Quiet Boxes For Kids: 30 Educational & Hands-On Ideas
Quiet boxes for kids have been an absolute game-changer for me as a working homeschool mom.
As soon as my kids outgrew their naps, it seemed like they needed constant entertainment throughout the day. Suddenly, the simple tasks like checking emails or folding laundry became a distant dream. That’s when I discovered the power of quiet boxes as my secret weapon.
Introducing quiet boxes to my kids was a resounding success. I’m excited to share with you the not only how to create your own quiet boxes for your kids but also some of my carefully curated quiet boxes from when my children were younger.
These boxes allowed me to regain control over my work time and enjoy a hot cup of coffee without worrying about my little ones wreaking havoc in the house.
Quiet boxes are a lifesaver for anyone working from home with young kids. They provide a focused and peaceful environment where you can tackle your work tasks, take important calls, or even join video conferences without constantly fretting about your child’s activities.
Get ready to create a peaceful and productive work environment at home by downloading our free quiet boxes for kids checklist, and say goodbye to distractions while you conquer your to-do list!
While I didn’t use quiet boxes every day, they were always ready to be deployed whenever I needed to keep my kids occupied and my productivity intact. However, you have the option to incorporate them into your daily routine as well.
Let’s dive into the wonderful world of quiet boxes for kids and unlock the secret to a harmonious work-from-home experience.
What Is A Quiet Box For Kids?
Not sure what a quiet box for kids is?
A quiet box is a box or bag full of special toys, crafts, and activities for children to play with that are QUIET!
The activities are quiet, which in turn often but not always means your child will be quiet (er).
Some kids get super excited playing, and there will be normal sounds of joy.
But you should be okay if you don’t put a drum set or harmonica in the box.
When building your quiet box, all you need to do is remember to build it with your child in mind! If you think your child will play with it for an extended amount of time, pop it in the box.
The box is usually self-contained – everything your child needs is in the box.
Why You Should Make Quiet Boxes For Your Kids
Quiet boxes are such a great tool for moms.
If you are waiting for an appointment, going for a long drive, or need a few minutes to work, quiet boxes will keep your kids entertained and make waiting much easier for everyone.
Quiet boxes are also great for homeschooling or supporting early learning. You can include activities based on a topic your child is learning in school or interested in.
You can also include activities that reinforce or introduce educational concepts such as literacy, math, art, and fine motor skills.
Quiet boxes are not just for younger kids, I build quiet boxes for teens as well.
Disclosure: I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
What To Put In Your Quiet Box For Kids
If you are wondering what to put in your quiet box, the simple answer is anything you like.
Or better yet, anything your child likes.
One idea is to match some of the quiet box activities with what your kids are learning in school.
For example, if your child is learning all about the ocean, you could include educational “ocean-themed” items, such as Math Splash War Addition & Subtraction Challenge Cards, playdough mats, and stickers.
However, if you are like me and prefer a list, I’ve got you covered.
TREND ENTERPRISES, INC. Math Splash War Addition & Subtraction Challenge Cards
Kilpkonn Dough Tool Kit for Kids, Molds, Shape, Scissors, Rolling Pin, Dough Mat with Storage Bag4 Pack Lacing Toy,Educational Learning Motor Activity Threading Toys,Wooden Skill Toys for Kids
Below I’m sharing with you 30 educational and hands-on items my kids loved in our quiet boxes.
What NOT To Put In Your Quiet Box For Kids
One thing to keep in mind is the age of your child, you’ll want to make sure the items are age-appropriate and safe!
If your child is young and puts things in their mouth, then do NOT give your child something with small objects that become a choking hazard.
The second is to create the box for your child.
A lot of lists include finger paints and messy play items. Sure messy play has its place, but my kids do not like finger paints, so I never included them.
Design the quiet box for your child do not include items you know they won’t like.
30 Quiet Box Educational & Hands-On Ideas
I love lists, they make life so much easier. I created this “Quiet Boxes For Kids” list that is filled with educational and hands-on ideas for younger kids.
As you go through this list, take note of ideas and items you might have around the house that you can put in your quiet box for your child.
- Puzzles
- Domino set
- Color matching games
- Counting game
- Buttons-assorted sizes and colors
- Colored pipe cleaners
- Pom Poms
- Scrap paper
- Scissors (child safety ones)
- Stickers and sticker books
- Wooden puzzles
- Play-dough and play-dough mats
- Audiobooks
- Headphones (Cozyphones are highly recommended for smaller children. )
- Building Blocks
- Kid magazines
- Markers and notebooks
- Dry-erase boards and markers
- Shape cutters or cookie cutters
- Construction paper
- Lego Small Kits
- Leapfrog readers
- Laceup boards
- Beading
- Fuzzy felt scenes
- Wiki-stix
- Plastic animals or figures
- Coloring books
- Paper Art Kit
- Load up a Tablet or Kindle with educational apps or bedtime stories.
You will probably have most of these things around your home, but if not, you can pick them up at Amazon or at your local dollar store, thrift store, Wal-Mart, etc.
I created a list on my Amazon Shelf if that’s easier for you!
Done-For-You Quiet Boxes For Kids
While I prefer to build my quiet boxes for my kids, I’ve also enjoyed kits that you can purchase.
Check out these Done-For-You Quiet Boxes For Kids:
Quiet Boxes Printable List:
If you prefer a printable PDF version of this list of quiet box activities ideas for kids, drop your email below. I’ll send it to your inbox.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to download our exclusive Quiet Boxes for Kids Checklist and unlock a world of peace, productivity, and happy playtime for both you and your kids!
Quiet Boxes For Kids Made Easy
Creating quiet boxes for kids is fun and easy!
One last suggestion is to use this list to create at least two quiet boxes, that way, you can rotate them out.
Have fun and make seasonal bins, topic bins, or art bins!
- And don’t forget to get the best quiet toys for toddlers.
- You can add spring activities for kids to this list.
- Screen-free spring break activities for kids.
Do you use quiet boxes for kids in your home? Don’t forget to add these educational and hands-on ideas to your list!
Quiet boxes for kids are just one way to keep kids busy while you work. If you work at home with kids, you want these screen-free sanity savers.
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Hi, I’m Jen. I help working moms juggle their career and homeschool their kids by providing support, systems and tools. You are warmly invited to Join the Online Community Here!
