Games in a Jar w/ Free Printable

A few months ago I made these game jars to give as gifts. The jars have a booklet with game ideas that are geared towards older toddlers (who won't put small objects in their mouths) and preschoolers, but will work for older kids as well, as one nice commenter pointed out. These games are SUPER SIMPLE (nothing you've never heard of) but they are things that always put a grin on my kids' faces. They are games that also encourage cooperation, patience, thinking skills, and listening.

The jars I used are the 16 oz. Ball plastic freezer jars and I added a:

• ping pong ball 
• matchbox car
• domino
• small bean bag
• key
• pom pom
• coin
• wooden peg doll
• plastic frog
• button
• plastic diamond
• "silver" (spray painted rock)
• glass gem
• die

You can add anything you want but you will want something soft to toss (like a pom pom or bean bag) and something that will roll (like a car or small ball) if you are using the game ideas in the printable booklet.

Here's the link to the printable game booklet (8.5 x 11"). 

After printing, just cut in half lengthwise on a paper trimmer (at 4.25").

And then cut each section into quarters (each section will be 2.75"). Each printout will make 2 booklets. I laminated mine, punched a hole in the top corner, and used some ball chain to loop them together.

Put the booklet in the middle of the jar (if you put it on the side it will bend to the shape of the jar) and then add the objects around it.

I'm planning to put a jar in our trailer this summer to use for quick and easy games or just free play and keep one at home.

If you have ideas for additional things to add to the jar or simple games to play, please share in the comments!