Sensory Balloons

I have a board on Pinterest that is labeled my “In the future" board.  I have pinned ideas for toddlers, preschool age, another baby at some point, and even homeschooling (elementary age).  One little thing snuck up on me though, Logan is ready for some of those toddler crafts and projects now.  I have made a list of projects that involve things that I usually have around the house.  After destroying the living room today (yes, that is a normal everyday thing) but today was… um, particularly bad. Really, I should have taken a picture.  Anyway, I decided it was a good day for a more directed use of his energy.

I had seen this nifty little project a few times while browsing the internet.  I knew that Logan would be climbing up my leg if I tried to fill the balloons while he was awake, so this morning during his nap I filled these sensory balloons with the following:  rice, beans, flour, sugar, water, raisins, and salt.  There are so many different things that you could use.  Anything that fits into a balloon and is fun to squeeze works great!  I used a funnel to make things easier in case you are thinking of trying it.  I also used things that wouldn't be horrible for him if he happened to decide to bite a balloon open.  After I had given him a few minutes to wake up and had fed him, I took out the bowl of balloons. He played with them for about 30 minutes without losing interest.  He loved them and was clapping and kissing each one.  I guess I need to do more projects if he was that excited over some balloons. ;)