New Mexico Kids! Annual Holiday Gift Guide

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By KAY SNYDER

Mery the Cherry Teether (birth and older)

These days you can get a teether just about anywhere, but you can’t always find teethers like these by Oli & Carol – handmade in Morocco from all natural rubber and handpainted with natural pigments. They are also shaped like fruit so babies can practice “eating” healthy food while they gnaw on something cute. $14.99 at Toyopolis in Santa Fe.

Indestructibles Baby Books (birth and older)

Perfect for tossing into a diaper bag for on-the-go baby entertaining, Indestructibles books are, as the name suggests, indestructible. These colorful books are rip proof and chew proof. They also can be washed, even in the dishwasher. Many different titles are available, making them great stocking stuffers. $5.95 at Toyopolis in Santa Fe.

DimplStacks (6 months and older)

Fat Brain Toys does it again. Not only are DimplStacks perfect for stacking (which helps build baby’s coordination and reasoning skills), they are also great for pushing and popping because these stacking toys are made from soft silicone bubbles, each with a uniquely textured pattern on top. Made from 100 percent non-toxic food-grade silicone. $20.99 at Toyopolis in Santa Fe.

Spin Again (12 months and older)

Spin Again uses forces of gravity to entertain toddlers (and adults too for that matter!). As baby places one of the five colorful disks on the threaded corkscrew column, they can then watch as it twirls all the way down to the reversible base. Disks come in different shapes and colors to make this even more fun – and educational – for toddlers. $29.99 at Toyopolis in Santa Fe.

Hape Tito Pull-Along (12 months and older)

With his liquid-filled “shell,” Tito the turtle is ready to be pulled along by a little one who’s just learning how to walk. As he is pulled, his shell rolls, helping toddlers learn cause and effect by watching the green liquid that travels from one part of Tito’s shell to another. Made of high-quality wood. $23 at the Santa Fe Children’s Museum.

Spike the Fine Motor Hedgehog Fidget Friend (18 months and older)

Spike the Fine Motor Hedgehog Fidget Friend by Learning Resources gives tiny hands fun things to twist, turn, push and spin. This toy helps children build hand strength and fine motor skills. And who can resist that cute hedgehog face? $13.99 at learningresources.com.

Animal Puzzle and Playset (2 and older)

This toy by Begin Again is a puzzle and a playset in one. For each letter of the alphabet, there is an animalshaped puzzle piece. Kids can fit all the pieces together in one fun twisty puzzle or use their imagination by playing with the animals separately. $38 at the International Folk Art Museum in Santa Fe. A smaller dog family version also is available for $15.

Uncle Goose Elemental Blocks (2 and older)

Instead of the traditional ABC blocks, why not introduce little ones early to the periodic table of the elements? These colorful blocks by Uncle Goose each contain the atomic number, symbol and name for six different elements. They are handmade from sustainable basswood and printed with non-toxic inks. $38 at the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History in Albuquerque.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW...

From Birth to Elementary... and Beyond

In 2019, Montessori ONE Academy opened New Mexico's first Nido, an authentic Montessori infant environment. The Nido serves infants starting at six weeks and gives families the opportunity to grow with the school from infancy through elementary.

Although the school's award-winning preschool opened in 2007, it wasn't until 2015 when the Elementary Program opened and families had the opportunity to bring their child's preschool experience to the next level. The result has been universal acceptance to Albuquerque's top private middle and high schools such as Albuquerque Academy, Sandia Prep, and Bosque School.

Executive Function and Self-Regulation

Executive Functioning is defined as the skills and mental processes that enable us to plan, focus attention, juggle multiple tasks successfully, and remember instructions. It often includes Self-Regulation and these two skills depend on three types of brain function: working memory, mental flexibility, and selfcontrol.

Montessori ONE Academy does a masterful job of cultivating these skills in the children's everyday experiences. The result is calm, responsible, independent, and resourceful problem-solvers and leaders.

On-Site Care and Enrichment

On-site Before and After Care is particularly important to working parents, as is, on-site after school activities such as gymnastics, music and physical education. Less time in the car traveling to and from activities during a busy week allows more time for families to connect at home.

Montessori ONE also has enrichment programs designed to support student interests and development. From Spanish language lessons and gardening to the intergenerational program connecting children with AMARAN Senior Living residents through collaborative activities such as art, reading, and cooking.

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WHY WE CHOSE MONTESSORI ONE ACADEMY

By Danielle Reilly Weed

When my daughters were two and four, I decided to expand my consulting business and enroll them in preschool full-time. Our family had a few basic requirements: The preschool had to provide before and after care on-site to accommodate our work schedules. It had to be geographically convenient to either home or office. It needed to have experienced teachers. Finally, the school had to be grounded in an educational philosophy.

I scoured the internet for ideas and asked friends for recommendations. Of the four schools that met our criteria, one school stood hands and shoulders above the rest-- Montessori ONE Academy.

