Our Montessori Home essentials at 2.5
I definitely don't consider myself a minimalist, but I am trying to be better about getting rid of things! If I had to choose the bare minimum to get by, then these items would make the cut! I am leaning more on open ended things because for us, shelf work more short lived. Click on the photos to follow the link. This post includes Amazon affiliate links at no cost to you.
Learning tower 
We got ours at around 15 months, and I don't think there has been a day that she hasn't used it.
Tripp Trapp/similar chair
I really tried doing without it, but by 2 years old she wanted to sit at the table with us, I couldn't find a safe booster that she could climb in by herself, and she was standing in a chair to eat and knocking stuff over constantly!
Dolls
I love to hear my 2.5 year old work things out with her dolls, I can just tell that she is processing her own experiences and feelings. I like the Bitty Baby, but she plays with the $3 doll the same way she plays with the Bitty Baby doll.
Dollhouse or Barn and accessories
Dollhouse or Barn and accessories
We have both, but not out at the same time. Similarly to the doll, they provide wonderful opportunities for processing, and language! You can also use animals to discuss habitat or use for matching cards as well.
Our most used are: the Pitcher with lid, plates, cups, a chopping knife, a spreading knife, dustpan and sweeper, washcloths for spills, a mirror, chair or bench for sitting and putting on socks and shoes
Books
Let's clarify; books that your child likes and that don't annoy you. I hate poorly written kids books!! I like aesthetically pleasing realistic photos or illustrations, with simple story lines. Categories I try to cover- Animals, Nature/plants, Children, Cultural books, Feelings, Trucks/vehicles, and Space.
Loose parts/Grapat Mandala Pieces
These get used for EVERYTHING and with everything. We use them with tongs for fine motor skills, for counting, as food for animals, as "garbage" for her garbage truck, etc.! Check here Happy Monkey Shop (afflink) or try here $5 off Referral link for Grapat from the German Mommy.
Bowls, baskets, trays
There really isn't much minimizing here, I always need new trays and baskets!
Art supplies
Though my child's version of painting is 3 lines on a page, she is starting to enjoy drawing some with her colored pencils. Colored pencils and Crayons are preferable to markers because they allow for more feedback (push harder -line is darker). Montessori values process art vs. cutesy crafts, so the pressure is off to create something cute, you get to watch them create an original work of art
Vehicles
Our School Bus and construction vehicles are the favorite here, but any vehicle that your child commonly sees would probably be a hit
Beads
There is so much work that can be done- color sorting, transfer work, threading, and so many ways to change up all of those activities to increase difficulty over time.
Kinetic sand-
Plasticine is probably better in terms of developing pre-writing hand strength, but my daughter prefers kinetic sand, and it is great sensory work for her. She has a tendency towards avoiding sensory stimulation, so I think that sensory activities do help her. The tools that came with out set are excellent for working on fine motor skills and concentration as well.
Haba Peg Game
My daughter just loves this! Right now she is really into color matching the pegs and rings. They continue to be a favorite at age 3!
Get out as much as you can! There is no need to make it exciting for us adults, because children find it all exciting, if given the opportunity to explore freely (as long as it is safe). We love our Polarn O Pyret jacket and Wind Fleece to keep her warm and dry in all types of weather. They do run HUGE- in this photo she is 30+ pounds here wearing size 1.5-2 with plenty room to grow.
For mom or dad
These make more of a difference for me than any material you can buy for your child
No Bad Kids, Janet Lansbury
She is a toddler behavior wizard, trained in RIE. I would describe her style as gentle, but no nonsense. I am so thankful for her wisdom, and not sure how I would get by without it! All of my mom friends are probably sick of me recommending this book, but it is THAT good! (Audiobook is free AS OF 1/20/21)
The Montessori Toddler
I love this book, and it is a great one to go back and reference again and again. It is very accessible, it has lots of pictures, and many of great ideas for activities!
A Montessori mom friend!
Non-Montessori friends are great, but it is awesome to have someone in real life who I can share ideas and materials, victories, and failures, and who understands why I am excited about my child drawing a circle or folding towels. I live in a rural area, and I have found some great ones, so I bet you can too!
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