Our favourite Montessori friendly Spring gifts

Spring. New leaves, new life and warmer weather. There are also so many beautiful cultural traditions and celebrations around this time of year. 

Like all holidays, we as adults tend to want to give the children in our lives “all the things”. But as we mentioned here, it is the experience a child seeks, not the stuff. 

And so, we as Montessorians (and as aspiring minimalists) try to advocate for spring holiday gifts that facilitate a child’s imagination, curiosity and sense of wonder. 


We love making these adorable Pom Pom rabbits found here. The Montessori side of me loves the fine motor hand movements required. Scissor practice is also great Practical Life activity for toddlers and up. Crafting with a child is a beautiful way to spend a day. 


A beautifully curated “basket” of new kitchen gadgets and baking supplies found here, invites a budding chef into the kitchen for shared baking time with a loved one. 


This sweet little set from Montessori Services with a few packets of seeds tucked in is perfect for toddlers. Spending time in the backyard together and watching your garden grow is such a lovely way to connect with a child. 


A DIY Nature explorer kit (or a purchased kit from here) is one of our absolute favourite gifts to give. The gift of nature is a powerful one to give a child. One whose benefits will last a lifetime. We love these postcards by Playful Learning to tuck into our exploring kits. 


And then, there’s simply the act of giving nothing at all. Of instead being mindful of what has been given to us, and sharing that love of all things new and bright and green with a child. 

Because that’s what they really want. Not our stuff, but our time. 

Advertisement

Spring: Naturally dyed eggs

  
Sunshine, birds chirping and lots of time outside. We’ve been off on Spring Break and trying to spend as much time as possible together and relaxing. 
Egg dying was also on the agenda this weekend. Naturally dyed eggs are easy and fun for all ages. 

You don’t need much except patience. 

Materials:

  • White hardboiled eggs
  • Sheer stockings/pantyhose
  • Plant material 
  • Natural dying material 
  • White vinegar 
  • Tall mason jar

We used yellow onion skins, purple cabbage and blueberries. But the list goes on and on. Try experimenting with spices, beets, tea and anything else you’d like.

  1. Use one mason jar for each colour
  2. Put your dying material into mason jar
  3. Put in 2 tablespoons white vinegar
  4. Place a small piece of plant or flower onto egg (optional)
  5. Wrap egg tightly in stocking and tie it tight (optional, keeps plant material in place)
  6. Place egg into mason jar
  7. Pour boiling water into mason jar until egg is covered 

Leave for 3-6 hours, or overnight. 

Drain the jar when done, unwrap eggs and compost the dye material. Simple and beautiful. 

    
Have a safe and weekend.