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Remember our kids’ table? Well, I started to think that having a communal box of crayons, markers, etc. might not be the best idea. I have 2 nieces, and when we dine out at restaurants and they provide just one box of crayons it’s mayhem. They are sweet girls, but sharing can sometimes be hard. And then I started to think, ‘Hmm…why not make kids’ kits?’ These kits will have everything a child would need to have a great time at the kids’ table (at least I can tell myself that).
Thanks to Miss Apple Cider, I have an idea of where to get the boxes we will use.
So what will we include in these magic boxes?
Well, I need some ideas! For the girls I’m considering: rings (maybe ring pops?), crayons, stickers, bracelets and a homemade activity book. And for the boys: cars, stickers, crayons, and a homemade activity book. As I said before, I only have nieces, so I’m having a hard time figuring out what the boys will want and what can span the ages. I asked Mr. Fro Yo what he liked when he was young and the only thing he could come up with was Ninja Turtles. I think kids nowadays are done playing with Ninja Turtles.
So, what else should I include?
We are including glow sticks for the kids to play with.
Can anyone who has ordered through US Box estimate shipping charges for 50 gable boxes for me? Thanks!
I love the idea of kid kits. I think the crayons and activity books will be a hit.
Why not get a few card games like go fish or old maid? I’d try a place like orientaltrading for cheap things. I worked at an arcade and kids love crazy little things from places like that.
For our kids I included:
-Color Wonder markers and paper (so the marker would only go on the paper, not the table!)
-Those little foam pellet things that you put in water and they expand into animals and whatever
-Glow bracelets (BIG hit!)
I got all of these at Michael’s and they were really well priced, especially the glow bracelets.
I would do the same for the boys and girls. Kids have a way of wanting whatever it is they don’t have and I’m sure there are plenty of unisex items to include. PPs have already suggested a number of good ones, and I bet actually going to the store will provide tons more that never would’ve occured to you.
Thanks for all the great ideas! I love glow sticks!!
The hottest thing for boys right now (I would say) is transformers!
The kids’ kits are a great idea. The boys might enjoy Pokemon cards or those little Lego sets that come in small boxes.
Don’t gender them - I looooved playing with cars when I was a kid, and if they all have the same toys, they can play together.
What about legos, if they’re all above 3 or 5 or whatever? Or little puzzles? I also love the idea of having card games.
Oooh and mad-libs!
I would be careful with anything sticky if there are kids under 6– you may end up with a ring pop or dstuck to your dress!
Also, I get my best kid craft inspiration when I go to Michaels and puruse the aisles (i’ve found braclet making kits, suncatcher kits, ornaments to decorate for x-mas, etc). I craft with my nieces and that’s how i come up with most of my ideas– i bet you could find fun stuff for reasonable prices doing that
i second mcnetn3’s suggestion of hitting up michael’s. you can also try target’s dollar section as well. both places usually have tons of great things you can toss in a kid’s kit.
also, edb made a good point. growing up, i was always the odd girl out, more often than not opting for the boy’s happy meal option for the cool toys than the girls’. much rather have the hot wheel instead of the stupid barbie. haha. a couple of gender specific items are okay but make sure to add a few non-gender ones too.
I got cheap stuff at Michael’s and Jo-Ann like everyone else - we did a homemade coloring book (got the tutorial off wedding bee for how to make it from your own photos) with crayons, stickers, pipe cleaners, bubbles, glow bracelets. all these were a hit with the boys and girls, although they were all 6 or younger. they really came in handy when the kids got antsy at the reception - and the kids were really quite happy with just the simple, cheap things.
we went to our local joke store and picked up some peez dispensers, finger puppets things, bouncing balls, yo-yos, and the like. Although our reception is outside, so that might alter the things you put in your kits!
We did crayon rolls (made from a placemat sewn together tied with ribbon), homemade activity books, glow sticks, mini puzzles (from the $1 section at Michaels) and a few of those Martha Stewart no glue needed puppet kits. I also had my mom do monogrammed white bibs for the babies.
The crayon/colored pencil rolls were a big hit with their parents since they would make great car trip crayon holders.
The glow sticks were the biggest hit with the kiddos, especially after sunset. We had kiddos chasing lightening bugs with the glow sticks. It was quite funny.
Bubble wrap? That seems to be the only thing that can keep kids I know happy 
Okay… so yes, the suggestion is crazy but I just had to throw that out there.
What about play foam:http://www.amazon.com/Educational-Insights-1805-PlayFoam/dp/B000EREGRM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1252612128&sr=1-1
Another good place for kids stuff is oriental trading. I order from there when I have parties for my daughter, and they are relatively inexpensive.
Play-doh - kids love that stuff.
I also say check out the kiddie aisles at Michaels, Joann’s even Walmart or the dollar store. Anything that keeps them occupied and doesn’t make a big mess (im thinking of the disaster area the house is when the nephews sit at a table and play- small things tend to end up everywhere) or like someone said nothing sticky or that could stain your dress. Maybe try McDonalds for a bunch of happy meal toys- they keep our nephews occupied. They sell them for a dollar or so, or you and the Mr. can have a few happy meal dinners
bubbles!
We also did snacks — we thought they might be hungry before dinner was served and adult appetizers just might not do it for ‘em. I think we had a juice box, a package of goldfish and little package of cookies.
Bubbles for sure! Some stores (I see them a lot in the Borders check-out aisle and I know Target, etc have them) sell these packs of squishy lizards, frogs, or bugs that stretch that my brother and I used to LOVE. someone said madlibs- greatest idea ever!!
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Mrs. Frozen Yogurt, Dallas Age and Occupation: 28, Special Projects Coordinator Fiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Equity Trader Engagement Date: March 19, 2009 Wedding Date: April 2010 Venue: Marie Gabrielle, Dallas About Me: I was born and raised in Texas, and have lived in several of the cities across the state, but I currently reside in Austin. I went to college in Boston and have a special place in my heart for the Northeast. I love reading, shopping, wine, reuniting with college friends that are scattered across the country, reality TV, trying out new recipes, and attempting all the DIY projects that come along with wedding planning. I'm a "bleeding heart, save the world type" and thankfully my job allows me to work on legislation and policy to help out those in need. I met Mr. Frozen Yogurt in a bar, though he doesn't even drink! And now we are planning a modern yet vintage wedding in Dallas while dealing with the trials and tribulations of first time homeownership.
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