A Guide to Making Holiday Wish Lists

It’s that time of year again and the holiday shopping has begun early this year! While I am not creating specific gift guides (you can find previous gift ideas here) I thought it might be helpful to share how I plan out my holiday shopping for the kids (now 2 and 4 years old). Keep in mind, these are all just ideas, not an indication of the number of gifts one should give or receive. :)

What is fun AND functional? While our family typically emphasizes play in our holiday gifts, sometimes the kids’ favorite presents aren’t toys at all. Rather, they are the most excited about functional items and tools. This year’s big ticket items for the kids will likely be suitcases for the kids as we begin more travel this coming year. I’m also eyeing a rain gauge, hammer and tool kit, and a new houseplant for the kids to take care of. 

What are their unique interests? Just because I think a toy is exciting or beautiful doesn’t mean my child will! It helps to think about what our children are most engaged and interested in. S spends a lot of time constructing, so I’m looking at adding these blocks to our collection. D spends a lot of time creating art so I’ve added a spirograph to her list. They both are deep into pretend play, so a joint gift might be this doctor kit.

What can we expand on? - Holidays are also a great time to add pieces to a larger collection. This can be a great way to give meaningful toys without adding to the clutter. For example, we typically add one or two wooden animals to our favorite Holztiger collection and trains or tracks to our Brio set each Christmas. Other collections to add to each year could be Lego/Duplos, Magna Tiles, or Grimms wooden toys. 

How long will it be enjoyed? With both kids in school part-time, a lot of what they do at home is open-ended play. With these types of toys, I look for materials that will last a long time, both in terms of durability and enjoyment. I look for toys that grow with the kids, and can be played with in a variety of different ways. Examples in our home have been Sarah’s Silks, our play Ice Cream set, and wooden blocks.

Who do we want to support? As much as possible, I try to support local and small shops when holiday shopping. These shops also always offer new inspiration and ideas. Some long-time favorites of ours include: Heirloom Kids, Montessori in Color, Natural Playbox, Birch Street Goods, and Mirus Toys. A couple larger favorite online source for holiday shopping are For Small Hands and Kido.

What experiences would they enjoy? Holidays don’t have to be about toys. It can be really fun to gift children experiences to look forward to! Some ideas include tickets to a children’s show/performance, a special day out with just you, a music or gymnastics class, or tickets to a special zoo or kids museum exhibit.

I hope this helps those of you who are still working on your children’s holiday wish lists or considering gifts for friends and relatives! Happy Holidays!

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through one of these links, you won’t pay anything extra, but I will get a small commission, which helps keep this blog going. Thanks for supporting Montessori in Real Life!

Fourth Birthday Gift Ideas

In less than two weeks, D will be four. Unlike previous birthdays, D really grasps the concept of her birthday this year. As she has been witness to a number of beautiful birthday celebrations in her Montessori classroom, she has been eagerly awaiting her special day for months. This is also the first year she has very clear wishes for her day, from what kind of cake she wants (watermelon) to the decorations (also watermelon) to gifts. The following list is extensive and I expect to pick just a few of them for D. This list is a combination of ideas I’ve gotten from D as well as ones I’ve researched and seen enjoyed among friends and family. I hope your soon-to-be 4-year-olds love one or a few of these too!

Cooperative Board Games - In the past few months, board games have been one of D’s top requests when she and I have a little solo time together. Although she loves some of the classic games like Go Fish and Chutes and Ladders, I am a big fan of the cooperative games where we share a common goal. Peaceful Kingdom makes quite a few. D loves Stone Soup and I plan to gift her Race to the Treasure this year.

Arts and Crafts - D, like many children her age, loves to create. Sometimes the most joy and focus comes from using simple arts and crafts supplies to come up with something completely imaginative and new. These types of craft boxes are great for that. Other times, a more purposeful craft can be fun. I’m excited to introduce perler beads (template, beads, tongs) and this DIY chimes kit.

Jumbo Puzzles - This is an age where puzzling can really take off. A favorite for preschoolers is the giant floor puzzles as these provide both an extra challenge and an active component! This search and find 48-piece ocean floor puzzle looks fun and I love the Little Likes Kids floor puzzles, which come in a variety of sizes depending on your child’s puzzling skill level.

Musical Instruments - Musical instruments are a great gift for all ages, but at this age, children can actually begin to follow a tune and put notes together to make simple songs. One way for children to create songs is by following color patterns using these hand bells. A kid-size guitar with only 3 strings is a great instrument to start playing for fun, or even a small ukelele!

Blocks and Gears - With vivid imaginations and capable little hands, four is a really fun age to get into more complex building sets. From legos to gears to marble runs to forts, there are endless possibilities and kits for building. The best toys are the ones that can be used and enjoyed independently and creatively! Magnetic blocks such as Magnatiles and Tegu blocks are also a favorite!

Magazine Subscription - Receiving her Highlights High Five magazine in the mail is one of D’s highlights each month. The magazine is packed full of stories, games, and activity ideas. This year, I’m adding the National Geographic Little Kids magazine to our wish list as well!

Show/Event Tickets - Often what our children want more than anything is special time with us. One exciting birthday surprise could be a date to a special local event or show happening near you. Examples include a temporary exhibit at the zoo, a play at the local children’s theater, a kids concert, or a ballet performance. Another non-physical gift idea is a membership to a local zoo, aquarium, or kids museum!

Real Tools - While pretend play is big at this age, nothing beats the real deal. Whenever possible, we can give our kids real, functional tools to engage with and learn from. Favorites include binoculars, a two-way microscope, a real knife for meal prep, or a toolbox.

Pedal Bike - D has the Woom 2 and we love it. It’s great because the pedals can be removed to make this into a balance bike first. Once your child has the hang of a balance bike, it’s a seamless transition to riding with pedals! Most kids I know have made this transition between 3.5 and 5 years old. Be sure to get on the wait list for this bike!

Ask your child! Every child has their own interests and at this age, is more than capable of letting us know what their interests and wants are. The older our children get, the more unique and tailored their interests become, and it’s our job to support those interests rather than our own!

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase a product through one of these links, you won’t pay anything extra, but I will get a small commission, which helps keep this blog going. Thanks for supporting Montessori in Real Life!

