Imbucare BoxSmall Cylinder for Object Permanence
The first photo is the maker's own. The other shots are illustrative.
Inv. no. NIE-042200
- Maker
- Nienhuis Montessori, since 1929
- Approval
- AMI
- Primary Material
- Natural plywood
- Interior Lining
- Felt
- EAN
- 8719924012519
Final price incl. VAT. Delivery €5.90, €91.10 to go for free delivery.
Advice, warranty and returns are handled by us.
Why it costs €57.90
Behind the price of the original are things you can check yourself.
AMI approval
The material is approved by the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI). Nienhuis has made Montessori materials since 1929.
A verifiable original
The EAN 8719924012519 is on the box. It is the maker's number, not ours.

Imbucare Box in a child's hands
The Imbucare box with a small cylinder is a red box with an opening, through which the child posts a small cylinder. Imbucare is Italian for putting something through a slot, such as a letter into a postbox; here the task is simple, one cylinder and one opening. The child picks up the cylinder, brings it to the opening and lets it drop into the box. The eye has to find the opening before the hand reaches it. The box is made of birch plywood, beech and felt and is meant for indoor use. It weighs 770 g and is intended for children aged 0 to 3.
Object Permanence
Fundamental cognitive milestone where children learn that objects continue to exist even when hidden from view.
Hand-Eye Coordination
Precise placement of cylinder through opening develops visual-motor integration and fine motor control.
Cause and Effect
Child discovers that dropping the cylinder through the hole causes it to reappear in the front compartment.
Concentration
Repetitive nature of the activity builds focus and attention span essential for later learning.
How to present it
Place the box on a low table or mat at the child's eye level when sitting. Position the cylinder to the right of the box for right-handed presentation. Ensure the area is free from distractions.
- 1Sit to the child's right. Slowly grasp the cylinder with thumb and two fingers
- 2Lift the cylinder and hold it briefly above the hole
- 3Lower the cylinder precisely into the hole and release
- 4Point to the open front where the cylinder has appeared
- 5Remove the cylinder from the front and place it back in starting position
3 tips for parents
- Your child may work with this material for extended periods - this deep concentration is valuable for brain development
- Resist the urge to retrieve the cylinder for your child - the complete cycle includes removing it themselves
- If your child throws the cylinder, calmly return it to position without comment and model gentle handling
If you are not sure it suits your child, we answer in person.
Norbert Kovalčín, founder of Faborino · write to him
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What's in the Box
- Imbucare Box: With circular opening and open front
- Small Cylinder: Precisely sized for the circular opening
Size and material
| Packaging | 16 × 16 × 12 cm |
| Primary Material | Natural plywood |
| Interior Lining | Felt |
| Recommended Age | 8 months - 2 years |
Care
Wipe with damp cloth, avoid water on cork/felt lining
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is the Imbucare Box with Small Cylinder appropriate for?
The Imbucare Box is designed for infants and toddlers ages 6-36 months. Most children begin showing interest around 8-10 months when they can sit independently and grasp objects with control. The material remains engaging through age 3 as children refine their hand-eye coordination and understanding of object permanence.
How does this box help develop object permanence?
When the child drops the cylinder through the hole, it temporarily disappears from view before rolling into the open front compartment. This brief disappearance and reappearance helps children understand that objects continue to exist even when they cannot see them, a crucial cognitive milestone typically developed between 8-12 months.
What is the purpose of the cork or felt lining?
The cork or felt lining serves multiple purposes: it reduces noise when the cylinder drops, creating a calmer learning environment; it prevents the cylinder from rolling away; and it provides a gentle contrast that helps the child's eyes track the object's movement. This thoughtful detail supports concentration and repeated practice.
How do I present this material to my child?
Sit with your child and slowly demonstrate dropping the cylinder through the hole, showing excitement when it reappears. Use minimal language, allowing the child to focus on the action. Place the box on a low shelf where your child can access it independently. Initially, you may need to retrieve the cylinder, but soon they'll complete the full cycle themselves.
What skills does the Imbucare Box develop besides object permanence?
This material develops multiple skills: hand-eye coordination through precise placement of the cylinder; pincer grasp refinement; cause-and-effect understanding; concentration and focus; spatial awareness; and the foundation for mathematical concepts like 'in and out' or 'empty and full'. It also builds confidence through successful repetition.
Product safety
Manufacturer: Nienhuis Montessori, Anders Celsiusstraat 15, 7442 PB Nijverdal, Netherlands
Imbucare Box