I haven't actually done this yet, but it is definitely on my to do list. And it would work perfectly with all of Mia's pots and pans and things she got for Christmas. Plus, it will save you $200 or more dollars on buying the same thing at ToysRUs. Here's how it works:
You will need a bunch of cardboard boxes, duct tape, markers, and anything else you want to do to be creative. Here are some pictures to help you with your construction.
You can actually make things as simple or complex as you want. The white oven is one of the more simple, yet still awesome ones.
This brown one is slightly more complex, but still fairly easy.
Again, more complex than the first two, but still looking good!
This one is my favorite. I didn't make it, and don't know if I will ever be creative enough to replicate it, but I sure can enjoy looking at the picture!
One of my favorite things to do with kids that are just too wiggly and don't want to settle down, is actually to keep them moving, but with direction. Instead of letting them just run around wild, I have them move like animal. This is a great idea to tire them out quickly, as they will be moving fast, and up and down a lot. Here are some example to get you thinking:
Hop like bunnies
Run like cheetahs (really fast)
Crawl and bark/meow like dogs/cats
Waddle like penguins
Fly like birds
Swim like fish
Walk like an elephant (use your arm to create a long nose)
Crawl and oink like a pig
Etc.
The only limits in this game are what you can come up with. I have no idea what sound an armadillo makes, so I'm not going to suggest it. As the kids get older, you can have them swim like whales, but also make whale sounds (think finding Nemo) or just watch the following video.
This is sure to bring lots of giggles. Have you tried anything like this? What's you favorite animal to imitate?
There are plenty of things that you can find at the dollar store to keep you entertained. Some of them are great and others not so great. Fake mustaches fall among the GREATS! And you can use the mustaches for all sorts of activities! Pretend that you are a notorious bad guy going to rob a bank, and let your child save the day. Or add them to your birthday party theme along with other dress up clothes. Or have a contest to see who can be the most creative with their mustache placement. The possibly activities are endless. Here's what we did....
Items Needed:
Dollar Store fake mustaches (I have seen the same ones at ToysRUs and I think even Walmart)
Camera
Giggles
They came in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Here is Mia before we started playing.
Mia was a little nervous about having things on her face, so mommy went first.
If I remember correctly, I was actually holding Mia's hands down in order to take this picture. She kept trying to pull off the mustache.
Next it was Daddy's turn.
Uni-brow!
This is my attempt to raise a single eyebrow. Although it felt like it worked, it obviously didn't.
We put a mustache on Kitty to help Mia enjoy mustache time, but not force her to wear them.
Here's Papa!
Kitty up close!
Momo's turn!
I don't even know what face I was trying to make here.
Winnie the Pooh! My, how you have aged!
Results
Alright, so I admit that I got this packet of mustaches for Mia, but when all was said and done, I had WAY more fun than anyone else. It's probably evident based on on the fact that there are more pictures of me in mustache glory, rather than other people.