Our Small Shop Holiday List

Now more than ever, I want to support my favorite small shops. Not only do I want to support the businesses and the families behind them, but I find the toys and materials we purchase from small shops are the ones that we love the most and stay with us for years. The items below are the ones on our wish list this year. Importantly, several of these are also from Black-owned small shops. Lastly, I have included any discount codes I currently have, but keep in mind there may be bigger sales on Small Shop Saturday. I hope you find some inspiration here and with these small shops this holiday season!

Nursling apron - Nursling is one of my favorite small shops, from their reading pillows to their small napkins, and now these beautiful new aprons! They come in three sizes and are made of organic cotton and hemp. I plan to put this on the list for each of my children! Use code RealLife10 for 10% off

Sarah's Silks giant silks - These scarves are always on my list as they are just so beautiful and can be used in a hundred ways. I am excited to gift the kids a giant one to build forts with this winter! Use code RealLife10 for 10% off.

More than a peach crayons - I have been following Bellan, the girl behind More than a Peach, for a while on social media, and I am so excited to finally bring these multicultural crayons into our home. A perfect stocking stuffer!

Nuts and Bolts Board - Our screwdriver board has been one of the most well-loved materials on our shelf, and this will be a perfect progression for D. I like that she can use her hands at first and then learn how to use the wrench as she develops more coordination.

Birch Street Goods Mindful Mat - This is another one of my very favorite small shops. This is a wonderful calming activity, as well as speaking to D’s need for order and arranging small objects in lines!

Natural Playbox bowling set - You can’t go wrong with any of the Natural Playbox materials. This might be the only one we don’t have! Though this is on S’ wish list (our thrower), I think D would enjoy this as a cooperative game as well! Use code RealLife10 for 10% off!

Nuts and bolts - As S is obsessed with D’s tool sets, this is a version of nuts and bolts that will be perfect for S in the coming months. I love the natural look and simplicity of these as he works on coordination of the twisting motion.

PuzzleHuddle puzzle - I really appreciate the representation and diversity in these puzzles, and that they come in all sizes, to meet wherever your child is at in their puzzle journey. It’s hard to choose just one of these many beautiful puzzles.

Playroom creative strawberry stacker - How beautiful are these? This one might just be a gift for me, but I absolutely love these fruit stackers. S would have fun just stacking them but D would enjoy the puzzle aspect of making the fruit. I love supporting this local Seattle toy shop.

Kids Concept Recycling Truck - If there’s one thing S comes back to again and again every day, it’s the vehicles. I saw this truck and it had his name all over it. Not only would he love zooming this around the house but he’d also enjoy popping the little garbage/recycling boxes in and out of their spots on the truck. No plastic either!

Stukka Pukka Pizza Puzzle - We already have one beautiful puzzle from Stukka Puka and I can’t wait to present this one to D. Not only does she get to “make” pizza, but she is learning about fractions along the way! A great problem solving puzzle.

Paper Minikin Dolls - D loves fine motor work, dolls, and dress-up, so I think these will be right up her ally! I love the diversity of the dolls and the modern clothing options they come with.

A Montessori and Movement Holiday Gift Guide

This is by far the earliest I’ve started holiday shopping, but these are unprecedented times! With another covid winter upon us, my priorities have definitely shifted. I am seeking out any and all materials, tools, toys, and games that involve MOVEMENT. I am anticipating lots of time at home and around our neighborhood, and I’m guessing many of you are too. All of these gift suggestions will have your kids burning energy and having fun while doing so. I have compiled some of our favorites as well as a few on our wishlist for ages one and up. Note that many of the items in the younger lists are used for years to come, so I recommend looking at each of these in more detail. I hope you find something here to bring your little one joy, and you a little rest, in this uncertain year ahead. Happy Holiday Gift Giving!

One and Up

Walker Wagon

Learning Tower or DIY

Ride on Bike

Pikler or DIY

Pull Toy

Vacuum

Large Wooden Blocks

Rainbow Rocker

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Two and Up

Leaf Rake

Wheelbarrow

Bilibo Shell

Monkey Around Game

Trampoline

Scavenger Hunt

Balance Bike

Gonge River

Joey Jump

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Three and Up

Pedal Bike

Giant Playsilks

Fort Set

Yoga Game

Shopping Cart

Go Find It

Sawing Block

Binoculars

Scooter

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Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase a product through one of these links, you won’t pay anything extra, but I will get a small commission, which helps keep this blog going. Thanks for supporting Montessori in Real Life!

Montessori-Inspired Third Birthday Gift Ideas

As D’s third birthday approaches next month, I feel all kinds of emotions. Turning three is a big one in the Montessori world, as she transitions from the unconscious to the conscious mind (more on that soon). I can see such a shift already in how she thinks, plays, communicates, and asks questions. This birthday list was really fun to put together as I imagine all the joy she will find in new kinds of materials, games, and toys. I hope these ideas are helpful for those of you with a soon-to-be three-year-old in your life! I imagine many of these toys will be enjoyed throughout the next few years!

For more ideas or for those with younger siblings, don’t miss these Second Birthday Gift Ideas and First Birthday Gift Ideas!

Birthday Gifts

Marble Run Construction or Marble Tree - We have a musical rainbow tree and it is completely mesmerizing for both me and D. It is fun to experiment with different kinds of marbles and balls which affect the sound and speed. The beautiful marble run construction set reminds me of a favorite toy I had as a child, but this version is definitely a level up!

Face Memory Game - I love this set of wonderfully diverse face cards. These are perfect simply as a matching and discussion activity, but even more fun as your child learns how to play the game of Memory with you!

Pizza Kit with Pizza Day Book - Who doesn’t love pizza? This little set is great for young children who enjoy helping out in the kitchen. Your child can now make their very own pizza and even slice it themselves! Pizza Day is a favorite book to go along with it.

Hand Bells - As far as musical instruments go, these are on the end of least difficult to hear at home. :) Not only are these fun for preschoolers to play, but they can learn about scales and even play songs eventually! If you have two sets, they can match the notes to each other.

Sneaky Squirrel Game or Count Your Chickens Game - This is the age when your child might really start to get the hang of “board” games. I’ve heard wonderful things about both of these games, which incorporate turn-taking, colors, numbers, and a lot of fun.

Layered Puzzle - Layered puzzles are always popular with toddlers, and this multi-layered puzzle takes it up a notch for preschoolers. With 22 pieces and four layers (one for each season), it will be a nice challenge for this age group.

Flower Press - This is a beautiful gift for children with spring and summer birthdays and those who love to collect flowers! Not only is the act of pressing flowers fun for children in and of itself, but the pressed flowers can be used for all kinds of arts and crafts projects.

