We spend a lot of time on the go between traveling, visiting family, and spending time with friends! We were always gathering toys to bring different places for our busy girl, so we decided we needed a way to just grab what she loves every time we are headed out. Enter the "Busy Box". This is where we keep all of the things Joslynne loves to play with when we are places that might not have little friends to play with or toddler activities! Whether its a hotel for a night or an afternoon with a babysitter, or when we have dinner with friends who don't have little babies, the Busy Box is easy to bring along!
The handle makes it easy for us to grab and Josy to carry around as well! Its perfect to just set in the car and be on our way!
You Will Need:
A wooden tool box (A box without slotted compartments will fit the most toys) We ordered this reclaimed one from Nevada Woodworks and were very impressed with the quality and size!
Wood stain of choice (We used Dark Walnut)
Wide Paint Brush for stain
White Chalk
Fine Paint Brush
Modge Podge or clear sealer
Directions:
1. Make sure your box doesn't have any rough edges that could be dangerous for a little one. If it does, sand them down. Using a wide paintbrush, stain the box in a well ventilated area. Put down newspaper or trash bags to protect your surface. I stained all one side and allowed it to dry before staining the other side of the box. Allow the stain to dry completely.
2. Using a piece of white chalk, write the words "Busy Box" on one side of the tool box. The chalk will come off, so if you'd like to make changes, just wipe it off with a damp rag and try again after the wood dries for a few minutes.
To sharpen the tip of your chalk, use a hand held pencil sharpener! ;)
If you are not comfortable writing free hand, print the words in a font you like from the computer. Color the back of the computer paper behind the words with chalk. Place the paper onto the wood centered where you'd like the words. Use a pen to trace over the words on the paper while it is laying on the wood. Lift the paper and the chalk residue should be transferred onto the wood showing the words!
3. Using the same method as step #2, write your little one's initials on another end of the box.
4. Carefully trace your chalk words with white craft paint and a fine paint brush. After the paint fully dries, wipe off any remaining chalk with a damp rag.
5. To give your box a sealed and finished look, seal it with a coat of modge podge or other clear sealer. Once it is dry, your box is ready to use!
Scroll down to see our favorite types of items to include in the busy box for babies and toddlers!
Something to take apart and put back together
We love this wooden stacking toy from Wooden Caterpillar
Something to chew on
Wooden toys like this are also great for teething. Here is another cute wooden teether!
Something that makes noise
Wooden Maraca. Here's a similar one!
Something to cuddle
We love our little litter of puppy stuffed animals from Hearthsong. She also loves her monkey. ;)
Something to read
Board books are great for little ones! One of Josy's favorites right now is The Little Blue Truck
Something that lights up
Its always mesmerizing for babies when they have toys that light up and make noise! This koosh ball and other light up ball are favorites. Light up sensory ball here!
Animals
Joslynne's first loves in life these days are animals! Nothing makes her more excited. We love our collection of wooden woodland creatures we started building up for her from Wooden Caterpillar. 
Mirror
This Wooden mirror from Melissa and Doug has been great!
Something to put on
Joslynne is all about jewelry. She loves putting on these mardi gra style beads. Definitely only something to use when babies are old enough to put on and off, not chew on, and always under supervision! ;) Here's a silicone necklace that's safer for babies.
What would your babe's Busy Box include? We love new ideas!
