The girls go with Grandma to Bible Study every Wednesday morning, so it means I get to spend some time with my baby. My little guy is 15 months old, and I’m always looking for unique ideas to keep him entertained. I found an idea on Pinterest that sparked my interest. It was an activity involving pipe cleaners and a spice container. I found the idea at a great blog called Dose of Happy. Then I began to think, what else could I use to keep this guy occupied. After all, we all know that kids are way more entertained with anything but toys. Before you read on, please use your common sense. These probably would have a warning on the side of the package saying there are unsafe parts and not appropriate for kids under 3. I did each of these with him, so he was being watched carefully. Please do the same with your kids. I’m going to put these in order of how long he was entertained by each one. Kids are different though, so I know your baby might have a different experience.
#1 Pipe Cleaner Game
This is so simple. You take an empty and cleaned out spice container and cut up some pipe cleaners to the right length. This works hand eye coordination, and my son was entertained for quite some time. We did this twice today. I wish I had remembered the container as I was walking out the door to Kenzie’s eye appointment. He really ended up loving it. My almost 3 year old was entertained by it for a while also this evening.
#2 Pen Without the Ink
Corban loves pens. I always find him with them. I don’t know where he’s getting them. Does he have a supplier somewhere? Not sure. I’m always taking pens away from him – throwing him into a tizzy. Today I got the idea to take the ink out of one of my pens. Then, I was able to give him the pen to play with. He was able to take the lid on and off and carry it around. He had his pen with him most of the morning and was happy as a clam.
#3 Playing in the Water
Normally the little guy isn’t involved while I’m doing the dishes. Today, I decided to get out the stool and let him play in the water while I did the dishes. It probably shouldn’t be #3, to be fair, because he burst into tears when I turned the water off. I just didn’t want to waste water. He could have probably been standing up there at the sink to play for a long time.
#4 Pom Poms in a Snack Container
These are pom poms I have in my craft box. They can be found at the dollar store. Combine that with a snack cup, and you have something to keep the little ones occupied.
#5 Craft Sticks and a Baby Wipes Container
Crafts sticks are another dollar store purchase. Add that to a baby wipe container, and your baby gets to work on coordination. This one was more challenging for Corban, so I think he gave up on it sooner. Two times taking the sticks in and out, and he was done. Again, ever child is different, and yours might enjoy it more.
So glad your little one liked the spice jar/pipe cleaner play.
Simple ideas are the best, aren’t they? Little planning and usually not expensive. Love your blog! Such great ideas and I loved your post on disengaging when fits are being thrown. I definitely need to work on that!
It is the simple things that entertain. Thanks for the inspiration for this post.
My infant is also mermerized by sticking her liittle fingers in water. Also loves chewing on wooden spoons and using them to bat at her mobile.
Kids are so funny. Toys? Who cares. Thanks for commenting.
We do the pen thing. Our children have always been fascinated w/writing utensils at a young age, too. Our youngest is just 6 months old and already grabs our pens at any opportunity. Guess it’s time to try the pen trick again.
Corban is a cutie! You have really good photos.
Thanks so much, Amber. What is it with kids and pens? So funny.