thanks for the recommendations!! Just wanted to drop a quick note about Montessori--I was raised in Montessori schools and methods in early childhood, and while there are so many wonderful things about it, I would be a extra aware of any perfectionist/anxious tendencies that might come up with this method. When I was young, I was mostly presented with toys/books/activities that I was "ready"' for, so I was used to being able to quickly and easily master materials independently. When it came time to master more complex subjects in school, I would get extremely frustrated, and even feel shame, if I couldn't quickly, and independently, master what was being presented to me. Just something to think about and watch out for : )

My grandma who is no longer living bought a book that has questions she filled out for me. To this day I still have it and keep it with my special photos.

Rupert has such good taste, sticker books were my childhood- both those dress up ones and activity ones brought back memories haha, i 100% get his choices

Letters from your Elders is such a great idea! -I can relate to Rupert’s excitement over advent calendars. According to our chocolate advent calendar, there are 5 more days until Christmas…

Not Rupert dressing as the Statue of Liberty for Christmas lol

I love how Jessica was so passionate about each thing that I genuinely thought the video was sponsored by a company that makes those toys multiple times until that segment ended and I realized that nope they just have ringing endorsements

The Chinese books made me laugh because I had those as a child too as a Chinese-Indonesian child who went to Chinese preschool and Kindergarten. My dad also had Bahasa Indonesian books for me which had English so my non-Indonesian Mom could still read me the books.

Number 5 had me in tears😭 as someone who has lost most of my grandparents I felt that right in my heart because there's so many stories I wish I had written down since I've forgotten so many of the ones I heard as a kid.

This made me wonder if the felt boards I played with as a kid are still a thing. It like paper dolls/scenes but as they were made of felt they would stick to each other then to the felt background board. Added bonus was they could be decorated with fabric paint. I loved those things so much. More than dolls or barbies in my younger days. My mom loved that it was portable and stored well with just the board and a gallon ziplock of my felt figures.

subscriptions are especially great for kids i think. my great grandmother got me a magazine subscription as a kid, she's been gone a long time but im still reminded of her when i see a Highlight Magazine in the store. and my mom got me a subscription box that came with a mystery & all the evidence to solve it, i still have such fond memories of sitting in the living room floor waiting for her to let me open it& then helping me figure it out ❤

sticker books and magnetic and felt dress-up scene makers were my favorite as a kid!! rupert knows what's up

sticker dolly dressing books were one of my favourite things ever as a kid, i was obsessed with coming up with (actually kinda gay looking back) backstories for the characters

Last Christmas I got KiwiCo boxes for all my nibblings based off your recommendation and I have to say my brothers were telling me how much their kids enjoyed them all year! Especially for my youngest niece who was only a few months old! They REALLY appreciated the developmental toys and the cards with info on how to use them to support growth ❤

my niece has been obsessed with trucks from a very young age and we found someone on youtube who makes songs and accompanying music videos for every type of truck and bus out there. i now know the name of every type of truck and bus out there because it was all she wanted to listen to or watch for about 3 years straight.

Montissori is wonderful. I was so happy when I found a Montessori nursery near me for my kids. The style of learning did wonders for my kids. And high five to the Yoto! I got my kids them when they were 2 & 4 and they love using them and it was so easy for them. Now at 5 & 7 they still love winding down with their fav stories.

Rupert has grown SO much oh my GOSH I swear he was just a little bean in a buggy like a year ago!

I love all of Jessica's parenting related videos despite not having and maybe not wanting kids. I grew up doing some Montessori related things (I went to Montessori school from ages 2-11) and I so agree with what you said at the beginning about how some children are "ahead" at some things and "behind" on others and all of that is completely ok! I know I have memories of doing algebra with sidewalk chalk in front of my house when in elementary school because I saw my dad doing math for work one day and wanted him to teach me and I loved it. So I was way ahead in that way. However, in other ways like learning grammar or some physical activities, I was behind. I love seeing how you and Claudia go at Rupert's pace and I love all of the things he has picked out! Also I know he loves his princess dolls, do you guys have any other fantasy like figurines? I had a collection of cool dragons and pegasus and a phoenix and other things as a kid that I played with alongside my people dolls/figurines and it was so so much fun to come up with stories and do arts and crafts projects to design elaborate backgrounds of castles and forests and other things that they were playing in as well. Just an idea as he gets older!

I would so have loved the dress-the-characters sticker books! They look very enjoyable. 🎀💖🎀

Jessica this couldn't be more timely for my family! My 10mo son's grandma takes care of him during the day, and wanted some kind of entertainment system idea for his birthday present. The Yoto is so perfect, exactly what she had in mind.

