I love watching kids invent and create. The other day, I heard LOTS of silly giggles coming from downstairs and I just had to share with you what the kids had created.  Let me start by saying, we have a box full of odds and ends that are all fair game for kids to create with.  If the kids are looking to build something, The Invention Box is their first stop.  It is packed full of all those loose parts and interesting items that no longer have a home.  Check out the kids latest invention…an indoor sled.

If you are wondering what this wonderful sled like contraption is built from, well so am I;) From what I can tell, they used some large cardboard tubes, plastic coated wire, slats from a old window blind and LOTS of Vikings Duct tape.

The kids wanted to create something that would roll/slide down our indoor wrestling mat that they had stacked on top of the dresser.  I did not investigate how the slide was set up too closely, but I think that they had a rubber tub on top of the dresser as well, just to get a little more height.  According to them, they created the ultimate slide! It is times like these that remind me how much fun it is just being a kid!  They don’t need expensive toys, just a little imagination!

If you don’t already, I would totally encourage you to start a simple Inventions Box. It does not have to be anything fancy, a simple cardboard or plastic bin works perfect.  Let the kids know that anything in the box is fair game for them to create with.  Stand back and watch the magic happen.

Items that are perfect for an Inventions Box:

• Paper cups and plates
• Pie tins
• Cupcake liners
• Straws
• Foil
• Cotton balls
• Balloons
• Old CD’s
• Cereal boxes
• Plastic containers
• Tin cans
• Bottle tops
• Toilet and paper towel tubes
• Milk cartons
• Bubble wrap
• Egg cartons
• Yarn
• Gems and sparkly items
• Pom poms
• Clothespins
• Pumps from shampoo bottles
• Missing parts from games
• Wire and pipe cleaners

If you find something interesting laying around the house that does not serve a purpose anymore; throw it in the box!  You might be surprised at how the kids re-purpose it.

My kids also have full access to tape, glue, staples, string etc.  You never know what adhesive will be best for the current project, so having lots on hand is a good idea.  The dollar store is a great place to stock up on these items.

I absolutely love this simple creation.  It may not have worked out exactly how they intended it to, but boy did they have fun!  It was so sweet watching the kids play for hours with something they made.  The best part is that the whole creation (minus the tape) would have been thrown into garbage or recycling if we did not have an inventions box.  Free creations are totally the best!

Do you have and Inventions Box in your house?  I would love to add some new items to our Invention Box, what are some of your kids favorite things to create with?

If you are looking for more Inventions Box ideas or Junk Drawer Creations check out my ABC’s of crafting on a budget.  Lots of simple ideas that your kids will love!