My backpack, or my "secrets bag" as a few charges called it, was never opened until the parents left. This helps a lot of younger kids to not cry when their parents leave. The children loved it because I brought a few different things for them to play with or do each time. It really depends on the ages of the children what you can bring in your secrets bag, but her here some ideas.
Art Materials: Construction Paper is great for secret bags. Kids generally love to color. Bring crayons and colored pencils, and if your charges are above eight years old, you can bring washable markers. If you have the right children, this will keep them occupied for a very long time. Scissors (the safety kind) and glue are always fun to have too, this way the children can make cards and other crafts. You can bring stickers, too, children love to add stickers to their art projects.
Books: Bring age-appropriate books. For younger children, Dr. Suess books are fun to real out loud. Every child I have ever babysat for that was under nine years old has loved the book Fish Out Of Water. Here's a warning though: If you bring that book, they may ask you to read it fifteen times in a row and will whine until you do.
Puzzles: Board Puzzles and smaller kid or 300 piece puzzles are great additions to a secrets bag. Even 7 and eight year olds will do board puzzles just because they can do them easily and like to show off. Before you bring your puzzles though, take the puzzles and number them. Then, on the back of each piece, write that same number of it's puzzle. This way, they won't all get mixed up.
Even simple toys like cars and dolls are fun for any kid. Look around your house and gather up whatever you think the children would like. Whatever you bring the kids will love, because it is not their own.
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