Have you ever splurged on pricey toys only to see your little one gravitate toward the most random household items? Well, you’re in luck! A clever dad has crafted the ultimate toddler activity board using common items you likely have lying around the house.
Recently, a user named crafty_parent shared a photo of this imaginative creation, humorously dubbed “dad’s way to keep them entertained.” This busy board features an array of fun things like wheels, lights, keychains, a deadbolt, an old phone, an empty toilet paper roll, and even a calculator—everything that kids naturally want to play with anyway! It’s a fantastic opportunity for sensory play without the mess.
Since going viral, this idea has received over two million views, with countless parents praising its creativity. Some even suggested adding zippers, while others joked that this ingenious concept should be pitched to investors on Shark Tank.
While a few parents raised concerns about toddlers potentially hurting themselves with the items on the board, the reality is that these are the very things kids are drawn to. Having them all in one safe location allows for easier supervision during playtime. Plus, this DIY project is significantly more budget-friendly than purchasing a pre-made activity board, which can run upwards of $115—like the “locks and latches activity board” you might find on Amazon.
When you total up the costs, you can build this engaging activity board for around $65 or less, especially if you’re resourceful and use materials from your junk drawer! Toys can be expensive, but the internet is full of imaginative, low-cost solutions to keep kids entertained.
It’s perfectly fine to spend money on a single plastic toy from stores like Target, but as this activity board illustrates, blending everyday household “junk” into playtime can be both enjoyable and practical. For more interesting projects, check out some of our other blog posts, like this one about intracervical insemination and for those interested in pregnancy and home insemination, Healthline offers great resources.
In summary, skip the toy store and consider making a DIY activity board with items you already have at home. Your child will love it, and you’ll save some cash while fostering creativity.