I’ve been having LOTS of fun with my new granddaughter, who’s now 5½ months old. One of the items I’ve added to my home is a kitchen treasure basket. You’ll find treasure baskets in Montessori infant-toddler programs, and they’re great to have if you’re the parent, grandparent, or caregiver of a baby.
Treasure Baskets for Parents, Grandparents, and Caregivers of Babies
A treasure basket is a perfect way to allow your baby to explore without adding new toys. For grandparents, this is especially nice since you avoid the expense of buying extra toys and can remove or vary the treasure basket when it loses interest for your grandchild.
I have an introductory post called “How to Make a Treasure Basket for Your Baby.” In it, you’ll find ideas for creating treasure baskets that can be varied according to the needs of your baby.
I also have a roundup post on “Themed Treasure Baskets for Babies.”
Kitchen Treasure Basket for Babies
A kitchen treasure basket is very simple to put together and is one of the most popular themes for a baby’s first treasure basket. It’s best to avoid plastic and use as many natural materials as possible. I focused on kitchen utensils for my granddaughter’s current treasure basket. You could add a clean dishcloth and whatever items your child or grandchild would enjoy.
Exploring the Kitchen Treasure Basket at Ages 4-5 Months
My granddaughter has been especially interested in her treasure basket since she was 4 months old. She always enjoys it, so I haven’t changed her treasure basket yet. I use interest as the main factor for deciding when to change a treasure basket.
Kitchen Treasure Basket for Babies
Do you have experience with treasure baskets for babies? I’d love to hear about the baby’s response and favorite treasure baskets. 🙂
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She is adorable! I would have loved to use treasure baskets with my kiddos when they were little, and I’m sure they would have really enjoyed them, too. I remember many times sitting them in the kitchen with me, side by side, while I cooked or cleaned and they chewed on something from the drawer 🙂
Thanks so much, Amy! I remember my mom using kitchen items with my younger brothers and sisters, too. 🙂
I was thinking about you this weekend, guessing you were having loads of fun with your granddaughter. So glad you had a wonderful holiday! She’s beautiful. You should be very proud!
Thanks so much for your sweet comment, Renae! I’ve been having SO MUCH FUN with my granddaughter. Every day with her is such a blessing. 🙂
My toddler still enjoys treasure basket. Your grand daughter is adorable! Thanks for hosting.
Thanks so much, Dhiyana! Treasure baskets are quite amazing. I love that they can be individualized for toddlers, too. 🙂
My kids have always LOVED to explore the kitchen and all of the fascinating things there!
We keep a ‘safe drawer’ with items that are fun to check out, but aren’t sharp or dangerous.
Thanks for linking up with The Thoughtful Spot, Deb! Always a pleasure to see you there.
Thanks so much for your comment, Dianna! Your safe drawer is a great idea, too! 🙂
We love doing treasure baskets for our youngest. We have a theme whenever we change it- usually by color or shape. My preschooler and toddler love helping come up with items to fit the theme and it’s a learning opportunity for them too! Who can find something purple? What about something round for Little Sister’s basket? It’s so fun throughout the week or two when they find something else to add to the basket because it fits within the theme!
Thanks for your comment, Stacy! It’s awesome that your preschooler and toddler are working together to help out! 🙂
Oh, I love that you now have a precious grandbaby to experience all of the fun of Montessori with – and you can share the photos and fresh inspiration with all of us! My first loved her treasure baskets, and her favorite was the one in the kitchen. My second was two taken with big sister to really pay baskets much mind, but that was okay, too 🙂
Thanks so much for your sweet comment, Melissa! I feel very blessed. I definitely can relate to the difference between your first and second. My second often wanted to do what her big brother was doing, too. 🙂
What a really great idea. You need a saucepan in there too to bang them against.
Thanks for your comment! A saucepan would be a great addition. I’ll be adding to the treasure basket soon and have a small saucepan that would be perfect for it. 🙂
Just became a grandpa, so I couldn’t have come across this at a better time. Thanks!
Hi Deb;
Totally love this idea! Our grandchildren have played more with kitchen utencils than their own toys.
Thanks for sharing