Thursday, March 3, 2011

Who Needs Fisher Price When You Have Lima Beans?

This might be a no-brainer to all you seasoned mothers out there...but the best toys aren't really toys at all.



1 bag of lima beans + 1/2 bag of black beans + 3/4 bag of pinto beans + a couple glass dishes + measuring cups & spoons = 2+ days of non-stop fun for Z

She seriously has not grown tired of the beans.  I got the idea from this incredibly eye-opening book called Raising Your Spirited Child.  This book is blowing my mind.  But that's another post.  In the book she recommends lots of sensory activities for your spirited child.  I had no idea it would be such a success!


I have to say that we try not to spend a lot of money on toys.  We prefer wooden, all-natural toys (once again, another post) which are typically more expensive, so we don't have a lot.  One of our desires for all the toys our girls have is that they be open-ended.   This definitely fits the bill....and it hardly cost a thing.


I actually had to pull her away from the beans several times yesterday.  She has not grown tired of emptying and filling.  Last night her play took a different turn when we carried the bean tray into the living room.  All of a sudden she was making smoothies, cream of wheat and ice cream all available for purchase...with beans.

4 comments:

  1. I love it! I refilled Naomi's sensory tub on Monday with colored rice, muffin tins, measuring cups and bowls and spoons. She played for hours- filling and refilling! I could watch her do it all day! Great post Miriam, and I am curious about this book. Hope you post about it soon! (This says Reuben but its really Latrice, I just didn't feel like logging him out.)

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  2. just found your blog via soulemama's. love your blog! we use dry beans or split peas as pretend dirt for my boy's trucks when we can't get outside! look forward to following your blog!

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  3. Love it! (I commented so you'd know I saw this.) :)

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  4. Welcome Tanya! That's a great suggestion...my oldest loves her trucks too :)

    Abby! Yay!

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