Montessori treasure baskets

There is a growing range of resources inspired by the Montessori method. Montessori treasure baskets are very much part of that. That said, kitting yourself out properly can quickly become… expensive! That is why we are sharing this easy activity today — one you can put together using things you already have at home!

Montessori treasure baskets: an activity from 6 months

Treasure baskets are a simple concept that is great fun for your baby! Also known as treasure baskets, all you need is a box into which you place a variety of objects. This means the possibilities are virtually endless — and the activity can be refreshed time and again! This at-home activity for little ones is suitable from 6 months. It helps to develop your child's coordination and spark their curiosity! To make your own Montessori treasure basket, you will need:

• An empty box, a cardboard box, a small basket…
• A variety of objects (a baby hairbrush, a small mirror, a bottle cap, an empty bottle, a wooden spoon…)

Simply make your basket available to your little one and watch their reaction — guaranteed adorable moment! We recommend choosing rounded objects that are large enough for your child not to be able to swallow them. Opt for colourful objects with varied shapes to capture your baby's interest!

Please note: for your little one's safety, they must remain under constant adult supervision at all times — especially when handling objects.

A few possible variations on the Montessori treasure basket

As we said — this baby activity can take countless forms! For example:

• Introduce your child to colours by filling the basket with objects of just one colour — and changing the contents and colour regularly!
• Explore different textures (soft, rough, smooth…);
• Vary the sizes…
• This activity can take many different forms depending on your child's age — let your imagination run wild! You can also have a look at our article "3 Montessori activities for winter".
• Another interesting variation on Montessori treasure baskets is to adapt them to the seasons. By incorporating natural, seasonal elements such as autumn leaves, summer shells, winter pine cones, or spring flowers, you offer your child a rich and ever-changing sensory experience. These seasonal treasures not only capture their curiosity but also strengthen their connection with the world around them. By exploring these changing materials, little ones develop an appreciation for nature and learn to recognise seasonal cycles. Moreover, this approach also encourages parents to explore and appreciate the wonders of each season alongside their child, strengthening family bonds and nurturing an ecological awareness from an early age. By adapting Montessori treasure baskets to the changing natural world, you turn a simple activity into a real seasonal adventure — nourishing both your child's imagination and their cognitive development.