Looking for a quick and easy toddler activity? You’ve got it, friend!
Inside this post, I’ll share exactly how some tissue paper and a puzzle will entertain your toddler over and over. You’re going to love this one!
Ready for some easy fun? Let’s go…
Full disclosure: we’ve done this activity before, but it was during Christmas.
We had tons of scraps of wrapping paper around, so I used it to wrap puzzle pieces.
It was a hit.
BUT, the small pieces made it tough for my three-year-old to open. So, I created a simpler, toddler-friendly puzzle activity.
Something just as fun, but that made this activity easier on my toddler’s little hands. Basically, I wanted an activity that should happen *before* kids are ready to unwrap puzzle pieces in wrapping paper. That way, my toddler still get in on the fun, but he wasn’t overly challenged.
That’s what we call the activity sweet spot where your child is just challenged enough that they are engaged and focused while still having FUN!
So, how do we find activities that are “just right”?
Well, we “level” activities by age or ability, so that you know exactly where to start for your child.
RELATED: Over 35 Mind-Blowing Activities and Crafts with Puzzles!
In this case?
This tissue paper and puzzle pieces in a “Level 2” activity. Level 2 activities are what we design with young toddlers in mind. But, our activity with wrapping paper is a “Level 3” because it takes more dexterity and focus to unwrap those puzzle pieces. These types of puzzles are perfect for preschoolers or older.
But, today’s activity?
This is a perfect Level 2.
It’s just right for toddlers who will want to unwrap and rewrap puzzles with tissue paper over and over. And, because we’re using tissue paper, they’ll be able to do it ALL BY THEMSELVES!
I mean, isn’t that every toddler’s dream…?
But, wait, does my child HAVE to be within certain levels?
Not at all! The levels are just an easy way to navigate through our activities:
- Level 1 – Older babies
- Level 2 – Toddlers
- Level 3- Preschoolers
- Level 4 – Prek/K
These levels are an easy way for you to find activities for your child, BUT the reason we share levels instead of ages is that each child is unique.
- Some older babies will be able to do level 2 activities.
- Some preschoolers may really enjoy level 2 activities in some instances, but may also jump to level 4.
These levels are fluid and meant to be used as a tool for you to find what is just right for YOUR child!
Supplies For This Quick and Easy Toddler Activity
- Puzzle – we used a Melissa and Doug’s chunky farm puzzle <–affiliate link to Amazon to make it easy for you to find this!
- Tissue paper
- Reusable bag or gift bag
How to Make this Fun Toddler Activity
- Wrap the puzzle pieces loosely in tissue paper.
- Put all the pieces in your bag.
- Let your toddler take them out of the bag, unwrap the pieces, and fit the pieces into the puzzle!
That’s it!
Note: Most toddlers will want to unwrap and rewrap these puzzle pieces for a while! Be sure to have an extra puzzle on hand to keep the fun going.
Having trouble storing all of your puzzles? Check out this genius hack for puzzle storage. Psst, you’ll need some formula cans!
Need More Inspiration?
You can check out our HUGE list of over 35 puzzle activities or click on the images below to see even more puzzle ideas to do with your kids.
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