The first birthday of your child signifies an important milestone. This tends to be the period when they start walking and talking, transforming into lively and vibrant beings. Keeping them engaged all day might be strenuous. Thankfully, I have a selection of favorite, cost-effective, and easy-to-implement activities for one-year-olds to share.
MEETUP.COM
Meetup.com is a beneficial platform that facilitates group formations for get-togethers. You can explore local mom groups in your vicinity or initiate your own. One-year-olds may not have mastered playing together, but mingling with other mothers can be enjoyable.
WATER PLAY
Originally, I believed a water table was necessary, until I discovered how expensive they were. Spending $35-50 on a plastic water-holding table seemed a bit much. Rather than splurging on a water table, consider creating your own DIY version using a plastic box or a space-saving under-bed container.
You can also prepare a large bowl filled with water and a smidge of dish soap for your toddler to amuse themself. They can play, clean their toys or blow bubbles. Offering them a low-cost paint brush will enable them to “paint” with water on the driveway. Another engaging concept is creating a makeshift colander using a cup or a bowl fashioned out of Styrofoam and perforated.
SENSORY BOXES
Pinterest has numerous “Sensory Box” ideas available. A sensory box doesn’t have to be complex; I store dried beans, split peas, rice, and noodles in two plastic shoe boxes. I also added an extra spoon and measuring cup. Keep in mind that babies can sometimes consume the contents of sensory boxes, necessitating adult supervision. Scout your home for everyday objects that would intrigue your baby, put them in a box or basket, and let the fun begin!
THE FREE ZOO
Did you know that most towns have a free zoo? It’s true! They go by the name of pet stores, and they’re a hit with one-year-olds. Despite living quite a distance from the LA Zoo, my daughter and I visit pet stores such as Petsmart or Petco twice a month. We plan our visits during pet adoption days to see all the dogs and cats. Although elephants and giraffes may be absent, your toddler will be thrilled to observe the variety of birds, fish, and other small creatures.
One-year-olds have a natural curiosity about the world and relish new experiences. They appreciate a change of scenery, so these budget-friendly activities will keep them entertained, stimulate their development, and save you money.
How do you keep your one-year-old busy on a budget while avoiding mishaps? Keep an eye out for more economical toddler activity suggestions.
