Kayla Harris

I fell in love with Maria Montessori’s philosophy in the 9th grade while taking an Early Childhood Education vocational class, and somehow that was 16 years ago. 😅 Since then, I’ve carried so much of what I learned into raising all three of my own children, now 11, 5, and 18 months. What I love most about the Montessori method is its respect for a child’s natural development. It encourages hands-on learning, independence, concentration, practical life skills, and the freedom to explore interests at their own pace within an intentionally prepared environment. This list is filled with Montessori and Montessori-inspired toys, materials, books, furniture, and everyday tools for babies through preschoolers. Some are traditional Montessori materials, while others simply support the principles I love: giving children opportunities to do things for themselves, explore with their senses, practice real-life skills, move their bodies, solve problems, and learn through meaningful play. You absolutely do not need a picture-perfect Montessori playroom or a house full of expensive wooden toys to bring Montessori principles into your home. Start with your child, follow their interests, and create little opportunities for independence along the way. 🤎

By baby #3, I had a MUCH better idea of what I would actually use, what wasn't worth it for our family, and what I wanted to do differently this time around. This isn't a list of every baby product you could possibly need. These are the things I actually put on my registry as a third-time mom, plus the items I would choose all over again. Some are true necessities, some make life with a baby significantly easier, and a few are simply things I loved having. Because by the third baby, I was much less interested in what I was supposed to register for and much more interested in what actually worked for us.

As a mom of a child with DMDD who has participated in intensive outpatient therapy for emotional regulation, I've learned firsthand how valuable it is for kids to have regulation tools readily available. I also have a bachelor's degree in psychology, experience working with at-risk youth (ages 5-18) and in early childhood education, and years of learning about emotional regulation both personally and as a parent. These are tools I use or would use with my own children to support things like sensory needs, big emotions, calming, coping, and co-regulation. And they're not just for kids who struggle with regulation! Many of the same tools that help my child with DMDD are helpful for my other children (and sometimes the grown-ups, too!). Whether it's for a calming cart at home, a classroom, an office, daycare, or even the car, these are the things I'd reach for. The goal isn't to stop big feelings. It's to give kids tools to move through them.

I’ve always been a practical gift person. I love things I’ll actually use every day but I never buy myself the nicer version. I’ll stand in the aisle and pick the plain one, the cheaper one, the “this works just fine” version… even when I really want the prettier one. So when someone gifts me something practical and beautiful? It feels extra special because it’s something I wouldn’t let myself buy. This list is full of those kinds of gifts. Things she’ll use daily, but just a little nicer, a little prettier, and a lot more thoughtful 💜🩷

This is everything helping me stay organized, feel good, and keep up with life as a busy mom of three while running a home baking business. It’s not about perfection, it’s about systems that actually work, small routines that stick, and cozy little upgrades that make everyday life feel lighter and more manageable.

If you're starting a home baking business, you absolutely do NOT need every gadget, pan, and trendy baking tool on the internet. 🎂 These are the things I actually use for Magnolia Crumb, my home-based baking business. From baking and decorating to packaging, storage, organization, and getting orders out the door, these are the products that have genuinely earned a place in my kitchen. Some are essentials I'd buy immediately, some make running a home bakery significantly easier, and others are things I've added as my skills and business have grown. This isn't a list of everything you *could* buy to start a baking business. It's what I actually use, what has worked for me, and what I'd recommend to another home baker building their business one order at a time. 🤎

These are the baking tools, ingredients, and little kitchen helpers I actually use while running Magnolia Crumb from home 🤍 Nothing fancy just for looks, everything here helps me bake better, faster, and more consistently (which matters when you’re turning cookies into income 🍪✨). If you’re a home baker, beginner, or building a small business, this list will save you time, money, and a few baking headaches.

Postpartum is beautiful, overwhelming, exhausting, and everything in between. You’re learning your baby, your body is healing, and somehow the days and nights blur together. These are the things I actually used during that season—the items I reached for daily that made life a little easier, more comfortable, and a bit more manageable. Nothing extra, nothing just for show—just what truly helped me get through those early weeks.