The connection basket: A simple way to connect and have fun with your kids
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Some of my favorite moments with my kids aren’t the big, planned activities – they’re the small, simple ones. The quick game before dinner. The few extra minutes snuggled up with a book. The times we pause, even for just a little while, to connect.
But I know how easy it is for those moments to slip by when life gets busy.
I’ve had plenty of days where I wanted to slow down but didn’t have the energy to come up with something to do.
That’s why I love having a connection basket as a simple way to make sure we always have something ready for those little moments, without extra effort or planning.
In this month’s mini project, I’ll share with you how to create one for your family so you can add more easy, meaningful connection to your days.
How to prepare a connection basket for your kids
A connection basket is a simple activity basket filled with things you and your kids enjoy doing together.
It includes 7–10 activities, and the only rule when choosing them is that each one should take less than 20 minutes so you can easily fit it into your schedule.
You don’t need to buy anything new – just use items you already have at home and focus on activities your kids love.
Once the basket is ready, place it somewhere accessible and let your kids know about it.
Every time you want to use it, invite them to pick an activity from the basket, spend 20 minutes doing it together, and then put everything back for the next time.
3 ways to use the connection basket
Here are 3 easy ways to use the connection basket to get closer to your kids and add more joy to your time together.
1. Use it daily to build a habit of quality time together
Spending just 20 minutes of focused time together can make a big difference. You can use the basket at different times of the day, depending on what works best for your family:
- In the afternoon, after school, as a way to reconnect
- In the evening, after the bedtime routine, to make nights more peaceful and avoid power struggles.
2. Use it as a reset button
Some days, kids (and parents) feel out of sync, and frustration builds up.
The Connection Basket can be a great tool for those moments when your child needs a little extra attention or when everyone is in a bad mood.
Instead of waiting for the day to spiral, pull out the basket and invite your child to choose an activity. Even a short moment of connection can help reset the mood and turn the day around.
3. Let older kids take the lead
For older kids, leave the basket in the living room and let them know they can invite you anytime to do an activity together.
This gives them a way to let you know when they need connection, even if they don’t say it directly.
If you’re using the basket with siblings, invite them to take turns choosing an activity. The basket is also great for one-on-one time, giving each child a chance to pick something special to do with you.
What to include in your connection basket
The best activities are simple, reusable, and easy to swap out over time.
Here’s a look at what we have in our basket:
- A bingo game (Natural Science Bingo or Ocean Bingo)
- A card game (Djeco Mini-Monster or Sleeping Queens)
- A fun building game (Rhino Hero)
- A domino game (Mudpuppy Wildlife Dominoes)
- Two chapter books (for reading a chapter or two together)
- A notebook and colored pencils (for drawing together)
- A wooden doll family (for role-playing)
- A non-fiction book (Questions and Answers About Science)
From time to time, go through the basket and replace any activities that are no longer exciting for your kids with new ones based on their interests.
A connection basket is a simple way to bring more fun and meaningful moments into your days.
It doesn’t require extra planning or effort – it’s just a small basket filled with activities that help you slow down, connect, and enjoy time together.
I hope this idea inspires you to create your own connection basket and that it brings many fun, playful moments to your home!
