Bean Bag Activity @ The Big Park

While surfing the net a few years back, I came across a couple of fun bean bag activity sets made by a famous American company. Knowing that it is likely to cost a fortune to have just them shipped over here, I set out to make a version of my own. (Shipping might have been cheaper if I bought other stuff as well.) It was only after I made the first one that I realised that it was already available here in Australia. It has an Aussie price tag of $49.90. My version was lovingly made by me using washable materials like calico and drill or canvas in primary colours. The whole thing cost me less than $15 to make.

Stella and I took it with us to the big park on Thursday to meet up with Lachlan and his nanny. The children had fun playing with it. They took turns throwing their bean bag, aiming at particular items (numbers, shapes and colours) on the mat. They got bored after a while and went away to play with the playground equipment. After having a drink, they came asking for the bean bag activity again. I had it set up very quickly and this time they attracted the interest of another child. The boy’s mother let him play with Lachlan and Stella. They are all about the same age. The boy’s mum eventually popped the question, asking where she can purchase this toy. Before I opened my mouth, Lachlan’s nanny blurted out that I made it. The boy’s mum looked quite surprised. I then told her that she could buy a similar product from a toy store. She took down the details and then said that she didn’t know how to sew one herself. Another mum with a young toddler also came over to have a look. At this park, people are usually friendly but most mothers and nannies do not mingle. I am just glad that they found what I made interesting.

I wish to take a photo of the mat that I made but it is in the wash. It got trampled all over on Thursday. I think I will post it later. I am also intending to make another mat at the end of the year. The American company which sells this bean bag activity set also sells a second set featuring the alphabet. I think I will make a similar one with an added twist to promote phonemic awareness.