Essential Items for Entertaining a Bored Child when Your Schedule is Overloaded with Tasks
Rewritten Article:
Hope you dig our suggestions, mate! Some of 'em might've been flung your way as samples, but all were hand-picked by our wranglers. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its partners could grab a slice of the sales from these links.
You'll be able to smash through your errands list while keeping your little one entertained with these toys, games, and activities.
by Yasmine Singh, BuzzFeed Staff
- Marble Mania: This marble run set lets your little tyke craft their own maze for marbles to roll through. They'll be enthralled for hours on end, all while honing their problem-solving skills. It's an ace activity when you need to focus on getting stuff done and your to-do list looks like an Everest climb.
Amazon, Promising Reviews: "My kids (and me) have been engrossed for hours on these marble runs! They're learning the physics of slopes without even realizing it. Plus, it comes with plenty of marbles, so losing a few isn't a biggie." - Joyce Parker
Get it from Amazon for $39.99, available in three quantities.
- Castle Creations: A color-your-own castle playhouse, perfect for an indoor activity that ignites your child's imagination without requiring much upkeep from you. All you need is some crayons or markers and let the good times roll.
Amazon, Promising Review: "My girls (ages 2 and 5) have played pretend in this castle for hours. The set-up is a breeze and the price is right. They work on decorating it as they go along." - ElaFree
Grab the haunted house version for $39.99 and the fairytale version for $33.99, both from Amazon.
- Glow-in-the-Dark Fortress: A fort building kit for your budding architect or engineer. They can conjure up fantastical creations like castles or rockets, and when the lights are turned off, their fort glows like a beacon in the dark.
Amazon, Promising Review: "Found this to be an amazing toy that kept my 4-year-old nephew (and me!) entertained for hours. The pieces fit well and the fort stands up sturdily even on carpet. The builds are infinite, and it never gets old." - Becca
Get it from Amazon for $59.97, available in two styles.
- Hover Helicopter: An affordable drone for kids (and adults) who are just giddy about these flying machines. Feel free to borrow it whenever you need a quick dose of diversion to stave off boredom.
Amazon, Promising Review: "This drone has provided hours of fun for me and my 2-year-old (yes, I said it, I buy stuff for my kiddo and use it too). It's tough, fast, equipped with two long-lasting batteries and two chargers. Drop it, crash it - it takes what you dish out." - Laura Pena
Available in two versions from Amazon for $39.99.
- Brain-Boosting Adventure: The Gravity Maze game is designed to challenge your mini-genius's brain with spatial reasoning, planning, and engineering tasks. It might sound technical, but it's pure fun with a healthy dose of learning.
Amazon, Promising Review: "What a brilliant combination of construction, puzzles, and games! My 5-year-old niece was able to tackle some of the levels, while the adults joined in on the action too! It was challenging and a blast!" - Crystal Brown
Get it from Amazon for $33.99.
- Solar-Powered Robot Kit: A STEM activity for your chip off the old block to build 12 solar-powered robots that scoot around using the sun's energy.
Amazon, Promising Review: "An awesome, easy-to-use and learn drone that entertains me and my 2-year-old for hours. It's steady, fast, equipped with two long-lasting batteries, and includes two chargers. I bump it into walls, drop it from 10 feet - it takes a beating and keeps on rolling." - Laura Pena
Snag it from Amazon for $20.76.
- Disney Princess Jewelry Making: A set to keep your kiddo out of your jewelry box and creating their own one-of-a-kind necklaces. Best of all, there's no end to the number of combinations they can create, giving you ample time to sort through emails.
Amazon, Promising Review: "This set kept my 3-year-old twins busy for hours. Perfect for teaching coordination and encouraging creativity." - Lyss
Available from Amazon for $11.48.
- Bubble Blaster: A rechargeable bubble machine that'll make your bubble wand look like a chump. You'll never struggle with blowing bubbles again, and it's a hit with the kids (and adults).
Amazon, Promising Review: "Ordered this for my daughter's birthday and she loved it. It's easy to use and churns out loads of bubbles. Even the adults hopped in on the fun!" - Tina
Available in five colors/styles from Amazon for $29.99.
- Foldable Indoor Slide: Rain won't dampen your little one's spirits with this slide at the ready. It's ideal for those days when the weather or your to-do list isn't cooperating and your kiddo's on the verge of a boredom meltdown.
Amazon, Promising Review: "I scored big time with this slide buy. My 2-year-old daughter takes to it right away. It folds down with ease for storage. And the best part? It saves my child from scorching her bum on public park slides." - jenna
Available from Amazon for $21.99, in four designs.
