Preschool Busy Bag Swap

Hi ladies! I would like to get a group together to host a Preschool Busy Bag Swap.

What is a busy bag?

A busy bag is a self-contained activity geared toward preschoolers that fits in a gallon sized ziploc bag and can be stored easily. The activity is easily transportable and no additional supplies should be needed to be added to the bag.

Why make busy bags?

These are a great way to keep a toddler/preschooler busy for 15-30 minutes at a time. I have made 15 bags this fall and I grab a couple and take them to appointments, church or use them at home while I nurse my baby. My daughter loves them and I like that she is learning something and staying busy. These are perfect for the upcoming winter months when we will be inside a lot more.

What are the group guidelines?

1. Make 15 of your busy bag activity (the same activity 15 times)
2. Activity should be geared to the preschool crowd - 2.5-5 year old
3. Activity should be gender neutral
4. Activity needs to fit into a gallon sized ziploc bag
5. Paper pieces should be laminated (I have a laminator I can lend out but you will need to provide your own laminating sheets)
6. Busy bags should be self contained and resuable - nothing should have to be added to the bag over time
7. Busy bag should be convenient and not require any major set up or clean up (no paint, liquids, sand, etc.)
6. There is a spending cap of $20 for all 15 activities (feel free to do it for less though!)

What is the deadline?

I would like to swap bags on December 8. These would be a great Christmas gift for your preschooler!

Where can I get activity ideas?

There are TONS of busy bag ideas out there online. A lot of these links include printables/directions to make the activity. Here are a few links to activity ideas

http://therigneys.wordpress.com/2011/08/26/toddler-busy-bag-swap/
http://moneysavingmom.com/tag/busy-bag-ideas
http://www.mydeliciousambiguity.com/search/label/Busy%20Bags
http://theprincessandthetot.blogspot.com/2011/07/toddler-busy-bags.html
http://www.playcreateexplore.com/2011/10/busy-bags.html

How to sign up?
Please leave a comment on this blog post that includes your email address. I will take the first 14 people who sign up making it a total of 15 people. PLEASE only sign up if you are able to create your bags by the December 8 deadline. I will email the group members once I have 14 participants and we can hammer out some details and share our activities to avoid duplications.

Please call or email with additional questions
Monique F. (Ventana Ward)