Is This Pricey Kid Toy Worth The Cost? + Where To Get One In Toronto
Photo credit: montessoriinreallife.com
The Pikler triangle has exploded in popularity over the course of the pandemic, and it’s no wonder. Whether you’re avoiding playgrounds due to physical distancing or cold weather, this minimalist wooden climbing structure provides an excellent way to safely occupy little ones indoors while helping them burn off some energy!
What on earth is it?
A Pikler triangle is essentially an inverted wooden “v” with rungs on each side, often used with a climbing ramp that doubles as a slide. They come in different sizes but the traditional dimensions are around 3 feet tall by 3 feet long. While they’re regularly found in stores selling Montessori items, the Pikler triangle was actually developed around 100 years ago by Hungarian Pediatrician Dr. Emmi Pikler, to support her philosophy of allowing babies to move freely and reach milestones at their own pace.
Is it worth it?
The price for one generally varies between $300-$500 which feels like a substantial amount, but it’s an investment item, considering it can be used from 6 months old up to around 5 or 6 years. A baby, for instance, might crawl up the ramp on a low incline, whereas a 5-year-old might integrate the triangle into imaginative play, turning it into a fort, castle, etc.
The Pikler triangles in this list are individually handcrafted by local builders, and there are multiple attachments that can be purchased to help extend the life of your climber, such as an arch climber, a rope ladder, and a tent cover. The triangles featured fold for storage, either by removing two bolts with an Allen key, or an included knob.
Whether you want to rent, buy, or DIY a Pikler triangle, this guide has got you covered.
**Please note that prices and information are accurate as of January 2021, but please always confirm details with the individual vendors.
Two Sticks | two-sticks.ca
Best for: Quick turnaround time
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If you can’t wait to get your hands on a climber, orders placed with Two Sticks always ship the following Thursday, or you can eliminate the delivery fee by picking up at their Brampton shop by appointment.
This Mom-owned business began when the owner designed and built a learning tower for her toddler. It turned out so well that all her friends wanted one, and their friends did too. Two Sticks now offers a range of Montessori-style equipment including a small and large version of the Pikler triangle, built from Canadian-sourced unfinished birch with hard maple rungs. Anything not made in shop is outsourced to other small businesses in the GTA.
Quick facts:
Small Pikler $305, With ramp: $375
Assembled Small Size Pikler: 38” leg span x 30” tall x 25.5” wide
Large Pikler $340, With ramp: $405
Assembled Large Size Pikler: 53” leg span x 42” tall x 25.5” wide
Assembly Service: $45
The Montessori Room | themontessoriroom.com
Best for: Pikler add-ons
This Scarborough-based shop specializes in—you guessed it—Montessori-inspired toys, thoughtfully curated by four mothers and educators.
The Pikler triangle they’ve selected is handmade in Canada, using solid birch and Baltic birch plywood, and can be purchased solo, or as part of several bundles that include suggested Pikler companions like: A Kimboo balance board, Waldorf rocker, or an arch climber. They also carry a very cute handmade-in-Ontario cover that turns your Pikler triangle into a Pinterest-worthy play tent.
Shipping across Canada is $35-65 or free pick-up is available in the east end of Toronto.
Note: their triangles are currently on pre-order and will ship January 31st.
Quick facts:
Small Pikler: $299, With ramp: $399
Dimensions: 38” leg span x 30” tall x 25.5” wide
Depth closed: 6″
Large Pikler: $409, With ramp: $499
Dimensions: 53” leg span x 42” tall x 25.5” wide
Depth closed: 6″
Assembly Service: $40
Pocket Woodwork | facebook.com/Pocket-Woodwork
Best for: Options
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Steve, the builder behind Pocket Woodwork had never heard of a Pikler triangle until one of his customers approached him for a commission in March of 2020. After posting the completed project on his social media, Steve was inundated with requests for more.
With three size options and four ramp styles to choose from, some with vibrant colours, these triangles are sure to be a hit with kids at the older end of the Pikler age-range.
Steve makes them from furniture grade Baltic Birch plywood with solid maple or birch dowels, and treats them with a food-safe finish that is resistant to both dirt and saliva, and can be wiped clean.
Woodworking is a hobby business for Steve, although turnaround time is still swift—between 3-6 weeks depending on volume of orders. And bonus: his rates include tax, assembly and delivery in Toronto.
Quick facts:
Small Pikler with choice of 1 board: $425
Dimensions: 34” leg span x 29” tall x 32” wide
Large Pikler with choice of 1 board: $470
Dimensions: 37” leg span x 33” tall x 33” wide
X-Large Pikler with choice of 1 board: $500
Dimensions: 42” leg span x 37” tall x 33” wide
Shop Learn Play | shoplearnplay.ca/rentals
Best for: Rental
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In a genius move, this Mount Pleasant-based shop recently started a rental program, which allows you to borrow a Pikler triangle with ramp for $45 for a week. It’s a great way to test out a climber before making an investment, or to mix things up in your playroom for a week.
Rentals are pick-up only on Mondays between 2-4 pm with drop-offs the following Monday between 10 am-12 pm. The return window is strict to give time for sanitation between rentals, and a late-fee will apply to rentals returned past noon.
If you love the climber so much you don’t want to return it, Shop Learn Play also sells them at $449 for a small Pikler with ramp, and $549 for a large Pikler with ramp, or you can check their Previously Loved section to see if anyone is selling one second-hand.
It’s worth noting that SLP is community-minded, celebrating another small business each month, in addition to pledging a monthly donation to local charities as nominated by customers.
Montessori in Real Life | montessoriinreallife.com
Best for: Free DIY instructions
If you’re handy and up for a bit of a challenge, you can DIY a Pikler triangle, using this detailed (24 pages!) plan complete with photos, courtesy of the blogger behind Montessori in Real Life.
