Rainy Day Stash-A Parent's Survival Kit

I'll often be posting educational activity ideas, so I thought it might be helpful to have a reference list of items that I think all parents should ALWAYS have on hand. These are easy, inexpensive, items that can be used in countless ways! You can bet that most of my posts will require the use of these items only, so if you stock up now, you'll be prepared to try an activity out right away! If I include anything else, it will be some other common household item (like flour or table salt or toy cars)!

This kit shouldn't be one that your child can get into at will and scatter it's contents around the house. Treat it "special" and get excited when you bring it out or allow access to it. This will help ensure longer attention spans and create memories outside of the daily norm! Of course, I will often give you an activity idea, but bring it out sometimes with no direction. With your child, get creative, and see what masterpieces you can come up with. Always ask questions and keep dialogue open, to ensure "teachable moments" and bonding experiences.

First off...I understand small spaces very well, so don't tell me you "don't have room"! We need a place to store these things, and I'd like to give you some ideas on how to effectively do just that.

1.) Fill a canvas tote bag with these items and hang them on an easy to reach hook, inside your hall closet, or on the back of your child's bedroom door! Extra points if you and your child decorate the "craft tote"! You could also use an old backpack or suitcase-anything you have around the house!

2.) Clear a kitchen drawer and dedicate it to the "rainy day" cause!

3.) Fill a basket, canvas bin or plastic tote with the art supplies. Place it under the coffee table, on top of the fridge, at the foot of your child's bed, under a buffet table, in your china cabinet, on a bookshelf, where you store the board games, etc. If the basket's pretty, it can go almost anywhere! Of course, if you're one of the lucky few with an actual play room, it should go somewhere in there. Make sure it's up high, if you have smaller children!

So...what should you put in this special stash?! Remember: Check around your house, before buying! For items you don't have, most are available at dollar stores. Check there first, and don't pay more than $2.00 for ANY item! Clearance bins, at places like Michaels, is a good place to search too!

1.) Package of construction paper
2.) White School Glue
3.) Scotch Tape
4.) Tissue Paper (like the stuff you put in gift bags)
5.) Child Safety Scissors
6.) A few colors of Tempera Paint (available here)
7.) Some Yarn or String (one color will do)
8.) One Paint Brush per Child (something like this is a good deal)
9.) Crayons
10.) Brown Paper Lunch Sacks
11.) A few Paper Plates
12.) One black Sharpie (for adult use)

That should be plenty! You probably noticed I didn't put children's markers on the list. While children love them, they tend to make a mess, and they really aren't necessary for most art projects! Of course, you can add ink pads and stamps (check Target's dollar section), wallpaper samples, old magazines, buttons, pipe cleaner, ribbon, plastic straws, or anything else you find, but the above list is a basic list and one I will refer to most often! Also, if you buy any of these items online, check the site's "home page" for coupon codes, or do a quick Google search for a coupon code that applies to your order, BEFORE checking out! Often, you can find free shipping deals, 10% off, etc.! It helps and really adds up.


Enjoy your day!