I remember having Winx sticker book as a child. They were all about the clothes and I was super confused by them because I hated dress up.

i can't take it, his little British accent is so cute 🥺

What beautiful, unique, well thought out gift ideas! Rupert in that Christmas cape is now my most adorable image! 😍🥰

Having a low sound setting is such a considerate inclusion on the musical singing book lol

Lovevery is a UK based Montessori products maker that also is available for the US and the EU. Their products are quite expensive but very well made so, it can be a good idea to purchase them for your first child and let the future kids inherit them as they grow.

My 2 yr old goes to a Montessori day care and she loves sweeping and wiping up... So much so she tips her leftovers on the floor so she can clean them up 🤦🏼‍♀️. She is really into playing with baby dolls at the moment. Magic water painting is also a favourite. (Alongside books, music and trains)

I'm pretty sure stickers are a child hack for raising kids bc I was *enamored* with stickers as a kid (...and now). Some of the few memories I have of childhood include receiving stickers during potty training and for good work on homework. I literally would do anything for a sticker😂

You might want to try giving him a sticker collection book. There are some cute ones and if he finds stickers out in the wild he will have a place to put them.

I have a total of 5 nieces/ nephews to shop for this year who are all toddlers so thank you 😁

Always wondered how to do Christmas presents for the little ones. Thank you!

He has your style. How cute

Something that is i think less complex but similar to the Yoto Box is that Toni Box.. it is basically like a cd player except with little figurines, you can put on it. It works quite well and the figurines can double as a toy.. (Edit: Jessica just mentioned it)

honestly i thought i would hate the musical toys and that they would drive me crazy...but they didnt! most of the time my baby enjoys whatever is playing and its fun to see or you know he is interested in playing and you know you can keep on doing whatever you are doing (dishes, cooking...).

OMGG I WENT TO MONTESSORI AS A CHILD❤❤❤❤❤❤ best BEST education ever, so much exploring, small groups, gentle but progressive and good education and doing tasks and things!!!!, I wish every child could have that! ❤❤❤I LOVED our Montessori teachers

When my son was little he walked a bit later and as he grew he couldn't run or even walk properly. We found out that was due to the development or lack of in his feet and he actually needed foot reconstruction as he grew. So while running may not seem like quite a big deal it is something to possibly keep an eye on as he grows. But yes, each child has their own strengths that come out at different times

his little voice!!!!! omg

You should put braille labels on the yoto cards, maybe see if you can find a braille board to teach him braille, it could come in handy if he goes through vision loss when he's older,as well as teach others braille.

Love these ideas! Something we got our 2.5 year old this year that may be up Rupert's alley for the holidays is The Story Orchestra: The Nutcracker. It's a musical book as well, that features snippets from the ballet. The illustrations are gorgeous! It does have regular paper pages, though, instead of board book pages like most musical books.

I saw a montessory toy portable microscope on the internet advertised for toddlers and bought it for myself... The toys I couldn't have as a child... 😂 the science stuff. I've been into nature identification lately (past few years) so this will be cool to use on lichen and insects, I hope. I have biology as a minor in university, and we were supposed to buy a loupe for a course. Didn't get it yet. Maybe soon... I also think binoculars are a great 'toy' to get for a child. I had the privilege of showing baby ducklings on their mother's back on a lake through my binoculars to a small child last autumn and it was amazing. I bet she had never seen that irl before. And legos and puzzles. You know, there are sturdy and small versions of these to different ages. I've been thinking that I want to teach them species identification early on when I have a child. Not just 'fantasy bird', but the real names from the start. I grew up thinking real-life birds and other species were dull and uncolorful because the pictures in cartoons were always fantasy species. (And I didn't know much wild species. But I learned pet species and dog breeds easily, so why not wild species?) This could be my personality but I think nature immersion is important to children. Looking after animals as well. I want to take them to help at a sanctuary, shelter or stable together if we can't have our own animals. Taking care of animals is important to children's development. Being familiar with nature teaches them empathy, responsibility, and is also a good stepping stone for them to do well in school. Oh no, all these ideas about how I want to raise my children. I don't even have a spouse yet.

I think, when I finally have a kid, I will use each and every one of these tips. These are very good items.

I like the concept of the Yoto player being able to make your own cards, it would be handy for asn children with communication difficulties.

