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20d • Play Ideas & Prompts
Create Something for Someone Else
This is something we did as kids and I encouraged my kids to do. It’s also one of the fastest ways to shift a child out of the “there’s nothing to do” mindset by helping them realize they can make life better for someone else.
This activity works because it gives kids something many of them are quietly craving:
a real sense of purpose. Alternatively, if your kids are older, volunteering at an organization is another powerful way to give back.
Gather the Gear:
Whatever you already have around the house.
You might use:
- Paper and markers
- Tape/glue
- Cardboard
- Baskets or containers
- Sticky notes
- Outdoor materials like rocks, sticks, or flowers
The Steps:
Invite your child to create something another person in the family or in the community could genuinely use or enjoy. This shouldn’t be something you told them to do, instead, it should be something they choose.
Idea if they are stuck:
- A snack bag for someone having a hard day
- A picnic setup in the backyard
- A bookmark for a grandparent, teacher, or neighbor
- A relaxation kit
- A breakfast setup for the next morning
The key is letting the child think about another person’s experience.
Instead of asking:
“What do you want to do?”
Try:
“What would make life easier, calmer, funnier, or kinder for someone today?”
That small shift changes the energy of the whole activity.
The Twist:
Partway through, introduce a real-world limitation.
Examples:
- You can only use items already in the house
- It has to work outdoors too
- It must solve two problems at once
Limitations often spark more creativity, not less.
Adjustments by Age:
Ages 3-5
Focus on simple acts of contribution.
A pretend tea tray, a blanket setup, flowers in a cup, or a “reading spot” for someone they love all count.
Ages 6-8
Encourage planning and personalization.
“What colors would Grandma like?”
“What would make this easier to use?”
Ages 9-11
Add problem-solving and function.
“Can you improve something people struggle with every day?”
“How could you redesign this space?”
Tweens & Teens
Lean into independence and ownership.
Teens might:
- redesign a shared family space
- prep breakfast for the family
- organize a younger sibling activity basket
- create something practical another person will continue using
Older kids often engage more deeply when their contribution feels real instead of performative.
Have you done a similar activity? How did it go?
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Create Something for Someone Else
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