These days, parents are working harder than ever to juggle it all, so we’re here with a little assist: five ingenious ideas to help your kiddos stay happily occupied at home—so you can find and savor those all-too-rare moments of calm. “Though having fun may look a little different this year, it’s still attainable,” says Etsy Trend Expert Dayna Isom Johnson. “It’s all about getting creative and using a pinch of imagination to add delight to your daily routine.” From camp-reminiscent craft projects like tie-dye to truly inspiring play rooms (indoor swing set, anyone?), these fresh, playful kids’ trends are sure to keep boredom at bay, and that’s a promise both children and grownups can get behind.
’90s nostalgia

If a summer of cancelled day camps and altered travel plans has taught us anything, it’s that there’s magic to be found in less-structured days. “If you’re a ‘90s kid like me, you’re no stranger to the decade’s laid-back charm,” Dayna says, “and you’re definitely going to see that go-with-the-flow attitude reflected in the clothes, decor, and games making waves with today’s youth.” Tie-dye is leading the pack, both as the vibrant print of choice for kids’ apparel and masks and as a hands-on activity they can do outdoors. “You can also get into the ‘90s spirit by revisiting simpler pleasures like jump rope, friendship bracelet-making, and drawing with sidewalk chalk,” says Dayna. Decked out in daisy-chains, neon colors, and fanciful fanny packs, your mini-me will feel like the coolest kid on the block.
Play space upgrades

Just because it’s the highest-trafficked zone in your home, this typically toy-cluttered spot doesn’t have to look the part. “As we inch toward cooler days that’ll require moving activities inside, families are updating their play spaces to give children a nook of their own that still fits with Mom and Dad’s style,” says Dayna. Working with a small area? Tasteful space-savers like floating shelves and woven bins can craftily contain the mess. Or, if room allows, super-inviting seating like oversized floor cushions—and even indoor swings!—will give kids a special place to sit (or kick their feet!) and daydream. To get little ones in on the furnishing fun, have them help pick—and stick—decorative wall decals in playful patterns. “Kids are loving cartoon dinosaurs, and mid-century–inspired fish motifs will appeal to the young and young at heart,” says Dayna.
Quiet time

Raise your hand if you could use a little breather! “Encouraging kids to practice mindfulness is a great way to steal a little quiet time for yourself and create calm for the whole family,” says Dayna. To slow things down, set them up with soothing solo pursuits like gratitude journaling, personalized puzzle play, and absorbing activity books. Look to soft, natural materials and serene neutral hues when creating a cozy reading nook or meditation corner. And if homeschool is on the horizon this fall, consider setting up a designated space to decompress between lessons.
Kid-friendly crafts

It seems like everyone’s exploring new hobbies these days, and kids are no exception. “Crafting is a fun, creative alternative to screen time, and helps kiddos transition between the school day and extracurriculars,” says Dayna. Keep little hands busy with a range of options, from only-on-Etsy twists on simple art supplies (like swirly personalized name crayons), to more elaborate projects designed to captivate young minds for hours. “Etsy sellers make original DIYs for every type of interest, from sewing kits and stitch practice for mini fiber aficionados to paint-by-number kits for budding Picassos,” says Dayna. “Creativity for the win!”
Little helpers

Who said tidying up can’t be fun? Whether it’s drying the dishes, raking leaves, or baking a cake for a favorite neighbor, we’ve all got a to-do or two that could use an extra hand. “Why not get the kids involved and excited to help around the house?” asks Dayna. Turn your mini-me into a super-cute sous chef with matching aprons for the whole fam, or help build their fix-it skills with a tiny tool belt. Then tack up a kid-sized chore chart, and transform each completed task into a gold-star worthy accomplishment. Before you know it, they may just be begging to vacuum and fold the laundry, too. (Hey, stranger things have happened!)
20 comments
Anna from SublimationDesignsAn said 248 days ago
Children are our life. Everything for them. We really like to play with wooden puzzles and inserts. And of course draw.
Unicorina from Unicorina said 247 days ago
amazing products .. i loved the daisy chain bracelets <3
Sujata from TreasuredMemoryLane said 247 days ago
Great, creative ideas! Thanks for sharing.
Chelsie from PrettyPlannerPlace said 247 days ago
So many good ideas! I'm in love with that Montessori tower!
Darya Veselova from CozyPrintStore said 247 days ago
It's time for a colorful nursery decor. Black-and-white and restrained decor are going away. This is excellent. I really like these trends :)
Iuliia from ToysEcoStore said 246 days ago
haha! Tidying up is really fun)
Jennifer from QVCreative said 246 days ago
I love these ideas to keep my kids happily occupied during these difficult times, and they love them too!
Tanya from YashchirkaClothes said 246 days ago
I loved the craft theme. Since I make hand embroidered clothes for children and women, I think such creative sets for sewing could also be in demand. Thanks for the cool idea!
Nina from OriginalJewelrByNina said 246 days ago
Великолепные игрушки! Очень люблю изделия из дерева, особенно для детей!
Maria from EcoLinenShopArt said 245 days ago
What beautiful things, everything is so bright, interesting. I especially liked the wooden accessories)))
Sorina from BijuBrill said 245 days ago
Oh how lovely I was transported back in the 80's when child play was creativity unloaded :-) Kids these days are so lucky to have access to such playgrounds♥
Amy from RootsAndLaceDesignCO said 244 days ago
Love this! Such a good time to get stuff to entertain the kiddos.
Patsy Bechtold from PatsysPressedFlowers said 239 days ago
I love the DIY kits for kids idea! All of these ideas are are great. Thank you for sharing!
Jackie Land from JackieLandDesignCo said 239 days ago
So awesome, love all of this. Thanks!
Fun Family Gifts from funfamilygiftshop said 206 days ago
So many great ideas. The kids sized chore chart is a super idea to get children motivated!
Miroslava from MirWorld said 198 days ago
wow, so many interesting things :> as a child, I loved making paper houses for paper dolls. and my brother and sister also loved it so much, huh. and now.. I try to make such houses myself together with the characters! it's so addictive for the kids who come to our house. I hope that paper houses will be a trend among families. they are very interesting to make all together.
Krzysztof Orłowski said 196 days ago
Super trendy, dzięki.
Mariya from MagicArtForYou said 189 days ago
Thank you for the article! It is very important to involve the child in adult everyday affairs, and your article showed how you can diversify our play routine!
Umesh Vigg from TheInspireDecor said 160 days ago
Such a beautiful things, everything is so interesting. Especially the wooden accessories are.........
Playme Light Table from PlaymeCreations said 36 days ago
So awesome. Everything is so interesting.