A Montessori Gift Guide
Teachers everywhere are asked the best gifts for children during the holiday seasons! What will help my child grow? What will help them learn?
This year, we have pulled out some items provided by For Small Hands – a Montessori-inspired collection of ideas! Purchasing items directly from this link or catalog supports your child’s education and The Glen, which will receive a 10% credit for future classroom purchases.
Be sure always to use School Code #120507!
Our seasoned professionals have made the following recommendations:
Suggestions for Families of Birth to Three Students — curated by Ms. Jess, Birth to Three Program Director and Lead Teacher:
Yoga Pretzels Card Deck: Toddlers need to move, but it doesn’t always have to be loud. Large-body movement can be quiet, controlled, focused, and tire out the body and the brain. This is why we LOVE yoga cards. Just put out 4-5 cards at a time so they’re not overwhelmed, and watch your toddler get their big energy out in a quiet way—it’s possible!
Junior Ramp Racer: We love this track because of its size. It is small and does not overwhelm the child’s senses with its size, noise level, and speed, allowing them to focus on the task. This little track grabs their attention and keeps it for a sustained period. AND it doesn’t drive the adult in the room crazy, a bonus!
Bright Window Washing Activity: Window/mirror washing is a favorite in the classroom. It’s okay if you don’t have a window low enough for your child to wash. A sliding glass door will work, a storm door, a mirror—none of those—use it in the bathtub—there are endless options for this activity!
Suggestions for Families of Children’s House Students (ages 4-6)– curated by Ms. Lori, Program Director and Lead Teacher
If independence is part of your parenting plan, consider a child-sized wheelbarrow to help with fall leaf gathering. For Small Hands offers a variety of child-sized ”do it yourself” tools—brooms, dustpans, and sweepers—that are always popular in the classroom!
Musical Instruments are always a favorite of children this age! For Small Hands offers a variety of musical instruments, including xylophone-style instruments, a kalimba, and various other percussion options. They even have a mahogany ukulele and instruction materials.
Finally, a do-it-together Marble Run Race Track will involve thousands of hours of family time spent building different tracks and designs! This track can grow as your child grows, too!
Suggestions for Families of Elementary Students (ages 6-12) — curated by Ms. Susy, Lower Elementary Teacher
Beaded Snowflake Ornaments Kit: This kit is great for crafty kids. It’s fun to make snowflakes symmetrical in different ways, and beadwork builds fine motor skills.
Build a Bird Buffet or Build a Bird Bungalow: This is a fun project for a child who likes to use tools and make things. It also provides year-round enjoyment and satisfaction as birds come to eat or nest in the creation. It encourages a child’s love of nature.
Rainbow Loom or Peg Loom: Yarn is a favorite of many elementary students. They love making useful things like hats from colorful yarn. It also helps to build fine motor skills.
Microbrite Pocket Microscope: Kids love to explore the world close-up, and looking through a microscope seems like magic! They can take it with them on hikes or explore their bedroom. It encourages children’s curiosity and understanding of the world.
Charades for Kids is a game that encourages children to be expressive and fosters creative thinking. It’s also a lot of fun for everyone on Family Game Night!
If you are still looking for ideas, check out our post from a few years back – Glen Teachers’ Favorite Things! A Gift Guide for Any Season. You will see some repeats – oldies but goodies!