My sister (who gardens) also wonders if she is pushing her hobby on her daughter - but I think it's great that her kid will be able to connect with her on this, even if it's not a lasting fascination

I had swan lake ‘sticker’ books - but the stickers were reusable - the surface of the book had a laminate feel and both the characters and there costumes were the ‘stickers’ that you could place on the scenes 10/10 would recommend - I spent hours positioning the characters and acting out stories with them

I have a feeling when Rupert is 5-7 he'll be very much into the where's wallie books

You have such a soothing voice and are an amazing mum. Thank you for helping me be a better future dad ❤❤❤.

Now I want a Christmas tree cape.

Now we need a vintage guide too ❤❤❤

I literally just watched a TechMoan video on the Yoto player & Mini Yoto. He had Beatles albums on the cards as well as story books kids songs. He thought it was pretty unique & worth the money. Tbh I wouldn't mind a grown-up version of the Yoto. 💖

I would have loved the music player! I love how you made it into part of your scheduling process!

My immediate reaction to this was ooh, great ideas for our family. We don't have toddlers. We're all adults, the youngest cousin is officially a teen. I still loved all of these.

Me with two teenagers watching anyway 😅

really looking forward to the video about inclusive children's books ^^

The music player seems like it would be good for older people who struggle with technology too! I'd love to be able to get my grandma something that she could listen to podcasts on, because she finds the radio a bit depressing

my Montessori grandson, dresses himself. He has one drawer with shirts, and one with bottoms. He picks the on top shirt and on top bottom and that is IT for him. Don't let shorts get in there during winter, or fleece top in summer. If it's there he wears it. Clothing means nothing, but he does like a dinosaur shirt the best.

The second I have kids, I'll get them this Chinese learning book! I studied Mandarin at uni and I want to start teaching my future kids English and Chinese apart from my native language

Do I have a child? No. Am I planning of having one anytime soon? No. Did I still very much enjoy watching this? Yes I did. 😃

My 18 month old is getting a Yoto mini for Christmas and I think he's going to love it! Music and autonomy in one? Two things he adores!

OMG, I have that exact tray table! It is amazing!

I had a dressup sticker book when I was younger, I SO wish I had gotten more, because it was so fun! While I don't have children yet, my husband and I really want to ideally keep screen-time to a minimum when we do (though we know we might have to give ourselves some grace), so we always love seeing ideas for activities that can be done while out that arent tablet and smartphone-centric. If you have more ideas for acitivities that fill that place, I'd love to hear them :)

Rupert has such good hand dextarity! Idk if thats age average or not but go lil guy, grasp the world!

I live for your Christmas content

So cute. My son is 4 and has been obsessed with trains since before 2. He just decided one day trains was his thing. It has become an obsession we have to watch everything with a train and we have been to a rail museum and on steam engine rides. I hope he never loses his love for them because it is my favorite thing to do with him. His little eyes light up every time.

Omg I love the Christmas cape!! I want one for myself now 😍😍😍

I still love stickerbooks ,its so fun with scrapbooking 💙

All of the gifts you showed us are excellent and thoughtful! ❤️ The Yoto box reminds me of the 8 track players back in the day but the Yoto box is even better! Love Rupert’s little laugh…it’s so cute. 😊 The part about your hearing aids…I can totally understand that too (hearing aid wearer here). 😊 Thank you for this fun video! 😊

Thank you for the gift guide! I’m always looking for fun and educational items for my nephew. 😊

Happy holidays jessica💜

I loved sticker books! ❤

Oh man the Usborne sticker books...I definitely had more than one ballet one as a kid! They're so fun!

The first gift is so cute! I was thinking it'd be great for language learning or just any school topic really

What a brilliant video - loved all the ideas and think you must be a super mum too.

Sticker book is a great idea! We are big fans of lovevery in our house hold ❤❤❤

I love your content already but it helps that our boys are the same age! This is perfect, thank you!❤

what a cutie...

Love every bring so much joy to my grandson. These are all wonderful suggestions thank you.

So excited to get a Yoto for my bubba's second birthday next year 😁 Also just got her a sticker book for our plane journey next week, cause I think she is Just going to be able to stick them

One brother was an athlete - runner - and the bloke you wanted on your quiz team. Another was a footballer and the bloke you wanted at your party. Another, an artist and poet and whose wife could totally pull you out of a hole when it came to ’the music round’. Another a humanities nerd, par excellence - quiz team gold. I had a bit of all their gifts, but mastered none. I understood maths and physics, though, which escaped ALL of them. My daddy was an engineer, ’disappointed’ with his sons. (That’s a joke) I was a teacher. So was my mother. Our parents encouraged us, invested in us and brought out the best in us. They cheered us on, but never pushed. They just loved us for who we were and not as a reflection of them - we are our own machines.