Fort Building Silk and Clips - This is such a fun set to take your child’s fort-building to the next level. Children can use the large clips to buld a fort anywhere (even outside), and the large silk adds beauty wherever it goes.

Scooter - This is one of D’s favorite new activities, both indoors and out. While the balance bike is a necessity, the scooter is a fun and speedy alternative to mix it up on your many neighborhood and park adventures!

Grimm’s Rainbow - Like all Grimm’s wooden toys, this is worth it. We have had our rainbow for over a year and it is used in so many ways - as tunnels, bridges, or slides, for color matching and nesting, and whatever else your child imagines. This beautiful classic toy never leaves our shelf.

Geoboard - The geoboard is fun for children and adults alike. As your child gets more practice with it, they can follow patterns and make shapes. I love that this one is entirely made of Birch. Pulling the rubber bands over the geoboard is wonderful fine motor practice (especially for putting on socks and shoes!)

Jigsaw Puzzle - Depending on your chid’s puzzle experience, this might be their first “real” puzzle and a nice challenge for them at this age. It is a puzzle that you might start out doing together as they gradually master it on their own. I love the beautiful scenes that these Petit Collage puzzles make.

Imagination Magnets - Did anyone else love tangrams as a kid? These are similar to that, but with a magnetic board for creating. I love that these little shapes allow for creativity as well as following the patterns provided.

Dollhouse with Wooden Dolls - This is the age when pretend play really takes off, and this dollhouse is perfect for children who enjoy “playing house”. I picked this one for D for it’s size, aesthetic, and open concept. A variety of dolls could work in this house, but we picked the Hape wooden dolls as they are bendable, wooden, and have details in their faces and clothes.

Measuring Tape and Toolbox Book - This real wooden measuring tape will provide endless possibilities for your tool-loving preschooler. Children at this age love to measure and it’s a great pre-math exercise! This is one of our favorite books about tools to go along with it.

Birthday Books

(click pictures for links)

Happy Birthday to the special three-year-old in your life!

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase a product through one of these links, you won’t pay anything extra, but I will get a small commission, which helps keep this blog going. Thanks for supporting Montessori in Real Life!

Montessori-Inspired Second Birthday Gift Ideas

After posting my First Birthday Gift Idea post, I received many requests for a second and third birthday gift list as well, and I’m happy to help! You can expect the third birthday gift idea post in the next couple of weeks. I know how hard it is to shop for little ones, even your own! I hope this helps consolidate the choices for those of you with a soon-to-be two-year-old in your life. These gifts are almost all toys and tools that have been well-loved between the ages of two and three in our home. Many of them will be enjoyed well past the age of three!

Wheelbarrow - Toddlers love “maximum effort” activities, which allow them to put forth their whole body and energy into something with purpose. Your toddler will enjoy filling the wheelbarrow with all kinds of nature treasures and helping out with the outdoor chores you do!

Grimms Blocks - Grimms wooden toys are pricey, but they will last through the years. There are endless ways to use these open-ended blocks. It doesn’t hurt that they look beautiful in your home too! These are great for birthdays of any age.

Mini Cooking Set and Rolling Pins - These are D’s most-used kitchen utensils for real baking and cooking projects with me. Though these can be used for pretend play or play dough, they are completely functional too. Either of these would pair well with The Montessori Guide’s picture recipe ebook!

Sensory Bin Wooden Tools - This is a beautiful set of tools and bowls for sensory play. D loves the wooden scoopers and box with a lid for scooping and pouring rainbow rice and sand. The tongs are great for picking out hidden objects or transferring items between bowls.

Community Helpers and Vehicles - Toddlers find such excitement from fire trucks, school buses, and the helpers associated with them. This is a simple and fun matching activity, and the wooden vehicles roll, providing lots of opportunity for “driving” around the house.

Shape Latch Board - This is a wonderful combination of shape sorter and latch board. Toddlers love locks and latches, so they will enjoy the challenge of opening each door to find the hidden shape. Lots of opportunities for repetition here!

Bath Pipes and Cogs - These are hands down the best bath toys we’ve ever had. As mentioned above, pouring water never gets old. The pipes and cogs stick to the bath tub wall and can be arranged in any number of ways.

Soft Dress-Up Doll - Between the age of two and three, D really got into pretend play with her dolls. These beautiful and plush dolls are perfect for carrying around, pushing in the stroller, and dressing up. They are pricey but a perfect gift for a little one. I also appreciate the diversity of dolls from Hazel Village.

Bead Stringing - Lacing beads was and still is an activity D enjoys on repeat. I especially love this set, with the novel shapes and fun colors. The wooden end makes it easier for toddlers to string on the beads - just be sure to tie a knot on the other end so the beads don’t slide right off!

Fine Motor Tool Set - Sensory bins are a hit with the two-year-olds, and the right tools make all the difference. This simple set from Learning Resources provides tools for transferring a variety of materials, and provide excellent practice for using real scissors, and later, writing.

Farm Nesting Blocks - Djeco is one of my favorite, more whimsical, toy brands for kids. We don’t have this exact one, but it combines a few toddler favorites: stacking, nesting, and hiding objects inside boxes! I love the little farm animals that come with these, which provide opportunities for open-ended play as well.

Toob Figurines - Not a week goes by we don’t use a set a Toob figurines for some sort of activity. From matching to sorting to pretend play, these are well-utilised and loved. You can find Toob figurines for animals, vehicles, flowers, and all kinds of categories!

Pouring Set - Maybe even more popular than locking and latching is pouring water. Once your toddler has mastered pouring water into a cup, this provides a few added challenges with different vessels and a small funnel. This set is also perfect for flower arranging!

Doll Stroller - To go along with a new (or old doll), a stroller is sure to be a hit. I had no idea how many uses it would provide for D. She loves pushing her babies in it, but also her stuffed animals, random objects, and “groceries”. It is in constant use.

First Animal Matching Puzzle - These have been D’s favorite kind of puzzle since her second birthday. With just two pieces each, these are on the easier end, and a great intro to “real” puzzles. I especially like that these are real images of the animals rather than cartoons.

Basic Train Set - This is the perfect first train set. It’s easy enough for toddlers to put together themselves and the colors brighten it up. Even with a minimal amount of pieces, there are a variety of ways to arrange the tracks, with hills and loops. It’s a perfect one to add onto over the years to come!

