Hi, I’m Ana
I started Natural Play Finds because I kept having the same conversation with parents: “Where do I find quality toys that actually support my child’s development—without the overwhelm?” As a mother and former Montessori guide, I’ve spent years watching children play, observing what captures their attention, and noticing which toys get used daily versus which ones collect dust.
This site is my answer to that question. It’s a curated collection of natural, educational toys that support real development—not just keep kids busy.
My Background
I came to this work through an unusual path.
I trained and worked as a psychologist in Brazil before moving to the United States and becoming a mother. While I’m not licensed to practice psychology in the U.S., that foundation in understanding human development, behavior, and self-regulation continues to shape how I see children’s play and learning.
I spent over seven years as a Lead Guide in Montessori-inspired early childhood environments, working with children ages 18 months through 6 years. Those years taught me what truly engages young children—and what doesn’t, no matter how expensive or beautifully marketed a toy might be.
I also have a background in teaching English as a Second Language, which deepened my understanding of how children acquire skills through meaningful, hands-on experience.
Today, my work focuses on translating well-established psychological and educational principles into practical strategies families can actually use. I’m not here to sell perfection or promote complicated systems. I’m here to help you find toys that work.
Why Natural Play Finds Exists
The toy market is overwhelming. Walk into any store or scroll Amazon, and you’re bombarded with thousands of options—all claiming to be educational, developmental, Montessori-inspired, or essential.
Most of it is noise.
I created Natural Play Finds to cut through that noise and offer something different: thoughtful curation based on actual child development principles, not marketing trends.
Every toy I recommend here meets specific criteria:
Developmentally appropriate – Matches where children actually are, not where we wish they were
Quality construction – Built to last through real play, not fall apart in a week
Natural materials – Wood, fabric, metal—materials that feel good and hold up
Open-ended use – Toys that grow with children and support creativity
Genuine engagement – Things kids actually return to, not novelties that lose appeal quickly
This isn’t about buying more. It’s about choosing better.
My Approach
I believe in:
Realistic expectations. Your child doesn’t need 50 toys. They need 5-10 really good ones that match their current interests and development.
Quality over quantity. A well-made wooden toy that lasts five years and gets used daily beats ten plastic toys that break or bore them quickly.
Supporting independence. The best toys are ones children can use without constant adult involvement—not because we don’t want to play with our kids, but because independence builds confidence.
Natural materials, whenever possible. Wood feels different than plastic. That sensory feedback matters, especially for young children still learning about the physical world.
Honest recommendations. If something is expensive, I’ll tell you why it might be worth it—or suggest a budget-friendly alternative. I only recommend products I’d actually use with my own children.
What You’ll Find Here
Age-Specific Guides
Curated toy recommendations organized by developmental stage, not just age. Because a newly-turned-two looks very different than an almost-three.
Product Deep-Dives
Detailed looks at specific types of toys—puzzles, balance boards, building toys—explaining what makes quality versions worth the investment.
Montessori & Waldorf Focus
Many of my recommendations draw from Montessori and Waldorf educational approaches because these philosophies prioritize child-led learning, natural materials, and open-ended play.
Screen-Free Alternatives
Toys that offer genuine engagement without batteries, lights, or sounds. Not because screens are evil, but because hands-on play develops different (crucial) skills.
Practical Advice
How to rotate toys, create play spaces, choose age-appropriate challenges, and support independent play without hovering.
A Note About Affiliate Links
This site includes affiliate links, which means if you purchase through my recommendations, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Here’s my promise: I only recommend products I genuinely believe in. I’ve either used them personally, observed them in classroom settings, or researched them thoroughly based on my understanding of child development.
Your trust matters more to me than any commission. If I wouldn’t buy it for my own child, I wouldn’t recommend it to you.
My Role Here
I’m not a licensed psychologist or therapist in the United States, and this site doesn’t offer clinical or therapeutic advice. What I do offer is educational support—helping you understand child development principles and how they show up in play and toy choices.
I translate research and educational philosophy into practical guidance. I help you cut through marketing hype to find quality options. I share what I’ve learned from years of watching children play and develop.
Think of me as your knowledgeable friend who’s done the research, tested the toys, and is sharing what actually works.
Beyond the Blog
While Natural Play Finds focuses on toy recommendations and play ideas, I’m also passionate about supporting parents in creating calm, respectful home environments that honor children’s natural development.
If you’re interested in topics like setting effective boundaries, supporting emotional regulation, or understanding developmental stages beyond just toys, please leave a comment so I can explore ideas in future blog posts.
Let’s Connect
Have questions about a specific toy or toy category? Wondering if something is age-appropriate for your child? Want to suggest a topic for a future post?
I’d love to hear from you.
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/naturalplayfinds/
Thank You
Thank you for being here. Thank you for taking the time to choose thoughtfully for your child rather than defaulting to whatever’s on the endcap at Target.
Parenting is hard enough without drowning in stuff that doesn’t actually help.
My hope is that Natural Play Finds makes at least this one part—choosing toys—a little bit easier.
Here’s to fewer toys, better choices, and children who are genuinely engaged in their play.
— Ana
Disclosure: Natural Play Finds is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. This means when you purchase through links on this site, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I believe will genuinely benefit families.
