Quiet Boxes For Teens: 25 Quiet Time Ideas For Teenagers
Quiet boxes for teens have been my tried and true secret weapon for a long time, and they continue to be our favorite educational and learning tools.
As a working homeschool mom, quiet boxes have truly been a sanity saver in my daily life. Whether you’re juggling work responsibilities, navigating through a pandemic, or simply craving a few moments of peace, having quiet activities for your kids is an invaluable asset.
And guess what? Quiet time boxes aren’t just for younger kids; they work wonders for older kids too!
In fact, my teenagers always make sure to pack their own quiet bag for trips, appointments, or any situation where we might have to wait for an extended period.
Not only are quiet time boxes good for younger kids, but they’re also great for older kids too.
My teenagers always pack a quiet bag for trips, appointments, or any other time we may be waiting for a long time.
If you prefer having a printable list of ideas, make sure to download our exclusive quiet boxes for kids checklist.
I’m thrilled to share with you the fantastic contents that I include in my quiet boxes for teens, providing endless entertainment, engagement, and learning opportunities.
Let’s dive in and discover the secrets to creating the perfect quiet boxes for your older children.
What Is A Quiet Box?
If you have not heard of a quiet box, it is a box or bag full of special toys, crafts, and activities for children to play with that are QUIET!
The focus is on the “quiet” part, especially when creating them for young kids. You want to find activities that are so much fun they don’t even realize they are being quiet.
This usually comes in the form of quiet toys for toddlers.
When it comes to building quiet boxes for teens, you may not need to make sure everything in the box is quiet since they are more likely to listen when you ask them to be quiet for a few minutes.
The box is usually self-contained – everything your teen needs for the activity is in the box.
Quiet boxes for teens come in all shapes and sizes, such as bins, backpacks, or baskets.
Why Teenagers Need Quiet Boxes
Most quiet boxes are designed for younger kids, but I have found using quiet boxes with my teens very helpful.
Everyone needs quiet time, and that includes moms of teens.
Quite boxes give teens their own space and are a great way to include educational activities in a fun and engaging way.
After all, teens are still kids. And kids like to have fun, play games, and get creative.
Teens also are not a fan of waiting or being bored and quiet boxes filled with activities they like help keep them entertained and make waiting much easier for everyone.
Quiet boxes for teens check all of these boxes.
What To Put In Your Quiet Boxes For Teens
When it comes to quiet boxes for teens, feel free to go beyond a bin or box.
Teens can have a screen-free box/shelf/drawer that has their current books or magazines they want to read. You can also get books with sudokus/crosswords/etc., their choice of art supplies, or something creative they like to do and add it to the shelf.
Toss a box in the playroom or wherever your teen hangs out and include a yoga mat and yoga blocks (permission to use the screen for music or a workout!), a basket of bath and nail care products, a basket with sunglasses, a hat, a towel, a cool cup, a snack, a book, and sunscreen to lay outside!
We loved using backpacks with a spot to hold a tablet or laptop for our quiet bins because they were great for on-the-go!
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When it comes to figuring out what to put IN the box, I prefer a list.
If you are struggling with ideas of what to put in the quiet box or gifts for teens, don’t worry I’ve got you covered. Here are some of the best educational items my kids loved in our quiet boxes.
And most of them do not require screens!
25 Quiet Box Ideas For Teens
I love lists, they make life so much easier. I created this “Quiet Boxes For Teens” list that is filled with educational and fun ideas for teenagers.
This list is designed for kids aged 12+, but you know your kids best.
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.
- Books – I recommend a mix of educational books and fun books.
- Audiobooks – Both Audible and Epic are our favorites.
- Earbuds or Headphones
- Kids magazines (Scholastic has a list of magazines for teens)
- Puzzles (Choose harder ones, themed ones, or ones with a smaller or a higher number of pieces!)
- Mad libs
- Crossword puzzles
- Sudoku Book For Teens
- Notebooks and a pen
- Blank paper/blank cards
- Sketch pad
- Blank Comic Book
- Markers/colored pencils/gel pens – I recommend investing in higher quality unless your teen tends to misplace them.
- Construction paper
- Scissors
- Shape paper punch kits
- Washi tape
- Cute Stickers
- Drawing Template
- Tape
- Playing Cards (You can play a lot of games with cards, including Solitaire.)
- Travel-sized board games
- Tangrams
- Loom bands
- Tablets with learning games
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.
Quiet Boxes Printable List:
If you prefer a printable PDF version of this list of quiet box activities ideas for teens, drop your email below. I’ll send it to your inbox.
5 Quiet Box Kits For Crafty Teens
My youngest loves learning to do crafts such as learning to sew, embroidery, knitting, etc.
These types of crafts make perfect quiet time activities for teenagers.
Here are a few kits you can buy for teens:
- Craft-tastic – Yarn Tree Kit
- Learn to Sew Kit
- DIY All in One Finger Knitting Kit
- Embroidery Kit for Beginners
- Cross Stitch Beginner Kit for Kids
I created a list on my Amazon Shelf if that’s easier for you!
Done-For-You Quiet Boxes For Teens
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:
Craftsman Crate
STEM Lab Kids
Doctor Set Science Kits
Ideas for Quiet Boxes for Kids
Get ready to ignite your child’s imagination and keep them happily engaged with these quiet box resources and ideas for kids that are sure to inspire hours of quiet play and learning.
- How to Build Quiet Boxes
- Quiet Boxes For Kids
- Best Quiet Toys For Toddlers
- Quiet Boxes For Kids Checklist
It’s worth emphasizing that quiet boxes serve a distinct purpose from busy bags. Unlike busy bags, quiet boxes are specifically designed with carefully chosen resources to promote quiet and independent play, enabling you to concentrate on your work with peace of mind.
Quiet Boxes For Teens Made Easy
Creating quiet boxes for teens is fun and easy!
One last suggestion is to use this list to create a quiet box with your kids. My teens had a blast picking out new games, puzzles books, and more to add to the bins.
Have fun and make seasonal bins, topic bins, or art bins!
Do you use quiet boxes for teens 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 need these tips.
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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!