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For birthday book ideas, check out the First Birthday Gift Ideas, as well as our favorite Montessori books. For even more gift inspiration, check out my holiday guide for babies and toddlers!

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase a product through one of these links, you won’t pay anything extra, but I will get a small commission, which helps keep this blog going. Thanks for supporting Montessori in Real Life!

Montessori-Inspired First Birthday Gift Ideas

I honestly can’t believe S is almost one. It goes by even faster the second time! To distract myself from feeling sad about how fast he’s growing up, I’m working on birthday gift ideas! Each of these items is something that either D loved at 12-24 months, or something that we are gifting S for his first birthday next month. I hope these serve as inspiration for you or for your relative/friend looking for a gift! At the bottom you will find a few favorite first birthday books as well. Happy Montessori gifting and Happy Birthday to the special little one in your life. :)

Note: If you are looking for more traditional Montessori materials, I recommend checking out The Montessori Guide, which offers month-by-month Montessori toy and activity suggestions from birth to 24 months. You can even buy a gift card for a new mom or mom-to-be!

Gift Ideas

Scoot Around Bike - I gave this to my nephew for his first birthday and both him and his brother loved it. I’m hoping we will get the hand-me down for S! It’s nice because it can be ridden both inside and outside.

Washable Doll - Nothing has been more loved than D’s dolls, and I can already see S’ interest in them too. As baby washing has been one of D’s favorite activities, I am getting S his own washable baby doll too. That way the baby can go in the mini pool, get a bath, and just not worry about it getting wet in general!

Sensory Shape Puzzle - This shape sorter/puzzle is a fun variation on the classic, with several themes to choose from. I love the sensory aspect of this, and I am a big fan of Tender Leaf toys in general! They are a favorite of mine to gift.

Toddler Apron - I plan on getting one of these for both my kids for their birthdays this year! I just love the design and the practical nature of them. You can find more designs on this website as well. These aprons are perfect for helping in the kitchen as well as doing art and water play.

Hide and Seek Board - This was one of D’s favorite toys for quite a long time. In the beginning, she enjoyed simply opening the doors and taking the magnets out. As she got clsoer to two, she enjoyed matching the magnets with the correct door. A fun way to fulfill a toddler’s love of opening and closing!

Hammered Flatware Set - This is a beautiful set that I plan to gift S. It is hard to find quality silverware for babies and toddlers, but this one fits the bill. This paired with the sweet plate below would make a lovely gift for the Montessori baby or toddler in your life.

Drum - I already purchased this for S for this birthday, and I know he’s going to love it! This is the best of the baby/toddler drums in quality and sound. I am sure D will want to be stealing this as well!

Grimm’s Nesting Cups - Grimm’s toys are pricey, but like many of our favorite wooden toys, they are enjoyed for years. Young toddlers love to stack, nest, and transfer, and these are great for all of those activities. As they get older, they are perfect for color sorting activities as well.

Family Photo Book - I made one of these for D around S’ age and it’s still on her bookshelf in her room. It’s probably her most loved book ever. In the midst of what we are experiencing in the world right now, this is especially meaningful. love this one because you can update the photos as families grow and change.

Natural Wooden Blocks - These have been a staple in our house for a couple of years. The blocks are beautiful, natural, and just the right size and shapes. These were the first blocks D built a giant tower with, and now both kids enjoy building with them (and knocking down of course).

Wooden Animal Plate - These are also very sweet and a fun gift for new(ish) eaters. We have a couple of fun animal plates from TimberChild, and it’s always a special treat when breakfast is served on a bear!

Hammer and Roll - We have a hammering toy, but if I had to buy a different one, this would be it. I just love the look of it, and how the balls roll out on a slant. Plan Toys never disappoints!

Wooden Animals - Though we often give and get an abundance of stuffed animals (which are also loved), these wooden animals are a less common but favorite in our house. They are fun for language activities, open-ended play, and later, pretend play.

Push Wagon - This was one of D’s big presents for her first birthday and it was soloved. I will be bringing it back out for S soon. There are lots of great walker wagons, but this one is sturdy and heavy, and therefore great for new walkers. As D got older, she enjoyed putting her animals and toys inside to push around.

Personalized Name Puzzle - I gifted this to D for her first birthday. It’s as much decor as it is a toy! I love having it out on her shelf in her bedroom. Heirloom Kids is another one of my most loved small shops.

Books

The Wonderful Things You Will Be

Everywhere Babies

I Wish You More

I Love You Through and Through

On the Night you were Born

10 Little Fingers and 10 Little Toes

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase a product through one of these links, you won’t pay anything extra, but I will get a small commission, which helps keep this blog going. Thanks for supporting Montessori in Real Life!

Infant and Toddler Easter Baskets

Easter is going to look quite different this year with just our immediate family, but some traditions will remain. Including Easter baskets. I’ve tried to support a few of my favorite smaller toy companies this year in picking out Easter gifts, as well as high quality, open-ended toys that will last years. Rather than use plastic or paper grass to line our baskets, we received a beautiful silk from Sarah’s Silks to line our baskets with. I love that it doubles as eco-friendly grass and is a gift in and of itself. Bonus: when your purchase $50 or more from Sarah’s Silks website, you get a free Silk - a perfect eco-friendly Easter basket grass replacement!

We were also gifted these beautiful seagrass Easter baskets from local mama and maker Natural Playbox. I highly recommend checking out her shop for other goodies such as the wooden egg transferring set or magnifying glass. Another small shop full of sweet Easter gifts is Red Barn Toys. My very favorite are the hollow wooden easter eggs that I will fill with a few sweet treats for D. Lastly, D already has a collection of these beautiful Holztiger animals, and we are excited to start S’ collection for each of them to enjoy throughout the years. You will find links to the rest of the items in our Easter baskets below!

Baby Easter Basket

• Grimm’s Wooden Balls

• Carrot Teether

• Hello, Bunny

• Hollow Wooden Eggs

• Holztiger Wooden Animals

• Hanna Pajamas

• Seagrass Easter Basket

• Sarah’s Silk

Toddler Easter Basket

• Hollow Wooden Eggs

• Holztiger Wooden Animals

• Wooden Animal Puzzles

• Egg Sidewalk Chalk

• Wooden Magnifying Glass

• The Fuzzy Duckling

• Hanna Pajamas

• Seagrass Easter Basket or Cotton Rope Baskets

• Sarah’s Silk

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase a product through one of these links, you won’t pay anything extra, but I will get a small commission, which helps keep this blog going. Thanks for supporting Montessori in Real Life!