From the moment I stepped into Montessori ONE, I recognized it was different from the other candidates. The facility was modern, clean, organized, and beautiful. It was quiet with only the ambient buzz of calm conversation. As I toured each classroom, I observed focused and engaged preschool children working independently or in small groups. I watched teachers, known as Guides, provide lessons on mathematics and cursive writing. The activities seemed beyond preschool capability-- reading, spelling, geography, cleaning, organizing, and collaborating. I saw children move freely about the classroom in a calm and orderly fashion, entrusted to find materials, execute "Work", and then clean up after themselves. I marveled at the courteous and helpful interactions between children of mixed ages in a single classroom.

Watching these focused, happy, and peaceful children exceling academically, emotionally, and socially became a very moving-- and humbling-- moment for me. I wanted to give my children those gifts, but thought it was out of reach. I realized that I had been underestimating my own children's capabilities. I was reminded that there was so much I didn't know about early childhood development. I was also reminded that whenever we don't have the skills or expertise to get a job done ourselves, we hire professionals. So, we "hired" the professionals at Montessori ONE Academy and have never looked back. Knowing that there is scientific, evidentiary support behind the Montessori curriculum and its activities gives us an incredible amount of confidence. Seeing the results of that education gives us immense joy.

This year marks our family's fifth year at Montessori ONE. Our daughters are currently enrolled in the Elementary program and are outperforming our expectations. They are independent, clever, compassionate, motivated problem-solvers who are enthusiastic about life and learning. We recommend the school to every parent who asks.

Montessori ONE Academy's open enrollment period begins in January 2022. For information, visit montessorione.net.

If it’s too cold to go to the park, bring the park indoors. This slide by WowWee is made of heavy duty cardboard that is sturdy enough to be safe for children up to 50 lbs. And since it’s made of cardboard, it can fold up for easy storage. Best of all, it’s recyclable. Sunny or Rainbow slides are available. $29.99 on Amazon.com.

Space Playbox (3 and older)

Houston, we have a playset. This set by Floss & Rock contains 15 wooden space figures, including an astronaut, aliens and even some space puppies. With the Space Playbox, the box itself is part of the fun; it opens up to reveal the inside of a spaceship so children have a place for their space adventures to come to life. The best part - it’s portable, so space fun can continue on-the-go. $29.99 at Toyopolis in Santa Fe.

Hopping Horse (3 and older)

This toy takes the fun of bouncing on a hopper ball and makes it even better by giving children the chance to bounce on a soft, rubber horse. Children can get some exercise and let their imagination go West as they ride this noble steed. Hopping Horse is 22 inches tall and comes with its own pump. The plush cover is removable and machine-washable. $34 at the Santa Fe Children’s Museum.

The Genius Square (6 and older)

In this award-winning puzzle game, children use dice to determine where the circle “blockers” go on the square grid. Then they must place the other colorful, differently shaped pieces in such a way that they fit perfectly around the blockers. It’s harder than it sounds! The Genius Square can be played with one or two players. $27.95 at the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History.

Dino World Terrarium (6 and older)

The Dino World Terrarium is a toy and science project in one. First, children grow their own tiny prehistoric world out of soil, sand, rocks and seeds. Once their plants grow, they have a place for their toy dinosaurs (included) to roam. Set also comes with a spray bottle for watering the seeds, stickers for decorating their terrarium and a build-in LED light for nighttime play. $30.95 at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science in Albuquerque.

Bug Bingo (6 and older)

Bug Bingo takes a familiar game and gives it a fun and educational twist. As children wait for their bugs to be called during the game, they are learning interesting facts about the creepy crawlies on their cards. Each game comes with 12 bingo cards and 200 counters. Monkey, Bird and Ocean Bingo games also are available. $29.99 at Toyopolis in Santa Fe. A smaller Dinosaur Bingo game is available for $19.99.

Cūbles (6 and older)

Cūbles combine paper dolls and origami for creative fun for kids. No need for scissors or glue to make these adorable paper creatures; children simply fold them by number to create 3D movable toys in the shape of an alien or a dog. $8.99 at the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History.

Zig and Go (8 and older)

Zig and Go by Djeco contains dominoes, tracks, ramps, marbles, teeter totters and wheels for children to use to build fun courses. What they don’t know is they are also learning about cause and effect, physics and momentum as they play. This set comes with 45 pieces that are made of high-quality wood and non-toxic paints. $55.99 at Toyopolis in Santa Fe.

Steel Works Model Motorcycle (8 and older)

This set includes more than 200 pieces of real steel parts for kids to create five models: motorcycle, tractor, robot, drag racer and trike. The models have articulated wheels for a real “driving” experience. Assembly is required, but all needed tools are included. $20 at the Santa Fe Children’s Museum.

