Thursday, October 6, 2011

Busy Bags, Part 1

I have seen some amazing ideas for busy bags lately that I can't wait to make for my daughter.  For those of you who have not heard of busy bags, you are missing out on a great idea.  A busy bag is simply an activity that your child can complete independently.  I use busy bags for my daughter while I'm cooking dinner, when we're out in public (i.e. waiting for our food at a restaurant or at the doctor's office) and when I need to keep her occupied for a short time.  Today I'm going to share with you some of the busy bags I have created for my daughter.  I store my busy bag activities in Ziplock bags but I'm looking for a more durable, inexpensive option for storing them.  Any ideas?

Paint Chip Memory
I created this memory game using leftover paint chips.

Stickers
My daughter created this book in Vacation Bible School but several sheets of paper stapled together would work just as well.  I included several sheets of stickers for her to choose from.

Reusable Sticker Board
These are reusable stickers on a plastic board.  This came from the school supply aisle at Dollar Tree several months ago but they are probably still available.

Cupcake Busy Bag
This cupcake busy bag activity was very easy to make and pretty inexpensive.  All you will need is a couple pieces of felt and scissors.

Popsicle Stick Puzzle
I love the idea of using family photographs for this popsicle stick puzzles.  My daughter absolutely loves trying to reassemble these easy to create puzzles.

Coloring
Easiest busy bag ever--crayons and a coloring book.  Just be sure not to leave this busy bag in the car or you will have a mess to clean up!

Paper Dolls
I made paper dolls for my daughter using this website.  She is a bit young for them right now but will grow into them.  I think making them magnetic and using them on a cookie sheet would be a great option to make these more user friendly for her.

Counting and Numbers Puzzle Pairs
I scored this number puzzle on clearance in the Target dollar spot.  I think I spent maybe $.50 on this.  Right now, my daughter is working on the puzzles with the pictures she can count.  I have not yet introduced her to the set with just the dot to count.

I am always seeking new ideas for busy bags.  I can't wait to try some of the ideas here.  Please feel free to share your links or ideas for busy bags.

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3 comments:

  1. AnonymousOctober 6, 2011 at 11:26 AM

    i love busy bags but have not gotten around to making any?! thanks for all the great ideas!
    http://babiestoddlerspreschoolers.blogspot.com/

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  2. KatOctober 7, 2011 at 5:38 AM

    Great idea. What about pencil cases to store them in? You can get them in all shapes and sizes and quite cheap. Kat :-)

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  3. BridgeOctober 8, 2011 at 1:42 AM

    Loving the cupcake busy bag! :)
    I'm trying to come up with busy bags for my 4.5 yr old daughter to keep her busy during a week long camping trip next month cos I KNOW we're gonna have some of those "I'm boooooooored!" moments. Heheh ;)
    Beading ones should be nice...foam beads and pipe cleaners...cut up straws and coloured wool?
    Write on, wipe off activities should be nice too :)

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