As the Festive season is upon us, this week we would like to share a few of our Montessori gift ideas that are easy to follow and will bring lots of fun for all.
Holiday Season is the perfect time to practice Montessori principals at home. Making homemade holiday gifts with your children teaches them something that store-bought gifts can’t: time and effort are the most valuable part of gift-giving.
Children learn that they can use their talents and their hands to create something that will be loved, cherished and appreciated. Besides, many of the skills used in creating gifts for your loved ones will trigger child’s creativity and are beneficial in developing concentration and fine motor skills!
Montessori Gift Ideas for Toddlers: Handprint Gift Wrapping Paper 
There’s nothing more cute or special than little handprints! Grandparents, aunts and uncles will love this personalized gift wrapping.
How To Make It:
Lay a large piece of white or brown craft paper across the table, using the bottles of paint to weigh down the corners. Squeeze washable tempera paint onto disposable plates, one color per plate. Dip one hand in paint and rub both palms together to evenly distribute the paint. Spread fingers apart and press hands onto paper. Be careful not to slide hand on the paper. Apply more paint to hands as needed and continue to stamp all over the paper. When finished with one color, allow to dry while washing hands. Repeat with as many colors as you would like! After you’ve finished all colors, set aside to dry.
Montessori Gift Ideas For Primary Children: Fabric Rock Paper Weight 
To complete this activity, use a rock from the backyard and some fabric scraps to make these cool paperweights.
How To Make It:
Make a small cut in the end of the fabric and tear strips from it. Cut the strips into manageable pieces and brush watered down glue on the back (coat each piece as you’re using it). Adhere the strip of fabric to the rock. Repeat with additional strips, overlapping the edges of the fabric strips. Set aside to dry on wax paper. Once the rock is dry, brush another layer of glue over the top of the rock and let it dry. Embellish with letter stickers, if desired.
Montessori Gift Ideas For Elementary Children: Mini Clay Bowls
Press small rubber stamps or chipboard letters into air-dry clay to make this cute little catchall.
How To Make It:
Knead a piece of clay for a few seconds, then flatten it on wax paper and roll it out so it’s ⅛” or so thick. To smooth the surface of the clay, wipe a little water on top and let it sit for about ten minutes. Use your finger to apply a thin film of cooking oil to the surface that you’re going to stamp. Ink your stamp and press it into the wet clay. Use a cotton swab to clean up any undesired impressions or excess oil. Mold the edges up to create a bowl or dish and let it dry for two to three days on wax paper.
Whatever gift-giving activities you choose to engage your child in, Holiday Season is a great time to spend together as a family. Enjoy each other’s company and make some beautiful memories together. Because that’s ultimately the best gift you could ever have.
Happy Holidays from our Montessori family to yours!