KIDS' QUIET BAG ESSENTIALS

With no family close by for those short 'can you mind my kids?' appointments, Levi & Ellie have been hiking along with me more than usual in the past year. One thing that helps me with the waiting and entertaining on the go, is having a quiet bag hanging in the hall cupboard, ready to grab on the way out the door.

I was planning on making and designing my own freezer stencil bag (because I now live in a country that actually sells freezer paper and I've been itching to try it). But then I found these bags at Forever 21 for $1.50...and...well, you just can't beat that. (thanks Christine for the heads up!).

If you think one of these would work at your place, you can of course put whatever in it you like in it. But to get things going, here's ours. Let's take a look inside:


Something to colour - think crayons or pencils (textas don't look too good on a Dr's couch!), stencils, stickers, colouring book, activity book, blank notebook etc.

Something to play with - These wooden cars, game & beading tube I got at Superstore for like $2 or $3 each. But think, silly putty, little dolls, paper dolls, dinosaurs...whatever you kid is into. For me, these toys are just for the quiet bag. They don't get played with at home. It keeps them special and engages for a bit longer! Every second of quiet counts...

Something to read - These are what is currently in ours, but change them up regularly to keep them guessing!

Then, hey presto! Hang it in your hall cupboard or with your handbag so it's easy to just grab and go as you're walking out the door.

TRAVELLING WITH KIDS :: NEON GIFT PACKS

When I went home in November, I was travelling on my own with two kids - a 4yr old and 10mth old (I know, crazy!!) Given the happy results from our travel packs last year, I knew I needed to make some for this return trip. 

They really are a great way to grease the wheels when you plonk down next to a stranger and have two small children hanging off you! "Happy 15hrs stuck in this confined space with us!!"

This version was a simple Kraft envelope with a sticker on the front, and note inside (different for each leg of the journey). Then I popped in a couple of chocolates to add to the sweetness!

If you would like to make your own packs you can download the free stickers & blank notes here.

I got the kids to give the packs to the air stewards in our section of the plane, and to the people in surrounding seats. I did about 20 for each direction, but did have some left over, so maybe I'd do a few less next time.

Both the kids were fantastic, I couldn't have asked for a better trip, especially being on my own. Strangers and airlines truly are so helpful when you have young children. So, so thankful!

Images // Jordan - Polkadot Prints