With the holidays at hand, the question comes up: what do I give a new baby? Whether it's your own or a friend's new bundle, infant gifts can be challenging. Do you go cutesie? Playful? Clothing? Cuddly? Well, I have a suggestion. Check out some of the Montessori infant & toddler materials geared to develop both independence and intellect. Some top ideas include:

• mobiles
• wooden blocks
• sorters
• object permenance activities
• stackers
• shape puzzles/insets
• mini-masters books
• sequencing
• baby mirror with bar (awesome and will occupy the busiest learning-to-stand baby for hours)

For these items and more, check out these sites:

Kaybee Montessori

Montessori Outlet

For more about Montessori education, check out these sites:

Montessori first years broken down by stages

Montessori 0-3