30 Free Ideas To Make Your Own Christmas “I’m Bored” Jar for Kids
The Christmas chorus of “I’m boooored…” hits differently when you’re elbow-deep in wrapping paper, half-cooked mince pies, and a to-do list that keeps multiplying. And somehow it always starts five minutes after the excitement dies down.
If that sounds familiar, I’ve got a simple little lifesaver for you: a Christmas “I’m Bored” Jar. It’s easy and free - think of it as your secret festive assistant. Instead of you having to invent entertainment on the spot, the jar does the deciding. The kids feel independent. You get five uninterrupted minutes to drink your tea while it’s still warm. Everyone wins.
How to Make Your Own Christmas Boredom Jar
The beauty of this idea? You probably already have everything you need. All you'll need to grab is:
- A jar, bowl, tin, or even a Santa hat
- Some coloured paper or card
- A pen
Cut the paper into small rectangles and write one activity on each. Fold them up, toss them in the jar, and give them a good mix. That’s it. Told you it was easy.
If you want one simple rule (and I highly recommend this one): You have to complete the card before drawing another.
It keeps things focused, encourages follow-through, and prevents the dramatic “Actually… I don’t want this one” negotiations.
A little tip from experience: mix fun activities with a few helpful household tasks. When every card isn’t pure glitter and sugar, there’s a tiny element of suspense when they draw one. It keeps things interesting — and sometimes the “boring” ones turn out surprisingly satisfying.
30 Free Ideas for Your Christmas Boredom Jar
Here’s a mix of creative, thoughtful, festive and helpful ideas to get you started:
- Learn how Christmas is celebrated in a country you’ve never visited.
- Draw your family tree.
- Write a letter to someone special.
- Design a magic key for Santa.
- Find ten stars (in decorations, books, outside — anywhere!).
- Choose toys to donate.
- For each letter of the alphabet, write a Christmas word.
- Make Christmas table decorations.
- Paint or draw a Christmas scene.
- Start a gratitude jar.
- Create your own word search puzzle.
- Read a Christmas story.
- Give yourself a “holiday makeover.”
- Find and decorate pine cones for the tree.
- Make paper snowflakes.
- Build a gingerbread house out of cardboard.
- Invent a Christmas board game.
- Design a special Christmas drink (bonus points for naming it!).
- Start a food donation box.
- Bake cookies.
- Make a Christmas joke book.
- Fold and tidy your clothes.
- Offer to help someone with a chore.
- Write a Christmas story set in space.
- Make thank-you cards.
- Hoover the house.
- One chore of parent’s choice.
- Invent a secret code.
- Create a festive bug hotel.
- Learn a magic trick and perform it later.
What I love most about this jar is that it gently shifts the vibe. Instead of boredom, there’s curiosity. Instead of constant requests for entertainment, there’s ownership. And sometimes? You’ll overhear siblings debating which card they hope they get — which feels like a small Christmas miracle.
If you make one this year, I’d love to hear what unexpected activities become family favourites. And honestly? Keep the jar. It works just as well in February.
Instant Christmas Fun: Ready-Made Boredom Jar Cards for Print Immediately
And if you love the idea of a Christmas boredom jar but don’t have the time (or brain space!) to sit and write out dozens of activity cards, I’ve made it ridiculously easy for you. My 104 Christmas Boredom Jar Cards are ready to print and pop straight into your jar — a thoughtful mix of festive fun, creative prompts and helpful little chores that actually make a difference around the house. From designing a magic key for Santa to going on a star scavenger hunt, donating toys, inventing secret codes or even tackling a quick tidy-up, there’s plenty to keep everyone on their toes. Just print, cut, and you’re ready to go in minutes.
Grab your set of 104 printable Christmas Boredom Jar Cards, print them at home, and have your jar ready today — all you need is scissors and a container. Make this the Christmas you hear a little less “I’m bored” and a lot more “What do I get next?”
Love this idea? Save it on Pinterest for later!
