One of the greatest activities I’ve ever set up for M (now 4.5) is our collection of busy bags. We take these busy bags everywhere.

Seriously, they come to restaurants, doctor appointments, on vacations, and even during quiet time in M’s room (our substitution for nap time).

I started out by picking up about a dozen zippered pencil pouches. You can find these at a dollar store or at the grocery store for around $1 each. Then, I filled them with all sorts of fun, themed activities.

TIPS:

• Use inexpensive supplies for your busy bags. Most of ours are from Dollar Tree, Target dollar spot, or from around the house.
• Use what you have on hand right now and then add things to each bag as you find them. This will not only be easier for YOU to get started, but it will also add a new twist to busy bags that will continue to encourage the use of them.

Play Store Busy Bag

• calculator
• price stickers
• sticky notes
• pencil
• notebook
• receipt paper

Little Artist Busy Bag

• markers
• crayons
• paper (small notebook, cards, or sticky notes)

Miss Sticky Busy Bag

• tons and tons of stickers
• small notebook or paper stapled together

Open and Close Busy Bag

• bottles
• pouches
• tubes to open and close
• weekly pill storage containers that flip open
• a handful of coins or tiny objects to hide in the containers

Finger Puppets Busy Bag

• Ikea has a great selection of finger puppets at awesome prices!
• If you don’t have finger puppets you can include small characters that your child likes to pretend with or tell stories with (from sets you already own, happy meal toys, dollar store toys)

Cut it Up Busy Bag

• scissors and things to cut
• straws
• small tub of play dough
• ribbon
• paper strips

Fix-it Kit Busy Bag

**M’s favorite!**

• eye glass repair kit (from dollar store)
• small sewing kit (from dollar store)
• band aids
• small measuring tape
• tape