Cure Boredom and Declutter Without the Drama

You’ve heard it before—probably already this week:“I’m boooored.”

And you look around at bins of puzzles, shelves of board games, tubs of LEGOs, and baskets of dolls, and wonder: How can they possibly be bored?

Here’s the thing—most kids aren’t short on stuff. They’re short on connection to it.

They forget what they have. They cycle through phases. And once school is out, there’s finally time to slow down and actually play.

So instead of fighting the “I’m bored” battle or forcing a dreaded toy purge, we’re inviting you to try something different:

Instead of buying more, what if this summer we made the most of what we already have?
Let’s help kids rediscover forgotten favorites, say goodbye to what they’ve outgrown, and make space for play that feels good again.

🎉 The Summer Toy Challenge 🎉
A playful, low-pressure way to help your kids rediscover what they love—and naturally let go of what they’ve outgrown.

Why the Summer Toy Challenge Works

Let’s face it: Decluttering toys with kids is usually a losing battle when you try to do it all in one go.

But when you flip the script—framing it around play, choice, and a fresh start—everything changes.

This challenge:

Helps bored kids re-engage with their stuff
Gives them a sense of control over what stays
Creates a natural window to donate unused toys before fall
Builds awareness (for both of you) about what actually gets used

Best of all? It doesn’t feel like work. It feels like summer.

Use this 7-day weekly rhythm to rotate through categories of toys, encourage exploration, and naturally guide kids toward decluttering—without the pressure. Just play, notice, and gently let go.

Let’s Play with EVERYTHING

Find forgotten favorites, and share the toys we’ve outgrown with someone new.

🧩 Make-It Monday

Start the week with something smart and hands-on! Great for mornings when energy is high and brains are sharp.

Built with LEGOs, blocks, or tracks
Put a puzzle together
Create a tower or invention
Keep your faves—donate the rest

🔎 Try-It Tuesday

Time to go digging! Encourage kids to explore the bottom of the bin, the back of the closet, or the unopened toy from last winter.

Found 3 forgotten toys to test
Set a timer and switch toys
Put one in the “Maybe” box
Keep your faves—donate the rest

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🎨 Workshop Wednesday

Bust out the craft bin, sort supplies, and actually finish that project from spring break.

Do a craft, art project, or DIY kit
Toss dried-out markers or glue
Finish something you started
Keep your faves—donate the rest

🐻 Throwback Thursday

Go full imagination mode. Dress-up bins, stuffies, dollhouses—whatever sparks a story.

Play with dolls or stuffies
Made up a fun story or scene
Make a house or fort for toys
Keep your faves—donate the rest

📚 Find-It Friday

Ease into the weekend with some calm and cozy play. Books, fidgets, music, soft toys—this day is about slowing down.

Listen to music and play
Make a cozy corner
Organize your books
Keep your faves—donate the rest

🛝 Saturday Sidequest

Get outside and use up that summer energy with active, outdoor toys. Plus, it’s a great chance to spot broken or outgrown gear.

Ride your scooter, bike, or skates
Check what’s broken or too small
Check if balls bounce or need air
Helped fix or clean something

🎁 Sort-It Sunday

Wrap it up with a feel-good day of light organizing. No pressure—just review and reset.

Looked through the “Maybe” box
Donated at least one toy
Tidied up a bin or shelf
Felt proud to help another kid

The Goal Isn’t Just Decluttering—It’s Ownership

This challenge isn’t about forcing kids to get rid of stuff. It’s about helping them learn to reflect: What do I actually enjoy? What have I outgrown?

And when the time comes to donate, frame it like this:

“You’ve had time to play with all your toys this summer. Now, let’s share the ones you’re ready to let go—so another kid can love them like you did.”

That’s a big mindset shift. And it’s one that sticks.

Ready to Start?

Download the free Summer Toy Challenge Checklist. Print it out. Put it on the fridge. Invite your kids to check off each week. Make it fun. Make it theirs.

Bonus: Want to Make It Even More Fun?

Let your kid “host” a toy show-and-tell each week.
Have a “Goodbye Party” for toys being donated.
Take photos of builds, crafts, and pretend scenes to create a Summer Toy Journal.

You don’t need to do this perfectly. Even if you only get through a few categories, you’re still creating space—physically and mentally—for a smoother back-to-school season.

You’re teaching your child that their preferences matter. That joy matters. And that giving to others feels really good.

And that? That’s worth way more than a spotless playroom.