Terrific Tuesdays: Busy Bags

Hi there Whatever DeeDee Wants readers!

My name is Kara and I blog over at Mine for the Making about crafts, recipes, printables, frugal decor, mommy adventures, teaching ideas, and all things DIY. I am so excited to be here today for Terrific Tuesdays!

Today I am going to share the Busy Bags I made for my daughter last year.

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...

Now that my daughter is 4 years old, I'm finding other activities I can put into the Busy Bags that are appropriate for her developmental/educational stage. That's one of the greatest things about these bags... you can adapt them and change them as needed...depending on your child!

I had so much fun sharing with you all today! Thanks so much for having me.
I'd love for you to come visit me sometime...