Whenever we are leaving on a trip, the last minute scramble to get things packed is always just that: last minute. While I am packing us up, the girls seem to get into things, making a big mess right before we leave. About a year ago, I came up with a packing list for them so that they could be busy in a productive way while I was packing my own clothes.
This is today's list. We went over it together and later, when I am ready to put things in the suitcase, they will go gather what they need and bring it to me. Occasionally, I will have to edit their choices to make sure that they are appropriate for the season (no tank tops in winter, no corduroys in summer, etc.). I just send them back to get the right thing and keep packing my own stuff.
Kate wasn't reading when I started using this system, so I drew each item and wrote its name beside it. Although she's reading now, I still use the drawings because it makes it cute. And really, cute makes the whole thing fun, you know. I've thought about making a master list that I can just print out each time. Would you all be interested in that?
This is a great tool for grocery lists too - draw little apples, bananas, gallons of milk and loaves of bread and then divvy up your list between your helpers. It gets them involved and keeps them happy in the store.
We're off to Telluride in the morning. I'll be checking in from there with some other things to share. See you next week.
What a great idea! I would love a master list to help my 1 & 2 year old, especially at the dreaded store . . . :) Thanks for the great idea.
Posted by: Ashley | July 11, 2008 at 10:25 AM
This is such a great idea! I always try to involve the kids in the packing and this is a perfect way to do it! Enjoy your trip!
Posted by: Lori | July 11, 2008 at 10:26 AM
Such a great idea!
Have a wonderful trip!
Posted by: Anina | July 11, 2008 at 10:28 AM
I love your list and it would be a great big help in this house. I would love a printable version. I have the same problems you have getting packed up here...it would help so much to have the kids involved.
Posted by: Mellissa - wondermommy | July 11, 2008 at 10:29 AM
Oh, I love it! Forget the kids - I want one for me!
Posted by: Elizabeth | July 11, 2008 at 10:34 AM
No kids to entertain with a packing game, but I think the idea is brilliant and the pictures are definitely what make it fun and cute! Cudos!
Posted by: erica | July 11, 2008 at 10:41 AM
A list to make my life easier? Sign me up!
Posted by: Stefanie | July 11, 2008 at 10:55 AM
How cute is this?! I love it! Super idea.
Posted by: Jennifer | July 11, 2008 at 11:02 AM
Hi Erin!
I think this is brilliant! So cute, colorful and productive :). I'd love a master list that I could just print and change the numbers ... I might have to give this a try ... we head on vacation in less than 2 weeks!! Whoo-hoo!!
P.S. I've lurked here for quite some time and really, really, really enjoy your creative work! Thanks for all the inspiration!
Posted by: Andrea T. :) | July 11, 2008 at 11:17 AM
Love the packing list. I have made cards for the grocery store/Target and they work well. Not only do they give each helper something to do, but they help with the "I wants". "Is that on a card? No? Then we can't get it today."
Have a great trip!
Posted by: Dana | July 11, 2008 at 11:25 AM
okay. i need you to make my daily lists for me. for sure.
and have a good holiday. whoohoo.
Posted by: leslie | July 11, 2008 at 11:25 AM
This is a great idea. I've done something similar when we are packing too. Why should I pack all things? My kids WANT to pack their own stuff but I don't want mismatched or forgotten items. Have a great trip.
Posted by: Ellen | July 11, 2008 at 11:27 AM
That's so funny that you do that because when I was your girls' age my momma did that for us too! It always made it really fun to pack and I think it was a lot simpler for her when she did it! Sometimes she'd have us sit at the table and write/draw our own lists while she was making dinner or something which was like a game for us and she got even more done!
See, great minds think alike!
Posted by: Margot | July 11, 2008 at 11:33 AM
A print out that will help me remember... I love it! There's always a need for something like that at my house.. Of course I might need something that will help me remember where I put it. :)
Posted by: Renee | July 11, 2008 at 11:35 AM
simply brilliant.
Have a great trip!
Posted by: amanda | July 11, 2008 at 11:38 AM
That is a great idea, and I especially love your little dress drawing. :) And the watercolor splotches. Awesome.
Have a great trip, hun!
Posted by: Tracy | July 11, 2008 at 11:42 AM
and heeheehee you put "panties" on your blog! :)
Posted by: Tracy | July 11, 2008 at 11:43 AM
what a clever idea! i don't have children, but if i did, i would definitely do this! heck ... i would do this for my *own* packing list just to make the task more fun!
Posted by: Sara | July 11, 2008 at 11:57 AM
I, too, LOVE the list!! And this is just in time for our holidays at the end of July!
Posted by: Nadine | July 11, 2008 at 11:58 AM
What a great list! I would love something like this, with the pictures and words, and a blank for writing in the number needed. So sweet! :0)
Posted by: Charity | July 11, 2008 at 12:09 PM
that is a great idea Erin, you should have that downloadable on your website, its so usable!
Enjoy your trip! xo
Posted by: blair | July 11, 2008 at 12:10 PM
What a wonderful idea and way to get them to help! Love the idea of a grocery list too. Have a great trip!
