For years now, pipe cleaners (also called chenille stems) have been one of our go-to sources for creative entertainment. When my son was small, I always had a pack in his diaper bag and years later they are still found in our church backpack and in the backseat on road trips. They are cheap, easy to share, and great for solo creative play, especially in situations where sitting still or being quiet is required. Some kids are not big fans of drawing or writing but might enjoy this 3D creative endeavor instead. Or you can work with your child, figuring out a way to build whatever goofy suggestion he or she comes up with. Create a bunch of butterflies or a critter the world has never seen before. How about building a castle with fuzzy wire walls? Or a car with springs instead of wheels?
Pipe cleaners can also be used as props for telling stories. In the picture below, my son and I were using pipe cleaners to make up a story about an elephant crossing a river of ice who suddenly sprouts red dragonfly wings to get him safely across. We were stuck on a long airplane flight and this sort of play lasted blissfully longer than most other activities.
Pipe cleaners can be found in craft stores or dollar stores. If you haven't looked at them in a while, you'll be pleasantly surprised at all the colors, textures, and sizes they come in now. (Please note that a balled-up pipe cleaner can be a choking hazard, so don't leave your wee ones alone with them. Also, the end wires can sometimes be sharp, so I always folded the these over when my son was small.)
