Top Quiet Time Toys for Kids

Though I’m not ANTI TV, I would rather my kids find quiet time activities or toys that don’t involve the tube. I prefer activities that allow them to use their skills of independence and don’t require me manning a glue gun, because let’s be real, that’s not exactly quiet for Mom.  Additionally, some of these products are small enough to fit in your purse and take to church or the doctors office!
We’ve talked to real moms and rounded up your favorite products and toys (in no particular order) to promote quiet time and independent learning! These are tried and true products that our kids ACTUALLY sit and quietly play, with minimal clean up!

Diffuse a little Lavender oil, put on a little Yanni, and you have the ultimate quiet and relaxation time for everyone!
Do you have any you’d recommend to others? We’d love you to  hear your ideas below in the comments!

1. Water Wows– These are a leader in our house. They are basically water color books that, when dry, the color disappears. They have a variety of books from letters, to shapes to just coloring pages. The pens hold water inside so no need for anything else! I love that you can use them again and again.

2. Kinetic Sand – If you haven’t tried Kinetic Sand, you are missing out. It is, essentially, magnetic sand and has about the coolest consistency you’ve ever felt. Often, I find MYSELF playing with it! It’s not as messy as regular sand. I do recommend you purchase the little platter that comes with some kits as it helps to contain the sand. Or, you could just use a jelly roll pan or the like. Not necessary, but it’s saved me a clean up or two.

3. Adult Coloring Books – Not just for adults, these coloring books are so soothing. I promise! They have lots of intricate designs perfect for the other kid or even teen! My kids love to color these with these markers and will spend HOURS doing so.

4. Quiet Book – Our own, Chickabug designer, Heather designed these amazing books and we love, every.single.page, as do our kids.  A fun project for you to work on by yourself or together and the finished product is AMAAAAZING!

6. Magnetic Fun Tins – These are great for on the go quiet time. They’re simple magnets with backgrounds on the inside of the tins. I love to see my little ones imaginations go wild with these fun quiet toys! Just be sure to get one per kid – trust me. They have lots of different versions and you’re bound to find one your kid loves! Our favorite is the farm!

7. Reusable Sticker Books  – Everyone loves a good sticker, and these are great because they are reusable. You can pass them on from kid to kid and the quiet time is endless. Kids love creating scenes and using their imagination to roleplay with the stickers. Melissa and Doug makes the greatest toys and these are no exception.

8. Design and Drill – What a great way to work on those fine motor skills. This is a favorite of my preschoolers, but my older son loves it too. As they get older they can make more intricate designs. Plus, it’s just fun to use that “drill”. The drill does make a little noise, but this toy always elicits a lot of concentration which means quiet kiddos!

9. Playdough – Obviously we all know about play dough. What I didn’t realize is just how many different play dough “sets” are out there now. It’s awesome! Sometimes the most familiar activities are those that we forget! Don’t forget about this timeless activity that creates lots of fun memories. My kids love to make “cupcakes” and have pretend tea parties. What do yours do?

10. Boogie Boards – When Missy told me about these, I have to be honest, I didn’t see how they were much different than paper and pen. Yet, when another friend told me how awesome they were, I had to try them out. I get it now. My kids are OBSESSED. Just  Sunday at church, I looked over to see my 4 year old writing her name over and over. Something about the cool LED screen makes them like to write more. It’s like a modern day magna doodle, erasing with the touch of a button. Plus, they’re compact enough to fit in a diaper bag  or purse.

PLUS (because I couldn’t let it go without being mentioned)

11. Pattern Blocks – ALL my kids, ranging in age from 1 to school age love this toy for different reasons. And, I love it for educational purposes. 🙂 They can all sit together and play as it comes with many boards and shape pieces.