Activity boxes as Christmas presents, ideas?

[Moonhawk]

I am going to get my kids group presents this year, focused on activities they can do alone.  Background: we have a quiet time every day after lunch, which used to be nap time but kids have outgrown this, and it is getting harder to think of new activities to keep them busy but not needing my attention. I want to have set permanent activity boxes they can choose from to take to their spot and do on the days I don’t have something planned (besides reading and workbooks, and the still-hoped-for nap). 

 

Activities during this time need to be quiet, and able to be done alone (though if 2-3 people can do them, that’s fine). And, I don’t want glue or scissors involved since those left unattended won’t work for everyone yet.  Picture like a shoebox size. 

 

My ideas so far:

- puzzles and mind teasers: book of brain teasers, rubiks cube, puzzle balls (http://www.orientaltrading.com/puzzle-balls-a2-12_1801.fltr), flex puzzle (http://www.target.com/p/flexi-puzzle/-/A-17067467?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&CPNG=PLA_Toys+Shopping&adgroup=SC_Toys&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=c&location=9030209&gclid=CNyptoH8x9ACFRBEfgod14gGmA&gclsrc=aw.ds) , 2d-3d puzzler (https://www.amazon.com/Educational-Insights-2978-Kanoodle/dp/B000FGECAI/ref=pd_sim_21_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B000FGECAI&pd_rd_r=FB7MS2T5FR6ZXR5NCKDW&pd_rd_w=6cYCf&pd_rd_wg=t87cU&psc=1&refRID=FB7MS2T5FR6ZXR5NCKDW) stuff like that

- “cooler†building blocks (http://www.orientaltrading.com/connecting-rainbow-wheels-a2-13741313.fltr?source=shoppingcart)

- pattern blocks (tangram) with picture ideas

- something with maps?  they love maps, just idk what to do for a durable activity.  Maps and a world atlas?

- ?

- ?

 

I had wanted 6 boxes, but have run out of ideas.  Has anyone else done this, or have ideas that would fit this? Or, better ideas for the box contents, like better/different blocks I should consider?

 

Thanks for your help!

 

[IfIOnly]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B009VE38D2/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1480218328&sr=8-2&pi=SL75_QL70&keywords=Spirograph

 

Not quiet (maybe you could turn the sound off? My kids enjoy this game!), but engaging:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01BOV663S/ref=psdcmw_166179011_t3_B00E9YWJOS

Edited November 27, 2016 by ifIonlyhadabrain

[Kareni]

A box with coloring pencils and a few coloring books.

 

Regards,

Kareni

[Erica in OR]

Extreme dot to dot books.

 

Erica in OR

[Guest]

Colorforms.

[TABmom]

Magnets? I have word magnets that can be used to make sentences, but there are lots of ways you could use magnets.

 

Sticker books

 

A variety of rocks and a magnifying glass

 

Pinterest has some interesting engineering challenge type things- I made a box one time that had blocks, shot glass size plastic glasses, and popsicle sticks. There were several challenges to do with those.

 

Dry erase activities

 

With your map idea- we have a map that goes with a leap pen. It has been fun.

 

If they are younger- something to lace onto string?

 

Pattern bears (set of colored bears that are small, med, and large)

 

Math manipulatives

[theelfqueen]

What about solo puzzle games like Hoppers or Rush Hour (Junior versions also available)

 

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

[school17777]

Playdough?

[HomeAgain]

Lakeshore Learning has pre-made activity boxes.  Maybe look at theirs to get a few ideas?

[lynn]

Weaving kits, how to books (draw, knit, crochet, origami etc.) along with supplies, journal books for just doodling or writing.

[MamaBearTeacher]

String, yarn or plastic string; masking tape or coloured masking tape; construction paper; stickers; pipe cleaners

[MercyA]

Magnetic play sets

Felt play sets

ZipBin play mats with extra figures / cars

Logic / puzzle games like Camelot Jr. 

[hellen]

My kids didn't like the connectagons which are the cooler blocks you linked.

 

They love magnatiles.

[alisoncooks]

Rice box?

 

http://busytoddler.com/2015/11/rice-bin/

 

We made our box 3-4 years ago, and my kids STILL play with it. And it has remained tidy and bug-free all this time (our bin snaps closed and we keep it so when not in use).

 

We dyed our rice (rainbow colors) and my kiddos mostly use empty tic-tac containers, spoons, funnels, and other random jars/bowls/scoops. Sometimes they play with their animal figurines in the rice. I don't do the "sensory box" thing -- just let them play.

[Moonhawk]

Thanks for the suggestions!  I think I got some good ideas to put together  :)