Emily ParkerBy Emily Parker

Updated November 2026

A hobby lobby chore chart is simply a chore chart built from craft-store supplies: a board, cardstock or poster board, magnets or pockets, and markers or stickers. Done right, it takes about an hour to set up and gives every family member a clear, visible list of jobs for the week. This guide walks through the supplies, layout, and routine so your chart actually gets used.

Choose Your Base and Supplies

Start with a surface that will stay put in a high-traffic spot like the kitchen or hallway. Craft stores carry several options that work well for a homemade hobby lobby chore chart.

Shopping for one? See our guide: 7 Best Dry Erase Board Chore Charts for Busy Families (2026).

  • A foam board or poster board, roughly 22 by 28 inches, for a large weekly grid.
  • A dry-erase board if you want to change jobs each week without reprinting.
  • Cardstock or adhesive labels for chore names and person headers.
  • Clear sheet protectors or self-adhesive pockets so checkmarks can be wiped clean.
  • Magnets, Velcro dots, or hook-and-loop strips to attach chore cards.
  • Permanent and dry-erase markers in several colors, one color per child.

Plan Chores by Age and Ability

Before you cut or print anything, sort your chores into three columns: daily, weekly, and as-needed. Then match each chore to a person’s age. A rough guide many parents use:

Age range Typical chores
3 to 5 Put toys in a bin, feed a pet with help, wipe a low table
6 to 8 Make bed, set the table, sort laundry by color
9 to 12 Unload dishwasher, vacuum one room, take out recycling
13 and up Cook one dinner a week, clean a bathroom, do their own laundry

Keep each child to three to five daily tasks. More than that and the chart starts to feel like a punishment.

Build the Layout Step by Step

Once your chore list is set, lay out the board so it reads at a glance. Columns work better than rows for most families because each child gets a vertical lane.

  1. Draw or label one column per person, with name and color at the top.
  2. Split each column into Monday through Sunday, or a single daily section if you prefer repeating chores.
  3. Write each chore on a separate card so you can rotate or swap them later.
  4. Add a small box or circle beside each chore for a checkmark or sticker.
  5. Leave a “bonus” strip at the bottom for extra jobs that earn a reward.
  6. Laminate or slip the board into sheet protectors so markers wipe clean.
  7. Mount it at kid eye level and test it by asking a child to find their Tuesday chore.

Set a Routine That Keeps the Chart Alive

A chart only works if you check it. Pick two fixed times to review it, such as after dinner on weeknights and a quick walk-through on Sunday evening. Praise completed jobs out loud, and tie rewards to a set number of checkmarks, not to random requests. If a chore keeps getting skipped, check whether it is too hard or too vague before blaming the child.

If you want to compare other printable setups, the guide Weekly Chore Chart Printable: A Step-by-Step Setup for Busy Families covers a similar layout with printed cards, and Rotating Chore Chart Template: 7 Steps to a Setup That Keeps Everyone Working shows how to rotate jobs so nobody gets stuck with the worst one.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Writing vague chores like “clean up.” Name the exact task, such as “put shoes in the bin by the door.”
  • Assigning too many chores on day one. Start with two or three per child and add more after a week.
  • Hiding the chart in a closet or bedroom where no one sees it.
  • Mixing rewards and punishments on the same chart. Keep it a tool for tracking, not for taking things away.
  • Forgetting to update the chart for school breaks, sports seasons, or summer schedules.

A dry-erase board with a wipe-clean surface makes it easy to change jobs without rebuilding the whole chart. View on Amazon

Hook-and-loop dots let you move chore cards between kids without tape or glue. View on Amazon

Clear sheet protectors keep checkmarks from smearing and let you reuse the same board all month. View on Amazon

FAQ

What size should a hobby lobby chore chart be?

A board around 22 by 28 inches gives enough room for a weekly grid with three or four family members. For a smaller household, a standard poster board works fine.

How many chores should each child have?

Most families start with three to five daily tasks per child, plus one or two weekly jobs. Adjust based on age and how quickly the chores get done.

Should I use a dry-erase or laminated chart?

Dry-erase is better if you change jobs often, while laminated or sheet-protected cards suit a set routine that rarely changes. Either works if you review the chart consistently.

Conclusion

A hobby lobby chore chart can be built in an afternoon with basic craft supplies and a clear plan. Sort chores by age, lay out one column per person, and review the board at the same times each week. Start small, stay consistent, and adjust as your kids grow.

Ready to choose one?

Emily Parker

About Emily Parker

Emily Parker is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our busy-mom life guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.