Keeping Little Hands Busy - Three toddler activities and how they worked for us

Having a toddler is exhausting, as any parent will tell you. Short attention spans and the need for mental stimulation demand creativity but, as much as I hate to admit it, entertaining a rambunctious 15-month-old doesn't come easily to me so I went looking for some ideas on Pinterest.

I picked three activities for Max and I to try this week, all simple and inexpensive. I found all the supplies either in my own home or at Dick Blick (an art store) and paid less than $10 for everything I needed.

First up, we tried pipe cleaners and a colander. This activity actually kept Max busier than I expected it to, keeping his attention for about 40 minutes or so, which is/was unheard of for him! My only complaint is that the pipe cleaners aren't easy to pick up when done, so I have a ginormous pile of 100 pipe cleaners in the closet.

The next morning we tried a Ziplock container with a small hole in the top and 100 pom poms. NEVER have I seen this kid concentrate so hard! We have done this activity three times already and it's one I am sure we will do again and again. Hands down the winner of the three.

Lastly, we tried felt pieces cut and rolled up (like baby wipes) inside a coffee container with a large hole in the lid. I actually thought this one would be too easy, but it turns out to be rather difficult for little hands that can't hold a container stationary while grabbing the felt pieces. Much more difficult than you'd expect! Max asked me for "elp!" multiple times and ended up sitting on my lap while I pulled the felt pieces out of the container. We might try this again in the future, but it's a little too difficult for him for now.

Do you have favorite activities to keep little ones happy and busy? Tell me or link to them in the comments!