As we all have people in our families itching to purchase gifts for our children and as many of us will be buying gifts in the next few weeks I thought this would be a good time to share some ideas on how to guide your gift purchases which you are welcome to heed or not.
I believe that all things (toys, clothing, books, furniture, etc) incorporated into our children's lives should be beautiful, austere, purposeful and made with natural materials. Instead of overwhelming our children with more, more, more, we can choose higher quality items and less. Focus on experiences rather than stuff. And organize our child's home environments so that they can access these beautiful things relatively independently.
For toys, this means we search for toys made of wood or metal that allow children to manipulate and explore and we stay away from plastic, bright lights and electronic noises.
For clothing, we look for clothing that is free of branding (Disney, Dora, Marvel, etc). and that allows toddlers to dress independently and move freely.
With books (board books or paper books,) we love stories that have children as main characters, beautiful illustrations and we also include non-fiction books filled with facts.
Furniture should encourage your child's participation in life at home, made out of natural materials (non-plastic) and again be something they can use independently.
Now, you say, "that's all great but give me a list of what to buy, will ya?"
Consider when making your purchase this lovely saying:
"Buy them something they want, something they need, something to wear and something to read." And that’s it.
For our toddlers and toys here is a brief list and links to a few great articles:
Great brands of toys:
Hape, Plan Toys, Grimm, Moover, Melissa and Doug
Toy suggestions:
- small knobbed wooden puzzles
- 12-piece wooden puzzles
- nesting dolls (they all loves these in class)
- large wooden lacing beads
- wooden ride on toys or balance bikes
- micro scooter
- stacking toys (check out the Grimm brand)
- wooden train set
- dollhouse
- farm animals and a barn
- doll and doll carriage (check out Corolle dolls and Moover doll carriage)
- art supplies
- broom and dustpan (check out the Melissa and Doug "Let's Play House, Dust, Sweep and Mop)
- table and chairs or stool to eat with the family
Great Article - ideas apply to the Toddler age group as well.
http://thistoddlerlife.com/how-to-have-a-montessori-christmas-with-a-toddler/
http://coolmompicks.com/blog/2014/08/10/best-gifts-for-a-two-year-old/
http://letslassothemoon.com/2013/11/21/alternative-gift-ideas/
I'm sure you all have great ideas for this as well. Add your ideas to the comments below!
Finally, it's most important for your children to learn that it is what we give, not what we get that is important and that time spent with loved ones and homemade gifts are just as nice as bought items. Involve your children by having them help you make your cards, wrapping paper, help them make presents (like ornaments, picture frames, homemade cookies, etc) that they give to the people that matter to them. Make this holiday season about family time, service to others and compassion to those less fortunate.