Make it with Melissa: Busy Bags (Part 1)

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Have toddlers running around and you’d like to keep them busy? I’ve gathered 5 of my kids’ favorite busy bags here for you. I included a supply list for each bag and basic instructions on how you can make your own. Take a look:

1. Letter/Number Trace

Supplies needed:

• White paper

• Pencil

• Scissors

• Black Marker

• Dry-erase marker

• Laminating sheets

• Bag

• Ring (optional)

Tutorial:

Fold your paper into 4 quadrants. Use a pencil to lightly draw your letters and numbers on each quadrant. Then, take your black marker and trace your pencil letter with a dashed line. Laminate, then cut into 4 pieces. (Optional- To keep the letters/numbers in order, punch a hole in the corner and fasten with a binder ring.) Add to a bag with a dry erase marker, you’re done!

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2. Wood Memory

Supplies needed:

• Wood Circles

• Pencil

• Glue

• Scissors

• Cardstock

• Laminating sheets (optional)

• Bag

Tutorial:

Trace your wood circles onto your cardstock. Make sure you have to of each paper, so they can find the pair. (Optional- I laminated my cardstock to protect from baby drool.) Then, cut out the circles and glue on to your wood pieces. There you have it!

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3. Felt Truck shapes

Supplies needed:

• White paper

• Pencil

• Scissors

• Black Marker

• Felt in multiple colors

• Laminating sheets (optional)

• Bag

Tutorial:

This one you have to be a little more creative. My son loves trucks, so naturally, I made truck silhouettes. I started by cutting out several different shapes in the colored felt. I then took these shapes and created different sized trucks. I drew them with pencil on half sheets of paper, then traced over them with black marker. (Optional-laminate your paper for durability.) Get creative with naming each truck to make it personalized for your kiddos!

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4. Number Blocks

Supplies needed:

• White Paper

• Wood cubes

• Pencil

• Scissors

• Black Marker

• Laminating sheets

• Bag

Tutorial:

This busy bag is for older children-as the wood blocks could be a choking hazard. In order to fit inside a busy bag, I used blocks about the size of dice. Simply fold your paper into quadrants. Write the number on the quadrant, then trace the wood blocks for each number. You could get a little fancy and cut out your numbers (I used my Cricut) from colored cardstock. Laminate your papers, then cut and add to a bag. Easy peasy!

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5. Felt Popsicle Colors

Supplies needed:

• Felt

• Needle and thread

• Scissors

• Colored Markers

• Popsicle sticks

• Bag

Tutorial:

This was my first ever busy bag (about 10 years old), and it’s one of my favorites. Cut your felt into strips, fold, then sew the two sides. Write the name of each color (in that color) on your popsicle sticks. Finished!

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Time to test them out. Round up the kiddos and let them explore their new busy bags. One rule that we have with our busy bags…you don’t get to open a new one until you’ve put away the first one. Enjoy a few extra minutes of peace and quite :)

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Have you made busy bags before? What did you do with your extra time? What are some other projects you would like to make with me?

Come again, stay longer!

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