While we enjoy having games that we can play with the kids, there are also times when it’s nice to let the kids entertain themselves so that the adults can chat.
We don’t know what we would do without our restaurant kit! It makes eating out so much less stressful and more enjoyable, for us and the kids alike! Need one for your family? Or know someone who does? Be sure to pin the image below so that you can find this list of suggested contents again when the time is right!
I’m sure we’ll be rethinking the contents again in a couple of years as the kids get older, and I’ll updated you again when that time comes.
Erin says
I love this! This is perfect for even my boys (9 and 7) if there is slow service or any wait at a restaurant. Shared on my Facebook page!
Abby and Jeff Hunt says
I'm a missionary living in South Africa. Most restaurants here do not have kid seats, menus, cups, or anything else. When we are in the States, we are often having meals with pastors or supporters that require parents to be able to pay attention to adult conversation. I always keep a few of these items in my diaper bag, but this year I will be travelling with a 4-yr-old and a 1-yr-old. I love the organisational aspect of your restaurant kits -and the "always ready" aspect. I will definitely be using many of your ideas -and probably combining the toddler and preschool ideas! I hate the idea of handing my kid a phone or an ipad that completely disengages them, but I don't want them (or me) completely engaged for every part of the meal conversation either. This busy bag is perfect. Thanks for sharing!
Anonymous says
I love this idea. I found a similar bag at Target (http://www.target.com/p/orla-kiely-tall-flower-weekender-cosmetic-bag/-/A-50704462) that holds quite a bit. We don't go out to eat often, but will take this when we do. In the meantime, it will be my 3 year old's activity and snack bag for any time she spends at the hospital while we await the delivery of our next little one. 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
ny-ny says
Great! Great idea! I'm a grandma of a 2-year old and a new infant, and I watch the kids a lot. I already pack these kinds of items plus the utensils and such, similar to your toddler kit, but put them in separate zippered baggies and dump all into a backpack. It works but I have to go rooting around in the backpack to find certain things. This separation is so awesome! I'm off to hunt for a makeup bag… : ) Thanks for working this post up!
Anonymous says
Great! Great idea! I'm a grandma of a toddler and new infant, and watch the kids a lot. I already pack such a bag for eating out, but put separate items in zippered baggies and then dump all into a backpack. It's okay, but I have to go rooting around in the backpack to find certain things. This organization is awesome! Your busy bag is part of the kit! I'm off to find a makeup bag … 🙂 Thanks for posting!
md travel girl says
I love all of your ideas for both kits and I am going to start on this right away! Thank you for being a life saver.
Anonymous says
Fantastic idea. I used to keep a few puzzles in individual sandwich bags. Very compact but very handy to amuse little ones at meal times
Anonymous says
great organization ideas! Since I bring my daughter out to restaurant, I have been carrying diaper bag, as she was 1 year old, i started using a ziplock file (those we use to file in miscelleneous receipts to store puzzles, miniatures, toys, colouring pages, DIY popsicle stick puzzle (they are so small & lightweighted that I carried onto the plane)but other essentials are stored in the diaper bag. As I do not usually make up, I need to source for a make up bag very soon!
Amy says
I just picked up a zippered 3 ring binder & pencil pouches to build a kit for my 3 & 1 year old boys. So far, it's working amazingly well. Thankfully, it didn't have to double as a busy bag for the car, fleeing Irma.
Sarah Bailey says
I don't have any kids yet, but I'm collecting ideas for when the time comes. I never would have thought of using a makeup bag since I don't use makeup. But I will be happy to get one for this application. (Was that a pun?…Probably.)
Anonymous says
As my kids grew I carried a deck of playing cards, there are many games that they can play to pass the time wherever they are.
Lori T says
I LOVE that all of the ideas are geared towards learning and imaginative play. Too often I see little kiddos with tablets or kindles. I try to be more reserved with screen time, so this is great!
MrsKPCerra says
I also take along toddler sized forks and spoons. No restaurant we’ve been to has had that, no matter how kid friendly.
Barbara says
I want one for me, holding some hand needlework projects to work on at the doctor's office! I do like the idea of having one available for grandchildren, too.