Montessori at Home on a Budget

This is one of the most common questions I am asked. It’s hard for me to reply with a short answer because there are actually so many ways to implement Montessori at home on a budget! Montessori is about so much more than fancy materials and beautiful shelfies. See this blog post about a few key principles of Montessori, mostly not having to do with toys. Here are just a few of the ways to implement Montessori at home, that happen to also work on a budget:

Parenting style - This is the most important one. Montessori is an education/parenting philosophy and a way of life. The most “Montessori” thing you can do for your child is to be a gentle guide: following their interests, supporting their learning, setting appropriate limits, and showing them love and respect. This can also mean stepping back and helping only when asked or needed. Toddlers, especially, are much happier when they are allowed ample time and space to work, play, make choices, and figure things out for themselves.

D figuring out how to put on her shoes in her designated coat & shoe spot next to the front door.

Practical Life - Toddlers love to be given opportunities for independence. This is the core of a Montessori toddler and even young primary environment, and so easy, inexpensive, and fun to implement at home. Even young toddlers love to mimic the “chores” we do, so why not slow down and invite them to join in? Remember that toddlers find joy and meaning in the process, so try to let go of the final product for now; they will get there in time. Here are just a few ways your toddler can help around the house.

Outdoors - There is so much to be gained from spending time outside with kids, even babies! Starting when D could walk, I have loved having her take the lead on nature walks. It’s so sweet to see the world from her point of view. Toddlers are interested in every little thing, from the mud on the ground to the tiny weed sprouting up to the sound of the bird you didn’t even hear yourself. It’s a full sensory learning experience when you get outdoors. I am all about the phrase “there’s no such thing as bad weather; just inappropriate clothing”.

Simplify the play space - Rather than buy more toys, we recommend rotating toys in a Montessori environment. “Old” toys can be new again if they’ve been hiding in the toy storage closet for a couple of months. Toys in general are more inviting for children if they are displayed individually rather than in a large box. It is overstimulating for many young children to have too many toys out at once or in one giant toy bin. You also don’t need a fancy shelf to display your toys on. While my husband built our shelf, I’ve seen toys placed below coffee tables, on a couple low shelves of built-ins or a larger bookcase, or even re-purposing crates or shoe racks. Our shelves are in our living room, as we don’t have a play room. You can make any space work!

DIY shelf. Book display and chair from IKEA.

DIY - I find a lot of do-it-yourself ideas on Pinterest. I try to share some favorites there, so feel free to follow me there! It’s amazing the toys you can make with pom-poms, cardboard, or empty jars. Babies adore kitchen tools and toddlers love opening/closing empty containers. You can DIY beyond toys as well. I also like to make my own crochet baskets (tutorial here). My husband makes a lot of our furniture, which has been a nice money-saver for us. You can find tutorials for woodworking most anything online, such as this low shelf or Pikler climber. There are also lots of IKEA hacks, such as this one for a learning tower. Or for a weaning table, simply shorten the legs of an IKEA kids table.

DIY bed frame by my husband and floor cushion made by fellow Montessori mom, Nursling Co

Find lightly used toys and furniture online - I am part of a local moms Facebook page where parents are often posting free or inexpensive toys, furniture, and other supplies that their children are no longer using. There are also sites such as Offer Up. Even Craigslist has a toy section that is worth checking out. I’ve seen plenty of toys listed that are still in their original packaging! I’ve heard that Montessori schools/teachers occasionally post materials there if they are closing/retiring. You could also talk to mom friends about doing a toy swap, to make old toys new again for each others’ kids.

Our coat closet became our toy storage closet. I love lending toys out to mama friends!

Consignment shops, IKEA, and Target - I’ve always been pleasantly surprised when I’ve checked out local consignment stores. I have found quite a few Melissa and Doug wooden toys, small animal figurines, and other great vintage finds. It’s also a great way to find small dishes, baskets, and trays! IKEA is excellent for things like small dishes, bowls, work rugs, and of course, furniture. They even have some cute toys. Additionally, Target is your friend. I always find kids decor, art supplies, and even small cooking or practical life supplies in the Dollar Spot section and beyond.

IKEA kids kitchen turned functional kitchen. Flower arranging is a wonderful and free activity!

Montessori Discount Stores - Lastly, there are online shops such as Montessori Outlet and Alison’s Montessori, that have discounted traditional Montessori materials worth checking out. Keep in mind these materials aren’t cheap, but they are less expensive versions.