What Do You Put in 2 Years Old Treat Bag? Well-Thought-Out Alternatives
As a parent or caregiver, you always want to make sure that the preschoolers in your life are happy and entertained. Whether it’s a birthday party or a playdate, treat bags have become a staple in the preschooler scene. However, with so many small parts and choking hazards, it can be difficult to find appropriate treats to put in a 2-year-old’s treat bag. In this article, we’ll explore some well-thought-out alternatives to the typical candy and toy-filled treat bag.
Non-Toy Treat Bag Ideas
While toys are often the go-to for treat bags, there are plenty of non-toy alternatives that preschoolers will love. Here are some ideas:
1. Art Supplies: A pack of washable crayons, finger paint, or even some playdough can be a great addition to a 2-year-old’s treat bag. Not only will it keep them entertained, but it also encourages creativity and sensory play.
2. Snacks: Instead of candy, consider filling treat bags with healthy snack options like fruit snacks, granola bars, or crackers. Not only are these options less likely to be a choking hazard, but they’re also a healthier alternative to sugary treats.
3. Stickers: 2-year-olds love stickers! A pack of fun stickers or even a sticker book can keep them entertained for hours.
4. Books: Board books are a great option for 2-year-olds as they can withstand rough handling and won’t easily tear. Look for age-appropriate books with bright colours and simple stories.
Age-Appropriate Toy Ideas
If you do choose to include toys in your preschooler’s treat bag, it’s important to make sure they’re age-appropriate and safe. Here are some toy ideas that are perfect for 2-year-olds:
1. Wooden Blocks: Sturdy, wooden blocks are a great option for preschoolers. They encourage creativity and problem-solving, and they’re durable enough to withstand rough play.
2. Play Food: 2-year-olds love to play make-believe, and play food is a great addition to their imaginative play. Look for soft, plush options or plastic play food that won’t break or pose a choking hazard.
3. Bath Toys: Bath time can be a lot of fun for preschoolers, so why not include some bath toys in their treat bag? Look for age-appropriate toys that are easy to clean and won’t pose a safety risk.
4. Musical Instruments: 2-year-olds love to make noise! Consider including a small musical instrument like a maraca or tambourine in their treat bag. Not only will it keep them entertained, but it will also help them develop their sense of rhythm and coordination.
Safety Tips to Consider
When putting together a treat bag for a 2-year-old, safety should always be the top priority. Here are some safety tips to consider:
1. Avoid Choking Hazards: Small toys or toys with small parts should be avoided as they pose a choking hazards for preschoolers. Make sure that all items in the treat bag are age-appropriate and safe.
2. Be Mindful of Allergies: If you’re including food items in the treat bag, be sure to ask parents about any allergies their child may have. Peanut allergies are especially common, so it’s best to avoid including any nut products in the treat bag.
3. Avoid Battery-Operated Toys: Battery-operated toys can be a safety hazard as they may leak or pose an electrical risk. Stick to toys that are manually operated and safe for preschoolers to use.
4. Age-Appropriate Toys: Make sure that the toys you include in the treat bags are appropriate for 2-year-olds. Avoid small toys that could be a choking hazard and opt for larger, more age-appropriate toys.
5. Avoid Certain Foods: It’s important to be mindful of food allergies and avoid including any treats that could trigger an allergic reaction. Common allergens include peanuts, tree nuts, and dairy.
6. Check Labels: Before including any toys or treats in the treat bags, make sure to read the labels and check for any safety warnings. Look for products that are made with non-toxic materials and have been tested for safety.
7. Consider Gender-Neutral Items: When selecting toys and treats for the treat bags, try to choose gender-neutral items that will appeal to both boys and girls. This will ensure that everyone feels included and no one feels left out.
8. Avoid Sharp Objects: Avoid including any sharp or pointed objects in the treat bags, as these could pose a danger to preschoolers. Instead, opt for soft and safe toys like stuffed animals or rubber balls.
9. Skip the Candy: While candy is often a staple in treat bags, it’s important to consider the health implications of too much sugar. Instead, consider alternatives like fruit snacks, raisins, or trail mix.
By keeping these safety tips in mind, you can create treat bags that are not only fun and exciting but also safe and age-appropriate for 2-year-olds. It’s important to be mindful of potential hazards and to prioritize the well-being of the preschoolers who will be receiving the treat bags.
DIY Treat Bag Ideas
If you’re looking to save money or get creative, consider making your own treat bags for your 2-year-old’s party or playdate. Creating your own treat bags for 2-year-olds can be a fun and creative way to provide a personalised and unique experience for preschoolers. Here are some DIY treat bag ideas to get you started.
1. Decorated Paper Bags: Plain paper bags can be transformed into fun treat bags with a little creativity. Have your preschooler decorate the bags with stickers, markers, or paint to make them unique and special. You can also add the preschooler’s name or a special message to make it even more special.
2. Fabric Drawstring Bags: Fabric drawstring bags can be a reusable and eco-friendly option for treat bags. You can easily sew your own bags or purchase pre-made bags online.
3. Personalised Gift Boxes: Personalised gift boxes can be a fun and creative way to present treats to preschoolers. You can decorate the boxes with the child’s name or add fun stickers and decorations to make them special.
