Gifts should be a joy to give and receive, yet sometimes they can cause us stress. In Montessori, we consider how any item will help the child build themselves into the adult they are meant to be. To invite Montessori into your home and family, consider toys that encourage the child to think creatively and independently; toys that will last longer than the box; and realize that fewer toys that meet these criteria may be more engaging than an over-abundance of toys. We are sharing some ideas for all budgets, mostly from smaller sites, which work for a variety of ages and interests to get you started.
Here are some examples of some Montessori-inspired gifts. The Montessori Foundation is in no way affiliated with any of these companies or products. We just like them. If you are interested in a product, the QR-code or the tiny-URLs will help you find it. You will probably find other companies that offer the same product at more or less cost. You may also find some products that are sold out, you know, because of Covid and shipping delays. Sigh!
A magnifier to examine nature
![](https://stories.isu.pub/93728830/images/22_original_file_I0.jpg)
![](https://stories.isu.pub/93728830/images/22_original_file_I7.png)
Great watercolor paper
![](https://stories.isu.pub/93728830/images/22_original_file_I2.jpg)
![](https://stories.isu.pub/93728830/images/22_original_file_I11.png)
Build your own night light
![](https://stories.isu.pub/93728830/images/22_original_file_I4.jpg)
Image is Sound-Activated tinyurl.com/5br2uxz4
![](https://stories.isu.pub/93728830/images/22_original_file_I15.png)
Explore with watercolors.
![](https://stories.isu.pub/93728830/images/22_original_file_I3.jpg)
![](https://stories.isu.pub/93728830/images/22_original_file_I13.png)
Puzzle out the work of gears.
![](https://stories.isu.pub/93728830/images/23_original_file_I0.jpg)
![](https://stories.isu.pub/93728830/images/23_original_file_I12.png)
Toddler step stool
![](https://stories.isu.pub/93728830/images/23_original_file_I1.jpg)
Work together in the kitchen. tinyurl.com/473ubkpr
![](https://stories.isu.pub/93728830/images/23_original_file_I14.jpg)
Learn to tie-dye
![](https://stories.isu.pub/93728830/images/23_original_file_I2.jpg)
A variety of patterns to learn. tinyurl.com/j4y5mw5m
![](https://stories.isu.pub/93728830/images/23_original_file_I15.png)
See the roots grow
![](https://stories.isu.pub/93728830/images/23_original_file_I3.jpg)
Create a catapult
![](https://stories.isu.pub/93728830/images/23_original_file_I4.jpg)
![](https://stories.isu.pub/93728830/images/23_original_file_I19.png)
Color with rock-shaped crayons
![](https://stories.isu.pub/93728830/images/23_original_file_I5.jpg)
![](https://stories.isu.pub/93728830/images/23_original_file_I21.png)
Found It! Hunt for items in nature
![](https://stories.isu.pub/93728830/images/23_original_file_I6.png)
![](https://stories.isu.pub/93728830/images/23_original_file_I23.jpg)
Read about inventors
![](https://stories.isu.pub/93728830/images/23_original_file_I8.png)
A quarterly magazine. tinyurl.com/6hynfuxb
![](https://stories.isu.pub/93728830/images/23_original_file_I24.png)
Sensory Playdough and Sand Kits
![](https://stories.isu.pub/93728830/images/24_original_file_I1.jpg)
A great screen free distraction. tinyurl.com/335fwra4
![](https://stories.isu.pub/93728830/images/24_original_file_I12.jpg)
Measure days with a calendar
![](https://stories.isu.pub/93728830/images/24_original_file_I2.jpg)
![](https://stories.isu.pub/93728830/images/24_original_file_I20.jpg)
Storymatic Kids
![](https://stories.isu.pub/93728830/images/24_original_file_I3.jpg)
Nurture creativity. tinyurl.com/vjjmu5ea
![](https://stories.isu.pub/93728830/images/24_original_file_I13.png)
Keep treasures after building a safe
![](https://stories.isu.pub/93728830/images/24_original_file_I4.jpg)
![](https://stories.isu.pub/93728830/images/24_original_file_I15.png)
Virtually “Adopt” a creature in need
World Wildlife Fund
![Panda](https://gifts.worldwildlife.org/gift-center/Images/multistepcart/cart-panda-photo.jpg)
Play the spoons.
![](https://stories.isu.pub/93728830/images/24_original_file_I7.jpg)
A fun find for newbies and professional musicians alike. tinyurl.com/mf2z4x8s
![](https://stories.isu.pub/93728830/images/24_original_file_I21.png)
Cook from around the world.
![](https://stories.isu.pub/93728830/images/24_original_file_I8.png)
globalgrub.com/products/diy-ravioli-kit
![](https://stories.isu.pub/93728830/images/24_original_file_I23.png)
Wobble around
![](https://stories.isu.pub/93728830/images/24_original_file_I6.jpg)
![](https://stories.isu.pub/93728830/images/24_original_file_I19.jpg)