I am all about DIY activities so that when my toddler is having a rough day, I can bring out a different thing for him to play with. As I mentioned in my No-Prep DIY Activities (1-2 year old) post, I will put these away so that he doesn’t play with them frequently, this way the activities stay new and exciting. 

The activities listed here use items that are common in households. They only require a little extra prep work before handing it over to your child.

Water Tupperware

My son loves playing in water. So, if I don’t want to get him in the bath, I will put him in his highchair with towels underneath it, and give him this activity. I get a large or medium Tupperware, fill it up a third of the way, and then put lots of random objects from the kitchen in it. Some objects include baby spoons, straws, medicine cups, silicone muffin cups, teaspoons, etc. This is a messy activity so you’ll want to have towels on the ground and be prepared for the possibility of your child dumping the water out. 

Food Sensory Container

I have a random dip container that I never use. One day I put different foods with different textures in each section. The first time I did this activity, I remember sending a text to my husband excited that our son had been playing with it uninterrupted for 30 minutes. It was awesome. This is another messy activity but it only requires a vacuum later. I also like to add some spoons and cups to make it more fun.

Water Painting

Super easy one. All you need is a paintbrush, paper (colored paper works best), and a little container with water. Just paint with water!

Letter and Number Magnets

We have this activity available every day because it encourages learning and talking. The reason it is on the min-prep list is simply because you need to buy the magnets if you don’t have any. Otherwise, just put them on your fridge or dishwasher. My son likes to move them between appliances, put them in baskets, and line them up straight. He literally plays with them every day.

Taping Toys to Fridge

It doesn’t have to be the fridge; it can be any surface you want like the dishwasher or their tray. It’s as easy as it sounds.

Clothes/Rags in a Laundry Basket

There is just something fun about throwing clothes out of a laundry basket. My son has been doing this since he was around 10 months old. 

Printable Coloring Pages

There are so many free coloring pages online, just print some out and give your little one some crayons! **There are some very cool coloring books you can buy that have colorless markers. The markers only work on the coloring pages and don’t get on walls or clothes!

Let me know in the comments if any of these work for your little one or if you have other DIY activities I should try!

**Also, check out my other DIY activities posts: No-Prep DIY Activities (1-2 year old),  DIY Activities – Prep Work Required (1-2 year old)