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Traveling with toddlers can be a real challenge. Having engaging and educational entertainment along with you for the trip and the stay can make the whole difference. This DIY travel sorting game for toddlers is a great, budget-friendly solution.

 

 

M. loves this toy, and therefore so do I. He plays with it at home, and we will take it along for our very long journey this month. While he has not yet mastered the skills involved, it still keeps him busy, and he will learn them with time.

 

This game teaches various skills. It aids fine motor development and grasping skills. It teaches sorting, colors, shapes, and size. It is very portable, easy to make, and as an upcycled craft it’s eco-friendly too.

 

I used a makeup tin to contain it. You can use a candy tin, or you can purchase one (I’ll link to one in the supplies list below). I do enjoy having one with a lid attached, as it’s more contained. You can also use any shallow container with a cover.

 

Supplies you’ll need:

 

• Wooden shapes in six different sizes and/or shapes
• Acrylic paints in rainbow colors, white, and black. You can get primary colors instead of the whole rainbow and then mix your own.
• E-600o glue (to be handled by adults only)
• A metal tin, or a shallow cardboard box
• Jar caps – a few smaller ones like the ones on baby food jars, and one larger one, as in the ones on a jar of salsa.
• Paintbrush

 

How to Make the Sorting Game for Toddlers:

• Paint the inside of your tin black.

 

 

 

• Paint the jar lids in the colors of the rainbow. Paint the large one white.
• Choose a shape and size to match each color (besides the white) and paint a few of them accordingly. For example, small hearts are red, large hearts are purple, small squares yellow, etc. I did nine of the smaller ones, and five of the larger ones to allow for missing pieces.

 

• Glue the jar lids open side up onto the cover of your tin. Make sure to allow enough space around the edge so the lid can close. Allow to dry for 24 hours.

 

 

 

• Store the pieces inside the tin and place them into the white lid for play. Your child can now sort the shapes according to color, and name the shapes while playing.

 

 

The white backdrop allows the child to find the right color easily. The black inside of the tin keeps it looking as fresh as possible. It makes a great travel toy as it is self contained and will provide hours of entertainment.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

 

If you liked this, you’ll love:

• Kitchen Sensory Bin
• DIY Crayola Busy Bag for toddlers
• 11 Mom to Mom Naptime Tips for Toddlers
• Modesty Misunderstood: How I Plan to Teach My Son
• 20 Upcycled Jars and Cans crafts for moms

Follow along with the rest of the Traveling with Toddlers series by clicking on the image below:

 

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