- Montessori Indoor Play Gym: An indoor play set for when you really need your child to play inside while you tackle your chores. Your kiddo won't end up with a scorched bum sliding down one of those sweltering metal slides at the park - ouch!
Good Evas Kids, a small NYC business, sells wooden children's play sets, climbing walls, and bookshelves.
Promising Review: "This is a fantastic product! My baby loves it! It's very sturdy and strong, and I was impressed with its design. The ladder can be adjusted, plus it comes with different pieces that can be moved around for multiple set-ups. It's perfect for apartments and keeps kids engaged for hours." - teni240
Grab it from Good Evas Kids on Etsy for $99 , available in seven variations and two colors.
- Wireless Karaoke Mic: Grab an impromptu concert with this wireless mic without dragging in a heavy karaoke machine and a mess of wires. Your mini-singer will belt out tunes while you catch up on work.
Amazon, Promising Review: "My 8-year-old daughter loved this birthday gift. The only problem is that my 6 and 12-year-old girls adore it too, so they want two more." - Carl Fowler
Available from Amazon for $19.99, in 10 colors.
- Orbeez Challenge: A set with 2,000 Orbeez beads for your tiny Sir Isaac Newton to experiment with. They expand when soaked with water, providing tons of sensory fun. Plus, the included container helps keep the mess contained.
Amazon, Promising Review: "My daughter adored these Orbeez. They're so much fun and we didn't expect the container to keep the mess contained. Thanks to this set, she's kept busy for hours." - Sara Ahmed
Grab a set from Amazon for $24.67.
- Fold-away Pirate Ship: Your little swabbie will be swamped with hours of play on this ship. It has a slide, ladder, telescope, steering wheel, and a secret play space beneath. When folded, it's compact enough for easy storage.
Amazon, Promising Review: "This is a fantastic buy. Both my 1-and-a-half and almost 6-year-old kids love it. It's sturdy and holds both my daughters well. It's great for small yards or living rooms. We move it between those two spaces." - Amanda
Available from Amazon for $179.99 , also available in a castle.
- Kid-Roller Coaster: A mini roller coaster for when you can't make it to a theme park, but your little thrill-seeker is bored out of their gourd. This sweet ride can be used indoors or outdoors.
Amazon, Promising Review: "Buy it. Just do it. It's worth every penny. My son adores it. Setting it up and taking it down is a breeze." - Mariah Manley
Available from Amazon for $139.99, in two styles.
- Two-tier Water Table: This water table set keeps your little water-lover engaged for hours on end. You can attach it to a hose for a sprinkler and waterfall effect, and it also comes with an umbrella for protection from the sun.
Amazon, Promising Review: "This is the best purchase of summer. It's a favorite toy for my daughter. She loves playing in the water, and the attached sprinkler and umbrella are fantastic for hot sunny days." - Crystal Libby
Get it from Amazon for $129.
- DIY Kaleidoscope Kit: Your nature-loving kid will find endless joy in collecting items on walks, at the beach, or in the backyard to create their own kaleidoscope patterns. They can use the magnetic lid to add leaves, flowers, sea shells, or anything they can imagine.
Dreamer Kids, a family-owned small biz, sells unique wooden toys for kids.
FYI: This kit requires some assembly and includes 10 plastic flowers.
Promising Review: "We love it! We enjoyed the plastic flowers that came with the kit, but had the most fun when we started adding natural objects like flower petals and tiny ferns. Lots of creative play ahead." - martharich3
Grab it from Dreamer Kids on Etsy for $57.78 (originally $57.77; available with custom text or with two quote options).
- Pop-able Tube Sensory Toys: These sensory toys are less messy (and less agonizing to step on than Lego blocks). Your child can use them to create shapes, letters, or anything they imagine. Plus, they're simple to pop into place and pull apart.
Available from Amazon for $9.97, in a pack of 8.
- Sensory Swing: A swing for your little acrobat to burn off energy by swinging and bouncing. It's a convenient way to channel energy when your little one wakes up refreshed - just as you're about to get stuff done.
Recommended for ages 3 and up.
Rest Nests is a small biz based in Israel started by a mom who created these hammocks as a way to give parents "an extra pair of hands" for entertaining kids while they work.
Promising Review: "My 4.5-year-old daughter adores this swing! We've installed it in a French doorframe and it's super secure. She loves swinging while we're cooking or hanging out. I anticipate it will get lots of love over the years. We love having it indoors during the winter since playgrounds aren't always practical." - Chris Wiegand
Grab it from Rest Nests on Etsy for $98.60 (originally $116; available in nine colors).
- Wiwiurka Trapeze Bar: This trapeze bar is perfect for your mini gymnast, and can be used indoors or outdoors. They'll be able to climb, spin, and swing to their heart's content.
Recommended for ages 3 and up.
