Dollar Tree is one of my favorite places to get things for my kids. I find that by sticking to budget friendly items most of the time, I can splurge when needed on something that I can't really find a cheaper version of anywhere else. This way, my kids get all the benefits and I don't go broke trying to afford all the expensive items. The markups on toys that are Montessori or Montessori inspired is ridiculous (due to the rising popularity of Montessori and the general desire for aestheticly pleasing play areas in our Instagram driven world) so I have to choose wisely. Thanks for such a great video. I saw a few things that I don't think I've seen in my DT before so I'm going to add them to my list of stuff to look for.
This may or may not be a Montrssori video option: how you as a Mom are adjusting to the girls being gone for a few hours. And if possible, while respecting their privacy, how they are adjusting to school and how you're helping mitigate strong feelings.
Plastic can be great for those of us with sensory processing disorders. Clanking metal can be very loud if you have hypersensitive hearing and unlacqued or unpainted wood can be very overwhelming if you either have hyper or hyposensitivity to touch.
Would you consider doing an updated morning school routine now that the girls are in school? Also, if you can do an updated declutter on what you kept? On the same vein, I'd be super interested to see how the girl's shelf are updated now that they're in school. Thank You!
My daughter likes using the small paint trays for pompoms, the purple scoops for her rice bin. I got a bag of stones and shells from the dollar tree along with some small lizard figurines and used them in a tray full of DIY sand. She had fun finding them 😊 We have a set of small cooking utensils for her as well for when we bake together
Wow thanks for showing us some really good ideas Ashley. I sure wish we had a big Dollar Tree like you were at ours isn't nearly as big as that. It really had some nice things.
Wow! I'm so excited to see this. My 2 year old hasn't gotten as much Montessori in her life because her sisters are older but these are some great ideas to get her started.
Also the inflatable globe gets holes very very easily, I would a pass on that one if your kids aren't super gentle. The nets have the same issue, but you can sew it back together.
I have the blue lid storage food container. Be aware that where the flip open lid is attached to the top the holes go straight into the container So if you have issues with insects, look for their purple lid food storage container. It's the same size but the lid is attached so that insects can not get inside.
Ikea has opened in our place and I m after my hubby to take me there for our 3.5 year old. he's resisting as its a 2hour drive from our home(1 way) so, it would be 3.5 to 4 hour drive+shopping. A big NO! For him. He would be spared for more than a week till I watch your new video and make a new list.😂 Actually, yday I went back to watch the old ikea vlog of yours, for a clarity n ideas. And I felt it's a bit old dated, coz many of the things were taken out and new ones were added, instead. And now, you're mentioning to do a new ikea vlog next week, which is exciting! I don't know how you read my mind, it's 2nd or 3rd coincidence that you made/ will make a video I wish to see. Thank you, Eagerly waiting for next thrusdays vlog.
I researched about montessory schools and i found that they are extremely expensive. In my opinion price should be made affordable so parents can afford it not just the rich ones.
This is totally anecdotal but I didn’t go to Montessori while a lot of other kids in my high school did. One of the reasons I chose to follow Montessori is because it was Obvious which kids went to Montessori even in high school. They were curious and responsible and just overall seemed more adjusted and independent thinkers than most of the rest of us. All of them were top ten percent but not valedictorian. The valedictorian and I were intense and competitive and motivated by grades rather than learning at the time while those other kids seemed to enjoy learning for learning’s sake. Anyway as adults they’re all pretty balanced? A few teachers. A travel blogger. Politician (ha ha). Electrician. Airplane mechanics. I know it’s anecdotal but it stood out to me a lot.
My son is 19mo and puts EVERYTHING in his mouth, it’s so hard to have him paint or color. He also throws all of the non plastic plates or glasses we give him. Is this normal and how can I keep trying Montessori if he destroys/eats everything lol Thank you for all your videos btw SUPER helpful! 🤍
I’m in the Denver, CO area. But you definitely have to shop around to the variety of DTs in your general vicinity, because I know the there are other ones in my area that aren’t as tidy or well-stocked as this particular one that I prefer!
