Trying to keep your active toddler busy during the day? Here’s how to make busy boxes for toddlers that they will absolutely love playing with everyday.
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How To Make Busy Boxes For Toddlers
So all those gifts that Blake just got for Christmas have been organized here in our living room and though she does play with a select few for short periods of time, one thing is still very, very clear: my toddler would rather just get into shit instead of play with the things that we actually purchased to keep her busy. If you have a toddler at home, I’m sure you’re feeling my words pretty hard right now. It couldn’t be more true though. These toddlers always find a way to get into things that we want to keep them out of, the second that we turn our heads.
Being a WAHM I need a break during the day from redirecting her from what she shouldn’t be playing with to the things that are actually meant for her. I’ve searched for toys for active toddlers as well as ideas for fun activities for a toddler and nothing (I repeat NOTHING) has even come close to my idea of busy boxes for toddler.
What are busy boxes for toddlers?
A busy box is basically any box that you can find at home, filled with cheap items that you can get online or at the dollar store that will keep them occupied. Toddlers love to tear shit apart, so I figured why not just create something that gives her the option to do just that? The main difference being that these are items I bought purposely for her to get into. During days whenever I have strict deadlines or am just really overwhelmed, I pull it out of the closet like it’s a special treat or gift for her and let her go at it. From time to time, I add different items as well to keep her engrossed in opening these busy boxes for toddlers that we keep on hand and it has been a lifesaver for me during my work day.
Tips for making busy boxes for toddlers
If you’re searching for fun activities for a toddler, you will love how busy this activity will keep your little one. Follow these easy tips and you will have your busy boxes for toddlers created in no time.
Step 1: Find any box that you have lying around.
We used an empty wipes box that we had from a recent purchase and it worked just fine.
Step 2: Fill it will small, toddler-friendly items.
I order from Amazon Prime an awful lot because it’s so easy for me instead of packing everyone up and dragging the stroller out. So, when making an order, I always add on a few, cheap items that I can add to the busy box. (You can try Amazon Prime FREE for 30 days by clicking HERE!) I tend to choose items that I’m okay with throwing away if they start to pile up. These items are meant to do one thing and one things only: keep your toddler busy. Here’s some of my favorites that are all under $5:
- Stacking cups
- First 100 Words Book
- Teether Keys
- Wood Pounding Bench
- Doodle Mat Magic
- Light Up Flashing Ball
- Musical Instruments
Step 3: Tape it up, wrap it up and let them have at it!
With Blake being 16 months old, she didn’t really understand Christmas too much, but one thing was for sure: she loved opening presents. She got the hang of tearing paper off packages and loved that more than what was inside at time. So, I wrap up the busy box and let her tear everything apart and then find it filled with lost of nick knacks that will keep her busy and occupied so that I can get things done!
Looking for more fun activities for a toddler? Check these out!
- Gift guide for toddlers and babies
- Aden + Anais Must-Haves For Littles
- How to Work From Home With a Toddler or Baby
- 5 Life-Changing Mom Moments That Change Who You Are
- How to Prevent Stretch Marks During Pregnancy
- How to Get The Most Out Of Your Workout – When You Have a Toddler At Your Feet
Friends: I don’t pretend to know it all, but if I can pass on a little bit of advice since I scramble every single day of my life to get things done while Blake toddles around at me toes, I’ve learned that these busy boxes for toddler have been a great replacement for any toys for active toddler and have become one of the most fun activities for a toddler in our home to date. So get on it mamas and daddas because you just might be left with so much uninterrupted time that you will actually finish your coffee before it gets cold. You can thank me later.
Fashionably Yours,
Allison
That is an AWESOME idea! I wish I thought of this when I had a toddler! My brother has two toddlers I am going to tell them about this post!
Thanks Jeanette! It has helped me tremendously with my productivity through the day lol
That is such a great idea. I wish I’d thought to do something like this when my kids were toddlers. They got bored easily, and we all know what happens when toddlers get bored.
TOTALLY! They get into trouble….which had been happening an awful lot in our home (my daughter love to get into my lipstick when she’s quiet) so I knew I needed to do something!
A busy box sounds like a great idea. It’s a great way to keep the kids occupied and keep their little minds working and growing.
It is true! Get a toddler something you think they will love, and BAM! They head straight for the box it came in! This is such a wonderful and inexpensive idea!
Why didn’t I think of this?! This is a brilliant idea and I think my son would really benefit from this.
With a busy toddler running around anything to keep them busy and happy is a very good thing! I think this idea of a busybox is a wonderful activity.
This is such a great idea!!! I love that you can make the box a sensory experience for kids who need extra sensory help!
What a great idea for little ones. I know my kids would’ve loved this when they were little!
Your daughter is way too cute! oh my goodness, that face..she could get away with a lot!
I’ve never thought of making busy boxes when my son was little! That’s such a great idea!
This is a super cute and creative idea! Very easily done and it doesn’t cost a lot which is huge since it seems like the answer is always to spend a ton of money on some toy or outing.
Busy boxes are great for those little busy hands. It’s a fun way to keep them entertained and happy while mom cleans or relaxes for a bit.