It's that time of year again! I can't believe how quickly the holidays come when you have five kids. I feel like we were just here discussing last years Montessori gift lists for my kids! I love taking some time to observe my children, figure out what we need, love and crafting these lists. This Montessori mom loves a good gift list to pass around, so feel free to share this if these interests fit with your own children! 

Just as a reminder these are just their lists; putting it here doesn't mean that ultimately I will buy all of this stuff for them. Actual purchasing decisions depend on what goes on sale, what they express interest in the most over the coming weeks, and what I can find in stock. 

Here's a look at our family's Christmas lists for 2023!

Penelope is really hard being the 5th baby, she will be nearly 2 at Christmas. We have so many toddler toys from the other kids that it's hard to find things that we don't already have. But, Penelope is really interested in pretend play and baby dolls and a few accessories will be a fun addition to our dolls. So, here's what makes Penelope's list this year: 

Doll Cradle 

Ted is 4 and solidly a preschooler now. He's into building, creating, and pretend play. While he still likes trucks, he's also been much more into figures and hero play.  Influenced by books and his older brothers, Star Wars and super heros enter his play more frequently (I know not super Montessori friendly, but that's his reality.) He also likes logic games, numbers, and just a nice mix of open ended play and more structured work. 

Emotion Matching 

Gus will by 7-years-old by Christmas this year! He is a builder, a crafter, and a kid that can get lost in his own play. He's also more social than ever before and more interested in playing with other people. He's also always challenging (and has a bigger list) since his birthday falls about a month before Christmas so we need ideas for both for him. Here's what's making his list this year as a lower elementary Montessori kid: 

Metal Detector
Makedo Cardboard Building Tools
Squishmallow Stuffies 
Chemistry Set + Baking Soda/Vinegar

Oil and Water Science Kit
Domino Machine Kit
Round Loom
Hand Glider Airplane + Paper Airplane Book

Pattern Play Revolution (sorry this one I found used, check around locally or ebay/mercari)

Nora is 9-years-old and really just loves to create, draw, and write. She loves animals and small world play, but is also starting to move past a ton of toy playing and more into more "life gifts" and self care goodies as she gets older. Here's what I've included on her gift list this year: 

Clay Bracelet Making Kit + Bracelet board
Rainbow Loom Rubberband Bracelets
Mega Craft Kit
Cross Body Bag
Happy Me Junior Journal

Tamagotchi 
Squishmallow Stuffies
Ukulele

Wool Roving 

Art Supplies - Black Paper + Glitter Pens

We will also do a group gift from "Santa" but that is proving to be a more difficult tradition to keep with kids that span 11 years. A few of my children have asked for another Nugget Play Couch, but I'm also considering a large box of art supplies. I'm still on the hunt for a good idea, but leaning toward an experience gift. "Santa" also brings a large box of books which will have choices for all of them included. 

I hope this provided some Montessori gift inspiration as you are putting together your own lists this year. Have any favorites that are making your lists?!