Cheap way to keep children amused

savingsgirl

This is my first post here so please be gentle with me. I have found a great cheap way to keep my 4 and 6 year olds amused.
I've got a nasty stomach bug at the moment so am housebound for the day but I have been saving up all my cardboard boxes and tubes. I have given the children a tube of pritt stick and lots of cut outs from magasines etc and they are having a great time making things while I recover! My little boy has just made a telescope and my daughter will be making a new house for her Bratz!

Ronankfan

welcome to OS!!! Kids just love making things dont they!! Mine love it when we have craft days

Aril

If you're worried about glue/paint getting on the carpet I got round it by letting the small person have masking tape and pencils [had to rub a huge aeroplane he'd drawn for me on his wall on one occasion]. Chalk and a blackboard was another good one because could easily clean that off and use it inside or outside!
Only allowed paints and felttips [washable] under supervision.What a hariden I was!!
Aril

katie_jane_2

we save spare wallpaper for the kids to draw and stick on.as its rolled right out on the floor they seem more intrested than if it was just a4 drawing paper.it keeps them happy for yonks!
katex
ps welcome to mse

livilou

i keep old catalogues, argos etc and my 2 and 4 year old love sitting and cutting out pictures and making their own catalogues, hours of fun for nothing................

xx

Poppy9

If they have empty tubes give them some dried pasta and buttons to make a rattle.

katie_jane_2

i also encourage the kids to help cook even if its just a bit of stirring or putting the cheese on the pizza not only does it get them away from the tele but i find theyre more likely to eat something they prepared.

savingsgirl

Yes, I try to keep mine away from the box!

savingsgirl

Thank you for the welcome folks! xx

misty

I have to admit - I spend more than I need to on Xmas and B/day presents fo rmy so who is almost 5. he is appreciative and I don't buy much other than b/day and xmas. However, he is happy as larry with paper,scissors, cellotape etc. He is really creative and makes some fab stuff - I'm rubbish at this kind of thing and am only useful for finding the end of the tape - opening difficult lids etc. We moved a couple of months ago and every unpacked box was needed for making something. We do go through a lot of cellotape though!!

hardpressed

They can make a great camp under the dining table by covering it with a large sheet so that it come to the floor then they can play under it.

If the weather's fine you can make a tent with a wirlygig cloths line by pegging sheets all round and they can camp under that.