I am so excited to share these Busy Bags with you today! I originally saw this idea through Pinterest. (surprised? no? yeah I didn’t think so…)
As soon as I saw them, I knew I just had to make some for my 3 year old.
Everything I used for these bags I already had or purchased at the dollar store, dollar spot at Target, or got on clearance at Target.
Let me break it down for you…
You have an active little one who has the attention span of a… little one. Organize easy activities that your child can do on their own or with minimal help. The activities need to be things that your child enjoys, but the bags/activities do NOT need to cost you a fortune. Switch the activities out often and let your child have choice in which activity they would like to do. I was going to label my busy bags, but decided against it since I will be switching out the activities as Luci tires of them.
Genius, right?
BUSY BAGS
Pencil pouches on clearance at Target {$0.74 each}
Alphabet Match Up
I got this idea from delicateConstruction here. I arranged the ABC magnets on a white piece of paper, took a picture of it, and printed it off on cardstock. The alphabet ‘mat’ doesn’t fit in the pencil pouch, but I am okay with that (I don’t want it folded.)
ABC magnets bought at Dollar Tree, but I had them on hand.
Coloring
The small coloring book, crayon pack, and stickers were purchase in the dollar spot at Target; they are called “Play Packs.” I bought 6 of them a while back to take to restaurants or appointments.
Finger Puppets
These were also purchased in Target’s dollar spot. I have a few sets of finger puppets and small plastic princesses that I can swap in this bag.
Sewing/Lacing
This came as a pack of 6. I only included 3 so that I can switch them out. I bought this about a year ago in the dollar spot at Target (but for $2.50…totally worth it…they are great quality).
Colorful Shape Match Up
I did the same method here as I did with the alphabet mat. I found the foam shapes at Target’s dollar spot.
Writing
The notebook was on clearance at Target for $0.30 and the pencils (came in a pack of 8…only included 4) were found in the dollar spot. I also put mini gel pens in this pouch (not pictured) that I found in the dollar spot and had on hand.
Beading/Patterning
I bought these wooden beads with laces at Dollar Tree about a year ago.
I love using the pencil pouches because they were cheap, cute, easy to store, and easy to grab on your way out the door.
Are you wondering where I store them when they are not in use?
This is hanging in the playroom closet. I got this canvas shoe storage thingy from Target on clearance for $0.30. Yeah. Not sure why I didn’t buy more of them…
Thanks for stopping by! Have a great week!
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Linking up!
This is an adorable idea! It’s actually a must have for any on the go mom! I would love to have a few of those in my bag. Thanks for the idea!
Super cute idea! Thanks for sharing!
Really brilliant, I will be making some of these! Thanks for the ideas!
Super cute ideas!!!
I love this, like not just “oh that is cute I love it” no, like I LOVE this idea and I want to make 20 of them right now LOVE. Plus this is way more approachable and the prices you got are AMAZING!!!
What a fantastic idea! I work in a shop and the kids that are always bawling and making mischief are honestly the ones where Mum hasn’t put anything for them to play with in the buggy. This would make that so easy!
What a great idea! I need to make this for my little one.
All I can say is Wow!! This is definitely a cure for the “Mom I’m bored! cries. Thanks.
Would love it if you would link this up to our Rockin’ link party going on now at RoCa and Company. Here is the link: http://rocaandcompany.blogspot.com/2011/09/welcome-fall-and-you-rock-2.html Come and show off what you got. Hope to see you there…
Remember…YOU ROCK!!
Carmen @
RoCa and Company
http://www.rocaandcompany.blogspot.com
Very cool ideas!
You rock! Each bag is chock full of fun! These are great for on the go or quiet time!
Would love to have you link up to the Sunday Showcase (open thru Thurs.) – http://momto2poshlildivas.blogspot.com/search/label/Sunday%20Showcase
Bern
I love your ideas for these busy bags! I have the same foam shapes from Target and the letters from Dollar Tree so I tried to do what you did and make mats for my littlest to match them with….but I must have done it wrong because I couldn’t seem to get the shapes and letters to be the right size when I’d print out the sheets. I tried it quite a few times to no avail. I just got a new camera and haven’t figured it out yet, but c’mon, you’d think I would get it eventually. Would you be willing to share a copy of your match mats? Or even just write me out a mini tutorial on how to get the sizing right? I’d really appreciate it since it’s such a fun activity that I know my little Kieri Dot would love :D oh, and by the way, your Food-a-licious Friday posts are so great! It’s inspired a lot of creative snack making in our household!