In the spirit of Use What You Have, consider the activity bag as a quick, fun, family project. We first saw the idea of activity bags at a church. There were a few dozen colorful bags hanging in the back of the church that children could borrow for the duration of the service. Inside each were different toys that don’t make obnoxious sounds, picture books for various age levels, plush animals and drawing supplies.

Now we’re making some for the children at our church and our lives. We used only fabric we had on hand, everything ranging from 1930s reproduction fabrics to our own lines from FreeSpirit. We thought it would be way more fun if each bag were totally different inside and out. In each bag are new and gently used toys and books that reflect the wonderful cultural and racial diversity of our church. Also essential are washable crayons and a small pad of paper. Each bag is about 12”x15”x2” and has handles that are 12” long made from left over quilt binding strips. The bags are unlined (I use the pinking blade on the rotary cutter to prevent fraying) and can be made in less than half an hour unless you have a “helper” in which case allow an hour or so.

I also think this is a great idea for visiting children or for a toddler’s birthday gift. It would also be a nice gift for expectant grandparents who may not have anymore a houseful of toys to entertain visiting children.