Toy Minimalism & Holiday Gift Guide | Montessori School of Wellington

Toy Minimalism: Your Holiday Guide to Gifting Montessori Toys

Posted December 1, 2018

In Montessori holiday tips for Guelph parents, Montessori tips for Parents

These days, it seems like there are more and more excuses to fill our child’s lives and bedrooms with toys. While toys and play are an essential part of learning and growing, at Montessori School of Wellington, we believe that toy minimalism is important for a well-rounded childhood.

What Are Montessori Toys?

Minimalism throughout the home and the classroom is a central tenet of Montessori education. Having too many toys to choose from can cause your children to be unfocused, unsatisfied, and unstimulated if they are surrounded by toys that don’t do anything for their emotional or cognitive development.

The Montessori method was initially developed to be accessible for people who had less in the way of material objects and has since grown into a lesson in being grateful and appreciative of the things we do have. As a result, Montessori toys are typically toys that align with this minimalist approach to education.

Choosing Your Child’s Toys Carefully

Play is essential for children of all ages, but carefully choosing the toys your child has is important to ensure that they have the right tools at their fingertips for learning and entertainment. Instead of filling their bedrooms with useless toys, stock their playrooms or a corner of the room with a handful of items that will offer them enjoyment and learning.

Montessori Toy Gift Guide

With the holidays fast approaching, you or your relatives may be looking for toys to gift your children this year. If you’re interested in a minimalist approach to toys, here are some wonderful ideas:

Encourage Your Child To Play Freely & Be Creative

Giving your children limited toy options may result in them saying, “I’m bored.” If this happens to you, it’s important that you don’t jump in with suggestions and enticements. You’re not your child’s entertainment director! Try to do nothing and see what they come up with. You’ll probably be met with initial resistance and complaining, but, if you tough it out, you’ll likely be pleasantly surprised with the end result — and you’ll have given your child the opportunity to implement their creativity.

Remember, if necessity is the mother of invention, then boredom is the mother of creativity for young children! A Montessori education encourages focus and learning how to share. Learn more about encouraging sharing in your children.

Glynis Hamilton

I am Glynis Hamilton, the owner of the Montessori School of Wellington. When I had my children I knew exactly what I wanted for them in terms of early childhood education. It was only when I visited a beautiful Montessori school in Toronto that I knew I had found what I was looking for. I became intrigued by Montessori and so, at the ripe old age of 44, I went back to school and then switched career from legal secretary to Montessori teacher. Since that time, Montessori has become a way of life for me. The past 20 years have been a joy rather than a job. I have moved from being front line in the classroom to the office doing more administrative work. But, my office door is almost always open to the classroom where I can hear the children’s laughter and welcome them in for a visit. I truly love what I do.