This post may contain affiliate links.
I recently did a busy bag exchange with a group of girls in my neighborhood. It was such a hit that we did it twice! Our exchange was toddler themed, but they will work for preschoolers as well. Some, my seven-year-old even loved.
How to Host a Busy Bag Exchange:
If you have never heard of a busy bag, or an exchange, for that matter, let me explain! A busy bag is a small, easily transportable quiet play object for children. It is something that you could take with you on errands, or that they could use to play with at home, in a restaurant, in a doctor’s office, at church- anywhere that you may need to keep them entertained.
What we did for the exchange was gather a group of people who want to participate- we decided to keep it at 12 people. Then each person makes- or buys- an item for all 12 people. Then you meet together to exchange them and explain each item. All of these items are very low cost and simple to make.
I made a button snake. This is a very simple project & has been VERY well loved by my little girl. I got some grosgrain ribbon and sewed a large button on one end and a square of felt on the other. Then I cut out a bunch of felt shapes in various colors. In the center of the shapes cut a slit that is large enough to button onto the ribbon.
This is a little pattern matching game that goes along with the Very Hungry Caterpillar, by Eric Carle
There are tons of these kinds of printables out there. She laminated them & used Velcro dots to attach the pictures.
Jackie says
Great Ideas…I would like to know where you get the pom pom patterns from or were they homemade?
Karyn says
I am working on finding all the links to where the printed pages are from. Sorry! I will update it when I get the info.
OneMommy says
What great ideas! I never thought of a little bag to keep them busy places like that. I usually just bring crayons and paper. So cool! I love the Eric Carle ones!
martianne says
My children enjoy activity bags. You may find some ideas you and your friends would like to use at these posts I wrote:
http://traininghappyhearts.blogspot.com/2010/04/frugal-fridays-vol-2-sensory-and-skills.html
http://traininghappyhearts.blogspot.com/2010/04/thankful-thursday-vol-4-family-visits.html
http://traininghappyhearts.blogspot.com/2010/04/gratituesday-fun-and-learning-in-bag.html
Enjoy!
Janice says
So many fabulous ideas! Love it! I am now following…..thanks 🙂
Sandy R says
These are great ideas for TEACH boxes for my little ones with autism – Thanks!!
Lisa @ Our Country Road says
Wow I actually looked for posts like these a couple years ago and missed yours. Great post!
Nicole Fryer says
I am wondering where the Eric Carle Patten one came from do you have any ideas?
Andrea says
I’ve been looking for some new busy bag ideas, and these are awesome! Thanks! Nicole, you asked about the Eric Carle pattern…I found the site those came from http://www.1plus1plus1equals1.com/ But she doesn’t have the original Eric Carle anymore. I wonder if it was a license issue. However, that site has a lot of cool free printables!
Anna says
Do you know that I still haven’t created busy bags? This needs to be on my to do list before the next baby comes (I’ve got 5 months :)). I love these, Karyn, and shared them as part of the KBN Shout Out (I’m a little behind!). (Anna @ The Measured Mom)
Amy Dearie says
Do you know how your friend created the actual geoboard? And did it last as a DIY? Thanks for a link for idea cards!
Karyn Tripp says
She didn’t make them, she bought them.
Tisha says
I know this is an older post but I just found it and am loving it!! I am making a busy bag for a 7 year old. Do you have any suggestions?