They should be rolling out with an aisle that has items more expensive soon. They are implementing it nationwide since the buy out. Maybe ask the cashier when your local store plans to put one in.
It's so weird seeing items for $3-5 at a Dollar Tree. I'm still getting used to it being $1.25 here. Also, I feel like some of the electrical outlet things could be a good practical life activity for young children who are curious about the electrical outlets and plugs, but aren't old or mature enough to practice plugging things into a REAL outlet. One of those 3-outlet wall taps with a few old plugs (A 3-prong one, maybe a 2-prong one that has to be put in a certain way, and an old USB phone brick (like the one that came with an old iPhone- something basic) and a USB cable to plug into the USB charger).
There is tons of stuff at Dollar Tree at a good price, but I worry about the Quality. Don’t want the toxic plastic from China. But if you look for it then you can try to limit that.
Since you are going to ikea, check out the $6 wall trash can VARIERA … I use them as wall hung (3 command hooks) hampers for my toddler. Able to mount behind the bathroom door, light enough and small enough for toddler to carry with one hand. We usually do small loads so it’s perfect for a week of clothes.
I’m disappointed by the new content in this channel; I had been a follower for years and this just doesn’t seem authentic to the high quality content we were used to. I will continue revisiting old videos for specific references (potty training, introducing food to babies, homeschool-related topics, etc.).
Completely random thought from a curiosity stand point ... Do a lot of people still do 'setting the table' as adults? We never really focused on "setting the table" with my toddlers - they know their utensils and are familiar with getting a cup/plate for snacks, serving, and cleaning up, but even as adults, we rarely (even for family holidays) ever set the table with a napkin, utensil, etc.
I’m sure this likely varies by family preference and general culture, but I know that we set the table primarily for special occasions. However, this is is an activity that is still done in montessori classrooms. And I know that both of my girls greatly enjoyed setting their own table when they were toddlers, and still enjoy setting the table for the family when (they’re in the mood, haha) today!
I found this video mostly disappointing. Lots of plastic, poor quality, easily broken, junk that I have little faith is healthy for children. There have been many reports of toxic chemicals like lead and cadmium being found in dollar store products, and no wonder if they have to cut corners in production to keep the products under 1$. Have you smelled those kids toys like the squishy balls? You can smell the off-gassing. "Affordable" gets tossed around alot. Buy natural products from your local thrift store, reuse food packaging or buy 1-2 of something for $10-$15 instead of 10-15 of something for $10-$15. I think it cheapens your channel to have a video like this.
Your Dollar Tree is absolutely INSANE!!! I have never come across such a stocked dollar tree in my life
I know, my area doesn't have one as big. The biggest one I can get to is super messy too!
I was going to comment this same thing
I was thinking the same thing. My dollar tree doesn’t have that much stuff
Dollar Tree is one of my favorite places to get things for my kids. I find that by sticking to budget friendly items most of the time, I can splurge when needed on something that I can't really find a cheaper version of anywhere else. This way, my kids get all the benefits and I don't go broke trying to afford all the expensive items. The markups on toys that are Montessori or Montessori inspired is ridiculous (due to the rising popularity of Montessori and the general desire for aestheticly pleasing play areas in our Instagram driven world) so I have to choose wisely. Thanks for such a great video. I saw a few things that I don't think I've seen in my DT before so I'm going to add them to my list of stuff to look for.
I would love to see some activities that involve pieces from the dollar tree. I’m desperate for Montessori activities for my 3 year old. 😅
Actually, considering the quality and prices, you did a fabulous job of showing us how we can make these cheap things work.
This may or may not be a Montrssori video option: how you as a Mom are adjusting to the girls being gone for a few hours. And if possible, while respecting their privacy, how they are adjusting to school and how you're helping mitigate strong feelings.
