December Shelf Work.

I took some time this morning to rotate our playroom shelves. I had put away our November/Thanksgiving shelves right after the holiday but didn’t fill them with anything. Truthfully, the kids didn’t notice or ask for shelf work so I embraced a few weeks of gross motor play and totally open-ended play like baby dolls and legos. But since I had a spark of energy and a little bit of unexpected time, I decided this morning that I’d put together some holiday work.

Eva (24 months) and Lola (4 in two weeks) had so much fun working with each material, tray by tray. Here are the activities that are on our shelves right now:

Posting with pipe cleaners: I found this little cheese shaker at Hobby Lobby for like a $1 and then just added these cut up pipe cleaners.

Spooning with jingle bells: the measuring spoon is from the Target $1 spot and the little bowls are from the bathroom section in Target!

 Tonging with pom poms: all Target finds (except the tongs are from Hobby Lobby.)

Transferring water with a baster: I got this baster from Amazon and we use them for everything! The glasses are from Ikea.

Stickers: this is from a craft advent calendar. I just opened all the compartments ahead of time and then fill and refill our art trays. Such an easy way to prep! 

Coloring Christmas-themed cards: these cards are from that same advent calendar (found at Target!)

Stamping: stamps and an ink pad are so appealing! This might be Eva’s favorite. 

Ribbon cutting: I had this out last year, too and it was such a hit. 

Decorating ornaments: this is from the same advent calendar! So easy. As they make the crafts, I put a new one out! Always new and feels fresh. 

Tic tac toe: this is from the Target $1 spot.

Gingerbread play dough: we made this over the weekend. It came out so good!

Gingerbread people accessories: add a cookie cutter, buttons, googly eyes and other accessories to make play dough gingerbread people.

If you want some more ideas, here’s my December post from last year!