Top Montessori-Inspired Christmas Gifts for Children and Parents
Discover Thoughtful and Educational Gift Ideas to Delight Your Family This Holiday Season
Dear Guardians of our Future Heroes,
Every year, we scramble to find the perfect gift for our children and loved ones. It’s easy to grab the trendy toy that their best friend has. “I want one just like Annie has,” or “My buddy Robby brought one to school.”
While that may not be a bad idea, it may not be the best.
The hype is on Christmas Day itself. Children scramble out of bed, their ears tingling from listening for Santa’s footsteps the night before, their toes tip-tapping on the cold floor as they race to the Christmas tree.
A flurry of gift wrappers flies in the air—ripping, tearing, opening. Children squeal in delight, jumping up and down, hugging their new toys. They hop from one activity to another as they discover their new gifts.
What fun! Such delight. It’s the scene all parents anticipate. This is what makes Christmas so special: giving and watching the joy in our children’s eyes. Such precious memories are made.
As the season of giving wears off, the excitement ebbs, and peace soon takes over your home. It’s always nice to have gifts that capture the attention of your child for an extended period—ones where each day brings a new discovery, and that grow with your child.
Here are some gift suggestions that apply the Montessori philosophy of learning.
For Montessori Children:
Wooden Toys and Puzzles
Open-ended toys like Magnetic Building Tile Blocks, Montessori knobbed cylinders, or color-sorting and stacking rings.
Wooden puzzles featuring shapes, continents, plants, or animals.
Mr. Potato Head for hand coordination.
Playskool Form Fitter Shape Sorter Activity Cube Toy (My child learned the names of geometric shapes with these), or Wooden Magnetic Fishing Game.
Hahaland Toddler Busy Board or Dimple Fun Egg Matching Toy.
(I have no affiliate links nor do I earn money from these suggestions.)
Practical Life Tools
Child-sized kitchen tools like aprons, utensils, or a vegetable chopper. (There was one season we had identical aprons for baking. That year was filled with baking projects!)
Gardening kits with gloves, trowels, and watering cans. (Our garden was happy with these gifts!)
Art and Craft Supplies
Non-toxic crayons, watercolor sets, or clay for sensory exploration.
Wooden easels or craft kits for creating holiday decorations.
Jewelry-making kits or beading collections.
Books
Beautifully illustrated, nature-themed books or stories about holidays worldwide. My favorites include The Polar Express, The Mitten, One Snowy Night, and for older children, The Little Match Girl.
Montessori-aligned books like The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Over and Under the Snow, or The Berenstain Bears’ Night Before Christmas.
Musical Instruments
Simple instruments like maracas, xylophones, or handbells to explore rhythm and sound.
Nature Exploration Tools
Binoculars, magnifying glasses, or nature journals to encourage outdoor adventures.
A bird feeder to attract wildlife for observation.
Montessori Furniture
A weaning table and chair for toddlers or a step stool for independence.
Low shelves to promote organization and autonomy.
Open-Ended Play Sets
Items like Montessori Rainbow Stackers or magnetic tiles for imaginative play.
For Montessori Parents:
Montessori Parenting Books
The Montessori Advantage by Susie Antonia.
Other thoughtful titles like The Montessori Toddler by Simone Davies, The Montessori Book for Babies and Toddlers, or The Absorbent Mind by Maria Montessori.
Organization Tools
Storage solutions for toy rotation or child-friendly spaces.
Label makers or baskets for a minimalist Montessori home.
Relaxation Essentials
A self-care box with teas, candles, and a journal for winding down after parenting duties.
Yoga mats or subscriptions to mindfulness apps.
Meal Prep Aids
Child-friendly cookbooks to involve kids in meal preparation.
Montessori-inspired kitchen tools to streamline mealtime participation.
Experiences Over Things
Tickets to museums, aquariums, or botanical gardens to create lifelong memories.
Nature park memberships for family hikes and explorations.
Photography Gifts
A photo book or frame to capture their child's milestones.
A Polaroid camera to document everyday Montessori moments.
Montessori Materials for the Home
Trays, baskets, or natural rugs to complete the Montessori setup.
Child-safe cleaning kits for practical life lessons.
Shared Family Gifts:
Seasonal Activity Kits
Baking kits to make holiday treats together.
DIY ornament or gingerbread house kits.
Board Games
Cooperative games like Hoot Owl Hoot! or The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game.
Nature-Themed Gifts
A family telescope for stargazing or birdwatching guides.
Planting kits for herbs or flowers to grow together.
Adventure Coupons
Handmade coupons for family activities like a picnic, hike, or movie night.
Enjoy Your Gift-giving!
The best gifts are those that inspire joy, foster growth, and create lasting memories. By incorporating the Montessori philosophy into your holiday gifting, you not only give your children something to enjoy but also something to cherish and learn from. This season, let’s prioritize thoughtful, meaningful gifts that nurture the heart and mind of every family member.
Happy Holidays! 🎄
Together in your journey,
Susie
Susie Antonia, is the author of The Montessori Advantage. She is an educator with rich experiences from Canada, England, and the Philippines, who believes children are our future heroes. With decades steeped in the Montessori teaching method, she offers a wealth of practical parenting tips and heartwarming stories from the classroom.
Whether you're a parent navigating the maze of modern upbringing or an educator seeking a kindred spirit, you've found your tribe. Join Susie for an enriching experience that's as educational as it is inspiring.