Make your own find it game

When I find a particularly clever product in the stores, I like to see if I can make my own. Not necessarily for saving money (cause it doesn't usually happen that way for some reason) but for the challenge of making it myself. The creative process drives me to take up the challenge. I just can't help myself. It's especially bad since I have kids.

I found a product that I really liked. Find-It Games. You can google the name and find them quite easily. They are clear tubes with wooden end caps that contain lots of tiny little toys and other odds and ends that are hidden amongst a bunch of recycled plastic pieces that look like sprinkles. They come with a game pad that contains a list of the things you must find in there. There are several themes such as the Beach and the Zoo.

I've been looking for kitchen containers that would work if I glued the end shut, but just couldn't find one that would fit my budget. I didn't want to spend a fortune on this project. I also haven't quite found the filler to use in place of the plastic sprinkles.

But I got my hands on a tutorial today that is so much more clever in my opinion. She uses plain rice in hers, but you could use a bunch of cheap beads as filler or even color the rice to make finding the toys more difficult.

She also makes hers out of cloth bags and clear vinyl. I like this idea a little more when dealing with kids. This will be much easier for a younger child to hold and if they decide to wop their big siblings up side the head with it, ala The Youngest, maybe it won't hurt quite as bad.

I have tons of scrap children's fabrics from my quilting days and have been looking for a way to use it and this would be perfect. I'm also going to make a bunch of small rice/bean bags for one of the Youngest's class parties out of some of the fabric as well.

I can't wait to try this. This would make some great birthday and Christmas gifts too, and not just for children. I know plenty of adults that would find this amusing as well if you can put in some neat stuff for them to find.

Just thought I'd pass the idea along...