“Keep the 2 Year old Busy” Sensory Box – DIY

June 1, 2011

My 2 yr old Sophia..is obviously not napping as much as my 9 month old…
and lately i’ve had a hard time keeping her from waking up her sister when we are playing inside! I had heard about these boxes and seen them on other blogs..

So the other day I put the girls in the car.. 
drove to Walmart/Dollar Store.. 
came home and put together this Sensory Box
Sienna fell asleep on the way home…
so as soon as we got back Sophia and I had 
some fun playing in the “sandbox” as she calls it. ;)


SUPPLIES:
Bin – Walmart….$6
Pinto Beans- Walmart & Dollar Store….$1 ($1.20) Per Bag.
Bucket/Shovel – Dollar Store….$1
Measuring Cups – Dollar Store….$1

She was amazeddddd by it. 
And now it’s one of her favorite things to 
pull out and play with when Sienna is napping. 
She knows the beans aren’t supposed to come outside of the bin..
and it took a few spills before she got it.  
The Box has been a great activity for her to work on quietly 
while I get some stuff done around the house!

So if you are looking for something creative for your little one to
play with while you get stuff done… a Sensory box is a great idea!
Sensory Play has major benefits for your preschooler!
For more info read this post by Amanda Morgan over at www.notjustcute.com
You can fill it with stuff from around the house…or dollar store items like I did!

I fell in love with the idea when I first saw it on Modern Parents Messy Kids.
For more inspiration of what to put in your Sensory Box, 
check out Pink and Green Mama. She has some great themed boxes!

***Make sure you don’t have the beans out near babies. 
that’s why this is a “sienna is napping” activity!***

  • Marjorie
    June 1, 2011 at 8:02 am

    This is great! We used these in several of the classrooms I’ve taught in. You can also use rice or beads.

  • Krista
    June 1, 2011 at 9:03 am

    Now that is a great idea! My 2 year old will love it! Thanks for sharing.

    And those curly pigtails are SSSOOOO cute!

  • Megan
    June 1, 2011 at 10:18 am

    I love this idea! Even though my daughter is 4, I’m going to make her one. With preschool out for the summer, I need allllllll the activity ideas I can get. If she’s bored, it’s NOT fun. Lol.

  • In this wonderful life...
    June 1, 2011 at 5:36 pm

    this is a great idea! she looks busy and entertained! plus you get cute pics :)

  • Little stay at home momma
    June 1, 2011 at 9:14 pm

    Love this! this is a perfect idea for baby nap time. And your pictures are adorable.

  • Anna of IHOD
    June 4, 2011 at 2:39 pm

    oh my goodness, I use a bucket of rice for Gabriel and he plays with it for hours burying his trains! The little things that keep him busy!

  • Five Foot Mama
    December 13, 2011 at 6:07 pm

    That’s a great idea! I’m definitely gong to put one of these together for my little man! The days sometimes crawl by, so more activities to do will be great. We’re expecting another baby in March, so a quiet activity will be perfect!

    http://fivefeetoffun.blogspot.com