Gift Guide: All things TOYS.

Here’s another gift guide for you! Last week I talked a little bit about gifts for children and how we try to encourage experiences over toys. But they are kids, after all! I do tend to pick out toys that are open-ended, offer creative outlets, can be shared among age groups and used for a long period of time. I also like when toys last — so wood over plastic is my preference though it’s not always possible or practical. I won’t call these pieces “Montessori” or even “Montessori-inspired” though if you search for “Montessori toys” on Amazon many of these WILL pop up. I think it’s important to note that no one toy is “Montessori”. Maria Montessori created materials or “work” for children to be used in a classroom setting and she did not create any toys for use at home. But it is true that there are some toys that offer more of a natural, experimental and purposeful feel compared to others. Those are the toys I appreciate and feel better about bringing into our home.

In an effort to be totally transparent — while I prefer this type of play I’m not opposed to someone gifting my kids some other type of toy. Also, we are a very screen-friendly family (our kids watch tv, we have family movie nights and they each own a tablet) so please don’t think otherwise. 🙂

Here are some ideas of non-flashy, not too loud, developmentally-appropriate toys for babies, toddlers and preschoolers! (affiliate links)

Babies:

First up: items we have tried, tested out and LOVED —

Stacking Cups – These are the best. I’ve gotten them for each kid so far! It’s true they are plastic BUT for what they are and for what they do — they sort of need to be! They are great to stack, bang together to make noise, play with in the bathtub — we even bring them to the beach. They are a favorite and used all the time. I will definitely be picking up a new set for new baby!

Multi-Sensory Balls – Another favorite! Used all the time. (even by the cats which is why I’ll be replacing them).

Foam Climbers – So, these are definitely a splurge especially for a baby. BUT! We have them and I can’t recommend them enough. We picked these up when Javi was 4 or 5 months old. They helped both kids learn to climb, roll, crawl, stretch their bodies, and even fall (and get back up!). They’ve held up all this time and both Javi and Lola STILL use, sit on them and play with them. Plus! They usually go on sale on Black Friday so keep your eye out.

Object Permanence – This is a typical Montessori material you’d find in a classroom. We USED to own it until someone stepped on it and it broke. So, I will definitely be getting a new one for our baby. Both kids used it around 8-10 months old and beyond. The one thing I’d say about it, is I switched out the ball it came with. That ball was a little too small for my comfort and I used another ball that had holes in it (JUST in case).

Second up: items we’d love to add into our home —

Teething Rattle – This looks really cute! It has favorable reviews on Amazon and is non-toxic, BPA-free silicone. I think it’ll be a cute stocking stuffer.

Grasping Activity – We don’t have this! We have something similar but I think this would be a nice addition to a baby’s stash.

Hello Winter – This book looks great! Research shows that infants respond to high contrast black and white images.

Stacking Rings – This is adorable! I love that it isn’t primary colors and it says it’s high quality wood.

Toddlers:

First up: items we have tried, tested out and LOVED —

Broom Set – Is there anyone who doesn’t have this already?! It’s the perfect little set if your child is into “cleaning”. I’m not sure I know a toddler/preschooler who DOESN’T want to help clean up!

Animal Matching – Javi got this/something so similar to this when he was 2, and it’s great for matching animals, learning animal names and their sounds, etc. Honestly, it’s still great for Javi and eventually can be used as an early reading work.

Colorful Shape Puzzle – I bought this for Lola a few months ago because Early Intervention mentioned she needed to work on spatial skills and puzzles are a great starter. It’s just challenging enough without leading her into frustration! She does get pretty annoyed with the rhombus because she wants it to fit inside the square.

Second up: items we’d love to add into our home —

Pegging Game – This is highly recommended in some of my Montessori groups so I’d like to get it to try it out.

Lock Box – Lola is SO into locks and opening and closing things. So this looks like something that would be right up her alley. It also would help her strengthen fine motor skills.

Reborn Baby Doll – I love how realistic this doll is. I’m honestly not sure which baby doll we’ll get her but she’s definitely interested in carrying babies around, pushing them in their little stroller and undressing them. She hasn’t quite gotten how to DRESS them yet. If I don’t end up going with this baby, I’ll probably get her an American Girl Doll. They are the same price though I’m hoping for a Black Friday sale!

Toddler Crayons – I love that these are chunky and won’t break (hopefully). I still get a little worried that Lola eats crayons when I’m not looking.

Crayola Dough – Sean would say NO to this but Lola LOVES play-doh. This seems like a better alternative since play-doh gets everywhere and is rubbed into our carpet and hardwood floor. This stuff claims to NOT crumble! It also appears to have a stronger consistency which is better for developing fine motor skills.

Preschoolers:

First up: items we have tried, tested out and LOVED —

Hundred Board – This is another typical Montessori material. We have one at home because Javi shows such a high interest in numbers. Honestly, it’s a little hard to keep track of with younger ones at home too because Lola is always stealing the pieces on him and then he gets frustrated that it can’t be completed!

Lego – I struggle with which is better: the open-ended box of legos to just create vs. a kit of legos where you need to follow a booklet of directions to build something specific. Javi loves both and I see a huge benefit to both. Since he got about 4 kits of specific legos for his birthday, I think we would just add a box like this into his stash. If legos aren’t your thing (they are really small especially if you have mouthing infants/toddlers at home), I’d recommend Magnatiles — we have them and he plays with them every day!

Interactive Globe – Javi got this for his birthday and it’s so cool! You need a tablet or phone device to work it though so if you’re against screen-time it’s not for you!

Second up: items we’d love to add into our home —

Squigz – These seem so cool to build with! We have something similar but these come highly recommended to me and I imagine they’d get a lot of play!

Binoculars – We have a telescope at home and Javi loves it but it’s little big for him to work it on his own. These seem like a better, more independent and age-appropriate alternative. Plus I plan to put up some bird and bat houses in the yard and I think he’d like to look through the binoculars.

Construction Truck Carrier – I’m not sure why I’m putting this on my list (I guess I’m TRULY considering what Javi would want!). But I know he’d love this. I love that the pieces are realistic — I imagine I won’t love that they make noise! (Which will probably be the largest draw for Javi!). But he’s really been interested in construction vehicles and learning their names and uses.

Snowman Decorating Kit – We got one of these last year (but of course, lost some of the pieces). It was a hit and we’ll definitely be making more snowmen this year! I’d also recommend sleds (we just already have a bunch).

Hope you’ve found some ideas for the child in your life this holiday season!