Adding a little update! This post has become a very popular one over the years. Since so many of us are home this year with our little ones and can use all the “quiet time” help we can get… I’m adding a few NEW favorites for quiet time boxes. ALSO, visit our Simple Preschool At Home post and follow along for weekly ideas to add to your quiet time boxes (that will go with the week’s theme!). 

Five new quiet time box favorites: 

1. Letters: I recently got letters from Sparkle & Supply. They are REALLY cool looking and I find my kids way more eager to use them. They can also be magnetic so these + a cookie tray are a great quiet time activity. Because these letters are so fun looking, I find my kids think they’re more “toy” less “school”! 
2. I Spy: These are also from Sparkle & Supply. They’re very calming and can be used a few different ways. You can make a list to put in the quiet time box – either written out if they can read or drawings. Then they know what to find. OR have them just look and list or draw what they see. These are also a cool thing to keep in your bag to pull out at restaurants.  
3. Shapes Puzzle: This little tin has been a life saver for quiet time for us. I’d highly recommend. 
4. Dough sets: Play dough sets are my favorite for quiet time. Sometimes I try and come up with my own ideas, but it’s so easy to order a few to keep on hand. I’ll be linking to ones that go along with our “weekly themes” the next few months. My new favorite spot is Ready Set Dough. They are cute, great price and you can order the whole sensory kit or a “mini kit” for under $10.
5. Paint by Sticker: We discovered these during quarantine thanks to a friend. These have been a hit from my preschooler on up to adults! There are different ones including a little kid Paw Patrol one linked here. 

Now for the original quiet time boxes list: 

Naptime ended last fall with my middle child & with the new year, I decided it was time for me to restructure that afternoon nap time and get him back into his room for a little “me time” (and give me a chance to catch up on things around the house or take a break without any little ones at my feet and have my own “me time”).  A little time to rest and recharge goes a long way for a mama!  So, I decided to create some “Me Time” boxes.  While this mom has her own “me time”, my son will be doing “me time” in his room with his quiet time boxes.  So today, I will be sharing a simple idea on how to make this time fun for all!

For the “Me Time” boxes, I headed to the craft store & bought 5 medium tupperware boxes.  I didn’t want the really small ones because I knew that I would easily fill, so I was happy to find the size I wanted on sale!  I created a label for each day & adhered to the box.  Before the week begins, I fill each box with 4-5 items that will keep him busy for at least an hour.  I try to pick things from the different categories below.

To start “Me Time”, I read three books aloud to him from the shelves in his room(just like I did before nap!).  And then, I introduce each item in the box & make sure he understands each one.  All the toys & supplies have been used before, but just to remind him of the use of each one  Then, say good-bye & out I go!  So far, this strategy has given me a free 1 – 1/2 hours to catch up on life while I know he is having fun & staying out of trouble in his room.  Below, I have listed fifty ideas on what to rotate in and out of boxes to keep your kids engaged & I would love to hear ideas of your own!

 

“Me Time” Box Ideas

Books & Magazines

I try to pick reading material that they haven’t seen in a while so it is new & novel.  This is a great time to introduce them to new books or allow them to explore books of their interest on their own.

Me Reader Sets

Leapfrog LeapReader

Books on Tape

Puzzles & Games

Puzzles

Rush Hour Game

Latches Board

Learning Toys 

Flashcards

Pattern Blocks

Geoboards

Dry Erase Board & Markers

See & Spell

Unifix Cubes

Leapfrog Fridge Sets

Teddy Bear Counters

Notebook & Pencil to Practice Writing

Workbooks

Motor Skill Toys & Tools

Lacing Cards

Lacing Beads

Wedgits

Small Materials (Pom-Poms, Feathers, Etc) with Tongs, Muffin Tins, Spoons, Etc.

 

Pretend Play

Design & Drill

Mini Cars

Mini Characters & Little People

Miniature Animal Sets

Creative Supplies

Coloring Pads/Books & Crayons

Color Wonder

Aquadoodle

Stamps & Inkpads

Stickers

Plain Paper

Water WOW books

Reusable Sticker Pad

Dot Markers

Mini Travel Doodler

Dry Erase Activity Center

Small Craft Kits from Craft Store

 

Other:

Printables

Sensory Bins

Set of Blocks

Small Toys

Magnet Set & Cookie Sheet

Make Your Own Busy Bag Sets

I Spy Bag

Melissa & Doug Placemats

Special Days:

Box of Duplos or Legos

Magnatiles

Little People or Imaginext Sets

Kinetic Sand

Play-Doh

Cloud Dough

 

We hope this inspires you to create your own “me time” boxes for your little ones!

Here are a few other posts that you may enjoy:

50 Activities for Toddlers

Ultimate Backyard Toy Guide for Kids

For more fun ideas, make sure to follow our Pinterest boards for other inspiriing & activities to do with your kids!