The activity supplies I can’t live without

Anyone else do a happy dance when you already have all the ingredients for a recipe?

That’s sort of how I feel about toddler activity supplies. It’s like a little peace of mind / security blanket knowing I have everything on hand to make it to nap time each day. It just makes things so easy.

Not sure about you, but I don’t have a bazillion dollars to spend on activity supplies. I also don’t have a Candy Spelling-esque wrapping paper / toddler activity room in my house. Heck, I don’t even have a playroom.

All the activity supplies I own are in a few plastic drawers.

You’ve got to check out these simple activity supplies

I don’t own a ton, just the right amount of supplies.

Here’s a detailed list of everything that I keep on hand so I can make that perfect toddler activity “recipes”. Helps me stay sane, helps the kids stay busy, helps me drink hot coffee in the morning. #momgoals

(This list contains Amazon affiliate links. Read more about these links in my disclosure policy.)

Supply drawers

• 5 drawer wide tower – I’m absolutely obsessed with this!
• Small 3 drawer tower

Art Supplies

• Washable Tempera Paint
• No-spill paint containers
• Watercolor Paint
• Crayons – I’m a fan of having big crayons and little crayons
• Markers – I like these ones because they don’t take up much space and fit great in tiny hands
• Colored construction paper
• White construction paper
• Kraft paper
• Butcher paper

 Miscellaneous Activity Supplies

• Magnetic wands
• Dot stickers
• Plastic tongs
• Post-it Notes
• Con-Tact paper
• Dot markers
• Dry erase markers

Sensory Bin Bases

I keep my sensory bin bases in airtight plastic containers or Ziploc bags. I’ve had each of these bags for pushing two years. You’ll want to check out my sensory bin basic post for ways to store these items and this post on introducing sensory bins to toddlers (and how to keep things tidy).

• 2 lbs Rice
• 2 lbs Corn Meal
• Bag of Pom Pom balls
• Dried beans
• Kinetic Sand
• Cotton Balls
• Pipe cleaners

Sensory Bin Tools

• Miniature toddler sized colander – my favorites!!
• Funnels
• Small bowls – these colored ones are the best….
• Mini construction trucks
• Measuring cups – I love having a toddler only set
• Shower curtain liner – random, yes, but think toddler tarp
• Ice cube trays – there are literally a million uses for them other than ice

 Alphabet Supplies

• Bath letters and number – we rarely use these in the tub; they are an activity supply staple
• Magnetic letters and numbers