One of the most beautiful aspects of the Montessori philosophy is the focus on following the child. Our young children are in a rapid flux of development, entering sensitive periods of intense interest in a wide variety of subjects. We strive to give our children’s blossoming interest as much exposure as possible. One week our twins are highly interested in pouring; the next neatly arranging eclectic pieces into piles by colour. Possibly some insect inspection on nice summer mornings. This rhythm demands a steady influx of new materials and a healthy dose of creativity to repurpose what we already have on hand. To keep costs (and waste) down, thrifting has become essential for our family of five. Around 90% of our children’s toys and clothes are acquired secondhand. Our family is living proof that a Montessori lifestyle doesn’t need to be expensive.
Why Thrifting Works So Well With Montessori
Montessori materials are often made with natural materials designed to be beautiful, functional, and child-sized. Thrift stores are a treasure troves of items that fit this exact description. Think small pitchers for pouring, tiny glass cups, child-sized furniture, hand held kitchen gagets, baskets, and trays for practical life activities. On the flip side, you’ll likely see a graveyard of plastic toys—often cracked, discolored, or requiring batteries. The contrast highlights the durability and timeless appeal of well-made, natural materials. Montessori aligned items tend to withstand time and use by multiple little hands far better.
What to Look For at the Thrift Store
Here are a few Montessori-aligned items you can often find:
- Kitchenware: Small pitchers, utensils, cutting boards, egg slicers, and measuring cups.
- Baskets and trays: For organizing activities and presenting work.
- Glassware and ceramics: Real, breakable items help children learn to handle things with care.
- Furniture: Child-sized chairs, stools, shelves, and tables.
- Clothing: Easy-to-button shirts, zippered coats, and dressing frames you can DIY.
- Books and puzzles: Look for real-life themes and simple illustrations.
Why You Shouldn’t “Haul”- Even When Thrifting
Montessori values intentionality. Setting up the child’s environment with great care for both purpose and placement. Overloading your space with too many materials, even beautiful ones obtained at substantially lower prices than retail, can quickly overwhelm. Even if you practice toy rotation by storing excess toys out of sight, the haul mentality can still promote over consumption. In many cases we are just re-homing items temporarily out of the landfill or thrift store, instead of truly integrating them into ours home with purpose. Thrifting is only sustainable when it doesn’t mirror the habits of overconsumption Mindful thrifting means purchasing only what you’ll actually use, and leaving the rest for others who are in need of it.
Tips for A Successful Montessori Thrifting Experience
Go with a list: I have a living list on my phone notepad at all times. Sometimes its specific items to watch out for- a reusable tissue box, wooden blocks, child sized brooms . Sometimes I am trying to solves a more abstract need: something for my twins to practice transferring, or an activity to support gross motor skills indoors.
Check for good condition: All pieces present and in working order. It can be very frustrating for a child to not be able to complete a puzzle due to a missing piece, or unable to master the task of washing their own hands while balancing on a wobbly stool. Consider child safety, looking for rust, loose parts, and potential instability by testing the item in the way the child will use it. Even spend a little time considering how the item could be misused, and how you could prevent or minimize harm.
Visit regularly. Suppress the urge to “haul”. Thrifting can be a very exciting treasure hunt. Its easy to fall into the trap of validating a purchase by its price tag- either because its only a few dollars, or because the item sells for so much more new. You may also fear missing out, and find yourself purchasing “just in case”. Its worth slowing down, and buying only what you have a purpose for. Inventory changes so frequently that repeat visits often yield better results than overbuying in one trip.
Donate Back: Keep an ongoing donation box in your home to regularly reassess what’s truly being used. Cardboard diaper boxes are great for this, and in great supply with 3 children under 2 years. This helps maintain balance as you invite new treasures into your home, and gift back to charity those items that no longer serve your family. Take care to only donate good quality items. It’s a simple way to model generosity and sustainability for our children.
Montessori thrifting is about slowing down, and drawing on your creativity to notice potential in what others have discarded. With a bit of patience and an open mind, you can find Montessori treasures at a fraction of the cost.
