I like to stick to a shopping list when grocery shopping. It helps me stay on budget and get in and out of the store quickly. But the other day while shopping, I noticed some colorful straws beckoning me. There are so many fun things you can do with colored straws that I always make sure to have some on hand. You can get in some Fine Motor Practice with Straws or make your own Color Recognition Game. A simple way toddler activity that requires next to no set up is by Making Straw Jewelry. Here are some more Activities with Drinking Straws for Kids.
Making Straw Jewelry
You will need:
- Colored straws
- Scissors
- Pipe cleaners
But I am a pretty frugal mama and really didn’t need these straws, especially when I had some perfectly good white straws at home. But they were so much more colorful and fun and I only have seen white straws at the dollar store. I figured that if I could get at least 3 projects/activities out of the straws then I would have gotten my money’s worth.
So here is the first of a few activities that feature my “splurge” straws. The first thing I did was cut them into various lengths.
Next, I provided the kids with some trays with the cut straws and pipe cleaners. You can’t see it here, but I did twist two pipe cleaners together to make a long one for a necklace. I showed the kids how they could string the straws on the pipe cleaners.
This is a great fine motor activity for kids. B struggles a bit with fine more skills but she was able to string the straws with minimal frustration. She did one necklace and a bracelet and then lost interest. I have noticed that she loses interest quicker when something is more challenging for her.
Little C loves to be a part of things. She gets so angry when she cannot do an activity, so I thought I would give her some straws and pipe cleaners to keep her busy and she would get bored or frustrated and move on to something else. Boy was I wrong! I should learn to never underestimate C. At 20 months old, she was able to do this activity. I dare say she had an easier time than her 3 year old sister B. Don’t you just love how different kids are?
C was just so determined and intent on performing this task. She was so focused that nothing could distract her.
Look at C rocking her fine motor skills!
When A finished her necklace she decided it would make a better headband. What do you think?
C made a necklace and worked on a bracelet too.
I feel bad for A’s future fiance. She has pretty big expectations when it comes to rings.
If you are looking for something fun and inexpensive to do with your toddler or preschooler, get some colorful straws and get to making straw jewelry. With older kids you can use this to teach patterns as well. You can also make different designs out of the straw covered pipe cleaners. Next week I will share our second straw project. If I can’t think of anything it will just be drinking juice with really shorts straws.
If you liked making straw jewelry, check out:
Ms. Jessi says
Cute! I especially love the diamond ring. 🙂 This is a good reminder of something I should have my 3 year old class work on. Thanks!
…and yes, those colorful straws were worth it! 🙂
Vicky says
Ms. Jessi, I am loving my colorful straws. Glad I spent the big bucks. LOL!
Brooke @ Let Kids Create says
Genius! Seriously!
Carmella says
So happy you stopped by my little corner of the blogging world today!
I love all the great ideas and tips here…my kiddos are going to have so much fun trying them out! I am very happy to be your newest follower!
Normies says
love the idea!
Chavonne says
Thanks for following my blog, I'm following back 🙂
Vicky says
@Brooke, wow, thanks so much!
@Carmella, Hope you have with your kids.
@Normies, so happy you like it.
@Chavonne, thanks for the follow!
Jennifer @Miss Maggie's Place says
Hi Vicky,
Thanks for stopping by Miss Maggie's Place. I loved this post. I wish I'd of thought of helping my son with his fine motor skills earlier. He's a kindergardener & has to do Occupational Therapy for his hands. 🙂
Jennifer
Xenia says
Too cute, what a fun way to have fun while being educational… I'm going to have to pull out some of our straws for my kids soon!
Thanks so much for joining us for Friendly Friday, have a great weekend!
Michelle says
That is a cute idea! And so easy, I think even I could manage that.
Thanks for stopping by my blog; now following.
Paula Parrish says
Hello Vicky,
Ah, I love these types of projects to do with the little ones. Just so much Fun! Thanks for following my blog. I am now a new follower on your blog. Have a great weekend.
Smiles, Paula
Blooming Homestead says
You seriously have some great ideas! Thanks so much for following my blog…I'm following you back!
Kathe says
Wow! Where were you when my sons were little? You are brilliant my friend! Thanks for the sweet comment on my blog. I am now a follower of yours too 🙂
Kathe
A Snow White Sanctum says
What a great idea. It's easy to see why you couldn't pass up the straws in the store. Those first two pics are just exploding with color!
