Morning Baskets for Preschoolers (3 & 4 Year Olds)

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Inside: Wondering how you can occupy your preschooler in the morning without TV? Today I’m sharing my favorite morning routine hack: morning baskets! We’ll use easy preschool unit themes to create morning baskets for preschoolers (ages 3 and 4).

Morning Baskets are my favorite way to start the day with a preschooler.

If you’re new to the idea of using a morning basket, the post below explains what they are, how to get started, and all the details you need to know to make it happen!

Read: How to Make a Toddler Morning Basket

Before we dive in – Hi! I’m Marla. I’m a SAHM to 3 little girls + Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. I teach a life-changing, self-paced course called the Ultimate Stay at Home Mom Course that will help you take your stay at home mom life from hot mess to I’ve got this.

Learn more or enroll here.

What should my 3 year old do in the morning?

First off, does your 3 year old struggle with way too early wakeups? Read the post below to learn how to restructure their morning routine to gain back some structure and sanity.

Read: 3 Year Old Morning Routine Makeover

Once you have your preschooler waking up or staying in their room until a reasonable time (let’s say 7 AM), it’s incredibly helpful to have a predictable morning routine for them to follow.

Morning Baskets have become a life-saver for our morning routine and are especially great if you’re doing preschool at home with your 3 or 4 year old.

Read: My 4 Year Old’s Daily Routine (including Pre-K4)

Morning Baskets vs Morning TV

When considering what your preschooler should do in the morning, TV is an easy option, however it does not always produce the best outcome.

Turning on the TV is easy, it’s the turning it off and expecting kids to go play that is often the tough sell.

Over the years I’ve found that TV first thing in the morning sets the wrong tone and almost turns our day backward, instead of propelling it forward.

While it may be peaceful while they’re watching, once it’s time to turn the TV off, they’re begging for more, walking in circles, and completely zapped of creativity.

Instead, I like to save TV for later in the day, either after lunch or after naptime or quiet time. Or especially while I’m trying to make dinner.

Of course there’s nothing wrong with morning TV when they’re sick (or you’re not feeling well, or pregnant, new baby, or really when you need a break!)

This is obviously not a hard and fast rule, I just prefer to keep TV for later in the day, and have my 3 year old’s morning routine include a preschool morning basket – and after trying it out, you will, too!

morning basket activities for preschoolers

To Recap:

Have a set time your preschooler can start the day
Make the afternoon your designated TV time
Set up morning baskets the night before so they’re ready to go!

Related: How to do Preschool at Home

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Morning Baskets for Preschoolers (Perfect for 3 & 4 Year Olds)

These morning baskets for preschoolers are a great alternative to starting the day with TV. By utilizing preschool themes, we’ll help prepare your 4 year old for Kindergarten in the process!

How to Use a Morning Basket:

The idea is simple. Set out a basket of assorted items (from what you already have – but now it’s presented in a new way).
When your preschooler wakes up in the morning, you can have this set out on the kitchen table or coffee table as an “invitation” for them to play.
You can use this opportunity to encourage independent play OR as an opportunity to bond and play together as you drink coffee.
Or even better, best of both worlds: kickstart independent play and then take a step back and observe from a safe distance.

To make it easier for you, I will list all of the supplies used in each basket below and then link everything through my Amazon Storefront, rather than linking each individual book and toy.

You can screenshot each themed basket to easily remember what you can include, and I’ve also tagged each item in my themed baskets in my Amazon storefront.

In the Morning Basket Startup Guide you’ll also find detailed supply lists with ideas & guidance for creating your own morning baskets.

Morning Basket Startup Guide

Remember the goal of a morning basket is to be able to use what you already have around the house. However, if you are doing preschool or Pre-K at home, then you may need to invest in some additional resources and supplies.

Below you’ll find some favorite easy Preschool Morning Baskets using the same types of themes your child would learn in preschool!