There’s no need to spend oodles of money on expensive baby toys when you’ve got a whole kitchen full of “toys” just waiting to be enjoyed.
Most babies, toddlers and even Pre-Schoolers love nothing more than digging through the kitchen cabinets and playing with every pot, pan, measuring cup and Tupperware container they can get their little hands on.
Not only are these utensils just as great for developing important fine motor skills as that name brand whatchamacallit, but they also help foster a healthy dose of “big kid confidence” as children practice helping (or mimicking) mom in the kitchen! 😉
When my oldest was a toddler, I dedicated the lower kitchen drawer as “her” drawer. I filled that thing with every plastic dish I could think of: small bowls, containers, measuring spoons on a ring, lids – you name it. She would spend hours pulling everything out, one by one, then cleaning them all up again. It was great!
Do you use your kitchen wares as toys as well? What other home items do you use as toys for you kids?
About Karrie
Food is my love language. But so is saving money. So I like to combine the two a lot and make thrifty make ahead and freeze meals to save time. Because life is busy, and freezer meals can come to the rescue for all of us. And yes, they actually CAN taste good. Read more...
Comments & Reviews
Jessica says
I have a plasric container filled with rice and assorted things in it. Buttons, beads, small toys. I let them pick out the items and we work on naming the items or sometimes I have letters from the fridge. The love to scoop and pour them as well. I lay out an old sheet first so it’s a little easier to clean up. Then vacuum whatever falls off the sheet.
Rachyl says
Funny that this would be posted today since I just pulled out a pot and wooden spoon for my 11 month old to bang on! She loves everything that is not a toy 🙂
Jessica Guzman says
My son insists on playing with my spices. I make sure that the jars are closed tightly before I let him grab them but while I cook he hangs out next to me and shakes them and rolls them all over the kitchen.
Jenn says
I also keep an old plastic Jif jar full of elbow macaroni in there. When I don’t mind a bit if a mess I let them open it up abd practice pouring, scooping and dumping between their various bowls.
Christy B. says
How fun… I like to use rolled up socks and my kids like shooting them into the basket for fun as well. Thanks for the reminder about this tip, going to have mine bust out the pots and pans today.
Ashleigh says
Those are some of the cutest kids I’ve ever seen!! 🙂
Karrie says
I agree…my nephew and niece are the most adorable cutie pies ever! 🙂