Although I typically hold fast to the notion of one holiday at a time, I couldn’t help browsing all the great Montessori-friendly gift ideas out there for kids. I am happy that even before starting this intentional journey I held Montessori type beliefs regarding toys. I despise toys that do too much, make too much noise, and we typically avoid anything that needs batteries.
So, after a little pre-Thanksgiving research I have come up with my little wish-list for the little ones that gels with our parenting philosophy without losing any of the joy or awesomeness of Christmas toys. My children are 5 and almost 3 so it is great that there is a lot of overlap in what would interest them.
- Melissa and Doug toys! I am particularly eyeing these transportation themed ones for my son: the Car Carrier Wooden Truck and the Whittle Wood Airplane set.
Also from Melissa and Doug is this great See and Spell Learning Game! It is great for both kids and the letters can be used for spelling words not on the boards.
- This Spring we plan on tackling a vegetable garden for the third year and I really want the kids to get into the action, so I am spotted these great tools from For Small Hands.
- My kids love the yoga video Yoga Motion by Namaste Kids but use
my adult size mat when doing it. I have been on the lookout for kids’ yoga mats for awhile and these from Lazy Lizard seem to be the cutest and most functional!
- I am totally bummed that this next item won’t be ready until early 2013, but Goldie Blox will definitely be on our to-buy list for my daughter.
What other great Montessori inspired toys or activities have you found?
Hi Allison:
I did the same thing back in September! Looking at various Montessori toys and learning activities. I found the following, which looked promising for Christmas…
Melissa & Doug Children Around the World Floor 48-Piece Floor Puzzle
http://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Doug-Children-Around-48-Piece/dp/B0012K8DEC/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=1CY2315QZ2KOU&coliid=I1IV5CCAL9UOU4
Montessori Phonetic Reading Blocks for the Beginning Reader
http://www.amazon.com/Montessori-Phonetic-Reading-Blocks-Beginning/dp/B0069Z3HV4/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=1CY2315QZ2KOU&coliid=I3J3OSQZIC8INM
Montessori Color Resemblance Sorting Task
http://www.amazon.com/Montessori-Color-Resemblance-Sorting-Task/dp/B00495UJQ2/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pdT1_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=1CY2315QZ2KOU&coliid=INIPNSEQAHDA0
Montessori Hundred Board
http://www.amazon.com/Kid-Advance-Co-MA021-Montessori/dp/B003NZ2GFG/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=1CY2315QZ2KOU&coliid=I6S9HPN7AW377
Kid Advance Montessori Cut-Out Numeral and Counters
http://www.amazon.com/Kid-Advance-Montessori-Cut-Out-Counters/dp/B003NAMYEY/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=1CY2315QZ2KOU&coliid=I8JCD6RNIG65A
Great ideas!
Awesome Ideas Sandra! I was looking at that puzzle just the other day at Lakeshore Learning. The hundred board intimidates me! Maybe I need a lesson on it.
I love this ladies work. Here is the link to her Etsy site http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheEnchantedCupboard?section_id=5684255
Beautiful work! I love Etsy. I wish I had known more about Montessori toys when the kids were babies. Thanks for sharing Jen!
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