Snack Baskets

*I know this isn't a homeschool related topic, but this is such a good idea I wanted to share it!*

Jamie and I have both grown tired of running up and down stairs (our home is a tri-level) numerous times daily fetching snacks for the kids. We almost always forget to get all three kids a snack at the same time and so that makes for even more trekking from one end of the house to the other:-). This has been a complaint we've passed back and forth to each other more times than I could possibly remember over the past couple of years as our family grows and we become busier. No, our kids don't snack all day long (I know you're wondering), but let's face it, as parents we are food fetchers and are always in need of new snack ideas too, right (I know I am)?!

I came across an ingenious snack basket idea on a blog I frequent. I am so excited about it! I was out running errands today and picked up the "supplies" to get started. All you need are baskets (one per child), snacks and containers/ziploc bags for the snacks.

The idea is to stock the snack baskets and then refill them as needed. I have stocked mine to last about 3-4 days per child. Jack isn't snacking that often yet, so his basket is pretty simple. Of course, you can't put things like yogurt, cheese, or fresh fruit in the baskets....

Below are pictures of our baskets. Hanna and Joe wanted to put stickers/pictures on theirs and they also wrote their names on them. I have mine in our playroom because it is also our "multipurpose" room where we are 80% of the time. I have for some time now tried to keep a cup filled with milk or water in the fridge for each child so I don't have to get drinks all day long. I am excited about these baskets. I know there will be many times after Jesse is here that I will be confined for half an hour or so feeding and so forth and I really think this will be a hugetimesaver and help for me. Plus, it will give the kids a feeling of choice and independence in their snacking.

*The kids cannont freely grab from these baskets as they wish during the day. We have always had "snack times" at home and they are free to choose one snack from their basket at snack times. If they don't like what's in them, too bad:-)!*

Here are some of the items I have in our baskets. Please leave comments and more snack ideas if you have any--like I mentioned, I am always looking for new snacks for variety!!

• fruit leather
• kettle corn
• trail mix
• raisins
• rice cakes
• granola bars
• nutrigrain bars
• yogurt covered fruit chips and pretzels
• goldfish
• cheezits
• snap pea crisps
• granola bites
• pnut butter crackers
• dehydrated assorted fruits