Note: Mounting hardware not included.
Wiwiurka is a Mexican woman-owned business located in Tepoztlan, Mexico that creates sustainable children's toys using water-based paints and non-toxic materials that are inspired by Pikler, Montessori, and Waldorf's educational standards.
Promising Review: "My kid couldn't tear himself away from this trapeze! He immediately climbed to the top and beamed at us. The pillow is also super comfortable!" - Montserrat K.
Get it from Wiwiurka for $75 (available in three colors).
- Search and Find Activity Mats: These reusable activity mats come with six double-sided mats filled with hidden items for your child to find. You can track found items with the included dry erase markers, and simply wipe away to start again.
Amazon, For ages 3 and up.
Includes six double-sided activity mats, one duster cloth, two dry-erase markers, and an achievement certificate.
Promising Review: "My daughter loves this product. She just turned four and she's able to complete the activities. The only part she doesn't like is erasing it but then realizes she gets to do it again after it's erased. The cleanup is easy - we just use a paper towel to wipe it down. We use this product daily now that we're under a stay-at-home order." - Kathryn
Get it from Amazon for $24.97 , available in 12 activities.
- Toddler Busy Board: A busy board for toddlers that unfolds for play and folds up for storage. Your little one will be able to buckle, zip, and tie to their heart's content. It's portable, too, making it ideal for keeping your child busy during long drives, flights, or at the doctor's office.
Amazon, For ages 18 months and up.
This board has various zippers, snaps, buttons, and strings to help your child learn to tie their shoes and get dressed.
Promising Reviews: "My 1-year-old adores this busy board. It keeps my son entertained for ages! And it'll grow with him." - Amazon Customer
Available from Amazon for $19.99, in four colors and an 8-page version.
- Doctor Play Kit: Turn your living room into a doctor's office with this kit while you relax and pretend to be the patient while your little one gives you a check-up. You can also include stuffed animals for your mini-doc to practice on when they've examined you.
Amazon, For ages 3 and up.
This kit includes over 25 pieces, stickers, and a case. Some parts even light up and make realistic sounds.
Promising review: "My son adores this toy set. It has various doctor tools in it so he can choose which role he wants to play." - Cortini
Get it from Amazon for $21.97.
- Climber Set: This clever multi-functional play set lets your tiny acrobat learn how to climb, grasp, and balance. Best of all, it can be flipped over and equipped with a cushioned pillow to turn it into a rocker when your little climber's all tuckered out - fingers crossed they hit the hay so you can finally work on that load of laundry.
Kidodido is a small business that sells wooden Montessori toys, children's furniture, and nursery decor.
Promising Review: "This toy is fantastic! My son is 13 months old and immediately climbed to the top of the arch, thrilled with himself." - Katherine Hines
Grab it from Kidodido on Etsy for $86.36 (originally $127+; available in various sizes and configurations).
- Food Play Set: Stock your mini-chef's kitchen with this play food set, so they can whip up any meals they can imagine for their stuffed animals or dolls while you rock through your to-do list.
Amazon, For ages 3 and up.
This set includes 122 pieces for endless combinations.
Promising review: "My grandson adores this play set. It has various types of food, letting him create whatever menu he desires." - GINA RODRIGUES
Available from Amazon for $25.95.
- Shape-Shifting Puzzle Cube: A puzzle cube that can be transformed into over 70 shapes, keeping your child captivated as they twist, turn, and manipulate it. It's like complex origami, but with magnets.
For ages 8 and up.
You can also collect all 12 puzzle box designs to connect multiple magnetic cubes and build even larger structures and sculptures.
Promising review: "I was skeptical about spending $25 for this toy, but it's been a fantastic hit, keeping both my 9-year-old and 12-year-old busy. They can't get enough of it." - Blair001
Snag it from Amazon for $25 , available in 22 designs and a two- or four-pack.
- Wiegand's Improvised Concert: Despite the age of your toddler, you can still enjoy a mini-concert with the Wireless Karaoke Mic. While they belt out tunes, you can catch up on work or emails. (Amazon, Promising Review: "My 8-year-old daughter loved this birthday gift...", $19.99)
- LOL for Toddlers: The Hover Helicopter drone, originally designed for adults, can now be shared with your toddler (and you!). It provides hours of fun and diversion. (Amazon, Promising Review: "This drone has provided hours of fun for me and my 2-year-old (yes, I said it, I buy stuff for my kiddo and use it too).", $39.99)
- Learning with Lolz: The Brain-Boosting Adventure game, Gravity Maze, challenges your mini genius's brain with spatial reasoning, planning, and engineering tasks. (Amazon, Promising Review: "What a brilliant combination of construction, puzzles, and games!", $33.99)
