Back when I was pregnant, I put together a basket of go-to activities that I could quickly pull from to keep J focused when I was busy with his little brother. When I saw the button snake here, I knew I wanted to include it.
It was so easy to make, taking maybe 5 minutes, even with my sad skills using a needle and thread.
You need: colorful felt, scissors, ribbon, a button, needle and thread
What you do:
- Cut the felt into squares (or fun shapes)
- Cut a small slit into each square (to fit your button)
- Sew one felt square near the end of your ribbon
- Sew a button onto the other end of your ribbon
- Your done!
- This was great practice for J. He had really never tried button until this. I made a beginner level button snake (using an extra large button) but was surprised at how quickly he caught on.
I recently made another button snake with a smaller button to increase the difficulty. This time I cut the felt pieces into different shapes so that the pieces could also be used to sort or create various patterns as he builds the snake.
We’ve also used this activity in our airplane travel and it works great, lightweight and keeps him occupied.
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Thanks for the great idea. I made one today for my son and initially he was frustrated and didn’t like it but then he started getting them on and he was thrilled with himself. Easy peasy. Tomorrow I am going to make some pattern cards and have him put them on in patterns. Thanks!
J was frustrated at first too. Love the pattern card idea!
Hi.I just saw the button snake toy that u made for your son and it looks interesting. However, my daughter has now turn two and im just wondering if it may be suitable for her? Tks =)
2 years old was a little young for J to use the button snake for its intended purpose. He didn’t have the hand dexterity to work a button at that age. He did like stringing beads or sponges at that age.
The button snake can be made easier by cutting larger holes and using large buttons. Smaller buttons and holes make the activity more difficult.