Recycle your Christmas tree into play gear for your tot!

There is nothing sadder to me than seeing perfectly good chopped down evergreen trees tossed to the curb or alley in January. One, because this beautiful tree is no longer being loved as soon as we have "used it up", because this is a great play opportunity gone to waste!

Clip small evergreen pieces and mix with tree parts and toy woodland animals.

SUPPLIES

#1 SAND AND WATER TABLE
I purchased a toddler water table from an online school furniture supplier for my daughter's Christmas present this year.  http://www.bizchair.com/s8018-cb.html

This was rather expensive, and you can always use a cheaper version-the Step2 sand and water table Step2 Adjustable Sand And Water Table (Google Affiliate Ad). You can find these cheap used, too. The reason I like mine, is because there are no wheels or pathways that will dictate how my daughter plays with the space (it is more open-ended). Plus, the one I got is more compact for indoor use. I have a Step2 sandbox for outside. I wanted one for inside that I can easily change out the medium and contain the mess. The bin where all the materials are in can be lifted out and dumped easily. You cannot do this with the Step2. Also, there is a flat cover that allows the table to be used for art projects, etc. when not in use.

#2 EVERGREEN BRANCHES
Next, I used a pair of garden shears to cut off small pieces of evergreen. We had cut down a spruce for our Christmas tree from a local tree farm. The needles were not sharp, but very soft and short. This project won't work if you happened to select a Christmas tree with very sharp needles. Pines usually have soft needles.

#3 TREE PARTS
Then, I threw in some "tree parts." I have a collection of tree cookies and tree blocks (see my earlier post from July 2012). Also, add some pine cones, of course.

#4 TOY ANIMALS
Also, add some toy woodland animals. I used plastic ones here purchased from our local zoo, but you could make felt woodland animals or use small stuffed animals. I think it's best to use the actual animals that would be living in this type of environment (with evergreen trees).

A 13 month old plays with the evergreen dig here.

 The 13 month old in this picture loved tossing the branches around into piles and pulling out the toy animals as well as exploring the tree parts. We also had a 7 year old playing here who enjoyed telling stories about what was happening with the animals. She also hid them and made homes for the animals. This is an all ages fun play opportunity!

Close up picture of the dig.