The season of giving is fast approaching and this is a very exciting time for Montessori parents and caregivers who have been waiting for a good reason to treat their children to some Montessori-inspired stocking stuffers.
Choosing your child's bigger gifts is relatively easy. It can be difficult to come up with Montessori stocking stuffer ideas, though.
There are so many child-size and Montessori-aligned options, however.
In this article, you will get tons of suggestions on Montessori-inspired stocking stuffers for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.
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What type of things make good stocking stuffer for Montessori kids?
Children in Montessori homes often enjoy participating in real-life activities like cooking and doing the dishes.
When it comes time to fill a Montessori child's holiday stocking, it's the perfect opportunity to give them child-size items that will help them fulfill their desire to participate in household and self-care tasks.
These small gifts may seem boring to adults, but small children really do enjoy receiving them. (Only in a Montessori home will a child find kitchen knives in their Christmas stocking!)
So, what about toys? Do Montessori children not get toys in their Christmas stockings?
Well, as you may already know, there is no such thing as a Montessori toy.
That doesn't mean that children in Montessori homes don't enjoy playing with toys, though, or that they are off-limits in Montessori homes.
Montessori supports creativity, as well as imaginative play – and there are many stocking stuffers that align very well with the Montessori philosophy.
I recommend a combination of Practical Life items, toys, art supplies, music makers, and exploration equipment for Montessori stocking stuffers.
Depending on the size of your child's stocking and the size of your budget, you may be able to find an item from each category that will work for you.
List of the best Montessori stocking stuffers
Below is a list of Montessori-aligned items that make amazing stocking stuffers.
Practical Life stocking stuffers
There aren't a whole lot of Practical Life items that will fit into a stocking, but these choices will and are absolutely awesome.
- Whale nail cleaning brush
- Small silicone spatula set
- Banana slicer
- Pizza cutter
- Wavy chopper
- Fruit and vegetable peeler
- Knitting fork
- Child knife set (featured below)
- Versatile kitchen tools for kids: this nylon knife set contains 5…
- Wide usage: knife can safely cut many types of fruit, lettuce,…
- Characteristic: the nylon knife has serrated edges, this little…
Musical
Music and movement are important for development – and kids love it. I always make sure to include an item that makes sound in each one of my children's Christmas stockings.
- Dolphin Shaker
- Mini maracas
- Tonies (for those who have a Toniebox)
- Jazzy Jingle Bells
- Slide whistle
- Egg shaker
- Mini harmonica necklace
- Sand blocks (featured below)
- Brand: Rhythm Band
- Manufacturer Part: RB753
- 5″ x 3″ with red handle knobs
Science
Children are natural-born scientists and items that help them take a closer look at things, or see things in a different way, encourage their natural curiosity.
- Small binoculars
- Safety glasses
- Pocket magnifier
- Refracting prism
- Nature kaleidoscope
- Animals and matching cards (featured below)
Art
Process-based art is an important part of Montessori and supplying your child with the supplies they need to engage in creative and fun art activities is a great stocking stuffer idea.
If you have an avid artist or crafter in your home, be sure to check out this list of 100 Montessori Art Supplies. There are plenty of items on the list that make great stocking stuffers.
Small toys
Finally, the toys!
Small age-appropriate toys that help children develop skills and experience a variety of sensations are perfectly Montessori-aligned and make great stocking stuffers.
- Hape twisting toy
- Haba Clutching Ring
- Wooden bolt block
- Artful Skwish from Manhattan Toys
- Miniature cars
- Hape Rainbow Flip
- Russian nesting dolls
- Plant-based rattle from Green Sprouts
- Teether toys
- Ribbon Hand Kite from Mouse Loves Pig
- Threading blocks (it's always fun to put a few of them in the stocking and the rest under the tree – it makes the gift less overwhelming)
- Lacing toy (featured below)
I hope you and your family enjoy this holiday season and that you've found some wonderful Montessori-inspired stocking stuffers your child will enjoy throughout the year.
If you are still on the hunt for some larger Montessori-alined gifts, here are some resources you should check out:
Toys for Toddler who like to Throw
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