Monday, August 18, 2008

A New Spin on the Toddler Activity Bags

Ok, I have to admit that I CAN'T STAND ziploc bags. They just seem very wasteful and flimsy to me. However, I couldn't think of anything else to use when I made O's toddler activity bags. Then, about a month ago, I saw these pencil pouches. I knew they would be perfect for most (but not all) of the bags. They are much more durable, and they look so much better than the ziploc bags. I am VERY happy with them. These bags will also provide O with lots of opportunities to practice her zipping and unzipping skills. Also, since they have metal grommets, I can hang them from hooks or group them together with book rings when we travel.

24 comments:

  1. yep we use them all the time! some of my activity in a bags are too big for them though :(

    i posted a neat one O might like just a few minutes ago!

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  2. What a great idea...I will have to look for that type of bag! We have a trip coming up soon.

    Thank you Melissa for your creativity!

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  3. The pencil pouches are great for 3-part card storage when you get to that point with little "O". Always great ideas here :)

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  4. First time commenter here. I've been reading your blog since being directed here from somewhere (I think your site was recommended by my Google Reader) and wanted to say that I LOVE all the ideas you share!

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  5. Great idea! I just started putting together some toddler activity bags for my toddler to do while 4-year old does some of her activities.
    I am like you - I am not a fan of ziplock bags and the pencil pouches look great!

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  6. Such a great idea! Where is your favorite place to find activity bag ideas...or do you just put them together as you think of them? Thanks!

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  7. Thanks, everybody!
    Bizzy Bee- I just put them together as I think of them. There are books for preschool activities in a bag. I'm planning on looking at the list to get ideas for more bags, but I just haven't gotten around to it.

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  8. I LOVE pencil bags! I use them for all sorts of stuff. I keep my makeup, what little I wear, in one. I use them to store small items when I travel. What's great is they make wonderful little activity bags, like you've discovered. I keep one in my purse too w/ the basics, for when we make an impromptu stop somewhere that requires a distraction of some sort for our little girl.

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  9. Just wanted to say that I enjoy your blog and all the neat and fun ideas you share.

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  10. Those are an awesome idea, and I know just where I can get those exact bags.

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  11. where can you find those bags?

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  12. ps- I found ours at Target, Wal-Mart, and the Dollar Tree. Surprisingly, I paid the most at the Dollar Tree!

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  13. great idea- I have also been using the heavier plastic snap or zip bags that small sheets, or onesies, or pillow cases may come in. The zipper topped ones work great and it is a great way to recycle them too!

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  14. What a great idea - and this time of year you can find these for a great price!

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  15. Great idea!! You could store them in 3 ring binders to keep them all together.

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  16. another brilliant idea! I have a BUNCH of those! NOW I know where to stuff all our finger puppets!!!

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  17. What a great idea!! Now I just have to find some the next time we go shopping :) Thanks for sharing.

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  18. I love this idea, I am going to make some for my girls for rainy days, restaurants and just structured play time! Thanks for the idea!

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  19. melissa- which one was priced the lowest?

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  20. Masasa- The bags were the cheapest at Target, but they were cheaper looking, too. I'll use them for activity bags, but I don't think they'll hold us as well as the others. The bags in the picture are from Wal-mart and the Dollar Tree. The ones from WM were about 96 cents.

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  21. I can SO Imagine a 3" binder full of these!

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  22. I loved the idea, too about not using zip lock bags, though I do use a few, but bought all sorts of containers at yard sales, and the kids like the variety. Thanks for sharing!

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