Have used spaced repetition to learn names of construction vehicles 🙋 (maybe birds next…). Our almost two year old has thus far mainly gotten painters tape to stick. In her advent calendar I gave her some stickers and cards. It was adorable to see that she stuck one sticker on each and lined most of them up. Keeping my eyes peeled for some sticker books (or nice stickers in general now). 👀

I love to watch your stuff I find it inspiring and fills me with love and happy-go-lucky vibes. Also if u don't know something look it up with your kiddo so u get to learn together and it helps to make more memories for u all. Best wishes and lots of love

I love stickers but my cousins will kill me if I give stickers to their kids 🤣 I do love giving bilingual books though. And also books with local and regional stories (south east asia) because there really isn't enough exposure to the local folktales.

I want the sticker books!

The timing of this video is great for me. I've just been browsing online and making a list of potential gifts for my godsons. One is 6 and the other is 20 months. They're very different too and as an artist I love buying them arts and crafts presents but it's so hard to find them for toddlers!

Great picks this year, Jessica! I’ve been looking for a good card selection box like that for our kid’s Yoto cards - do you have a link for that bit?

Nice

Even if you have more children, I have three, they all have different personalities and develop at different rates to each other so you never know what's coming next. I think I had more confidence when my 2nd child was born because my 1st was thriving. And again with my 3rd.

❤

💜!

Rupert has an amazing sticker book collection, but how many ballet sticker books does he have? And will he watch Billy Elliot in portions? And I'm sure he's seen Rudolf Nureyev on Muppets. Does Clara or Evalina have a blog, bc I've missed them?

will rupert be trilingual (BSL, English, Mandarin)??

Do I have a child? No Will I have a child soon? No Am I planning on having a child in the future? Not really Have I watched this whole video? Yes absolutely

Pardon me for being so jealous of young Rupert I would love to have been a kid with parents like you and grandad like your whichever granddad it was who gave him that wonderful little player, wow kids these days they get so many good things that I never had and I can be a little bit jealous because while I'm an old lady and I don't think I'm ever going to be a kid again as they say so I'm jealous of the young, they have it better then us old folks ( and well while my own kids will tell you I'm not that old I'm telling you right now I feel ancient) Rupert is so very lucky I hope one day he realizes just how lucky he is I know that won't come for a lot of years but I hope when it does, that all those who made his life such a joyous Juan will be around to tell him.

If your son likes sticker books, he might enjoy Fuzzy Felt? 😊

I don't know why I was so surprised to hear Rupert having a British sccent

I really love your attention to Rupert's needs and desires! If possible, can we keep family content out of Rupert's bedroom? That's his place to rest and recuperate from his day, not to be filmed for Mamma's work. I'm surprised I even know what it looks like still. I also notice that in avoiding face shots, there are a lot more leg/upward shots. Shooting from downward and behind might be slightly more private for Rupert. I appreciate your care in not showing his face, and as he gets older and develops a little consciousness, we need to be more careful about what we expect in terms of acceptance of being filmed.

I assume you supervise him while he is stirring the pot or whatever it is he is stirring I think you said scrambled eggs when I was two or three I was doing sword of the same thing only I was drying dishes, bear in mind my mother did not know what to make of me and didn't really want me around too much but that's another story for another time I think it was because she found it more convenient to put me doing something then leaving me to my own devices.

You should have gone into Early childhood Education. you Get the concept of Toddlerhood.

Myself i love to get them a Dinosaur Figure for them as a dream Protector for the child Jessica. ♥️🎁🎄🎅🦖🦕♥️

Is Usborne an MLM?

We have both a yoto and a tonie, I think the yoto is better …

I know that you can't physically like me do any kind of rolling with him but maybe your wife could it doesn't take much to teach a kid how to how to like roll over you know you tuck your head in you push off with your hands and you roll, maybe in the gymnastics they do it but you could also do it by example if you have somebody at home to do it with him... But how you're going about it is perfectly fine, and you're probably not saying anything about such things like cartwheels that would frighten him unfortunately I did not have a mother like that my mother told me that her fear of cartwheels came because she had taken a fall which gave me a fear of doing them I could only do them if they were off the ground I could only do handsprings if they were off the ground in short a lot of the fears that I have came because my mother was not a very nice and inside of those phobias in me, I was lucky I was the kind of stubborn kid who was still going to try to find a way to do what I wanted to do regardless of being afraid to it... So you do get the mom of the Year badge you and your spouse.

You saying Yoto wrong lol Only from my point of view, this is how it how are you saying it very differently, but yeah my eight-year-old like nearly 9-year-old absolutely loves his Yoto player it’s the best thing in the whole wide world definitely recommend it for any gift from any age