Keeping a toddler busy is quite the challenge, especially when it’s too hot -or cold- outside. I’ve been searching and searching Pinterest for ideas and things to do with Hazel that could help keep her busy and also be somewhat of a learning activity.
Hazel is a girl who likes variety, she gets bored with easy things, and things that are repetitive. She often times would rather play with something that isn’t a toy-as I’m sure most babies do. I thought, in order to give her variety, and help her learn, busy boxes would be our best bet.
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Please remember to watch your child around these times as some can be choking hazards.
So, this is how I keep my 18 month old busy during maybe just a few minutes a day, but at least I know that she is learning something. A lot of the items I have for Hazel help with fine motor skills and sensory, she really seems to like the things that she needs to concentrate on. Most of the items I purchased at the dollar tree, or are recycled things form my craft closet.
Another item that we are often playing with is these counting bears, they come in a pack of 50 and also come with corresponding color cups.
Monday
Pipe Cleaner Push: Cut the pipe cleaners in half and use a hole punch to make holes in the lid of the container. Let your toddler put the pipe cleaners through the holes and watch their minds think.
Ribbon Wands: Tape ribbons, or streamers to the end of a popsicle stick.
Wikki Stix: I got these from my old work, but I imagine you can find them online.
Crazy Straw Threading: Cut felt pieces into squares (or any shape you want) and cut a hold in the middle big enough for the straw to fit.
Tuesday
Balloons: Dollar Tree
Hole punch: Teddy Bear punch and hole punch, along with scrap paper.
Sorting pom-poms: Recycle an old container, cut holes in the top, and buy a size variety of pom-poms.
Wednesday
Q-tip Push: Cut holes in the lit of the container.
Paper and Stickers: Cut small pieces of paper for your child to write a note or put stickers on. We have found that puffy stickers are easiest for toddlers to play with.
Fun coloring toy: Dollar Tree
Velcro Popsicle Sticks: Cut and glue velcro to the ends of popsicle sticks
Thursday
Safety scissors: Find random items from your house for your toddler to cut. We use paper and ribbon. This activity is recommended for 3+, so please watch your children with these scissors.
Buttons: I found a random tin can with buttons in it, she likes to take the buttons out and line them up, then put them away.
Gack: Dollar Tree, you’ll want to do this on a cookie sheet, on the tile so that it doesn’t get all over your carpet.
Friday
Bead Thread: Pipe cleaner and beads
Balloon Rocket: Balloon, tape, yarn/string. Read this to see how it works.
Coloring book: Play pack grab and go
Good luck and happy box making!
Christine Everyday says
August 3, 2016 at 4:48 pmThese are great ideas! I love it because as she grows, you can change up what is in the boxes but still use them.
Falon Ballard says
August 3, 2016 at 10:57 pmLove the idea of having a different box for each day!
Susannah says
August 3, 2016 at 11:00 pmThese are some awesome ideas! I may have to copy you a bit for Caleb! <3
Luna C. Lupus says
August 3, 2016 at 11:08 pmGreat ideas!! Especially love the day-of-the-week tags! 🙂