Affordable Busy Box Ideas for One Year Old!

Seems like ever since my little man turned one, he's no longer interested in his toys.  Most of the day is spent following me around the house, wanting to help in opening and closing doors, emptying the dishwasher and taking part in whatever I'm doing.  While I don't mind the help, by Friday, I feel like I'm about to pull my hair out when I can't even go to the bathroom without a little one hanging on my legs. 

That's where the busy box comes in.  Although, I do have to guide Elijah with some of these activities, they are a break from the ordinary, which helps both of us stay sane!  These activities are designed with affordability in mind.  I've also found it best to put them away for a little while instead of just leaving them lay around the house.  That way, they don't just become another toy.

Here's what we have in our "Busy Box" so far:

1. Milk Jug & Clothes Pins, Price= FREE

 
The first time I introduced this activity, he just examined the clothes pins.  I then showed him how to drop them, one by one, into the milk jug and he thought that was pretty cool.  I had to guide him on how to put them in vertically, but within the next few days, he was was an expert at it!  You could also use this activity for sorting and counting!

Oh , the concentration!

2. Crayons & Paper, Price= $1.88

For most people, this activity would probably be free, but I didn't have any crayons laying around the house.  I also wanted to get him the "jumbo" type so he could hold them better.  I splurged and bought Crayola brand because those just seem to color better (not so waxy).   We also had a ream of paper at home.  I cut off a big piece and taped it to the ground.

Had to taste the crayons first!

Of course, with all activities, you have to show what we do with crayons.  The first time I introduced this, he threw the crayons and wanted to put them in his mouth.  By the second day, he was making scribbles on the paper!  I would suggest only giving one or two crayons at a time.  Again, a great activity for fine motor skills!

3. Pool Noodle, Price=$1.99

This is just a fun, sensory activity that costs next to nothing. I bought the pool noodle at Target, but I've heard they have them at the Dollar store.  Our dollar store didn't have any, but my guess is that they have them at the beginning of summer.  I did this activity with Elijah today just to pass the time.  I cut the noodle into 1 inch pieces, then we threw them all in the bathtub with some water.

Ohhhh, I can't wait to go in!!!!

Having SO much fun!

I hope to add more activities to our Busy Box each week, but this is a good start for now!