Best Montessori toys for Easter

Updated post for 2018!

I have always associated Easter with Spring, outdoor and good weather. So in our family, the kind of toys we buy at Easter are essentially nature and outdoor orientated. Following the Montessori principles (real tools, to practice life skills or explore the world), I present you my selection.

This year, we are offering a bike to my son and a two wheels scooter to my daughter so only one gift as it’s quite expensive.

But here a list of the things I have offered in the past or ideas that I will forward to our family:

Easter plastic eggs: the best buy ever! We do an Easter egg hunt and the first time we did it, my daughter was 2. Then we had to hid the eggs in turn until the Summer, it was her favourite game. And there are so many activities you can do with a set of Easter eggs (make sure to have two of each colour, I’m planning a blog post with ideas so stay tuned).

Microscope:

I remember fondly my first microscope and I can wait to offer one to my children (BIG HINT to grand-parents!!!). Anything that encourage the children to get in touch in nature is great!

I am planning to buy this one this year, after our current one (plastic structure) broke.

Microscope for 8+

Globe Earth and Constellation

Why buy two globes when you can buy this unique dual functioning globe. The Earth and Constellation Globe has a day-time and night- time view and is in fact two globes in one. In the daylight the 22.8cm diameter globe shows political boundaries, oceans, equator, longitude and latitude lines, country names, capital cities and other major cities for each country in the world. By night the illuminated star map shows constellations with their common names.

The Earth and Constellation Globe has an automatic light sensor so when the globe is turned on and the surrounding area is dark the globe will transform into a beautiful glowing globe showing the star constellations

Magnifying glasses:

Both my children have a magnifying glass and use it for outdoor exploration but also in various activities inside. It can be left on the “nature’s table” if you have one.

Binoculars:

We bought a pair a few years ago at Kew Garden. Now that Louis is 5, we need a second pair as my daughter is not forthcoming to share hers (I remember that she bought it with her own pocket money). I would advice a real efficient pair of binocular and not bother with a toy’s one.

The little book of Woodland birds songs:

We bought the garden one for my daughter. This one is next on the list for her.

Nature treasure hunt cards: to be honest, I should be able to do this game myself but lacking the time, I’m thinking of buying this one. Just to have an incentive to explore when we are out and about. Sometimes, it’s me who needs a push as the children most of the time have their own ideas.

Kid’s garden – Deck of cards:

With 40 interactive activities and games divided into five categories, Kids’ Garden encourages children to engage with the outdoors and to appreciate the green world around them.