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17 DIY busy boards for active toddlers

HEJIRA CONVERY  NOVEMBER 2, 2016

EXPLORE PLAYING TODDLERS

‘Busy’ takes on a whole new meaning when there’s a toddler in the picture. With boundless
energy, enquiring minds and fingers that want to poke, pull and prise open EVERYTHING,
(including emptying the saucepan cupboard onto the kitchen floor on a daily basis!) toddlers
are the ultimate junior explorers. Watch out Indiana Jones!

Rather than navigating an over grown jungle path to find a hidden tomb, busy boards are a
wonderful substitute! Brilliant for sensory and fine motor development, busy boards are good
‘old fashioned play’ at their best.
Here are our favourite 17 DIY busy boards for toddlers. Build one at home and let the
adventure begin.

Peek-a-boo!

Open, shut them, open, shut them, have a little clap as toddlers find family photos hidden
behind flaps. (via Busy Toddler)

Worksite this way
Latch onto this construction-themed busy board. With locks and light switches, it’s a worksite
for bambino builders. (via Millionayres)

Fill ‘er up!

Beep, beep, vroom, vroom and off we go! This car dashboard has everything a learner needs –
rear view mirror, gears, fuel gauge, speedo and, of course, a radio for on-road tunes. (via And
Next Comes L)

Buckle up
Fine-tune those fine motor skills with this fabric DIY board. Zips, buttons, buckles, bows and
velcro – ooo yeah. (via I’m Shunk)

A recipe for fun

This DIY board is full of felty goodness. Hungry little caterpillars will go to town arranging bits
of food. (via Buggy and Buddy)

Trophy home busy board

This busy board has the right angle for large-scale play. With a chalkboard on the back, rhythm
stick on the side and mega fun up-front, it’s the cornerpiece of toddler civilisation. (via We
Became Three)

Down-sizing
Great things come in small packages too and this small-scale busy board is nice and simple!
The baby blue suits toddlers too. (via bre pea. at Peacoats and Plaid)

Latches by letter
Add the personal touch with a backboard in the shape of an initial. Anyone handy with a
jigsaw? The tool, that is. (via Dig This Design)

Peggy do
Donut walls, Nerf storage, style statements…. Is there anything a pegboard can’t do? Now add
‘busy board’ to its list of accomplishments with this colourful construction. (via Life Inspired)

Added learning
Parents can count on this busy board to teach littlies their numbers. Hum along with the
Sesame Street song as they play. “1, 2, 3, 4 …” (via BabyBlog Russia)

Fun x 2

It’s sensory play on the double, with these fluffy, bright and noisy busy boards. Siblings are
sorted! (via Fun At Home With Kids)

Porta-board
The electronic doorbell is a massive hit on this one and, with a handle at the top, it’s
convenient to carry the noise fun anywhere. Hello Granny’s house! (via Where The Smiles Have
Been)

Home, sweet, home

Speaking of houses, this doll’s house busy board is pretty as a picture. Open wide, come inside,
it’s play time. (via Materiales Biosori)

Four Etsy Finds

There’s lots of DIY inspiration at Etsy, plus some beautiful busy boards to pick up ready-made.
Here are four fab ideas:

1. Farm-tastic

With music and animals, this one calls for a rendition of ‘Old MacDonald had a toddler’.
Available from Etsy seller Woodle Doodle Shop, ($121.62)

2. Wheelie fun
Take the car idea up a gear with this vehicle-shaped busy board. Available from Etsy seller The
Rus Wood ($114.86)

3. Stand alone activities

An easel is a clever way to combine busy board and chalkboard. Make one at home or
explore the readymade route. Available from Etsy seller Busyboard iBoard ($162.16)

4. Travel-size
Passport? Check! Toiletry bag? Check! Travel-ready busy board? Check! Available from Etsy
seller, Maxi Baby Toys ($87.84)

Find More: Activities for Toddlers

14 DIY musical instruments for toddlers

Sensory Play: 30 educational activities for toddlers
20 brilliant busy bag ideas for toddlers

DEVELOPMENTAL SKILLS ENTERTAINING TODDLERS SENSORY PLAY TODDLER TOYS

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