Mindy says
Hilarious that you're having a moment of stressing while trying to justify spending less than $2. I'm the EXACT same way. lol Hey, $2 bucks is $2 bucks and it all adds up!
Thanks for stopping by my blog – and for deciding to stay! I really appreciate the comment. And yes, the whole grain cheerios makes it okay to eat the entire batch of treats. At least that's what I like to tell myself. 🙂
I'm gonna go do some pokin' around your blog….
Lindsay says
This is such a great and creative idea! I would never have thought to do this with straws. Thanks for the idea!
Working Mommy says
I used to love making these as a kid! For necklaces, though, we used thread to make them more fluid.
wm
Alexis @ we like to learn as we go says
Thanks for following my blog! I'm following you too. And I love all the ideas you have! What a fun way to help your kids learn.
Robyn Rasmussen says
Thanks for stopping by my blog and following! I am now following you too! Great idea for fine motor skills- I'm adding this to my list of things to do right away. It might keep them busy for hours!
-Robyn from Tips from the Heart
Natalie says
Just found your blog from Jenae's Show and Share Saturday. What great ideas you have, can't wait to try them with my little ones!
Amanda says
I am addicted to straws too!!!! I am drinking more water when I use a straw, then feeling very eco-friendly when I cut it up and let the kids use it for crafting =) Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment on my blog = I started following you.
Leasa says
Great idea for the littles. I love that she used hers as a headband very creative! Also, thanks for the follow and I'm following back.
Mrs. Marine says
Very cute and colorful!
Thanks for participating in “Stalk Hop Friday”! I'm Following you on GFC as Mrs. Marine! Sorry it took me so long to stop by.
http://www.mrs-marine.com
"Stalk Hop Friday" posts every Thrusday at 5 PM Eastern!
Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas says
oh that is too fun & that diamond ring is phenomenal!!!! 🙂
Bern
The Doodler says
I am SO glad you stopped by my blog and left a comment so that I could discover your amazing blog! I have been reading through post after post and I love all the great ideas! Thanks so much, I'm following you!
Brie from darlingdoodles.blogspot.com
Doreen says
Stop by when you have a moment! I love it here:)
Airamty says
Thanks for stopping @ my blog My lil princess world. I am so glad you did because I am in love with yours…so many great ideas to try with my lil one….This one is in our list right now.
Michelle says
What a great project!! Love the ring! Thanks so much for linking up to Made by Little Hands Mondays!
Hope you are having a great Monday!
Michelle
http://www.delicateconstruction.blogspot.com
Oh- and I am a new follower!
Nicole says
I love all your fun easy projects and am following you now. 🙂
Thank you for your sweet commenting @ http://www.DavisDomestications.com 🙂
Michelle says
Very cute, I have used them for collages, and for sprinkles on a cupcake costume too!
Vicky says
@ Jennifer, My little girls struggles with that kind of stuff too, so I can relate.
@ Xenia, You can use straws for all sorts of things.
@ Michelle, I am all about easy!
@ Paula, hope you have fun with the kids.
@ Blooming Homestead, I love your blog as well.
@ Kathe, thanks for the kind words!
@ Snow White, thanks so much. I love the bright colors too.
@ Mindy, nice to know there are others like me out there.
@ Lindsay, glad you liked the idea.
@ Working mom, Thread would be great but might be a bit of a challenge for my girls at this age. I like the idea though.
@ Alexis, thanks for the sweet comment
@ Robyn, it kept my girls busy for a long time.
@ Natalie, So glad you came by!
@ Amanda, Love how you are killing 2 birds with one stone. Though that image is not very eco-friendly. LOL!
@ Leasa, yes she is rocking the headband. 🙂
@ Mrs Marine, Thanks for checking in
@ Bern, She does have expensive tastes.
@ Brie, You are going to make me blush. Thank you!
@ Doreen, I can't wait to check out your blog.
@ Airamty, Thanks for being so sweet!
@ Michelle, so happy to have you following!
@ Nicole, Thanks so much!
@ Michelle, I love your ideas
Anonymous says
Michelle, This is such a great idea. I am going to do this with my daycare kids.
Rhonda @ The Messy Roost