This year we got inspired by one of Sofie’s favorite books and Slumberkins and did a Lady Bug themed valentines basket and sensory bin. We started by making a bright red colored rice using vinegar and food coloring. Unfortunately the vinegar made the rice really smelly so we’ll be doing it with paint next time around. To create this cool ladybug effect we started with uncooked black beans for the head and inner wings. With those shapes in place we poured a vase layer of rice and then went back and forth until we filled the dish. Then we used an empty toilet paper roll to funnel the black beans on top for some nice round spots. The contrast of the black and red created quite a stunning effect. And Sofie loved scooping and pouring the rice. It’s the only activity she’s been talking about for the last two weeks! I wasn’t loving the mess of rice all over the room but luckily Sofie was happy to help me clean it up.
Valentine’s Basket Fillers:
Cuddle Bug Book: This is one of Sofie’s favorites and since we were doing a Lady Bug theme, I had to include it. Even though she’s already read it, she’s still at the age where I can repurpose gifts which is awesome for me.
Slumberkins Love Bug: I love that Slumberkins did a lady bug this year! It’s so stinking cute. And the set even comes with classroom Valentine’s cards. Sofie will be taking hers to the park along with these cute little Valentine’s Memory Game sets since over here we’re big fans of non-candy Valentines.
Colored Rice & Black Beans Jar: I made this one by hand, but I highly recommend checking out @busylittles on instagram for great sensory kits pre-made and mailed directly to you!
Bugs Flashcards: These are so great for expanding your toddler’s vocabulary and teaching new words in both English and Spanish. Sofie loves using these to match things like toys to each flashcard as she learns the words. These are also great mealtime distractions for quizzing her when she’s getting challenging at the dinner table.
Floss & Rock Magnetic Dress Up Character: Sofie absolutely loved the one that she got for Christmas so I bought her another doll in the set for Valentine’s day. This little dress up down keeps her entertained for at least and hour. She loves taking the clothes off and on and the more dolls you have in the set, the more outfits you have overall.
For our sensory bin we paired the rice play with the Cuddle Bug book and our favorite letters from Chars Jars shop.
