Picorú: Montessori furniture and toys that inspire children and decorate spaces.

According to Chiara Piroddi’s book Larousse Montessori at Home (2021), the space that a child inhabits is crucial for their understanding of the world. Tidy, visually pleasing, and comfortable living spaces help the child make sense of their environment, as objects acquire a place and a function.

Picorú, inspired by the Montessori methodology, has created furniture and toys that contribute to the holistic development of children and decorate spaces. For example, Picorú beds come in two styles, Provençal and Flor,which create an elegant and minimalist atmosphere. The beds have removable legs so that little ones can get up and down without the help of an adult, contributing to their independence. This furniture is designed to create safe spaces.

Our furniture and toys are crafted by Peruvian artisans using traditional techniques in solid pine and cedar wood, making them durable, restorable, and contributing to environmental sustainability. These toys do not need batteries or electricity, nor do they emit sound or lights; they are considered ‘plug-free’ and promote screen-free spaces.

Electronic toys, whether with sound or battery-operated, may sometimes seem necessary for the progress of child development; however, there is no evidence to support this claim. What has been growing over time is evidence of the harm caused by exposure to electronic media. A reduction in caregiver-child play interaction has been observed, as well as a decrease in cognitive, language, and gross motor activities, which has implications for development and health, such as obesity.

A favourite among Picorú customers is the customizable toy kitchen, where parents and children can choose the colour, vinyl design, and material of the doors, making it a fun activity to do as a family. The Picorú toy kitchen, made of wood and plug-free, encourages children to use their imagination and to interact with parents or caregivers, creating various role play scenarios. For example, the child can play chef, while the parents act as customers in a restaurant.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, it’s not so much the use of a toy itself but the interaction with the caregiver that promotes a child’s development. Therefore, it’s important to create these interaction spaces and keep them free from toys with batteries or screens.

In summary, opting for artisanal craftsmanship in creating Montessori furniture and toys implies not only a return to quality and authenticity, but also Picoru’s commitment to the well-being and optimal development of children. We offer furniture and toys designed to contribute to safe, stimulating, and screen-free spaces that promote child development.