Traveling with a Toddler and a Baby

Now that we’ve taken several trips with a toddler and a baby, I thought I’d share some lessons we’ve learned along the way! Remember that although traveling can be stressful in this phase of life, you won’t regret the adventures you made as a family. :) The mind also does a great job at remembering the good times over the bad, so don’t forget to relax and have a little fun. For gear-junkies like me, I have also aggregrated our few essentials of baby and toddler travel gear at the end of this post. Although I am a big fan of packing light, I am a bigger fan of being prepared when traveling with kids!

Before Your Trip:

Make a packing list early- I have a few saved Google doc packing lists (summer vs. winter, car vs. plane) that I can start going through a few days to a week ahead of time. Start packing early so that when you inevitably realize you are missing something, you have time to run to a store or Amazon prime last minute items.

“Must-do’s” and “Maybe-do’s” - Come up with a list of activities you definitely want to do while you are on your trip, and ones that could go either way. That way, you can schedule your days to have one main activity planned, with room for others depending on how the kids are doing and how you all are feeling. I have learned the hard way not to overschedule! Getting in and out of the car a dozen times in one day does not lead to happy kids, or happy parents.

Prioritize Sleep - There is a good chance your sleep on the trip won’t be great, so try to get a good night’s sleep the couple of nights leading up to the trip. Better to start on a full battery than already drained! Packing early prevents the night-before stressing too! Make sure to pack any sleep essentials, like lovies, sleep sacks, favorite book, or whatever will maximize your chance of sleep success while away.

Baby D getting a snooze in on the plane

Travel during optimal hours - Some people swear by red-eyes, so that their child will just sleep the whole plane ride. That can definitely work with babies - both our kids were easy to fly with when they nursed and slept (pre-walking)! Since D has become a toddler, she does not sleep on the plane or even the car, so I couldn’t stand the pressure of keeping our kids quiet while others are sleeping on a dark plane. We always leave in the morning, so that if and when our toddler doesn’t sleep, we still do okay, and make it to our destination by bedtime. Think about your child’s sleep patterns, and plan accordingly.

Condos/Homes over Hotels - If you are staying with family, great! If not, consider an AirBnB or condo that will make meals and sleep easier for your family. We almost never sleep in a hotel because it’s just too hard with two little kids. We need a kitchen, space to play, and bedrooms with closed doors. We’ve found the best situation to maximize baby sleep is a master closet or bathroom that can fit a pack-n-play or Lotus crib and can be dark and quiet when the rest of the house is’t. Some AirBnBs come with baby or toddler gear, which is a huge bonus! There are also baby/child gear rental companies for that kind of thing.

During the trip:

Fill that diaper bag - This is so important. Always have a few healthy snacks, a full water bottle, and a couple changes of clothes on hand. Have lots of wipes. Don’t forget all three of these things for yourself and your partner too! It is also useful to keep a couple of activity/coloring books in your bag for long waits or restaurants.

Rules can be different - Although this trip may not feel like a vacation for you with kids, let it be a vacation for the kids. It’s okay if your baby is eating squeeze packs every day and your toddler is getting to play tiny dictator with the relatives. What happens on vacation stays on vacation. It really is easier than you think to get back to your normal routines and rules once you get back home, so try to let a few things go!

Keep up Routines - That being said, keep a few routines the same. This is especially important with sleep. Although schedules might be thrown off with time changes and long travel days, keep the bedtime sequence the same (e.g. bath, pjs, stories, white noise, songs). Try to bring as much as you can to recreate their normal bedtime/sleep routine, so they feel safe and able to rest.

We usually take a crib or twin mattress from the house and put it on the floor for her to sleep on, with all her favorite things!

Flexible Naps - It can be hard for toddlers to nap on vacation, so try not to get too worked up about it (I’m guilty of this). It’s okay if the only nap happens in the car or stroller. As D has gotten older, she phased out naps on trips before phasing them out at home. With babies, try to focus on wake windows and sleepy cues rather than the clock when it comes to naps. It can help to plan for one good nap at home and one short on on the go. We always make sure we are “home” by their bedtime in the evening and keep the nighttime sleep consistent.

Make time for yourself - If possible, plan something fun on this trip for just you. Maybe that’s yoga or a run by yourself, maybe it’s a date night, or maybe it’s a fun adventure to some place you really want to see with the whole family. Even if it seems difficult to get you or everyone out, you don’t want to feel bummed that you missed out on a little adventure once you get back home. If you have help from family, embrace that and take some “me time”!

It’s okay to say no - That being said, there are times when everyone, including yourself, has reached their limit and you just need to stay “home” and recharge. There are also times when your toddler says no, and you should respect that too. It’s about finding that balance of adventure and fun while still staying sane and making this enjoyable for all.

Be Montessori-ish - Though Montessori is a big part of our home life, travel is a little different. Most of our time is spent outside anyway, playing in nature! We try to come up with small ways to allow for toddler independence when we travel, like setting up a spot for D to put her shoes and coat by the door, or letting her help cook when we have a kitchen (she can stand on a chair with supervision). We bring a few natural rubber or wooden teethers for S, but he is usually just happy to be held by family when we travel.

Expect Less - Lastly, I recommend going into trips expecting the littles to sleep less, have big emotional ups and downs, and probably some kind of sickness. If not, you can feel pleasantly surprised! 😉

Favorite gear for babies:

Table High Chair

Lotus crib

Ergo carrier

Travel white noise machine

S sleeping in his Lotus Crib

Favorite gear for toddlers:

Small backpack

Travel potty

Hiking backpack

Water coloring books

Why and How we Believe in Santa

Believing in Santa Claus. This is our first Christmas in which D is old enough to start talking about and understanding the Santa Claus story. It has made me think a lot about how I want to approach it with our children…

There are many parents in the Montessori community who believe in telling the truth (Santa isn't real) from the beginning. This is in line with the reality-based nature of Montessori education in the first plane of development. The reasoning is that children under the age of 6 have trouble distinguishing the difference between fantasy and reality, so better to focus on real-life stories and play. I tend to agree with that, and find toddlers enjoy reality-based play and stories the most, and it by no means inhibits their imagination or engagement in pretend play.

