Do you have a wooden ring for your child, or a few? It’s such a simple design, just a circle of wood–but oh, the things this simple ring can be and do!

Newborns- When E and V were newborns they would often scratch themselves. It was suggested we use infant mittens. While this seemed like a great solution, we didn’t want to prevent them from comforting themselves, as they were able to in the womb or hinder one of their major senses (touch). By providing them with a wooden ring they had something to hold (when my finger was unavailable) and move about. Thus, prevent them from scratching themselves or each other and allowing much-needed freedom.

Infant- By themselves, wooden rings make the perfect teether. Add elastic and tie it to a gym to give baby something to focus on and grasp. It’s also a necessity for so many Montessori activities. Once E and V started to show interest, we introduced the vertical dowel stackers and, when they were ready for the next challenge, the horizontal dowel. Beginning with a large ring and decreasing the size of the rings until they are using the disks that the stacker and dowels came with. Or create a musical instrument. Using bamboo chimes, attach a string with a wooden ring that allows baby to bat at, grab, and kick–one of E and Vs favourite materials that helped bring Music Monday to life.

Toddler- The ring drop is a great activity that requires wooden rings or even a ring slide. There are so many activities that you can create with simple materials you likely already have at home. For instance, your own DIY with a mug tree and multiple rings. (Increase the challenge by colouring the rings and branches colours to match.)

Child- Used as a bracelet or tie a few ribbons and create a wonderful DIY hand kite.

And above- There are also many ways to repurpose these rings once your child no longer used them. Use them to organize clothing and jewelry, as decor or crafts.

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