DIY Fuzzy Bug Shrub

I’m always looking for new play ideas for my toddler (now 14 months old) and this DIY Fuzzy Bug Shrub was a total hit! The Lovevery Subscription box is always so tempting but I already have several of the toys and items in some form or variation. (My pediatric occupational therapy stash is pretty extensive). I don’t want to duplicate these toys but I really want some of them to fill in the gaps.

One toy I have been eyeing for some time (way before it was even age appropriate for my son), is the Fuzzy Bug Shrub. It is included in the Pioneer Box geared towards toddlers in the 16, 17, 18 months age range.

The Fuzzy Bug Shrub features a container with a lid that opens up to store 3 fabric insects with Velco backings. With this activity, your toddler will learn to use both hands to secure the container while opening the lid. Your toddler will also be building finger strength & dexterity by peeling the bugs off the shrub and sticking them back on.

Since I can’t purchase the toy on its own, I turned to brainstorming a DIY version. I was pretty excited with what I came up with! My toddler was equally excited! This DIY Fuzzy Bug Shrub was a total winner and kept his attention for a VERY long time! Its also a great toy to take in the car since the bugs can be stored in the container.

This DIY is pretty simple and straight forward. I used an empty puffs container, some wooden puzzle pieces and Velcro.

Materials:

Empty puffs container
Velcro (hook and loop fastener)
Scissors
Manipulatives (wooden puzzle pieces, magnets, laminated pictures on cardstock, etc)

Instructions:

Wash and dry an emptied puffs container
Cut 4 strips of the loop portion of velcro (this is the soft part) to fit the length of the puffs container (top to bottom). Mine were approximately 6 ½”
Attach the loop portion of the Velcro (this is the soft part) to the puffs container on 4 sides. This makes it soft to touch when your toddler is holding the container to manipulate the objects on/off.

Cut short strips of the hook portion of Velcro (this is the scratchy part) to fit on the back of the manipulatives of your choice.

Model to your toddler how he/she can attach and remove the pieces. Also model how to open and close the lid in order to place the pieces in and retrieve them.