I do also think there can be exceptions. When my husband and I look back on our childhood's, we only have positive memories of the "magic of Santa Claus". There was something so beautiful and innocent about holding onto the belief that once a year, the world would be a magical place and make children all over the world happy. Even after we found out the truth, Christmas and the idea of Santa Claus continued to be a special celebration, and we carried on the letters to Santa, the cookies, and the belief for children younger than us.

My favorite Christmas movie has always been Miracle on 34th Street, because it captures the essence of the Christmas spirit and choosing to believe. “ I'm not just a whimsical figure who wears a charming suit and affects a jolly demeanor. You know, I'm a symbol. I'm a symbol of the human ability to be able to suppress the selfish and hateful tendencies that rule the major part of our lives.”

So, yes, we are going to continue to carry on the Santa story. But rather than talk about being nice vs. naughty, we can talk about the origin of Santa Claus (Saint Nicholas) and the spirit of giving at Christmastime, that can be carried on forever. And when our children are ready for the truth, we will be honest and open about it. I bet, even then, they will appreciate the "magic" of Santa, as a symbol of kindness and generosity, as we, as adults, still do too.

Going to See Santa

As a side note, we didn't plan to go see Santa but D REALLY wanted to go this year. When we got there, she was so excited, but also scared to get too close. We did NOT make her sit in his lap. She watched her baby brother sit and smile at Santa, and then she was ready to get close with me holding her. Afterwards, she held on so tightly to the Santa pictures we received and wanted to tell the story of seeing Santa again and again. :)

A Few Favorite Christmas Traditions

Advent Calendar - My sister made us a beautiful advent calendar, and in December we have begun to fill each pocket with a little surprise. (To simplify for a toddler, we only put the surprise in that day’s pocket rather than filling them all in the beginning.) Examples include fruit snacks, tiny ornaments, stickers, or an activity such as making cookies or singing Jingle Bells.

Picking out an Ornament - Last year we started this with D, and I plan to continue it every year. We go to a store with a large assortment of ornaments and she gets to pick one out for the tree. S will get to do the same. Then, when they have their own families and trees, they will have a wonderful set of ornaments and memories.

Gift of Giving - Each Christmas season, we make something for all our neighbors and walk around the neighborhood, passing them out to each house. I think D is really going to enjoy handing the treats out this year! It’s a great way for her to practice giving as well as receiving. As she gets older, I’d like to extend this to larger ways of giving, such as involving her in picking a place to volunteer together or a charity to give to.

Santa Presents - We plan to have Santa bring one present and the stocking stuffers for the kids. The other few presents are from us. Just as I had growing up, we will put a satsuma/clementine at the bottom of each stocking. Mrs. Claus always brings PJs as well (which is still done by my mom, Nana). Christmas morning, we take turns opening one present at a time, to appreciate what each person receives!

Letters to Santa - This was my favorite tradition growing up. Every Christmas Eve my sisters and I would write a letter to Santa and every Christmas morning we’d wake up to a thoughtful or funny response. We continued this tradition long after we knew Santa wasn’t real. It was a way to reflect, be silly, or just ask questions we never asked out loud. I’m looking forward to starting that with our children when they get a bit older. My mom made a book out of our letters, which is one of my favorite books to read through each Christmas now.

Recommended Children’s Books:

I Got the Christmas Spirit by Connie Schofield-Morrison

The Spirit of Giving by Nancy Tillman

The Story of Saint Nicholas by Laura Wagner

Pick a Pine Tree by Patricia Toht

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase a product through one of these links, you won’t pay anything extra, but I will get a small commission, which helps keep this blog going. Thanks for supporting Montessori in Real Life!

A Montessori-Inspired Holiday Gift Guide

Now that Halloween is over, it’s time to start looking forward to the holidays! I always *try* to get my holiday shopping done early to make it easier to enjoy the more festive parts of December. So, I decided to get this list out on the extra early side, for the early bird shoppers like me! If nothing else, you can at least start your lists early. :) I’ve created short gift guides for four age groups, from young babies to older toddlers. Because these gifts will likely be enjoyed for many months, I don’t get too specific with ages.

These gift ideas are more Montessori-inspired toys than classic Montessori materials. I think it’s fun to get a bit more creative when it comes to holiday gifting, especially for family and friends! If you’re looking for classic, specific-by-age Montessori materials for an infant or toddler, check out The Montessori Guide! The Montessori Guide would also make a wonderful gift for a new or expecting parent in your life. Other great non-traditional gifts include: museum or zoo memberships, music classes, photo books, or kid-magazine subscriptions such as Highlights or National Geographic. Without further ado, here is the Montessori-ish holiday gift guide!

Younger Babies

Black and White Activity Pad - This mini play mat is perfect for tummy time. The black and white contrasting pictures appeal to new babies’ eyes, and the sensory features (squeaking, crinkling, teething) appeals to babies of all ages!

Bird Felt Mobile - This is a gorgeous mobile to place above your baby’s movement area or changing station! It is so calming and bright.

Wooden Animal Rattles: These are beautiful, natural rattles/teethers that would make a perfect gift for a new baby in your life.

Rainbow Fabric Ball: A fun textured ball that is easy for a baby to hold and offers a variety of different textures and sounds!

FanFan the Fawn: This is a variation of the classic Sophie Giraffe. Babies just universally love to gnaw on these things and they are the perfect size for their little hands.

Sensory Tumbling Toys - These look really sweet for a baby who is starting to rotate on their tummy or sit up. Each one rolls around a bit, and one has a mirror, one with a soft fabric, and one has beads that rattle. These are definitely on our list for S.

Eggs in Cups - This is more of a traditional Montessori toy, and babies just love putting the egg inside of the cup. I like that this one comes in a set. This is especially fun for a new sitter!

Older Babies

Pull Toy Shape Sorter - As your baby begins to crawl and then walk, they will likely love both pulling and pushing. This fun pull toy doubles as a shape sorter too!

Ball Racing Toy - This is a fun, smaller version of the classic ball tracker, which is always a baby and toddler favorite. Such a fun one to do on repeat! Bonus: it’s double sided. This is definitely on my list for S but I am sure D will enjoy it too.

Elephant Stacking Rings - I love the bold colors of this classic stacking ring. Would be such a cute addition to your shelfie. :)

Jumbo Knob Puzzle - These large knobs and simple 3-piece design make a great beginner puzzle for babies or young toddlers. They will enjoy these friendly, familiar animals as well!

Musical Wobbler - Babies will delight in the cause and effect of this little Penguin. As they wobble and turn him around, he makes a little music. This is a great one for enticing your baby to reach a bit further or scoot towards it!

