A local store has made curbside “boredom buster bags” to keep kids entertained at home

Jadabug's is a local Coachella Valley children boutique. With COVID-19 closing down non-essential businesses, some are still finding ways to keep their businesses running. Jadabug's has started offering "boredom buster bags". These are bags filled with age-appropriate gifts available to pick-up curbside. Parents are really loving the idea as well as the chance to support local business.

Heidi McArthur is the owner of Jadabug's Kids Boutique. She said, “I figured that everyone was a little bored with the regular things that are happening in their house. And sometimes it’s kind of fun to have someone else pick out the things for your children.” Carmen Shaw, Owner of Dringk Bar, parent, and customer at Jaydabug's said her kids are going to work with her right now and they're staying occupied with these boredom bags. She added, “She’s actually put them together and did them so well and put in items that, she put in items that I don't normally buy. So my kids were really excited about all these new items.”

The Boredom Buster Bags are customized by ages from 2 to 10 years old. You can also pick the gender of your child, boy, girl, or neutral. Then there are three price ranges from $50-$100.

Heidi said there are various items in the bags. There's paint and supplies, puzzles, as well as different learning materials as well. When it comes to what is specifically in each bag, Carmen said, "Don’t be too picky because something that you may not choose your kids will probably end up loving."

These bags are keeping kids occupied at home and allowing parents to have some fun and quality time with their kids. Sarye and Justin Smith have gotten the bags for their kids. Justin said, “Each morning Sienna would wake up and be like, ok can I get another present today or a new gift or whatnot. So it was kind of fun, it kept it interesting and a lot of the things in the boxes were very unique.”

Check out our coronavirus section for local coverage

Heidi said that 99% of her sales come from in-store. Many that are buying from her, definitely understanding that supporting local businesses during this time is a necessity. Carmen said, “It became more important for us to support our community. Not be buying on Amazon, not be running to target for our kids' toys, when we have a children's store that could be using the sales she needed the help.” Sarye added about Heidi, “We love everything she does and she really puts her heart and soul into bringing fun for the kids and the families so we are so excited that she came up with this idea.”

The bags can be ordered online through their website (Jadabugs.com) and you can pick them up curbside. These bags are also able to be delivered anywhere in the United States.

Heidi said, her favorite part about this idea is still being actively involved in the community. She said, "Because that’s what I love about having an actual brick and mortar is seeing people and knowing what’s going on in their day."

News Channel 3's Taban Sharifi will have more on this local business and the bags available for purchase for kids tonight at 6 p.m.

Kaiser recommends that those in the Coachella Valley who are elderly and have underlying health conditions, including individuals who are HIV positive, limit non-essential travel and avoid large public gatherings.

Health officials said anyone who thinks they might be experiencing symptoms of the virus and want to be seen at Eisenhower Health should call the hospital hotline first at 760-837-8988. Avoid the spread of this illness.
Residents with further questions can call 2-1-1 and 800–CDC –INFO (800 – 232 – 4636) with any questions.

Public health recommendations for all Riverside County residents during community spread:

Practice social distancing, which is remaining out of places where people meet or gather and avoid using public transportation, if possible.
Do not attend work, school or events when sick. Stay home.
Cough into your elbow or tissue.
Wash hands frequently and use hand sanitizer often.
Stay away from anyone who is sick.