DIY Boredom Jar

Are you tired of hearing the familiar refrain- “Mooooooooom, I’m bored!” It’s time to have somewhere to send them when this starts, and no I don’t mean boarding school or even your mother in law’s house. Give them a Boredom bucket, jar, can, whatever. Basically a random list of ideas for activities for them to complete when they are at a loss for what to do. You know, beyond the TV, game system, iPad, the shelf of books, bicycles, and all the other stuff they have on hand. You know how that goes, and oftentimes simple fun is much more enjoyable than bells and whistles. I have created a set of printables wit h24 ideas to get you started, or you can write out your own. Some items will require your participation- sit down, play, enjoy them. Some can be entirely child run. They can range from simple to complicated.

You can use any jar, can, bucket, or container that you choose. I love these empty paint buckets and they are great for a multitude of projects – you can pick them up at any home improvement store for around $4.00. Even with our 24 ideas already inside it is a great size for us to add ideas as we go and I come up with new. Upcycled items like oatmeal containers, large clean cans, mason jars, or similar items would be great for this-they are free and easy to decorate too.

DIY Boredom Jar

Items Needed:

Summer I’m Bored Jar Ideas

Jar, bucket, other container

scissors

scrapbook paper

scissors

glue or tape

Directions:

Cut 1 piece of 12×12 scrapbook paper in half, wrap it around can/jar and secure with tape or glue. This will not go all the way around so take the other piece and cover the other side, securing as well.

Now your paper will not quite be tall enough if you are using a gallon paint bucket like I did, so I chose a contrasting solid paper color, and cut it to 2 1/4 inches, place it right up against the handle and cut on either side of it mark your width, cut almost 3/4 inch on either side of it and slide paper around to fit around handle. Repeat on the other side. For your second paper to cover all the way around just trim it to fit up against handle on either side.