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DIY Minimalist Montessori Nesting Dolls for Children

We’re back with another Nesting Doll tutorial! This one is inspired by Montessori toys, which are simple, functional, and beautiful toys that are made from natural and safe materials. Montessori toys are those that meet a child where they are developmentally and help them improve motor and life skills. Although we don’t live a fully Montessori lifestyle, we love incorporating some the principals at our house. These Montessori Nesting Dolls are made from wood and non-toxic paint, allow for open-ended play, and are for sure beautiful – I’d love to have my toy shelf covered in toys like these! Keep reading for the tutorial (spoiler alert, it’s only one step)!

DIY Minimalist Montessori Nesting Dolls for Children + a tutorial featured by Top US Craft Blog + The Pretty Life Girls

Supplies needed to make Montessori Nesting Dolls

Unfinished Nesting Dolls
Non-toxic paint

DIY Minimalist Montessori Nesting Dolls for Children + a tutorial featured by Top US Craft Blog + The Pretty Life Girls

How to make Montessori Nesting Dolls

Step 1: Paint dolls.

Yep, that’s it. Just apply a couple coats of non-toxic paint in a variety of colors on unfinished wood nesting dolls, and let them dry completely.

DIY Minimalist Montessori Nesting Dolls for Children + a tutorial featured by Top US Craft Blog + The Pretty Life Girls

Ideas for playing with Montessori Nesting Dolls

Once they’re all dry, it’s time to play! Here are a few ideas for guiding your child when playing with the nesting dolls (some are more obvious than others):

  • Sort the pieces into tops and bottoms
  • Sort the pieces by colors
  • Practice fine motor skills by opening and closing each doll
  • Nest the dolls, one inside another
  • Arrange the dolls largest to smallest and smallest to largest
  • Use the dolls to explain size words like small, large, little, big, short, tall, etc
  • Act out stories with the dolls
  • Use the dolls for counting and math

Can you believe the possibilities for one little toy? That’s why we love them so much!

DIY Minimalist Montessori Nesting Dolls for Children + a tutorial featured by Top US Craft Blog + The Pretty Life Girls

DIY Minimalist Montessori Nesting Dolls for Children + a tutorial featured by Top US Craft Blog + The Pretty Life Girls

DIY Minimalist Montessori Nesting Dolls for Children + a tutorial featured by Top US Craft Blog + The Pretty Life Girls

Happy crafting (and playing)!
xo, Liz


If you like this Montessori-inspired toy tutorial, check out these projects!

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DIY Kids Rainbow Peg Board Game

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