If you’re like me you probably have a ton of leftover pom poms from various crafts you’ve made in the past. And if you haven’t already noticed, kids love pom poms. I don’t know if it’s because they look like balls, or because they are fluffy, but they sure do love those little things. Why not take those left over pom poms and put them to good use to entertain your toddler? It’ll definitely distract them long enough for you to do the dishes, clean the floors, or do your hair. Here are some great pom pom activities:
Source: notimeforflashcards.com
1. Pom Pom Sticky Window
Pull out the pom poms, tape up some contact paper with the sticky side facing out, and let your toddler have at it. They can stick the pom poms all over the sticky paper. You can even show them how when they remove the pom poms some fluff gets left behind. They might spend hours trying to get the fluff off or simply just moving the pom poms from sticky spot to sticky spot.
(No Time For Flash Cards is a great resource if you’re looking for crafts and activities to keep your little on occupied and learning).
2. Pom Pom Tube Play
Once you finish a roll of paper towels, keep the cardboard roll. Instead of throwing it away, set up a little game for your little one to play. Take the roll and tape it up on the wall. Then, place a bucket or bowl under the tube and let your toddler put the pom poms down the tube. They can watch it drop down the roll and into the bowl. To make it even more interesting for you child, tape up a few of the rolls in a a random pattern where it can still roll down into the bowl.
3. Water Bottle Holder
Recycling your water bottles will have a new meaning for you now. Keep those used water bottles of yours and give them to your baby. Let them put the pom poms in the water bottle and dump them out and then do it all over again. You can even tape colored paper around the water bottle and have your child sort the pom poms by color.
4. Muffin Tin Fun
We already know that little ones love to go through our cabinets and pull out all the tuperware, pots, and pans. Next time, pull out the muffin tin and let them put the pom poms in the muffin tin. You can tell them to sort them in each cup according to color or size.
Source: Andrew Seaman via Flickr
5. Sweep and Learn
While your toddler is playing, you can teach them a practical skill, such as sweeping. Let your little one dump out all the pom poms and then give them a broom, a dust pan, and a bucket or bowl to put them in after they are swept up. They can spend hours sweeping up the pom poms and then dumping them out.
6. Pom Pom Stuffing Box
Ever wonder what to do with those empty wipe container boxes? Let your toddler have some fun with them. With the lid closed, let them stick the pom poms through the soft top and once it’s all full they can open the container, dump them all out, then do it all over again.
(If you’re looking for more ideas about doing things with your family while saving money, check out Motherhood On A Dime).
7. Pom Poms in Matching Bowls
Chances are you’ve received these stacking bowls as a baby shower or birthday gift for your little one. These are perfect for sorting pom poms. Lay one of each color out with the hole at the top. Then let your toddler sort the pom poms by color by putting them in the holes and inside the bowl.
8. Fun in a Box
If you’ve got an extra cardboard box laying around, put it to good use. Cut some holes in it, then let your little one drop the pom poms in the holes. You can make different sized holes to keep it interesting. Then they can open it up, dump it out, and do it all over again.
9. Tupperware Sorting
Since kids love playing with the tupperware so much, why don’t you let them? Pull out the tupperware and the measuring cups. Your kiddos can use the measuring cups to scoop the pom poms in and out of the tupperware.
Source: Graco Children’s Products via Flickr
10. Pom Pom Filled Pack ‘N Play
If you have a lot of pom poms dump them in the pack ‘n play and place your kiddo in it. I guarantee they will love moving around in all the pom poms, throwing them, and kicking them. Not to mention that it’ll most likely keep those pom poms contained and make for easy clean up, which is always a plus!
Which of these was your favorite? We’d love to hear from you! Let us know in the comments below!
Want more great activities for kids? Check out our article on 7 indoor games and activities to bust boredom for kids.