The boredom jar is a simple yet brilliant tool for any family. It’s a way to encourage kids to take charge of their own entertainment and engage in activities that foster creativity, learning, and fun. Here’s how you can set up your own boredom jar and a list of 40 creative ideas to include.
Creating Your Boredom Jar
Find a Jar:
Use any large, clear jar that you have at home. A cookie jar, mason jar, or even a large coffee canister will work.
Decorate the Jar:
Make it fun! Have your kids decorate the jar with stickers, drawings, or paint to make it visually appealing and exciting.
Prepare the Slips:
Cut slips of paper large enough to write a single activity on each. You might choose different colors for different types of activities (e.g., blue for outdoor, pink for quiet time).
Fill the Jar:
Write each activity on a slip of paper and fold it up before placing it into the jar. The variety should cater to different interests and situations.
Here’s 40 ideas ready for your Boredom Jar
– Draw a picture of your family.
– Build a fort with blankets and pillows.
– Write a letter to a grandparent or friend.
– Create a comic strip.
– Read a book or magazine.
– Do a puzzle.
– Play a board game.
– Make a craft with recycled materials.
– Bake cookies or a simple cake.
– Play dress-up.
– Invent a new dance.
– Watch a documentary.
– Start a garden in a pot.
– Learn ten words in a new language.
– Write a story or poem.
– Do a science experiment.
– Make a friendship bracelet.
– Plan an indoor treasure hunt.
– Take photos of nature.
– Draw your dream house.
– Listen to a music album you’ve never heard.
– Watch an educational YouTube video.
– Create a scrapbook page.
– Play a card game.
– Do a yoga workout.
– Make a bird feeder.
– Research a country you want to visit.
– Practice origami.
– Sketch your pet.
– Learn to juggle.
– Write and perform a play.
– Record a “newscast” of your day.
– Create an obstacle course.
– Have a picnic in your living room.
– Watch a sunrise or sunset.
– Learn a magic trick.
– Organize your room creatively.
– Make paper airplanes and race them.
– Sing karaoke.
– Write in your journal.
The boredom jar is not just a remedy for boredom; it’s a gateway to new hobbies and interests. It encourages independence and decision-making in children, allowing them to explore activities they might not have chosen otherwise.