Montessori Imbucare Boxes - These are a classic Montessori material, but this is the first I’ve seen of an interchangeable lid. Such a fun idea! Imbucare boxes are a hit for babies and toddlers alike.

Wooden Vehicles - These are perfect for your new scooter or crawler. These fit perfectly in small hands and are fun to zoom and chase around the house! I think I’ll add a couple of these as stocking stuffers for S.

Younger Toddlers

Sensory Play Scoopers and Tongs - Sensory play is great for this age group, but it can be tough to find the right tools for scooping and pouring. This beautiful set is made from natural wood and provide tools for transferring all kinds of sensory materials.

Animal Sorter Truck - I like the fun variation on a shape sorter, with the added bonus of being an open-ended toy for older toddlers as well. Busy toddlers will enjoy wheeling their truck full of animals around the house!

Wooden Scooter Bike - This is another favorite among active toddlers, and a great beginner scooter bike (before graduating to a balance bike). Can be used indoors or out!

Musical Instruments Sound Puzzle - I like to include one musical toy in each list, and these puzzles provide a musical reward through each piece! I love that this puzzle provides accurate sounds of each musical instrument, making it educational too.

Hammering Toy - Toddlers love to hammer, and this one is wonderful because it can be done on repeat, over and over. Your toddler simply has to flip the board over and do it all again.

Giant Nesting/Stacking Cubes - These are great for combining fine and gross motor movements, and look so beautiful too. Toddlers love building giant towers, and this one will be as tall as them!

Wooden Balance Rocker - We have had one of these for a year, and it is a source of endless entertainment. It can be a slide, a bridge, a rocker, a balance board, or whatever else your toddler imagines.

Older Toddlers

Beginner Jigsaw Puzzles - Once your toddler moves beyond knob puzzles and can put together simple 2-piece jigsaw puzzles, this is a nice challenge . I like that each puzzle has a slightly different number of pieces and the finished animals are so sweet.

Magnification Blocks - These blocks are a great intro to science for toddlers. Not only does each block magnify (2x) any object your toddler can find, but they can be stacked and used like normal blocks too.

Sort and Stack Cylinders - I’ve been eyeing these for a while, so they are definitely on D’s Christmas list! I love that they can be nested, stacked, and sorted, and provide both closed and open-ended work.

Light Box with Geometric Solids - This is another one on D’s list. Light boxes provide endless fun with various natural and colored materials. I especially like the look of these geometric solids on the light box!

Xylophone - Xylophones are fun for babies and toddlers of all ages, but older toddlers can actually get the hang of making different sounds from different keys. This toy may make noise, but hopefully it’s a pleasant one!

Ceramic Tea Set - A tea set that is both beautiful and functional. Toddlers love to pour and serve snack, and now they can do so in style. Hopefully you’ll be invited to tea too!

Roll n Play - This is a favorite cooperative game for children of all ages. It gets toddlers moving and talking and laughing! This makes a fun first family game.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase a product through one of these links, you won’t pay anything extra, but I will get a small commission, which helps keep this blog going. Thanks for supporting Montessori in Real Life!

Montessori for Grandparents and Caregivers

One of the most frequent questions I get is how to help grandparents/nannies/caregivers better understand or follow Montessori with their children. It is tough to answer, because it really depends on the person, and the situation. I have also been lucky to have both parents and in-laws who have read my blog since day 1 and take what I write and say to heart. I know many of you reading this haven’t had the same experience, so this is for you!

In defense of grandparents and experienced nannies, it can be tough for them to parent differently. They probably did a wonderful job raising their own kids (including you) and don’t see the need to grandparent differently. They also love your babies almost as much as you. That being said, grandparents need to also respect your own parenting style and wishes for your own children. How you raise your children, and with what values, is ultimately you and your spouse’s decision only.

It’s also worth deciding what Montessori principles really matter to you, and how much time grandparents or caregivers spend with your child. As we only have occasional sitters, I don’t really worry about whether or not those babysitters know anything about Montessori. A few hours of “good jobs” and doing everything for my children isn’t going to hurt anyone. The important thing is that they are responsible, fun, and loving. Even a weekend with grandparents who don’t “do Montessori” won’t mess up what you have going on at home. However, if someone else were watching my child a few days a week, their caregiving style would matter a lot more to me, and I’d want them to understand a bit more about Montessori philosophy.

I created these “cheat sheets” as one place to introduce Montessori to grandparents, nannies, or caregivers who aren’t quite on the same page as you yet. While these cheat sheets are far from a complete guide, I hope they can open up a conversation about how you are trying to parent differently. If they are open to it, I recommend having them read some blog articles or even The Montessori Toddler by Simone Davies. I also highly recommend this short video about infant/toddler Montessori programs and this other video about the Montessori philosophy in general.

There are likely certain principles or issues you care more about, so focus on those with your parents or nannies. Maybe that’s screen time, maybe it’s letting your infant learn to walk on their own, or maybe it’s the kind of words they use. Whatever it is, let some of the other things go, because we all need a little time and patience to learn, and teach, something new.

Lastly, the other common question I get is in regard to gifts from family and friends. I recommend making lists ahead of holidays. They don’t need to be super specific, but you could give some examples of the types of toys you are looking for. Other options are books and clothes. Another way to dodge noisy, light-up toys is to ask for money towards their college fund or a membership to your local children’s museum or zoo. If you do receive a gift that you don’t love, you can always pass it on, or do what I do, and keep it in the car or for “emergencies”. ;)

A Montessori Toddler Easter Basket

Easter is only a week and a half away, so I felt compelled to write a short blog post along the theme! I love holidays, especially now that we have a little one, so it’s easy for me to go overboard with things like Easter Baskets. One of my favorite holiday traditions as a child was searching the house with my sisters for our hidden baskets of goodies. Though D doesn’t have the patience to search for a basket (yet), she is definitely old enough to appreciate the basket of goodies part!

I had hoped to get this post written last week, but I’ll admit I only just picked out her basket stuffers this week. If you are like me, and heavily rely on Amazon prime, then hopefully this post won’t be too late for you either! :) I’m sharing ideas for a toddler Easter basket, as well as a few books and toys for your littlest ones! Happy egg (and basket) hunting, and Happy Easter!

