I’m not yet a parent, but I am an Aunty to 4 and a big cousin to many more kiddos and I may or may not be a big kid on the inside. As the next part of my organisation challenge I wanted to make up a kit to make any visiting kiddos feel welcome and give them something to do while the grown ups are chatting. I think it’s a great way to make everyone feel welcome.
Similar to the wrapping kit that I shared a few weeks ago, I recommend a plastic tub or somewhere you can keep all the bits and pieces together. If you already have kids, you might like to make a kit box for quiet time or for toys that are only for when friends are over. We had some toys and games like this at home. I’ve tried to cover a range of ages for these, so some will be better for bigger kiddos and others better for smaller ones. Most of this stuff you can get from op shops (thrift stores) or from places like Target.
What to put in your kit:
- Comic books because comics are fun to read and look at the pictures
- Colouring Books, Markers these Crayola ones were $2 and are washable (which I think means that they come off your walls?!), a Sketchbook or paper to drawer on. Pop some newspaper over the table they’re drawing at if you’re worried about marks or stains – we always had newspaper out when we were drawing as kids (oil cloth is an option too, if you have that)
- Monopoly Junior or other board games that can be played if there’s more than one person
- Dominoes or Playing Cards great for school aged children and can be played solo
- Wooden Blocks for the little ones to build towers to knock down
- Soft Toys that can be played with inside
- Books great for the bigger kids if it’s an extended visit – you can often pick these books up at op shops for 50c – $2, if you don’t have any of your own
- Puzzles these are great fun and you can get them for all different age groups
- Origami book and some paper
- Stencils, coloured pencils and plain white paper because stencils are always fun!
Other ideas for your kit: playdoh, balls for outdoor play, frisbee, chalk for drawing on concrete (or a blackboard if you have one), books for little ones.
You could put all sorts of different things in your kit, depending on what you have and what you feel comfortable with (maybe steer clear of the glitter if the thought of it in your carpet makes you sad). In the end it will depend on the child visiting and their age (and even the weather for outdoor activities) as to what will be great on the day. I know lots of parents will bring their own things with them, but I think it’s nice to have something different to play with when you’re not at home.
What would you add to this kit? Do you have one yourself? I’d love to know!
If you do try this, I’d love to see a photo or hear about how it went! Tweet me your pics at: @danniellecresp or instagram me at: @dannielle with the hashtag: #styleaminimakeover
Yep you are right about those Crayola markers. They come off most things and I won’t let my 2yo use much else at the moment! This is a really lovely idea and as a parent it not only makes kids feel welcome, it’s also a lovely sign that the person you are visiting is glad to have us all there and is t just putting up with my kids, & that makes me feel a lot more relaxed.
Thank you!! My aim was that everyone feels welcome! :)
Such a great idea. I would suggest adding a pack of UNO cards with the cards or some picture memory cards.
Thanks Claire! Great suggestions!
Love this idea! As the little red hen says it’s not only great for keeping kids occupied but sends a really lovely message to the parents that their children are welcome. I like how you’ve included a mix of thrifted and new goodies too. :)
I’d also recommend a maze book (especially one that has a theme or storyline), and maybe a sudoku or word find pad? These are the kind of things I used to have stashed in my bag to get us through boring plane flights etc when the step-sons were a bit younger (plus a note pad and pencils – always a great stand by!)
Thanks Emily!! And thanks for the suggestions! What great ideas! x