Montessori-Inspired First Birthday Gift Ideas
Montessori in Real Life
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
I Love You Through and Through
10 Little Fingers and 10 Little Toes
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