Play Tent

Found this cute, easy project via http://mycakies.blogspot.com/2011/05/diy-frame-tent.html. I'm glad to have the "kangaroo climber" phased out at our house and have this sweet little tent in its place. And we already read books in it before naptime today.

Car Garage

Made from a cereal box and toilet paper rolls, this has been a fun little toy for us this week. I've had the supplies to make this for, hmmm, over 2 months? But I only just sat down and glued it together right before Christmas. The TP rolls are covered in craft paper and all parts were hot glued.

One interesting observation (from my house): I really like to set up little play areas and arrange things in a way that is creatively appealing. When I first set this toy out, I did not do this; I just put it on the living room rug and it didn't get much attention. Then, my son moved it to a little toy chest in his room, and that is where it has been ever since. Since he moved it, I've seen cars arranged on it daily, cars on the window seal, cars on the air vents . . . so cute, he set up this little play area all on his own. But I think it is a good reminder that a cluttered environment can be hard to play in (especially if your child leans toward the tidy side). This toy has now lasted a lot longer than expected, and, since it was free and took 10 minutes, that makes me happy!

Marble run

Another idea from my fav blog Made by Joel. It's made from a cereal box (actually two since it is handy to have some extra pieces for the bottom part). Calvin loves any kind of toy involving rolling, a ramp, a relay, etc. This was his 1st introduction to marbles, too. I was very cautious at first, but he's only been rolling them through this & through paper towell rolls, so I think we're safe. If you make one, notice the bottom of it; a piece of the 2nd cereal box was cut out and folded over so that it props the box back ever so slightly - this keeps the marbles rolling and keeps them in the box.

Box aquarium

I got this idea from Made by Joel, a great blog that is full of clever ideas. The look of this aquarium really appealed to me, and I thought Calvin would really think it was interesting. The box itself only lasted for a day (because it was carted around quite a bit), but the little aquarium creatures are still swimming around in our home.