Education is an atmosphere, a discipline, and a life.
~Charlotte Mason
One of the things that I find begins to dawn upon moms as they embrace Charlotte Mason's philosophy of education is that not only can the education of their children be more living, but their play can be living as well. Of course, as we pursue a living education, our homes fill up with living books, handicraft supplies, and all things art. But, even our toys can both be living and encourage open-ended, imaginative play. Over the years, I have slowly ditched the more twaddle-like toys, games, and activities and replaced them with items that encourage my children to play like education is truly a life and like the atmosphere of our home aids them in learning outside of the "classroom".
Each year for Christmas, I attempt to balance out the inevitable "buzz" items that are requested (Read: Nerf Guns and Pokemon Cards) with living games, puzzles, handicraft supplies, art supplies, nature items and open-ended toys. What follows is a list of items that I love in the categories of: Play, Handicrafts, Nature/Scouting Supplies, Art Supplies, Games, Books, Science/STEM and Skill Building. This isn't an attempt at a "mega" living gift list, but is instead a compilation of things I have purchased, used, personally seen, loved, or plan to purchase for my children.
Each year for Christmas, I attempt to balance out the inevitable "buzz" items that are requested (Read: Nerf Guns and Pokemon Cards) with living games, puzzles, handicraft supplies, art supplies, nature items and open-ended toys. What follows is a list of items that I love in the categories of: Play, Handicrafts, Nature/Scouting Supplies, Art Supplies, Games, Books, Science/STEM and Skill Building. This isn't an attempt at a "mega" living gift list, but is instead a compilation of things I have purchased, used, personally seen, loved, or plan to purchase for my children.
Play
Melissa and Doug Fold and Fill Taco Set (this is the set I purchased last year, and it is still played with at least a few times a week. It is durable, and adorable!)
Melissa and Doug Salad Set (this is the set I am purchasing this year)
Melissa and Doug Salad Set (this is the set I am purchasing this year)
Melissa and Doug 4-in-1 Puzzles (we also love ALL Melissa and Doug puzzles)
Set of 4 Playground Balls w/Pump
Melissa and Doug Vet Care Play Set
Let's Pretend Farmer's Market
Dover Paper Dolls Series
Melissa and Doug Vet Care Play Set
Let's Pretend Farmer's Market
Dover Paper Dolls Series
Handicrafts
Weaving Loom and Thread
Scribblers Fun Sticker Books
Strange Science (and Strange History and Strange Crime- Note: You may want to preview some entries and/or read aloud and edit a few entries. Truth is stranger, and sometimes more inappropriate ;), than fiction, as they say.)
Smart Kids Alphabet Books
Basher Science Series
Activity Books
Bear Grylls Activity Books
Dover Hidden Picture Challenges
Game Nest Challenging Spot the Difference Puzzles
Animal Word Searches
Scribble Books
Create Your Own Boutique (or Pizzeria)
Highlights Jumbo Book of Amazing Mazes
Strange Science (and Strange History and Strange Crime- Note: You may want to preview some entries and/or read aloud and edit a few entries. Truth is stranger, and sometimes more inappropriate ;), than fiction, as they say.)
Smart Kids Alphabet Books
Basher Science Series
Activity Books
Bear Grylls Activity Books
Dover Hidden Picture Challenges
Game Nest Challenging Spot the Difference Puzzles
Animal Word Searches
Scribble Books
Create Your Own Boutique (or Pizzeria)
Highlights Jumbo Book of Amazing Mazes
Skill Building
Kids Garden Gloves
Juggling Book and Set
Easy to Do Card Tricks for Children
Ridley's Magic Rope Tricks Set
Juggling Book and Set
Easy to Do Card Tricks for Children
Ridley's Magic Rope Tricks Set
Nature/Scouting
Games
National Parks Opoly Jr (This is made for younger children, but we all enjoy playing it for simplified game play and shorter games. The cards give information about the parks, which we enjoy!)
Trekking the National Parks
Mudpuppy Games to Go (Mudpuppy makes beautiful games and other items- search the brand and browse their offerings. They also have many great gifts for toddler and younger children)
Art Supplies
Watercolor Markers
Drawing Markers
Larger Drawing Marker Set
Copic Markers (These are costly markers, but my artist insists that they are the best, based upon the experts that he follows. I wanted to share them in case you needed a very quality option for an invested artist.)
Drawing Markers
Larger Drawing Marker Set
Copic Markers (These are costly markers, but my artist insists that they are the best, based upon the experts that he follows. I wanted to share them in case you needed a very quality option for an invested artist.)
Science/STEM
Smithsonian Science Lab
Inexpensive Kitchen Lab Kit (This is an expensive science experiment kit that isn't listed because of its great quality, but because sometimes we just need an inexpensive "filler" gift or gift for younger children, or even just a gift that we don't expect a ton from, but just a little bit of fun.)
Inexpensive Chemistry Kit
Inexpensive Kitchen Lab Kit (This is an expensive science experiment kit that isn't listed because of its great quality, but because sometimes we just need an inexpensive "filler" gift or gift for younger children, or even just a gift that we don't expect a ton from, but just a little bit of fun.)
Inexpensive Chemistry Kit
Snap Circuits and Snap Circuits Jr.
Learning Resources Engineering Set
ThinkFun Code Master Coding and STEM Game
ThinkFun Domino Maze
Lego Chain Reactions
Wooden Geoboard Set
Squishy Human Body
Bugs and More 3D Models
Mental Blox Logic Blocks and Cards and Mental Blox Portable
Learning Resources Engineering Set
ThinkFun Code Master Coding and STEM Game
ThinkFun Domino Maze
Lego Chain Reactions
Wooden Geoboard Set
Squishy Human Body
Bugs and More 3D Models
Mental Blox Logic Blocks and Cards and Mental Blox Portable
Stocking Stuffers
Kanoodle (My children received Kanoodle last year and have played with it every single week!)
Kanoodle Jr.
Kanoodle Jr.
Riddle Books
Wood City Tetris Puzzle
Tangrams Book
Wooden Travel Tangrams Puzzle
Mudpuppy Card Games
Flexi Puzzle
Wood City Tetris Puzzle
Tangrams Book
Wooden Travel Tangrams Puzzle
Mudpuppy Card Games
Flexi Puzzle
Want more gift ideas?
Here are a few gift guides from other living educators:
Here are a few gift guides from other living educators:
Charlotte Mason Inspired Gifts for All Ages (A Humble Place)
Mega Charlotte Mason Gift List (Lazy Charlotte Mason)
Mega Charlotte Mason Gift List (Lazy Charlotte Mason)
Merriest of Christmases to you, Friends.
May your holiday season be spent....Delightfully Feasting.
Crystin <3
May your holiday season be spent....Delightfully Feasting.
Crystin <3
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