Holiday Gift Guide: Montessori Toys for Curious Little Minds

The holiday season is just around the corner, which in our house means one thing, figuring out what to get for the little ones. As a mom of two with very different personalities, I’ve seen my fair share of toys. Some last a few days, others a few hours, and every once in a while, something special sticks around. After a few years of trial and error, I’ve gotten pretty good at spotting which toys they’ll actually love, and which will end up at the bottom of the toy bin by January.

Lately though, I’ve been thinking more about what play actually does for them. I want their playtime to be fun, of course, but also to help them grow: building focus, confidence, and imagination. That’s what first drew me to Montessori-inspired play. It’s all about hands-on learning, problem-solving, and storytelling; things that make them feel independent while developing real-life skills.

That’s also how I came across My First Book, a Montessori-inspired busy book filled with interactive activities that keep kids genuinely engaged. Each book is designed around a theme, from animals to space, and filled with over 75 tactile activities that promote creativity, focus, and fine motor skills. Plus, every set comes with a matching backpack, which makes cleanup easy and travel even easier. For us, it’s become the perfect screen-free go-to whether we’re at home, out to dinner, or on a road trip.

Here are a few of my favorites to gift this season, each one designed for a different kind of little explorer.

For the Kids Who Still Sing “Baby Shark”

Baby Shark Busy Book

For the little ones who still light up when they hear that tune, this busy book brings their favorite characters to life through interactive play. With pages designed around family and teamwork, it encourages communication, storytelling, and connection. It’s perfect for toddlers who love music and role-playing and is a sweet way to make learning feel familiar and fun.

For the Animal Lovers

Busy Farm Book

A classic for a reason. The Busy Farm Book is made for little ones who love animals, tractors, and open-field adventures. Each of the 16 pages is filled with hands-on activities: feeding animals, sorting produce, and building their own farm stories. It’s a great way to spark independent play while helping them develop fine motor and sequencing skills, all wrapped in a storybook-style setting they can return to again and again.

For the Nostalgic (and Their Parents)

Hello Kitty Busy Book

This one’s a favorite in our house. As someone who grew up loving Hello Kitty, seeing my daughter get to play with her own version feels like sharing a little piece of my childhood. Inside, there are pages of fun, tactile activities that help her focus, sort, and tell stories while “helping” Hello Kitty with her day. It’s the kind of toy that feels both new and familiar, and keeps her entertained long after unwrapping.

Special mention: If your child loves Hello Kitty, the Keroppi Frog Busy Book is another adorable option that brings the same hands-on fun in a new, cheerful theme.

For the Kids With Their Eyes on the Stars

Space Busy Book

For the little dreamers who are always looking up, the Space Busy Book takes them on an out-of-this-world adventure. From organizing planets to playing interstellar tic-tac-toe, each page encourages problem-solving, focus, and curiosity about the world (and universe) around them. It’s the perfect blend of fun and early learning, with plenty of opportunities for storytelling and imagination.

For the Little Explorers

Dinosaur Busy Book

For kids who can’t get enough of roars, fossils, and prehistoric adventures, the Dinosaur Busy Book brings the Jurassic world to their fingertips. With zippers, snaps, and matching games, each page encourages storytelling, focus, and fine motor skills. It’s one of those toys that grows with them, starting with simple exploration and slowly turning into imaginative play. Plus, the matching backpack is always a hit; my son wears his everywhere, even when we’re just around the house.

In the end, the best gifts are the ones they’ll actually use, and remember. For me, My First Book has been that rare find: something that keeps my kids entertained, helps them grow, and makes me feel good about how they spend their time. Whether you’re gifting to your own kids or another little one in your life, it’s one of those presents that really does last longer than the holiday season.

My First Book is offering a special Black Friday discount to our readers: Save 15% on your first book — or buy 1 get 1 50% off!