Here’s a fun idea for the non-foods section of your food storage. Suppose your emergency lasts longer than you expected. You’re stuck in your house without electricity or quarantined for whatever reason. What are you going to do for entertainment? Storing entertainment is not high on the preparedness list, but can be a lifesaver especially if there are children around. A few years ago we put together emergency boredom buster cans for the kids. We had the cans sealed at an emergency preparedness fair, but you could rent the can sealer from an LDS dry pack cannery and seal your can at home. Or put your boredom buster supplies in a clean paint can, mylar pouch, small bucket, or just a box.
The concept is pretty simple–it’s “surprise” supplies in a can to keep the kids (or yourself) busy/preoccupied. I honestly don’t remember everything I put in the cans. You want something that will take up some time and be a good distraction from the emergency situation. Maybe a model or equipment for some skill they could learn.
Here are some things I do remember putting in the cans:
Puzzles (in a baggie with the picture from the box)
Yarn, crochet hook, simple crochet directions
Non-hardening clay
Small printed word puzzles, mazes, coloring pages
Colored pencils and hand sharpener
Small frisbee
Some hard candies
Card games
I’m sure I put more in–I guess we’ll all be surprised if/when we ever open them! When deciding what to put in your cans, consider your children and their likes/dislikes/abilities. Also think a couple of years ahead. I put crochet stuff in the can for my littlest one and she was probably only 3 at the time. Remember some things won’t “keep” well–like crayons or regular play-dough or batteries.
Because we packed these at an emergency prep fair, they were adding the mini can openers to the bottom of the can. You sure wouldn’t have to go to that trouble, but do make sure you’ve got a manual can opener on hand so you can get it open!
Once you have it packed, put it away in the long term food storage. It’s pretty easy to stash it in the back of the food storage room and forget about it (just like those 10 year old peaches on the back of the shelf at grandma’s). This is not a high priority preparedness item, but just being able to pull out something new will be a huge morale boost and/or distraction for the little ones.
What else could you put in a boredom buster can?
Keep preparing! Angela
***************************************************************
Subscribe to my email newsletter for updates and special deals.
Please be sure to follow Food Storage and Survival on Facebook which is updated every time there is a new article. You can also find me on Pinterest, and purchase my book, Food Storage for Self Sufficiency and Survival on Amazon.
***************************************************************
Shop the Thrive Monthly Specials or my favorites, the freeze dried vegetables and yogurt bites!
***************************************************************
Jacks, small balls, needle, thread, tiny scissors, mini-cards, ball puzzle mazes, mini-books, mini swiss army pocket knives for whittling, small magnifying glass, 2 sets of contrasting buttons to use as checkers or playing pieces, or to sew on if needed :)
Hmmm….interesting idea. I would have never thought about it. I would put in a kazoo and a harmonica! lol
Decks of cards from Fish, Uno, to adult cards for adult games (and children can learn those), jacks, yarn to make the hand designs (cup and saucer), plastic grids for crochet with yarn and needle, plastic farm animals/fences/people, small books, puzzles of all kinds–crossword and number, origami directions and supplies,manicure sets, combination locks for children to play with (kids love these), magnifying glass, magnets…okay, I will stop
Fun list! Maybe add a jump-rope, hackie sack, thread/hemp/gimp to make friendship bracelets, kid hand-cuffs, and a few cookie cutters to play in the dirt with even. :)
And a few numbers die or a Scategories-type “letters” dice could allow for creative fun/distraction! Also, a recorder might be another good musical instrument that could break down into a #10 can.
I have plastic shoeboxes and sweaterboxes put away with Christmas, Easter, Valentines Day and Birthday gifts and crafts put away for one years worth of holidays. I figure after there is a disaster no matter what the holiday that arrives I will have a few gifts or crafts for the kids for that time. We had hurricane Isabelle arrive at the same time as my granddaughters birthday. She will never let me forget that she had her birthday stolen by Isabelle. I had no way to bake a cake and had not bought her gifts yet when the storm came and she felt very hurt. After that I started a couple of boxes with board games, cards, craft kits, and some jewelery making items. I now feel I will have a few gifts to give or at least items to keep them busy during a storm and power outage. Drawing tablets and colored pencils and reg. pencils make great time busters as well. Nice article thanks for some new ideas.
Hello all, just curious as why crayons do not keep well especially in a sealed #10 can? I am fairly new to prepping, actually just started a few months ago
Thanks,
CrazyCanuck
Crayons would be fine if the can were guaranteed to be kept in a cool location its entire life. The problem comes when your can gets put someplace warm and the crayons melt all over everything inside. Glad you’ve started prepping! Feel free to ask any other questions! :)
I sure like the idea. I also need ideas for a can for seniors.
Stickers don’t take up much space, and the little kis love them! Lots of possibilities of things to do with them.