By Elliot CarterUpdated November 2026
Shoppers searching for diy chore chart magnets usually want one thing: a way to make a homemade or whiteboard chore system stick without buying a full pre-made board. The right magnets hold up on a fridge door, stay put when kids move them, and come in shapes and colors that younger children enjoy. This list focuses on magnet sets and magnetic chore boards that work well as the building blocks of a DIY setup. Each pick was judged on how well it fits a family routine, the magnet strength and finish it offers, how easily it works with common whiteboards and fridges, and how often owners mention durability and kid-friendliness in their feedback.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallMagnetic Dry Erase Chore Chart – 14.5"x11" Chore Chart for Kids, Teens and AdultsView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for large familiesMelissa & Doug Magnetic Responsibility Chart & Kids CalendarView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for younger kidsinamio Magnetic Kids Responsibility Reward ChartView on Amazon - 4
Best budget pick66PCS Fridge Magnets, 6 Assorted Color Small Push Pin Magnets for WhitView on Amazon - 5
Best for reward chartsColorful Magnetic Stars on Whiteboard Fridge Wall, Cute Shape Chore Chart Teacher SuppliesView on Amazon - 6
Best for small kitchensMr. Pen Magnetic Dry Erase Chore Chart for Fridge, 10"x10", 2 PackView on Amazon - 7
Best for playful decorRefrigerator Magnets 35-Pack Star Fridge Magnets Cute Colorful Functional MagnetsView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Magnetic Dry Erase Chore Chart | Mixed-age households | Dry erase surface with markers included |
| Melissa & Doug Magnetic Responsibility Chart | Large families | Two boards with 89 magnets |
| inamio Magnetic Kids Responsibility Reward Chart | Ages 3 to 9 | 3D stars and chore tasks |
| 66PCS Fridge Magnets | Budget setups | Assorted small push-pin magnets |
| Colorful Magnetic Stars | Reward charts | Star-shaped magnets in classic colors |
| Mr. Pen Magnetic Dry Erase Chore Chart | Small kitchens | 10 by 10 inch fridge-friendly board |
| Refrigerator Magnets 35-Pack Star Fridge Magnets | Playful decor | 35 colorful functional magnets |
Magnetic Dry Erase Chore Chart – 14.5″x11″ Chore Chart for Kids, Teens and Adults
Magnetic Dry Erase Chore Chart – 14.5"x11" Chore Chart for Kids, Teens and Adults – 6.5"x8.5" List Board for Fridge – 6 Extra Fine Point Markers Included – Shipped Flat
Best for: Best overall
This board suits households with a mix of ages, where older kids and adults need a clear, erasable list and younger children benefit from a visible daily routine. It is a practical starting point for a DIY system because the board itself does the heavy lifting and the magnets only need to hold task cards or name tags.
Key specs
- Board size: 14.5 by 11 inches
- Dry erase surface
- Six extra fine point markers included
- Shipped flat
Pros
- Large writing area that fits several kids’ names
- Markers are included, so setup is quick
- Works for adults and older teens, not only young children
Cons
- Dry erase surfaces need regular wiping to stay clear
- Marker ink can fade if left on the board for weeks
Bottom line: A strong first choice for families who want a complete board to build a chore system around.
Melissa & Doug Magnetic Responsibility Chart & Kids Calendar
91 Pieces, 2 Fabric-Hinged Dry-Erase Boards, 89 Magnets, Routine Building Play, Preschool Learning Toys for Kids, Ages 3+ Melissa & Doug Magnetic Responsibility Chart & Kids Calendar
Best for: Best for large families
Families with several children, or parents who want a calendar and chore system in one place, will find the two-board layout useful. The large magnet count lets you build out routines for each child without running short.
Key specs
- Two fabric-hinged dry-erase boards
- 89 magnets included
- Designed for children ages 3 and up
Pros
- Enough magnets to set up routines for multiple kids
- Combines a responsibility chart and a calendar
- Fabric hinge keeps the two boards aligned
Cons
- Two-board layout takes more fridge or wall space
- Magnets are small and can be lost if not stored
Bottom line: Best for families who want a complete magnetic kit with plenty of pieces to customize.
inamio Magnetic Kids Responsibility Reward Chart
inamio Magnetic Kids Responsibility Reward Chart – Engaging 3D Stars & Chore Tasks – Behavior Chart for Home & School – Ideal for Ages 3-9, Multiple Kids
Best for: Best for younger kids
Parents of children roughly aged 3 to 9 who respond to visual rewards will get the most from this chart. The 3D stars make progress easy to see, and the chore tasks are designed for home and school use.