Posted by: Kirsten | July 11, 2008 at 12:12 PM
love this- I often do a little doodle next to my clothing/packing list too.
If you made a master list I would dig that.
have fun in Telluride!
Posted by: Vanessa | July 11, 2008 at 12:26 PM
Erin,
I am still loving your blog and will send an email soon! This is how I plan trips & plan any big holiday dinners. Somehow it is relaxing to visualize the whole thing. Have a great trip! Jenni
Posted by: Jenni | July 11, 2008 at 12:42 PM
if that doesn't motivate a child to pack, i don't know what would. okay, maybe a really cute suitcase would help a little.
anyway, adorable, as usual.
Posted by: sheepishone | July 11, 2008 at 12:49 PM
Fantastic idea!! I need to do this for our camping trip in a few weeks.
Have a fun vacation!!!
Posted by: sally | July 11, 2008 at 12:58 PM
this is darling! I'm totally adapting it for little boy!
Posted by: melissa | July 11, 2008 at 02:27 PM
You are so billiant!
And dang, it's not only helpful, it's so CUTE!!!!
Posted by: Stefani | July 11, 2008 at 02:27 PM
This is the cutest thing ever! I think my husband could use one of these since he packed like 4 pairs of boxers for our 8 day road trip to DC!
Have a wonderful vacation!
Posted by: Mel | July 11, 2008 at 02:42 PM
That is a great idea! I don't have little ones on my own to try this, but I just thought about something similar. If your little ones like to help even more, they could cut out pictures of grocery items from those coupon- advertising things in the newspaper and stick them on piece of paper. It could be called shopping list/ art project activity (hmm, that is pretty lame name - any successions? )
Let me know if you try it.
Have a wonderful time Erin!
Posted by: Michaela | July 11, 2008 at 03:33 PM
Great list I must try the pictures for shopping
Posted by: Thimbleina | July 11, 2008 at 04:12 PM
SUCH a cute idea, thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Carrie S. | July 11, 2008 at 04:15 PM
The math teacher in me wants to use it as a problem: How many different outfits can you make to use on the trip? (The answer will depend on whether or not you include the bathing as parts of an outfit, and whether or not wearing different undies counts as a completely different outfit.) Or just don't worry about it and have fun!
Posted by: Liz | July 11, 2008 at 04:16 PM
My lists aren't nearly so cute!
Have a good trip -- safe travels!
Posted by: amy h | July 11, 2008 at 04:16 PM
My lists aren't nearly so cute!
Have a good trip -- safe travels!
Posted by: amy h | July 11, 2008 at 04:32 PM
I like very much your idea! Have a nice time!
Posted by: mariarrosa | July 11, 2008 at 06:12 PM
I wish I had one of these every time I needed to pack! It would make it so much more enjoyable...almost entertaining.
Posted by: Beth H | July 11, 2008 at 07:59 PM
brilliant. i do the same thing, only my lists are in excel and they don't look nearly as pretty! have you seen gwen's packing lists? they remind me of this one.
safe travels. enjoy the time in the mountains. looking forward to seeing pictures. xo.
Posted by: emily | July 11, 2008 at 10:24 PM
Loved your "and your Roxy hoodie" note. My girls have matching striped Roxy hoodies (lined with furry fleecy stuff) that they wear the heck out of.
Enjoy Telluride. It's been beautiful here in Colorado!
Joanne
Posted by: Joanne (The Simple Wife) | July 11, 2008 at 10:51 PM
Super fab idea and really cute with the drawings! I love it. Have a great time in Telluride. We're on our way back home from our adventure, so I'm looking forward to catching up once we're both back at our computers.
Posted by: Sarah Jackson | July 12, 2008 at 01:24 AM
WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME THIS 4 DAYS AGO!!!!! It's BRILLIANT! You would not believe the scene in our house, with Lily sneaking off every 5 minutes to go pack her own bag. A list never even occurred to me. GREAT idea!
Posted by: caroline | July 12, 2008 at 06:30 AM
sweet as!
Posted by: justine | July 12, 2008 at 07:07 AM
omg. that is so cute i can't stand it.
Posted by: suzanne | July 12, 2008 at 07:19 AM
YES! YES! YES! I would be very interested in master list! We are leaving for camping today and I love this idea. There is so much to pack and my three non-readers could be very helpful with something like this!
Did you use water color then ink pen over the drawings? Thanks!
Posted by: AllisonF | July 12, 2008 at 09:11 AM
what a great idea!!! I think this will be appearing in our household very soon , thanks for sharing
Posted by: maxine | July 12, 2008 at 09:19 AM
what a great idea!!! I think this will be appearing in our household very soon , thanks for sharing
Posted by: maxine | July 12, 2008 at 09:21 AM
i. wan't. to. use. this. list!!!!!!!!
SO adorable!
Posted by: leslie | July 12, 2008 at 10:19 AM
I'd be very interested in a list like this!
Posted by: Rita | July 12, 2008 at 11:00 AM
this is so great!! I love the idea to adapt it for grocery shopping. so cute.
Posted by: Kelly | July 12, 2008 at 12:02 PM
this is SOOOO super cute!! what a great idea!
Posted by: erin | July 12, 2008 at 12:44 PM