Do you remember these? Growing up we had at least one set…maybe two?

I found a set for my girls, at Goodwill, two years ago, but they’re in pretty sad shape…

Did you know you can make a very similar game with only a few, cheap supplies??

Here’s what you need:

Supplies

• Ping pong balls – 8 for $1 at DollarTree
• Adhesive Velcro Dots – 5/8″ will work, but I liked 3/8″ better
• Craft Felt – whatever colors you like!
• Hot glue or yarn and needle

Assembly

First you need to decide on a shape—we like flowers. Because we’re girly. Because pink. And yellow. So ya, flowers.

But you could do a baseball mitt out of brown felt. Leaves out of green felt. Tiger claws out of orange felt. Dinosaur claws out of green felt! Let your creativity guide you!

Whatever you decide, make sure you make it large enough for you little one’s hand. I traced the girls hands on paper, and cut them out. Then laid those paper hands on the felt before I drew my flower shape.

When it’s time to attach the two sides of your “mitt” together, you have a few options.

If you have an older child, they may love the opportunity to sew the two pieces together. WITH SUPERVISION, it can be wonderful fine motor skills practice.

I’ll be honest though, the easiest way to attach the two sides, is with hot glue. It takes just seconds, and you’re done! Ready to play!

For the ping pong ball, just pull the velcro dots off their backing and stick them to the ball. Cadence, my three year old, loved this activity.

Then you’re ready to play!

We have enjoyed SO MANY HOURS of catch with these felt mitts.They are amazing confidence builders for kids, and sanity savers for parents. I know I can’t be the only parent completely frustrated by their child’s inability to catch a ball…

Go make a velcro catch game! Then play with your kids!

Oh, and don’t forget to take a picture and tag @thecaterpillaryears on Instagram 😉

Happy playing!