Key specs
- Designed for ages 3 to 9
- 3D star reward elements
- Suitable for multiple children
Pros
- Visual star rewards motivate younger children
- Works for both home and classroom settings
- Includes chore task cards to get started quickly
Cons
- Best suited to younger kids; older teens may find it too playful
- Smaller task area for families with many chores to track
Bottom line: A good match for families with young children who need a reward-driven routine.
66PCS Fridge Magnets, 6 Assorted Color Small Push Pin Magnets for Whiteboard, Kitchen, Office, School, Fridge, Map
66PCS Fridge Magnets, 6 Assorted Color Small Push Pin Magnets for Whiteboard, Kitchen, Office, School, Fridge, Map
Best for: Best budget pick
Anyone building a DIY chore chart from scratch, such as a homemade board made from a whiteboard or cork panel, will appreciate having a large supply of small magnets. They work well for holding paper tasks, photos, and name cards.
Key specs
- 66 pieces
- Six assorted colors
- Small push-pin style magnets
Pros
- Large quantity covers a full DIY layout
- Assorted colors help sort tasks by child or category
- Small size suits whiteboards and cabinet doors
Cons
- Small magnets have limited holding power for heavy cards
- No board included, so you must supply the surface
Bottom line: Best for families who already have a board and want a flexible supply of magnets.
Colorful Magnetic Stars on Whiteboard Fridge Wall, Cute Shape Chore Chart Teacher Supplies
Colorful Magnetic Stars on Whiteboard Fridge Wall, Cute Shape Chore Chart Teacher Supplies, Kitchen Office Learning Decor Outus 120 Pcs Star Shape Magnets for Kids Reward Chart Class, Classic Color
Best for: Best for reward charts
This set suits parents and teachers who track progress with stickers or star rewards. The star shape gives a clear visual signal for completed tasks and works well alongside a DIY magnetic board.
Key specs
- 120 star-shaped magnets
- Classic color set
- Suitable for whiteboards and fridges
Pros
- Large count makes reward tracking easy for several kids
- Star shape is recognizable and motivating for young children
- Works across whiteboards, fridges, and classroom walls
Cons
- Star magnets are for rewards, not heavy task cards
- Colors are classic rather than customizable
Bottom line: A practical add-on for families who want a reward layer on top of their chore board.
Mr. Pen Magnetic Dry Erase Chore Chart for Fridge, 10″x10″, 2 Pack
6x Fine Point Markers, Refrigerator Magnetic Chore Chart Dry Erase for Multiple Kids, Teens and Adults Mr. Pen- Magnetic Dry Erase Chore Chart for Fridge, 10"x10", 2 Pack
Best for: Best for small kitchens
Households with limited wall space, such as small apartments or narrow kitchens, can fit a 10 by 10 inch board on the fridge door without crowding. The two-pack lets you place one board in the kitchen and another elsewhere.
Key specs
- Board size: 10 by 10 inches
- Pack of 2
- Dry erase surface with fine point markers included
Pros
- Compact footprint fits small fridges
- Two boards allow separate charts for kitchen and bedroom
- Markers are included with the set
Cons
- Less writing space for large families
- Smaller board limits the number of tasks shown at once
Bottom line: Ideal for compact spaces and families with fewer daily tasks to display.
Refrigerator Magnets 35-Pack Star Fridge Magnets Cute Colorful Functional Magnets
Refrigerator Magnets 35-Pack Star Fridge Magnets Cute Colorful Functional Magnets for Office, Kitchen, Refrigerator, Whiteboard Magnet Set
Best for: Best for playful decor
Families who want their chore system to feel less like a chart and more like part of the home will like this set. The colorful star magnets double as decoration and functional holders for lightweight task cards.
Key specs
- 35-piece set
- Star-shaped design
- Colorful finish
Pros
- Decorative look blends with kitchen decor
- Good count for a small to medium chore layout
- Useful for holding notes and reminders as well
Cons
- Lighter-duty magnets may not hold heavier paper
- Smaller count than some larger packs
Bottom line: A good fit for families who want a cheerful, low-profile look on the fridge.
Buying Guide
Magnet Strength and Holding Power
Magnet strength determines whether a task card stays on a fridge door or slides down after a day. For small push-pin magnets, look for a pull strength that holds lightweight paper without curling. Heavier laminated cards need stronger magnets, or a board with a magnetic surface behind it. Test a few magnets on your surface before committing to a full set.
Good picks for this: 66PCS Fridge Magnets, Magnetic Dry Erase Chore Chart
Surface Compatibility
Not every wall or fridge is magnetic. Standard refrigerator doors are usually steel and work well, but many painted walls and glass surfaces do not. Whiteboards must be magnetic to hold magnets, so check the packaging before buying. If you are unsure, a quick test with a single magnet will tell you whether the surface will work.
