Lately I have noticed that Kate is less interested in her toys and
more interested in sequencing and causal activities. She loves to help
me measure and mix ingredients while I cook. I have been trying to
think of things she can do on her own or with little assistance since
she has been on a BIG independence kick. I saw this awesome post about making inexpensive manipulatives for toddlers.
Here are a few things I put together for her to play with. Everything’s been a big hit so far 
1. We dyed rice and hid "treasures" to dig up:
2. We made play dough. Kate likes to make pancakes and cut out shapes with cookie cutters:
3. We grabbed some nuts, bolts, and washers from the garage, cleaned ‘em up, and voila! A great fine motor skills activity:
4. We dyed some macaroni, got some shoe laces, and strung, strung, strung:
How did you dye the rice and macaroni? I’m an occupational therapist, so this would be good for my profession and my toddler