Tot Explorations: Upcycled Before Dinner Activity!

I'm always looking for ways to reuse things. Especially all our recyclable containers!

The other day, I noticed how our Earth's Best Yummy Tummy Instant Oatmeal box we'd just finished had an alphabet game activity on the back. Voila! Upcycled Container Use #3! A Before Dinner Activity!

I flattened out the box, trimmed it up, and bent one side back to make it a little stand. While I made dinner, I popped my toddler into his seat a bit early and had him play with the activity. We modified it a bit for his age, as he doesn't yet match letters to pictures well, but still he enjoyed pointing out his favorite pictures, and it kept him busy while I stirred and chopped, and simmered!

Seeing how well this works, I have started checking and collecting the backs of cereal boxes and other kid snack containers! I keep ones with activities on them in a file folder to whip out when I need them. No reason to just throw them away, right? Now I'll have a stash of quick and simple games and activities at a moment's notice!

Bonus - since they are printed on cardboard, they will last longer than a paper activity! Double-bonus - sometimes you can find seasonal activities!

Thanks, Earth's Best, for that bit of inspiration!

What do you do with your empty boxes and containers? (Check out Upcycled Containers Use #1 and Upcycled Containers Use #2!)

This post was written as part of the Earth's Best Blogger program. I was provided product samples to facilitate this post, and may be eligible for additional blogger rewards. All opinions are 100% my own.