Busy Box

Toss a bunch of small objects (that aren’t choking hazards) into a box for the baby to examine, dump, and gather up again. Two ways to prolong the activity:
Pick novel objects (measuring spoons, shiny bangles, balls, and rattles—random is good), and use a box with a lid. Even better, use an empty diaper-wipes case with a rubber (that is, gentle) hand-trapping opening.