Inside: everything you ever needed to know about busy bins all in one place! How to make preschool busy bins, plus ideas for toddlers, quiet time, and more.
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Basically, if I can put it in a bin, I will 😀
Morning baskets, car bag, quiet time bins, busy boxes, you name it.
After sharing my last post on morning busy boxes and all of my busy bin ideas on IG, you guys asked for an ultimate guide, so here it is!
In today’s guide we’ll cover:
- Busy bins for toddlers & preschoolers (ages 2-5)
- Quiet time bins
- Best supplies
- Storage & organization ideas
More Ultimate Guides:
- Ultimate Guide to Play Dough (Activities, Recipes, Storage)
- Ultimate Stay at Home Mom Course
- Ultimate Bento Box Lunch Guide (PDF download)
- Ultimate List Back-to-School Freezer Meals
Ultimate Guide to Busy Bins for Toddlers & Preschoolers
Busy Bins 101: What, When, Where, Why, and How?
What
A busy bin is really what it sounds like: a box or bin filled with various items to keep kids busy!
I like to include:
- Fine motor activities
- Tinkering/building toys
- Coloring activities
- Magnetic toys
- Small figurines
The best part about creating these is using what you already have but in a new way.
Generally, there’s no need to go out and buy a bunch of stuff, most of us already have a “bunch of stuff” – what we’re doing here is grouping it together in a different way that feels new and interesting to our kids.
Of course I will link all of my go-to supplies for your convenience, but I really recommend “shopping” what you already have!
Shop my Busy Bins supplies on Amazon
The idea is simple:
- Set out 5 small bins (Monday-Friday) and add toys such as blocks, vehicles, figurines, puzzles, small games, and activities such as coloring or stickers to each bin.
- Label each bin Monday through Friday and store out of sight until ready to use!
I typically like to save learning activities for morning baskets as I find it really helpful for busy bins to be an independent activity (more on this in the Why).
Usually with learning activities – like from The Preschool Playbook, I like to sit down with the kids and guide them through the activity.
When
When it comes to busy bins there’s really no specific time of day (like with morning baskets).
The point is really to use them when you need them most.
This could be for:
- Quiet time
- While you feed the baby
- When you need to get ready
- “Boredom buster”
- Independent play
These are really great to have on hand, ready to go when you need them.
You can either have multiple boxes prepped to have one for each day of the week, or you can use the same box and just change out what’s in it each day.
Of course if you need a consistent routine for using the busy bins, you can easily make them a predictable part of your day by taking one out around the same time every day.
Where
Whether your 4 year old uses their quiet time bin in their room, or your toddler plays with a busy bin on the floor of your bathroom while you get ready for the day, it doesn’t really matter, as long as it works for you.
- We also have this convertible sensory play table and absolutely love it.
- It’s the perfect little toddler table for them to sit and do their activities.
- Another aspect of the Where is where to store the busy bins themselves.
- It’s important to keep these out of sight and not readily available so they don’t lose their “wow factor”.
- Even if you use toys & items you already have, part of what makes the busy bins special is that they’re not available all the time.
Why
Good question, right?
What’s the “why” behind it, without overthinking it 🙂
Bottom line: keeping your toddler or preschooler busy, focused, and playing independently when you need to be doing something else.
That means the toys and items you include need to be easy to play with, without requiring help from you.
How
The last most important step!
Independent play sounds great and all, but it’s the How that often stumps us as parents!
We know that our kids need to learn to play independently without us, and yet this always seems easier said than done.
Here are a few practical tips for teaching your toddler or preschooler to play independently:
- Start off by playing together and modeling the process
- Make the routine predictable (ex: every day after lunch)
- Use a visual routine chart that includes their busy bin time
- Allow them to play close by with their bin (instead of in another room)
- Be realistic with yourself about how long you expect them to play
- It’s ok if they only play for a few minutes at first (it will build over time)
Best Todder & Preschooler Busy Bins
Note: You can find most of these things on Amazon, or even at stores like Dollar Tree, Five Below, Michael’s and Hobby Lobby! Use your best judgement with the items you include, especially for quiet time. Avoid using small manipulatives for toddlers as these pose a choking hazard.
I have two different kinds of busy bins I use:
Busy Bins Ideas for Toddlers & Preschoolers
- Cutting practice
- Building & blocks
- Coloring & matching
- Rainbow colors (cars, magnet tiles, puzzles)
- Lacing (beading/lacing activity), puzzles, books
Shop these supplies, here
More Busy Bin ideas, here
Fine Motor Activity Ideas
- Counting bear color match: rainbow bears, small pieces of paper, dot label stickers
- Pasta threading: dry rigatoni, play dough, straws
- Line tracing: paper drawn with curvy lines, small gemstones or small stickers
Activity Supply Storage
If you follow me on IG, you’ve seen my under-the-stairs activity closet!
This is where I store craft supplies, puzzles, games, preschool and activity supplies.
You can see on the top left of the cube storage where I have the busy bins stacked.
As mentioned earlier, I keep them stored away and only take them out when needed.
Shop my Activity Closet Storage
What to Read Next:
- How to Make a Toddler Morning Basket
- 3 Year Old Learning Activities at Home
- How to Organize & Store Preschool Activity Supplies
- My Favorite Morning Basket Supplies
- Toddler Morning Routine + Screen-Free Activities
Follow Marla on Instagram for more practical solutions for everyday #momlife
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