Plastic can be great for those of us with sensory processing disorders. Clanking metal can be very loud if you have hypersensitive hearing and unlacqued or unpainted wood can be very overwhelming if you either have hyper or hyposensitivity to touch.
Would you consider doing an updated morning school routine now that the girls are in school?
Also, if you can do an updated declutter on what you kept? On the same vein, I'd be super interested to see how the girl's shelf are updated now that they're in school.
Thank You!
Loving these "shop with me" videos! I just recently rewatched the Ikea one so I'm looking forward to the updated version :)
Great ideas! It just shows that you never know what you'll find. It's so very worth it to take your time once in a while and explore.
My daughter likes using the small paint trays for pompoms, the purple scoops for her rice bin. I got a bag of stones and shells from the dollar tree along with some small lizard figurines and used them in a tray full of DIY sand. She had fun finding them 😊 We have a set of small cooking utensils for her as well for when we bake together
Wow thanks for showing us some really good ideas Ashley. I sure wish we had a big Dollar Tree like you were at ours isn't nearly as big as that. It really had some nice things.
Wow! I'm so excited to see this. My 2 year old hasn't gotten as much Montessori in her life because her sisters are older but these are some great ideas to get her started.
Man, I'm so jealous. On the PNW our stores aren't nearly this stocked 😍
YAYYY YAYYYYYY YAYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!! Keep ‘em coming!!!!
Y'all have a huge dollar tree! So much stocked.
I finally got your book and I’m loving it so much
Also the inflatable globe gets holes very very easily, I would a pass on that one if your kids aren't super gentle. The nets have the same issue, but you can sew it back together.
glass gems the best
I have the blue lid storage food container. Be aware that where the flip open lid is attached to the top the holes go straight into the container
So if you have issues with insects, look for their purple lid food storage container. It's the same size but the lid is attached so that insects can not get inside.
Good to know! ☺️
Ikea has opened in our place and I m after my hubby to take me there for our 3.5 year old. he's resisting as its a 2hour drive from our home(1 way) so, it would be 3.5 to 4 hour drive+shopping. A big NO! For him. He would be spared for more than a week till I watch your new video and make a new list.😂
Actually, yday I went back to watch the old ikea vlog of yours, for a clarity n ideas. And I felt it's a bit old dated, coz many of the things were taken out and new ones were added, instead.
And now, you're mentioning to do a new ikea vlog next week, which is exciting! I don't know how you read my mind, it's 2nd or 3rd coincidence that you made/ will make a video I wish to see. Thank you, Eagerly waiting for next thrusdays vlog.
it's a very expensive store in india
latt table, lillabo train set n other classic items are not available here.
I researched about montessory schools and i found that they are extremely expensive. In my opinion price should be made affordable so parents can afford it not just the rich ones.
Dollar Tree is my favorite for Montessori inspiration. I think I have owned every item you showed when I taught Montessori preschool in my home! 😂
Love your suggestions!
I frequent dollar tree about every other week 🤗
Thank you 😊
After your last video I was thinking to myself “I hope you go back to ikea, aka my second home” so yay!
Loved this video!! Thanks for the inpso
Wow thankyou for this vid
I know it's nothing to do with the video, which is very useful by the way, but you're gorgeous and luminous!
Yay ikea!!
Can I ask what state you’re in? Our Dollar Tree in Indiana has a lot of these same items but not all.
We just bought a basket from there, as a toddler sized laundry basket
? How are adults who’ve experienced Montessori doing as adults ?
What’s the output look like? CEOs? MIT grads? Or nice balanced people?
This is totally anecdotal but I didn’t go to Montessori while a lot of other kids in my high school did. One of the reasons I chose to follow Montessori is because it was Obvious which kids went to Montessori even in high school. They were curious and responsible and just overall seemed more adjusted and independent thinkers than most of the rest of us. All of them were top ten percent but not valedictorian. The valedictorian and I were intense and competitive and motivated by grades rather than learning at the time while those other kids seemed to enjoy learning for learning’s sake. Anyway as adults they’re all pretty balanced? A few teachers. A travel blogger. Politician (ha ha). Electrician. Airplane mechanics. I know it’s anecdotal but it stood out to me a lot.