Good picks for this: Mr. Pen Magnetic Dry Erase Chore Chart, Colorful Magnetic Stars
Board Size and Writing Space
Measure the space you have before choosing a board. A 10 by 10 inch board fits most fridge doors, while a 14.5 by 11 inch board gives more room for multiple children and task lists. Make sure the chart leaves room for the fridge door to open fully.
Good picks for this: Magnetic Dry Erase Chore Chart, Mr. Pen Magnetic Dry Erase Chore Chart
Number of Magnets and Kids
Count the number of tasks and children you need to track. A rough rule is one magnet per task per child, plus a few spares for lost pieces. Larger sets make it easier to build separate routines, while smaller sets work for a single child or a short list.
Good picks for this: Melissa & Doug Magnetic Responsibility Chart, 66PCS Fridge Magnets
Age Appropriateness
Choose visuals and magnet shapes that match your child’s age. Younger children respond well to stars, bright colors, and reward elements, while older kids and teens prefer clean lists and dry erase surfaces they can update themselves. Keep small magnets away from children under three, since they pose a choking hazard.
Good picks for this: inamio Magnetic Kids Responsibility Reward Chart, Refrigerator Magnets 35-Pack Star Fridge Magnets
Durability and Care
Dry erase surfaces stay clear longer when wiped weekly with a damp cloth or dry eraser. Avoid harsh cleaners that can cloud the finish. Keep spare magnets in a labeled container so pieces do not disappear. Replace magnets that have lost their grip, since weak magnets are the most common reason a DIY chart falls apart.
Good picks for this: Magnetic Dry Erase Chore Chart, Melissa & Doug Magnetic Responsibility Chart
Placement and Visibility
Place the chart at eye level for the children who use it most, and in a spot you pass daily, such as the kitchen. Good placement matters more than the product itself, because a chart nobody sees will not get used.
Good picks for this: Mr. Pen Magnetic Dry Erase Chore Chart, Colorful Magnetic Stars
FAQ
Do chore chart magnets work on all walls?
No. Magnets only stick to ferrous metal surfaces such as steel fridge doors and magnetic whiteboards. Painted drywall, glass, and most wood will not hold a magnet. Test a single magnet on your surface before buying a full set.
How many magnets do I need for a DIY chore chart?
Count one magnet per task per child, then add a few extras for replacements. A family of three with five daily tasks each would need about 15 magnets plus spares.
Are small push-pin magnets safe around young children?
Small magnets can be a choking hazard, and swallowed magnets can cause serious internal injury. Keep them out of reach of children under three and check with a pediatrician if a child swallows a magnet. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission publishes guidance on magnet safety.
How do I clean a dry erase chore chart?
Wipe the surface with a damp cloth or a dry eraser after each use. Avoid alcohol-based cleaners unless the manufacturer allows them, since they can damage the finish over time.
Can I use these magnets on a whiteboard?
Yes, if the whiteboard is magnetic. Many dry erase boards are not magnetic, so check the surface first. The magnets in this list are designed to work on magnetic whiteboards and fridge doors.
Is a DIY chore chart better than a store-bought one?
It depends on your needs. A DIY setup lets you customize tasks, colors, and layout, while a pre-made chart saves setup time. Many families combine a store-bought board with extra magnets to get the best of both.
How often should I update a chore chart?
Review the chart every few weeks. Swap tasks as children grow, and remove chores that no longer fit the routine. Regular updates keep the system from feeling stale.
Conclusion
For most families, the Magnetic Dry Erase Chore Chart is the most complete starting point, since it combines a board, markers, and a writing area that suits mixed ages. Larger households may prefer the Melissa & Doug Magnetic Responsibility Chart for its magnet count, while younger children often respond well to the inamio reward chart. If you already own a board and only need magnets, the 66PCS Fridge Magnets offer flexibility at a budget-friendly level. Match the product to your space, your number of children, and the ages of the people using it, and your DIY chore chart magnets setup will be easier to keep running.
Sources
- Safety guidance on small magnets and choking hazards for young children (cpsc.gov)
- Parenting advice on age-appropriate routines and household responsibilities (aap.org)
- Research summaries on habit formation and reward-based motivation (nih.gov)
Related reading
- 6 Best Magnets for Chore Chart Use: Picks for Busy Families (2026)
- White Board Chore Chart: 7 Steps to a Setup Kids Actually Use
- Weekly Chore Chart Adults: 7 Steps to a Schedule That Sticks
- Template for Chore Chart: 7 Steps to a Printable Layout Kids Can Use
- Printable Children's Chore Chart: 7 Steps to a Layout Kids Will Use
About Elliot Carter
Elliot puts together our busy-mom life guides, digging through specifications, manufacturer details and owner reviews so you don't have to.
