Bean Bag Toss Basket

What you need

• soft bean bags or rolled socks
• large basket or box

How to do it

1. Set a large basket on the floor a short distance away.
2. Show your toddler how to toss a soft bean bag toward it.
3. Let them toss again and again, moving the basket closer if they're missing a lot.
4. Cheer every toss, in or out.

Why it matters

Tossing toward a target builds the shoulder strength and aim toddlers will need for throwing games down the line.

What they're learning

Gross motor aim

Throwing toward a target trains the shoulder and eye coordination used later in ball games and sports.

Balance

Staying steady on their feet while winding up to throw builds standing balance and body control.

Persistence

Trying again after a miss builds resilience with tasks that take practice to master.

What to look for

Watch for them adjusting their aim after a miss and lining up again — that's early self-correction.

A tip

Use only soft bean bags or rolled socks, never anything hard, and toss away from breakables.

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