Wow! Where is that Dollar tree? I've never seen one with that many things!!
Don't get the wire baskets for very young kids. My kiddo just sat on the baskets and flattened all of them
My son is 19mo and puts EVERYTHING in his mouth, it’s so hard to have him paint or color. He also throws all of the non plastic plates or glasses we give him. Is this normal and how can I keep trying Montessori if he destroys/eats everything lol
Thank you for all your videos btw SUPER helpful! 🤍
I prefer plastic trays and baskets. All my bamboo/wooden ones went mouldy and had to be thrown out. I live in a humid climate.
Where are you located because y Dollar Tree doesn't have the much variety =(
I’m in the Denver, CO area. But you definitely have to shop around to the variety of DTs in your general vicinity, because I know the there are other ones in my area that aren’t as tidy or well-stocked as this particular one that I prefer!
Our dollar tree only has 1.25 items, but you did inspire me to maybe check out 5 Below
They should be rolling out with an aisle that has items more expensive soon. They are implementing it nationwide since the buy out. Maybe ask the cashier when your local store plans to put one in.
It's so weird seeing items for $3-5 at a Dollar Tree. I'm still getting used to it being $1.25 here.
Also, I feel like some of the electrical outlet things could be a good practical life activity for young children who are curious about the electrical outlets and plugs, but aren't old or mature enough to practice plugging things into a REAL outlet. One of those 3-outlet wall taps with a few old plugs (A 3-prong one, maybe a 2-prong one that has to be put in a certain way, and an old USB phone brick (like the one that came with an old iPhone- something basic) and a USB cable to plug into the USB charger).
no vlog yet
Ah man, we’re so deprived in the UK, our budget stores don’t hold a candle to the US ones!
Damn, Dollar Tree stores in my area are always so empty (
There is tons of stuff at Dollar Tree at a good price, but I worry about the Quality. Don’t want the toxic plastic from China. But if you look for it then you can try to limit that.
Since you are going to ikea, check out the $6 wall trash can VARIERA … I use them as wall hung (3 command hooks) hampers for my toddler.
Able to mount behind the bathroom door, light enough and small enough for toddler to carry with one hand.
We usually do small loads so it’s perfect for a week of clothes.
I’m disappointed by the new content in this channel; I had been a follower for years and this just doesn’t seem authentic to the high quality content we were used to. I will continue revisiting old videos for specific references (potty training, introducing food to babies, homeschool-related topics, etc.).
Completely random thought from a curiosity stand point ... Do a lot of people still do 'setting the table' as adults? We never really focused on "setting the table" with my toddlers - they know their utensils and are familiar with getting a cup/plate for snacks, serving, and cleaning up, but even as adults, we rarely (even for family holidays) ever set the table with a napkin, utensil, etc.
I’m sure this likely varies by family preference and general culture, but I know that we set the table primarily for special occasions. However, this is is an activity that is still done in montessori classrooms. And I know that both of my girls greatly enjoyed setting their own table when they were toddlers, and still enjoy setting the table for the family when (they’re in the mood, haha) today!
This is where I get my trays shh now take the video down
I found this video mostly disappointing. Lots of plastic, poor quality, easily broken, junk that I have little faith is healthy for children. There have been many reports of toxic chemicals like lead and cadmium being found in dollar store products, and no wonder if they have to cut corners in production to keep the products under 1$. Have you smelled those kids toys like the squishy balls? You can smell the off-gassing. "Affordable" gets tossed around alot. Buy natural products from your local thrift store, reuse food packaging or buy 1-2 of something for $10-$15 instead of 10-15 of something for $10-$15.
I think it cheapens your channel to have a video like this.