How Morning Baskets changed our mornings

If you have been on social media over the last few years in the 'mom' space, you have heard of morning baskets. I decided to implement one in my house recently and it has drastically changed our mornings! Let's talk about it..

Now I know what you're thinking. They seems extra and over rated. Why should you buy all these new toys for your kids when they already have sooo many toys. They will play with them for 5 minutes and get bored. They won't even play with them, they just want to watch tv. I was there too, I thought all of those same things BUT hear me out. I tried it anyways.. and it might have been the best decision I have made for my family lately. I truly regret not doing it sooner. Have I peaked your interest yet? Let's go back to the basic's.

What is a morning box?

A "morning basket" is a collection of materials and activities that a family uses together at the beginning of their homeschool day to foster learning and connection.

This is a pretty open idea that you can alter to whatever you need to fit your family and their needs. The main focus is that you set aside a block of time to focus on certain skills that focus on a main goal. Most of the time it is used as an educational resource for your littles as a dedicated time to work on particular things.

Again, this can be interchanged depending on the age and education level of your kiddos. You can start this even when your kids are babes and focus it on sensory activities or when they are older and help with reading or writing. The possibilities are actually endless.

Purpose

The purpose of doing a morning basket is to create a space that not only encourages learning but peace. This can be a time that your child can do the basket activities while you get some 'me time' OR it could be a time that does those things but also fosters connection between you and your mini bestie. That was part of the reason why I wanted to start one in my house. I admit, I was guilty that we would wake up on a weekend morning and I would put on a show or movie for my toddler to watch while I would sit there and scroll my phone. I wanted to break that cycle, for me and him.

Not only did I want less screen time for him, but I wanted to be more present with him. As a working mom, I only get 2/3 days with him a week, I didn't want to waste my limited time with him staring at a screen.

Benefits of a morning box

Creates routine + structure

This one speaks to my heart. I do love routine so this was a good motivator for me. Having a set time that we do set activities is like music to my ears. With little ones, they also thrive on routine. They are learning so much at such a rapid pace, that a predictable routine is helpful for them. ( to an extent of course. I also understand the challenges that come when kids are in a strict routine and then they are thrown off that routine for whatever reason.)

Encourages independent play/learning

Depending on the level of your kiddo and the acitivies that you choose, this is a perfect time for some independent play time. Creating activities that are just challenging enough to keep them engaged but not so challenging that they need your help to do it. This may take some trial and error but it is soooo worth it once you figure out that perfect formula. This brings us to the next point..

Helps mama ease into the day (with coffee still in hand)

You can do whatever you want with this time on your hands. You can choose to scroll on your phone, get some reading time in, maybe even do a little workout. But make sure something that is going to fill your cup, since you are going to be spending the rest of your day filling everyone elses.

Reduces chaos and screen time.

Say goodbye to the meltdowns after you turn off the tv or the crazy attitude after your toddler gets overstimulated by watching to much tv. I know that you know what I'm talking about it.

At my house, I usually have the news on while we get ready for work/school in the morning, but he will still ask almost everyday if we can "Watch something that he likes" but this week he actually asked me if he could play with his morning basket. *music to my ears*

What to include in your morning basket:

Categories of items:

Books (seasonal, educational, or favorites)

You can NEVER go wrong with books. You can find books for whatever area that you are wanting to focus on. Numbers, alphabet, seasons, math, seasons.. you name it. This is great for all ages too. Whether they can read it themselves or that is time that you and your babe can connect you read it to them. Books are always a great thing to add to any activity.

Small toys or puzzles

Puzzles or small toys like pop it's will always be a fan favorite. They are great for problem solving, fine motor skills and hand and eye coordination. They might not be as outwordly educational like practicing their letters or writing but they are just as important and the best part is, they don't even realize that they are learning anything.

Educational Activities

These are going to be the typical educational items that you would think of. Flashcards, work books, learning journals... This is an obvious and hands on lesson in whatever skill you are wanting them to practice. They actually make a lot of toys and activities now that can achieve the same educational goals but making it fun so kids don't really realize that they are being taught. Stay tuned for some ideas..

Special Treat

This is open to interpretation. You can switch this up in any way that you want, whether that's a new activity, a snack, making it seasonal.. even the smallest change can keep them engaged and entertained.

How to keep your child interested and entertained?

There are many ways that you can keep your littles interested in the morning baskets but it does take some effort on our part ( I know, what else is new right?) Our kids always seem to be interested in what we are interested in. Keep that momentum going by talking about how excited you are about it and praise when they they are doing it.

Hard limits on when they can play with it

I am a working mom so for us, we only use it on the weekend mornings. So we get 2-3 days a week that we will do our morning box and I usually try to keep it an hour/ hour and a half max depending on how into it they are that day. Creating that routine and expectation builds the anticipation for the next time that they get to play with it.

Toy Rotation

Every so often you need to change out what items are in the box. I do about every 2 weeks or so but if you do it more often, you could do once a week or every few days. Keeping different tasks with create more excitement when they don't know what toys they will get and can try to guess what the new items are!

Get their opinion

When I started putting our box together, I explained the objective of it to my son and asked him what kind of toys he would like to see. That doesn't mean that you go out and buy all the new toys they talked about, but it makes them eager to see if you picked any of their suggestions and if you did, which ones. And the look on their face and the excitment they have when they see that you listened to them and got one of the toys they mentioned....that feeling is unmatched.

Cost Effective Tips:

DIY or Dollar Store Items

You don't have to break the bank to create a new fun experience for your kids. You could create your own activity sheets or learning journal or different activities with household items. Pinterest has TONS of ideas that are super easy to do and so inexpensive.

If you head over to your local Dollar Tree, they have so so many good options too. From books, puzzles, workbooks, flashcards.. who doesn't love a good Dollar Tree haul!

Repurpose toys you already have

Remember those blocks that your kid got for Christmas that they loved and played with for 4 days and then they forgot about them.. get those out girl! Go to your bookshelf and take a few books out and throw those in your basket. (I know the drill, you always read the same 5 books over and over and over again but you actually own 5 million kids books. They won't even notice. 😉 )

Conclusion

At the end of the day, a morning basket isn’t about being “Pinterest-perfect”, it’s about creating a little calm, connection, and joy to start your day on the right foot. Whether yours is filled with books, puzzles and crayons, or just a few simple go-to's , it can make mornings smoother and more meaningful for both you and your kiddo. So don’t overthink it—grab a basket, toss in a few goodies, and watch how this small ritual can set the tone for a happier, less chaotic day (with coffee that you might actually get to drink while it’s still hot!).