The Foundation for a Meaningful Life
Kindergarten - Grade 9 in Southborough, MA
Kindergarten Readiness

Gifts Your Child Won’t Be Able to Put Down

The Can’t-Miss Gift Guide from our Expert Faculty Members

Every parent has had the experience of buying their child a gift that turns out to be a clunker. Sometimes, you know as soon as the wrapping paper comes off and the gift is quickly discarded. Other times, kids will excitedly play with something new for a day or two, but the novelty quickly wears off. The gift is set aside and never touched again. This year, wouldn’t you love to invest in a holiday gift that they’ll still be playing with next December? We reached out to the experts - our faculty members - to get their insider recommendations for the toys and activities that are the biggest hits in their classrooms and that your child is guaranteed to come back to again and again.


Taylor MacPherson, Kindergarten Teacher

"Magnetic tile marble runs are a fun twist on the ever-popular and classic marble run. With this version, children can incorporate various building strategies to create multi-layer designs. Not only does this strengthen fine motor skills, but children are also developing their planning and awareness as they think ahead. Where should the track go next? How do we fix the backup in the track? The possibilities are endless!"

Kate Noel, Kindergarten Teacher

"In my classroom, I really like KEVA blocks, magnetic building tiles, and watercolor sets. If you are looking for an experience gift, a fun, local place to visit is the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill. If you want to venture a little further away, check out the Vermont Institute on Natural Science and the Montshire Museum of Science."

Lauren Cilley, Associate Director of the Early Learning Center

“A membership to a museum like the Acton Discovery Museum, Davis Farmland, the Ecotarium, or the Boston Children’s Museum is a great idea, and experience gifts are always appreciated for children who have a ton of toys. An easel with paint, paint sticks, and chalk can be inspiring for young artists, and it’s a great way to work on the physical skills needed for writing. Clay or play dough is good for building fine motor strength, creativity, and problem-solving. A play kitchen is great for imaginative play, which is important for language and social/emotional development.”

Katie Knuppel, Head of Primary School

“I am a fan of starting collections, like a collection of Schleich animals, with children with items that can be given over the years during various gift occasions."

Holiday Books

Are you looking for a new book to share with your family this holiday season? Do you want to introduce your child to different holiday traditions from other cultures? Click here for a list of holiday books from Fay's Primary School Library.

About Fay School

Fay School was founded in 1866 and is the oldest junior boarding school in the United States. Our 66-acre campus is located in Southborough, MA, just 25 miles from Boston. Our community includes 475 students in kindergarten through grade nine and includes 150 boarders in grades 7-9  from across the United States and over 25 countries. Fay is recognized around the world for its superior educational program, and our graduates are accepted to top secondary schools. Fay's program empowers students to discover their talents, develop their intellectual abilities, establish essential academic skills and knowledge, and define their moral character - all essential to living a life of meaning and making a positive difference in the world.

Learn more about Fay School.

48 MAIN STREET
SOUTHBOROUGH, MA 01772
main number 508-490-8250
admission 508-490-8201