4. Homemade Snacks: Consider making homemade snacks like popcorn, granola bars, or fruit snacks to add to the treat bags. This not only provides a healthier option but can also add a personal touch to the treat bag.
5. Handmade Toys: Get crafty and create your own toys to add to the treat bags. Some ideas include felt animals, stuffed toys, or even a simple sensory bottle filled with colourful beads.
6. Craft Kits: Include a small craft kit in the treat bag, like a set of beads and string to create a necklace or a kit to create their own sock puppets. This not only provides an activity for the preschooler but can also encourage creativity and imagination.
7. Nature-Inspired Treats: Take a nature walk and collect pine cones, acorns, or other natural objects to add to the treat bags. You can also create homemade bird feeders by covering a pine cone with peanut butter and birdseed.
8. Sensory Bottles: Create a sensory bottle by filling a plastic bottle with water, glitter, beads, or other small objects. This can provide a calming and engaging sensory experience for preschoolers.
9. Activity Books: Create your own activity book by printing out activity sheets like dot-to-dot, colouring pages, or mazes. You can also include a small pack of crayons to complete the activities.
By creating your own DIY treat bags, you can add a personal touch and make the experience more unique for the preschoolers. It’s a great opportunity to get creative and have fun with the process.
Educational Treat Bag Ideas
While treat bags are often associated with fun and entertainment, they can also be used as an opportunity to educate preschoolers. Here are some educational treat bag ideas:
1. Flashcards: Age-appropriate flashcards can be a fun and educational addition to treat bags. You can find flashcards for colours, shapes, numbers, and even letters.
2. Learning Games: Educational games like memory or matching games can help preschoolers develop their cognitive and problem-solving skills. Look for games that are easy to play and don’t have too many small parts.
3. Science Kits: Science kits for preschoolers can be a fun and engaging way to introduce them to scientific concepts. Look for age-appropriate science kits that are safe and easy to use.
Inexpensive Treat Bag Ideas
Treat bags don’t have to be expensive to be fun and exciting for preschoolers. Here are some inexpensive treat bag ideas:
1. Homemade Playdough: Making homemade playdough is a simple and inexpensive way to provide preschoolers with a fun sensory experience. All you need is flour, salt, water, and food colouring to create a batch of playdough that can be divided up into small portions and added to the treat bags.
2. Balloons: Balloons are an inexpensive and fun addition to treat bags. You can blow them up and include them in the treat bag or provide a balloon pump and let preschoolers inflate their own balloons.
3. Personalised Colouring Pages: You can easily create personalised colouring pages with the child’s name or favourite character. You can find free printable colouring pages online or create your own using a computer program. Print out some simple colouring pages and include a small pack of crayons in each treat bag. This is a simple yet fun activity that preschoolers can enjoy at home.
4. Bubble Wands: Purchase some inexpensive bubble wands and add them to the treat bags for preschoolers to enjoy. You can even include a small bottle of bubble solution or a recipe for making homemade bubble solution.
5. Stickers and Temporary Tattoos: Kids love stickers and temporary tattoos, and they can be found for very little cost. Consider including a sheet of stickers or a few temporary tattoos in each treat bag.
6. Sidewalk Chalk: Sidewalk chalk is a fun and inexpensive activity that preschoolers can enjoy outside. Look for packages of chalk at your local discount store and add a few pieces to each treat bag.
7. Wooden Blocks: Wooden blocks are a classic toy that can be found at a reasonable price. They are great for encouraging creativity and imagination, and can be added to the treat bags in small quantities.
8. Bouncy Balls: Bouncy balls are a fun and affordable toy that can be found in many different colours and patterns. Add one or two bouncy balls to each treat bag for preschoolers to enjoy.
9. Small Books: Look for inexpensive board books or small paperbacks that are appropriate for 2-year-olds. These can be added to the treat bags as a fun and educational activity.
By choosing inexpensive items that are still fun and engaging, you can create treat bags that are both enjoyable and affordable. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your choices, and remember that sometimes the simplest items can be the most enjoyable for preschoolers.
Treat bags for 2-year-olds don’t have to be filled with expensive toys and candy. By using well-thought-out alternatives and considering safety and age-appropriateness, you can create fun and exciting treat bags that preschoolers will love. Whether you choose to include art supplies, educational toys, or make your own DIY treat bags, the possibilities are endless. So next time you’re planning a party or playdate, think outside the box and create a treat bag that’s unique and special for your preschooler.
In this article, we have discussed various well-thought-out alternatives for creating treat bags for 2-year-olds. We have emphasised the importance of considering safety and age-appropriateness when choosing items to include in the treat bags. We have also provided a range of options for different budgets, including both store-bought and DIY ideas. By considering factors like sensory experience, creativity, and education, you can create treat bags that are both enjoyable and beneficial for preschoolers. We have also highlighted the importance of avoiding small objects and potential choking hazards, as well as considering any allergies or sensitivities.
Ultimately, the goal is to create a fun and memorable experience for the preschoolers, while also providing an opportunity for learning and development. Whether you choose to create your own DIY treat bags or purchase pre-made options, the key is to keep the preschoolers in mind and provide a well-rounded experience that they will enjoy and benefit from.
