Frequently asked questions

We prepare your order within 1–2 business days, and delivery usually takes another 7–15 business days. Times can vary a little by item and destination — you'll get a tracking link by email as soon as your order ships.

Within the United States, shipping is free on orders over $100. Under that, a flat rate is calculated at checkout before you pay, so there are no surprises.

We currently ship within the United States. We'd love to reach more homes over time — if you're outside the US, email us and we'll let you know when we can deliver to you.

You'll see every option we offer when you check out — all major credit and debit cards, plus express wallets like Shop Pay, Apple Pay, and Google Pay where your device supports them. Every payment is processed securely.

Of course — a lot of our toys are chosen as gifts. Just enter the recipient's address at checkout and we'll ship straight to them. We don't offer gift wrapping just yet, but if you'd like to include a short gift note, email us at mirthwell@gmail.com right after ordering and we'll do our best to arrange it.

Your confirmation email should arrive within a few minutes. If it's not there, check your spam or promotions folder first. Still nothing? Email us at mirthwell@gmail.com and we'll confirm we have your order and resend it.

Once your order ships, we'll email you a tracking link. Because many of our toys ship directly from the maker, tracking can take a few days to begin updating — if it ever looks stuck, just reach out and we'll check on it for you.

Not always. Because many of our toys ship directly from the maker, an order with several items can arrive in separate packages — sometimes a few days apart — and each has its own tracking. If part of your order hasn't turned up after the expected window, just reach out and we'll track it down.

Email us at mirthwell@gmail.com as soon as you can with your order number. If it hasn't shipped yet, we'll do our best to update or cancel it. Once it's on its way, we'll help you with a return instead.

You can request a return within 14 days of receiving your order. Items need to be unused, in their original packaging, and in resellable condition, with your order number or confirmation email as proof of purchase. A few things can't be returned — used, damaged, or incomplete items, and any final-sale or clearance products. You can read the full details on our return policy page.

Email us at mirthwell@gmail.com with your order number and the reason for the return, and we'll walk you through the next steps. Please wait for our approval before sending anything back.

We're sorry — let's make it right. Email us within 48 hours of delivery at mirthwell@gmail.com with a photo and your order number, and we'll arrange a replacement or a refund. No hassle.

Once we receive and inspect your return, we'll let you know it's approved and process your refund to the original payment method within 5–10 business days. Refunds cover the cost of the items; original shipping isn't refundable unless the return is due to a defect or our mistake.

Three things we look for: it's real rather than pretend, it has one clear purpose, and it's self-correcting — so a child can spot and fix a mistake on their own, without a grown-up hovering. Think a knob that rewards a careful pincer grip, or rings that only stack one way. Want the longer version? Read what is Montessori.

"Montessori" isn't a protected or certified term, so we won't just stamp it on as a badge. Instead, we choose every toy against the principles above and explain our reasoning on each product page — so you can see for yourself, not take our word for it. We'd call our toys Montessori-aligned, and we'll always show you why.

Every product lists an age range, and you can shop by age to see what suits each stage. If you'd like a little guidance, our how to use Montessori toys by age guide is a good place to start — or email us and we'll happily point you toward the right fit.

Yes, please do. The age on each listing reflects two things at once: the developmental stage the toy is made for, and its safety grading. Following it keeps play both rewarding and safe.

Safety is most of the reason we exist. Children's products sold in the US must meet the CPSIA and the ASTM F963 toy-safety standard, and we ask our suppliers for the documentation that shows it before a toy enters our catalog. There's more on our safety & materials page.

Primarily solid wood and other natural materials, chosen to be held and handled every day. We don't use vague labels like "non-toxic"; instead, each product page tells you exactly what that toy is made of and how it's finished — so you can judge it for your own child, including a little one who puts things in their mouth.

Some do. Toys graded for ages 3+ can contain small parts that are a choking hazard for younger children, so please follow the age guidance on each listing. All of our toys are meant to be enjoyed with adult supervision.

Because it's real wood. Small differences in grain and color are the signature of a natural material, not a defect — no two pieces are quite the same, and that's part of the charm.

It's a good habit, especially for babies and toddlers who explore with their mouths. Wipe it with a barely-damp cloth and dry it well before the first play — no soaking or dishwasher.

Keep them away from water — wipe clean with a barely-damp cloth, dry right away, and never soak them or run them through the dishwasher, which can warp or crack the wood. Finishes vary from toy to toy, so check the product page for anything specific to that piece.