Toddler Easter Basket Ideas

Egg shakers - These are a little young for D, but I did have a thought to get two sets and make it a matching sound game! Might also save this one for the summer. Either way, egg shakers are typically a hit with babies and toddlers of all ages.

Layered Puzzle - Though this is still a bit too challenging for D, I saw the rabbit version of this layered wooden puzzle and had to grab it. Love how this teaches the concept of size, shade, and depth. I am interested to see how she uses it now!

Stickers - Stickers continue to be a favorite for D, and though I sometimes buy small sets at the local toy store, these larger sets from Amazon make so much more sense. As I’ve described before, I find it easiest to cut sticker sheets into strips and then fold back an edge to make peeling easier for a young toddler.

Egg slicing/matching - Melissa and Doug always has fun wooden toys (not super Montessori but great for gifts), and this is no exception. D is big into color matching right now, and of course chopping, so this seemed perfect for her Easter basket.

Nesting chickens - Love this fun twist on the classic Russian nesting dolls. We have been talking a lot about eggs and hatching, so this fits with that theme nicely. I know D will love opening and closing these on repeat. If your child is still mouthing everything, I would wait on these.

Egg crayons - I am probably most excited about these egg crayons. They are big and chunky for toddler hands, and they are a fun and creative way to get D more interested in art this Spring!

Sunflower Grow Kit - This was in the dollar section at Target, and it’s such a fun idea! No guarantees that a sunflower will actually grow. ;) I couldn’t find the exact one I got online, but you might find it (and other Easter goodies) at the front of your local Target store too!

Board Books

Whose Chick book - This is one of D’s favorite books right now. It’s a cute story about various birds who find an abandoned egg and try to figure out who it belongs to. It’s perfect for toddlers who love to make animal sounds with the bonus of learning about hatching eggs!

Touch & Feel Rabbit book - This was D’s favorite last year (10 months), and she still loves it, especially with that fuzzy tail! We got it to go with the stuffed Jellycat rabbit (mentioned below). Each page has a different texture, and the words are simple for the littlest of babes!

10 Little Chicks song book - One of my favorite Spring songs to sing as a toddler teacher was “10 Little Ducks”, and this is a very cute variation on this. Books that combine as songs are always a hit among babies and toddlers alike, and I’m excited for D to discover this one in her basket.

Little Chick puppet book - These finger puppet books are favorites for babies, and the pages are super thick and durable! D still reads her finger puppet books like this, but now she sticks her own finger in the puppet instead of waiting for me.

Baby Easter Basket Ideas

Duck pull toy - Perfect for your baby who is crawling or just starting to walk. They will love pulling the mama duck around, and nestling baby duck in to go along for the ride.

Rabbit stuffed animal - D has many stuffed animals but this is always a favorite. It is so soft and just the right size for snuggling. I love the Jellycat stuffed animals in general, and the books to go with them!

Egg shakers - These are simple but beautiful egg shakers that make a really nice, soft sound. The small size is perfect for little hands to hold onto and shake.

Teethers - I wish I’d gotten this for D last Easter! This is such a sweet set of themed teethers, and it seems as though you can never have enough when your baby is teething or just mouthing everything.

Lamb teether - Just another cute teether option for babies!

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase a product through one of these links, you won’t pay anything extra, but I will get a small commission, which helps keep this blog going. Thanks for supporting Montessori in Real Life!

Holiday Gifting

It’s that time of year again…and I will admit I’m someone who listens to Christmas music nonstop and gets WAY into the spirit. Shopping for presents, especially for the little ones, is one of the best parts. Though I used to browse through stores while slowly sipping my peppermint latte, shopping has become a bit more expedited these days. ;) If I can’t find it online, it probably won’t make it under the tree. Now I understand why my mom had so many catalogs… With so many options online now though, it can be quite overwhelming. For me, following (or mostly) the Montessori philosophy helps to narrow things down a bit. Here are a few things I consider when picking Montessori gifts for D or her friends. If you are also hoping for a Montessori-themed holiday, these might help you too!

Interest

The first consideration before buying or making a new toy/material for D is what she is interested in or wanting to do right now. For example lately I’ve noticed she has been wanting to push furniture around, so I am looking for toys that she can push or pull around the house. I’ve also noticed that she has been taking my pens and pretending to scribble, so I’m starting to put together coloring and art supplies for her. It helps to observe your child when you are out and about, playing, or when they are digging through your own things, and think about what they are trying to tell you.

Purpose

One of the things that first appealed to me in the Montessori classroom was the sense of purpose the toddlers showed as they busied around the room. Each material in a Montessori classroom serves a specific purpose, whether it’s learning about size discrimination, practicing the pincer grasp for writing, catering to toddlers’ need for order, or learning first sounds. Before I purchase something new for D, I try to ask “what need or skill is this serving?” and if I can’t find a good answer, I skip it. If the answer is just “pure enjoyment!” that’s ok too! Especially for the holidays.

Simplicity & Beauty

Often when I’m shopping in a toy store for a new toy or a gift, I’m overwhelmed by the blast of color, noise, and action. A lot of the toys marketed to babies and toddlers are incredibly overstimulating for their small hands and minds. Montessori materials tend to look simple, but beautiful, and that’s on purpose. The simplicity allows children to use the toy independently, more easily knowing how they are supposed to use it. The Montessori materials also try to teach just one or two concepts at a time, e.g. color, shape, or number, rather than throwing too many concepts in together. Lastly, providing toys that are beautiful and made of high quality materials invite the child in and are much more likely to last and be re-used as your toddler gets older.

Age Appropriateness

Sometimes as parents we want our child to be ready for a toy or activity before they actually are. It’s important to provide toys for our toddlers that are challenging, but not too challenging. If they are only given materials beyond their capability, they will feel frustrated and lack confidence to try again. If we give them toys that are too easy, they’ll grow bored and either ignore or throw things from their shelf. Sometimes we have to do a bit of trial and error with new toys to see what a good fit is. The more practice, the better you’ll be at picking something out at the right level. It’s still a work in progress for me!

With those considerations, here are the items on D’s wish list (18 months at Christmas)…we’ll see which ones Santa brings!

Wooden name puzzle

Knob puzzles with realistic pictures

Size & Depth Cylinder Blocks

Twist & Turn Wooden blocks

Colored Discs on Dowels

Train Set

Wooden Easel

Crayons

Dot Markers

Xylophone

Push & Pull Toy

Wheelbarrow

Seasonal Books

Winter

Snowy Day

Winter Dance

Dear Santa