Activity kits are fun but not always ideal. Pre-packaged kits can be super expensive and not exactly what your child wants. Luckily, there is an easy (and less expensive) fix: create activity kits for less than $20!
Why Activity Kits are Awesome
As a child of the 90s, I LIVED for the pre-packaged activity kits I usually got for my birthday or Christmas. I could make braided bracelets, plastic bead decorations, or tumble and polish my own rocks.
Although the kits were fun, I was always annoyed when it wasn’t exactly what I wanted. In fact, I often went rogue and created my own crafts from the materials in the kit. It is the creative outlet that makes activity kits awesome.
The ability to take a set of materials and design something new helps the brain learn how to navigate problems, look for creative solutions, and practice “big picture” thinking.
Create Activity Kits in 3 Easy Steps
1- List your child’s interests
Before you spend hours looking for the perfect items to include in your custom kit, list out the things your child loves. Your list could be broad and include activities or topics. Or, you could create a specific list of details and variations of their favorite topic.
Broad List vs. Specific List
- coloring books
- watercolor paints
- space
- music
- watercolor pan paints
- Mars
- Saturn
- Stars
2- Choose one big item and 3 small items
Once you’ve narrowed down the activity kit theme, choose one big item and a few small items to include. For example, if the kit is for watercolor painting, include a frame as the big item and paints, paper, and a mini cup as the extra.
3- Shop and build
This is my favorite part. Once you know what you want to include, search stores online (like Amazon), discount sections at craft stores (Hobby Lobby & Michael’s always has great deals), or a dollar store.
For your container, I like to reuse boxes from previous items or make the box part of the kit. If you reuse a cardboard box, you could decorate it with paint or paper to make it personal.
Bonus- Add a book
If you’ve read my blog before, you know I’m a big believer in creative literacy. When you create activity kits, take the opportunity to add a relevant book. If your kit is space themed, grab a fun fiction story or an information non-fiction. If you’ve gone with a Dino theme, there are several audio books to choose from online.
Remember, you don’t have to purchase the book to make it special. You could create a “library ticket” so your child can choose the companion book they want from the library. This is a great way to encourage stubborn readers to try a new book.
Quick Kit Ideas
