PRACTICAL PARENTING ◽ HOME
Creative Boxes
by Marcy Lytle
I recently found a snap-shut box at the Dollar Tree that was big enough to hold lots of small things, for a to-do box for the littles… I decided to pack it often with new ideas all from the Dollar Tree, because their shelves and products are always changing. There are so many ideas, and the box can be repacked over and over again, for those days when everyone’s at home, and the kids need something to do…inside!
Twine – String this across the room as if lasers are being shot and have the kids crawl through without touching.
Face stickers – These books are fun, as they include blank faces with pages of stickers to create expressions. There are eyebrows, lips, eyes, hats and more…and the kids have a blast using them all!
Wash tubs – These can be filled partway with water and the kids can wash their toy cars, or small toys after they’ve gotten them “dirty” with baking soda “snow!”
Tongs and a muffin tin – In the kitchen area grab some tongs. Place small toys in muffin tins and have the kids “rescue” them with the tongs!
Feeling envelopes – Get a box of envelopes that seal and inside place just random house things like a straw, a quarter, a spoon, etc. Make at least 15. Have the kids guess what’s sealed inside before tearing open the envelope to reveal!
Painter’s tape – Use this to map a city block on the floor before filling with cars and little figures. Or tape little figures to the walls and let the kids find and take the animals back to their homes (the toy box!)
Sponge paint – Grab sponge paintbrushes or cut up kitchen sponges and fill the tub with water, and let them “paint” the garage door with water!
New Books – There are always books at the dollar tree, and oftentimes Snoopy ones! Get several!
Card games – I saw one called Go Farm where after they match the animals, they make the animal sounds!
Balloon Volleyball – Blow up balloons, place string between two chairs, and play volleyball.
Super big – Look on the color books aisle and they often have those huge coloring pads – like really big! These are fun for the toddlers to sit and color together because there’s so much room.
Stamp time – Often this time of year there are pumpkin or holiday stamps. Be sure to get an ink pad, and give the kids blank paper and let them create.
Every week there are new ideas to be found on the aisles…and you can keep this box full and have it on hand so there’s always fun to be had.