This Dad Made an Incredible Homemade Busy Board for His Toddler

Over the years, I've literally spent untold hundreds of dollars on toys to keep my kids busy. But one inventive dad found a way to entertain his toddler without a trip to the toy store: he made his own busy-board.

Reddit user teachezofpeachez posted a photo of his ingenious creation and it has since been viewed nearly 2 million times. The board features magnetic letters, a wall phone, a calculator, and a series of locks and carabiners for his little one to tinker with. There's even an empty toilet paper-roll holder!

Of course, this DIY toy isn't exactly the safest thing for a kiddo to play with. There are definitely a few strangulation hazards, among other safety concerns like sharp edges and potential choking hazards. But let this dad's money-saving busy board serve as an inspiration. You too can repurpose items in your home for your child to play with, and avoid the money-suck of the toy store aisles.

Recently, when my little ones were home sick and bored, we made a clubhouse out of a big cardboard box. They spent hours coloring the inside and outside, then adding stickers, and holding secret meetings inside. I was warned there were no parents allowed, but there wasn't much of a chance I'd fit inside anyway! Now I'll remember how much fun my kids had with a box the next time they beg me for an expensive new toy.

Have you ever created a DIY busy board or other toy for your child? If so, please share your best tips!

Melissa Willets is a writer/blogger and a mom. Follow her on Twitter (@Spitupnsuburbs), where she chronicles her love of exercising and drinking coffee, but never simultaneously.