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!
Babies
For babies, I like to keep it simple. Last year, Nora -- at about 10 months -- just got the wooden drum I listed. It was a huge hit.
Books
- Flutter! Fly! -- these books are amazing, they are beautiful and really indestructible
- 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
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
- Or any Spring Book
Toys
- Mini Grimm's Rainbow
- Magnifying Glass -- perfect for little hands before they are coordinated enough to use a larger one.
- Chunky Toddler Puzzle
- Rock Crayons
- Kaleidoscope
- Bird Matching Game -- these look so beautiful
- First Orchard Game
Nature/Outside
- Sidewalk Chalk -- always a favorite! I love the square chalk because it doesn't roll down our driveway.
- Large Bubble with Wand
- Gardening Tools -- we've had these for a few years and they are perfect for little hands and hold up well.
- Indoor Gardening Set
- Rain Gear
- Water bottle
Instruments
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 -- on my list for Henry!
- 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
- Bug Bingo -- I love the images used in this game
- Seasons Layer Puzzle
- Butterfly Stickers
- Bird Stickers
- Farm Baby Set
- Jump Rope
- Go Fish
- Flower Families Cards - These are GORGEOUS
- Wildcraft Cooperative Game
- Beeswax Crayons
Nature/Outside
- Umbrella
- 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
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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