Snap Ships Fusion Build Drone (8 and older)

Once upon a time there were toys that came with their own storyline and these toys were PlayMonster’s Snap Ships Fusion Build Drones. These sets come with everything needed for children to build a Forge drone capable of defeating their alien enemies, the Komplex. Each set is complete on its own, but the pieces can be snapped together to create a new Fusion build. These toys inspire problem-solving and creativity. $7.99 - $24.99 (depending on the drone) at playmonster.com.

What do you get when you combine pre-rolled paper pipes by inserting them together like a puzzle? Incredible 3D, anime-like robots. These paper crafts take less than 30 minutes and don’t need glue or tape to assemble. When they are completed, the robots even have moveable joints for play. Instructions are included. $22 at the Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe.

Tree of Life (preteen and older)

Inspired by Mexican Folk Art, the Tree of Life showcases creativity in a unique way. First children assemble the wooden pieces to form an art piece made of people and animals. Then they can decorate their assembled creation any way they wish. $28 at the Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe.

New Nova Flying Spinner (preteen and older)

The New Nova Flying Spinner, shaped like a UFO, uses AI technology to perform tricks as kids practice using different throwing speeds and angles to get it to fly around the room. To start it up, simply push the power button and give it a shake. It only needs 15 minutes to charge by attaching it to a computer with a USB cable. $29.99 at newwaveshoppe.com.

Game of Phones (teen)

Instead of fighting with your teens about being on their phones, why not turn phone-use into a family game? With Game of Phones, players compete by using their cell phones to come up with the best responses to the prompt on the cards. The player with the most liked responses wins. Works best with three or more players. Mini packs also are available, including the Offline pack and the Family pack. $29.95 on Amazon.com.

Schrödinger’s Cat Mugs (teen)

Will these mugs still be cute even if you don’t see them for yourself? The answer is yes! Pour hot water into one mug and the cat in the box is alive. Pour hot water into the other and…not so much. It’s a fun way to teach teens the quantum mechanics “thought experiment” by Erwin Schrödinger. $23 at the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History in Albuquerque.

Book suggestions from Page 1 Books in Albuquerque

Board Books (babies-preschool)

Babies will enjoy guessing which animal will form next as different shapes combine and interact in Get Together by Miguel Ordonez. “Little Blue House Beside the Sea” by Jo Ellen Bogart introduces little ones to the beauty of the ocean and reminds them that this beauty is something we all share. The colorful illustrations and sweet language in “Sweet, Sweet Baby!” by Javaka Steptoe lets babies know just how much they are loved.

Picture Books (3-7)

“In Bright Star” by New York Times bestselling author Yuyi Morales, a beautiful fawn learns to face her fears while she travels across the border countryside, which might inspire children to do the same. In “This is a Gift for You”, Emily Winfield Martin encourages children to not only give gifts, but also to appreciate all the gifts they have in life, such as hugs, sunsets and holding hands. A star wishes upon a kid in “Twinkle Twinkle Little Kid” by Drew Daywalt, leading to a sweet and surprising friendship.

Early Readers (4-8)

As a Step 2 reader, “Grumpy Monkey: Ready, Set, Bananas!” by Suzanne Lang helps children enjoy learning to read with the story of Grumpy Monkey and his friends running a race toward the finish line – until they find something more appealing to start racing toward. In “Waffles & Pancake: Planetary-yum” by Drew Brockington, kittens Waffles and Pancake get separated from Dad-Cat during a visit to the science museum, leading to a fun sciencefilled adventure. Children learn about the inspiring story of Maria Tallchief, a Native American prima ballerina who refused to give in to peer pressure and worked hard to succeed, in “She Persisted: Maria Tallchief” by Christina Day and Chelsea Clinton.

Middle Grade (8-12)

For preteens who love the unexpected, “Beasts and Beauty: Dangerous Tales” by Soman Chainani takes 12 classic fairy tales and twists them in mysterious and spooky ways. “Kaleidoscope” by award-winning author Brian Selznick plays with words and worlds like a kaleidoscope and explores the concept of love through the story of two people who are connected to each other – even in their dreams. After strangers kidnap his father, Silas Bird begins a rescue mission with only a ghost named Mittenwool and a mysterious pony in “Pony” by R.J. Palacio.

Young Adult (12-18)

Inspired by West African mythology, “Skin of the Sea” by Natasha Bowen tells the story of a mermaid, Simidele of the Mami Wata, who collects the souls of those who die at sea. But when she chooses to save a life instead, Simi must make amends for this forbidden act with the Supreme Creator. “In Any Sign of Life” by Rae Carson, teenage Paige wakes up from an illness only to find no one else around. Certain that she is the only one left alive, she leaves home to find a way to survive and to find out what happened to everyone else. “Dark and Shallow Lies” by Ginny Myers Sain tells the story of Grey, whose friend Elora has disappeared and no one know why, even though their town, La Cachette, is known as the “Psychic Capital of the World.” As Grey seeks to find answers, she discovers more than she bargained for – including her own psychic abilities.