Thanks for the ideas guys

I often say "where's such and such?" to DD when I know it's in the bedroom furthest away from the living room and off she'll toddle around the house looking for it.
Fionas- sometimes this keeps Ds busy but most of the time he throws a tanty because he can't find whatever it is he wants and he wants ME to get it so it kinda backfires lol. Thanks anyway though

mum3girls- Thanks for the Fun with Toddlers link, there are some great ideas there..problem is i try different activities but they only keep DS entertained for a few minutes and then he's winging again coz he's bored i know there's no magic activity that will keep him busy for hours but it would be nice to find something to keep him entertained for long enough for me to relax..sigh..
I love the timer idea BTW i might give that a try..not sure if DS will quite understand the idea but i'll give it a go. Thanks!

sneakysparkle- Yes we're part of a playgroup that meets once a week and DS loves it.. we haven't been since DS2 came along though because i'm a bit nervous about juggling 2 kids while out but i guess i have to venture back into the big bad world sooner or later lol