I have spring on my mind! This week we are finally getting above freezing temperatures here in Minnesota and it feels like spring is right around the corner {and I hope that's true!} But, its reminding me that Easter really is right around the corner. And, with that, it's time to start thinking about Easter baskets for Montessori babies, toddlers and preschoolers.
We celebrate both the religious and the secular portions of the holiday. But, honestly we don't make a big deal about the "Easter bunny" or anything like that. For us, the baskets are just a small gift to celebrate the miracle that is Easter and the end of our Lenten preparations.
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I, personally, just always keep our Easter baskets pretty spring and nature themed. I think that's just a beautiful way to tie them back to the religious new-birth that comes with the Easter holiday. So, my suggestions heavily lean toward spring and outdoor essentials and toys.
And, there are so many great Montessori friendly options! I have included a bunch of options here for you, but personally, our baskets will include three, maybe four, from a list -- usually one from each category. So, don't think I'm saying a basket needs to include everything!
Easter Baskets for Montessori Babies
For babies, I like to keep it simple. One or two things and maybe a baby-friendly snack if they are eating. I think it's also a great opportunity to keep it really practical - things they will need for spring and summer. Bathing suits and sun hats have been a popular choice here in the past.
Books
Baby Touch and Feel Animals
My First Easter
Hello Animals: Where Do You Live?
Toys
Wooden Bird Teether -- I want to have another baby just to have this -- THE CUTE!
Wooden Rabbit Teether
Baby Paper
Bell Rattle
Rainbow Ball
Play Silks
Sensory Balls
Dimpl Board
Wooden Rabbit Teether
Baby Paper
Bell Rattle
Rainbow Ball
Play Silks
Sensory Balls
Dimpl Board
Instruments
Nature/Outdoors
Easter Baskets for Montessori Toddlers
Toddlers have a lot more options for the "spring" theme! Especially with books, there are just so many great choices! Remember to follow your child, some of these suggestions might be perfect for one child at 2-years-old but not for another until 4-years-old.
Books
Hands Can
Spring: A Pop-up Book
Butterfly Butterfly: A Book of Colors
Planting a Rainbow
What Will Hatch?
The Easter Story
Spring: A Pop-up Book
Butterfly Butterfly: A Book of Colors
Planting a Rainbow
What Will Hatch?
The Easter Story
Toys and Art Supplies
Mini Grimm's RainbowMagnifying Glass -- perfect for little hands before they are coordinated enough to use a larger one.
Rock Crayons
Kaleidoscope
Easter Stickers
Bird Matching Game -- these look so beautiful
First Orchard Game
Wooden Roller (add some clay or playdoh!)
Bird Matching Game -- these look so beautiful
First Orchard Game
Wooden Roller (add some clay or playdoh!)
Nature/Outside
I love to include outdoor toys and tools in Easter baskets. It's the perfect time to refresh our stash of outdoor toys and materials as the weather gets warm and we are outside more.
Large Bubble with Wand
Instruments
Easter Baskets for Preschoolers
By preschool, there are so many wonderful and real tools that children can be using outside and in! It's hard to narrow them down! But, it also means there are a lot of choices for whatever interests your child has.
Books
A Nest is Noisy
Egg: Nature's Perfect Package
The Tree Book
The Tiny Seed
The Week that Led To Easter -- very good for older children to explain Holy Week.
Around the Year
Egg: Nature's Perfect Package
The Tree Book
The Tiny Seed
The Week that Led To Easter -- very good for older children to explain Holy Week.
Around the Year
Toys, Games, and Art Supplies
Bug Bingo -- I love the images used in this gameSeasons Layer Puzzle
Playmobil Rabbit Hutches
Butterfly Stickers
Bird Stickers
Farm Baby Set
Jump Rope
Go Fish
Flower Families Cards - These are GORGEOUS
Wildcraft Cooperative Game
Beeswax Crayons
Butterfly Stickers
Bird Stickers
Farm Baby Set
Jump Rope
Go Fish
Flower Families Cards - These are GORGEOUS
Wildcraft Cooperative Game
Beeswax Crayons
Root View Garden
Flower Press -- this flower press looks so beautiful for spring and summer
Leather Gardening Gloves
Pocket Microscope -- Henry LOVES this its amazing for indoor and outdoor exploration
Watering Can
Paper Pot Maker
Rain Gear
Water bottle
Sun Art Paper
Hello Nature Workbook
Flower Press -- this flower press looks so beautiful for spring and summer
Leather Gardening Gloves
Pocket Microscope -- Henry LOVES this its amazing for indoor and outdoor exploration
Watering Can
Paper Pot Maker
Rain Gear
Water bottle
Sun Art Paper
Hello Nature Workbook
For the Basket
I think its also fun to be creative with how you put the Easter basket together! We typically stick with baskets, but this year I'm thinking about switching it up and making the container useful. Seriously, how fun would it be to have a Green Play Silk instead of Easter grass? Or to use a Small Wooden Tray instead of a basket! Other options could include a Rope Basket or a Metal Bucket!
What are you getting your children for Easter? Do you stick with the spring theme? Or is there something you would have included on this list?
If you liked this post, check out: The Ultimate Montessori Toy List: Birth to Age 5
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Comments
Great post, Nicole! I think by the time Easter arrives, we will all be very ready to embrace the spring theme here!
Great ideas! Thank you for sharing! :)
nice basket for baby
Having studied different education models, I am yet to find a better system than the Montessori method. The more I learn, the more I am amazed by the depth of insight that Maria Montessori has generated in the area of children's education.