Creating A Children’s Weekend Basket
We are over half way through the Summer holidays here in the UK, so if this is where you are you might be feeling a little frazzled or scrambling for ideas to keep your children and you going. This is definitely how I have felt this week, so I thought it was a good time to share my Weekend Basket idea with you, which is perfect for weekends and holidays alike.
A few months ago I shared one of my weekend baskets on an Instagram Live, which is now saved here for you. You don’t have to have a basket, a shoe box works just as well. I’m just a little bit (very!) addicted to baskets! I love to fill a basket with activities for Rudi and leave it out for her to discover first thing in the morning when she comes down for breakfast. It makes her feel very special and it really helps her not to panic about what to do first in the day. Adding a little note about the day ahead or some words of love and gratitude is a lovely idea too. Starting the day well, with positive energy and love is so important for all of us and I find that especially true for my neurodivergent children.
A weekend basket does not have to cost money, you can make it up from things you already have at home. I bet once you start looking, you’ll find lots of forgotten treasures and activities, that will feel like they are new to your child.
Some of the things I put in our weekend baskets :
Pens and pencils
Stickers
Little notebooks
Small books of games like crosswords and sudoku
A craft activity - this doesn’t have to be a ready made kit. Find inspiration on Pinterest (my board will help get you started!) and then just gather the things you need. Empty toilet rolls can be turned into so many things and are great to save for a basket!
A book
Little toys and puzzles
Fidget toys
Beads and thread to make a necklace
Pebbles to decorate
Blank cards to decorate and write to friends and family
The list is endless and I know once you start creating these you’ll find plenty of things around the house. I like to keep a large box or bag hidden in a cupboard where I can put things when I find them for when it’s time to put a basket together or when I need an emergency activity. This is also a great system for gathering things together for journeys and time away from home.
I hope you have fun with this! These baskets are not just great for children…next week I will be sharing how I make baskets for myself too. xo
