection.

Puzzles and lacing toys

Wooden puzzles and animal lacing sets are ideal for wooden toy boxes with compartments. Keeping pieces sorted prevents frustration and teaches tidying habits.

Safety and material guide

Certificates: EN71 and CE — mandatory for children's products

Wood type: European birch plywood — strong, splinter-free

Finish: Water-based paints and lacquers — safe to mouth

Edges: Rounded, sanded smooth — no sharp corners

Lid safety: If your large wooden toy box has a lid, ensure it has a slow-close hinge to protect small fingers

Browse our complete wooden toy collection