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Best Chore Reward Charts

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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Learn & Climb Chore Reward Chart w/ Magnetic Back
Learn & Climb
Chore Reward Chart w/ Magnetic Back
Most comprehensive

The magnetic tokens to the dry-erase markers make this large incentive chart a great motivational tool for 3 to 6-year-olds

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Most comprehensive
Bottom Line

The magnetic tokens to the dry-erase markers make this large incentive chart a great motivational tool for 3 to 6-year-olds

Pros

You can create unique tasks with unique rewards while adding visual flair to your child's stats. The calendar-like graphic can be a week-by-week planner or a monthly one. Tokens help you check off what is accomplished.

Cons

Some complaints of boards falling apart too quickly.

Best Bang for the Buck
Travel Revealer Magnetic Chalkboard For All Ages
Travel Revealer
Magnetic Chalkboard For All Ages
Dark Mode

This shiny black magnetic chalkboard for teenagers and kids lays out the incentives for a job well done.

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Dark Mode
Bottom Line

This shiny black magnetic chalkboard for teenagers and kids lays out the incentives for a job well done.

Pros

This set includes liquid chalk pens that wash off. The chart, which tracks up to 3 people, works as a chore chart or behavior incentive. It's a great way to teach children responsibility while rewarding good behavior, too.

Cons

Chalk pens can be far messier than other options.

WhizBuilders Behavior Chore Reward Chart for Multiple Kids
WhizBuilders
Behavior Chore Reward Chart for Multiple Kids
Best for Multiple Kids

A versatile magnetic chart with plenty of chore options, and it provides space to write in your own child-specific tasks.

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Best for Multiple Kids
Bottom Line

A versatile magnetic chart with plenty of chore options, and it provides space to write in your own child-specific tasks.

Pros

Designed for 3 children. The space displaying rewards is prominent. Thirty-two colorful magnetic chore stickers. Space to write in unique assignments. Thick laminated paper. Magnetic stars are easy for little fingers to handle.

Cons

The magnets could be stronger, and they may fall from time to time. No way to attach to non-magnetic surfaces.

Melissa and Doug Magnetic Responsibility and Chore Chart
Melissa and Doug
Magnetic Responsibility and Chore Chart
Trusted Brand

Instead of a storage pouch, this chart includes a secondary board, making magnets easier to access.

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Trusted Brand
Bottom Line

Instead of a storage pouch, this chart includes a secondary board, making magnets easier to access.

Pros

Made from dry-erase boards connected with fabric hinges. Hang from a nail or hook. Includes 90 magnets for chores, behavior, and tracking progress. Hangs on a string (not magnetic). Unused magnets stay attached to the secondary board.

Cons

Goals are not prominently featured. Designed for only 1 child. The wooden frame warps relatively easily.

Kenson Kids "I Can Do It" Reward and Responsibility Chart
Kenson Kids
"I Can Do It" Reward and Responsibility Chart
Best for Young Kids

This chart gives you mounting options with both magnets and hanging tabs.

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Best for Young Kids
Bottom Line

This chart gives you mounting options with both magnets and hanging tabs.

Pros

Includes cards for 20 different chores and behaviors. Reusable plastic stars attach with hook-and-loop material. Includes blank labels for unique chores. Hangs using magnets or tabs. Colorful.

Cons

Designed for use with a single child.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
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We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

First Reviewed
May 25, 2020
30
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researched
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Buying guide for best chore reward charts

Sian Babish
Written by Sian Babish

Updated February 2023

There’s a lot to handle around a busy household. This creates a great opportunity for parents to teach kids responsibility through chores. Many parents use chore reward charts so kids can see their duties and track their progress.

Don’t let the word “reward” fool you; chore reward charts are more sophisticated than purely positive reinforcement through prizes. For one, they keep everyone in the loop about task status and let families swap or change chores with ease. They aid in daily and weekly scheduling and encourage kids to develop time management skills. You’ll also notice that chore reward charts feature kid-friendly colors and designs. This is far superior to a boring handwritten list on the refrigerator, which could be easily overlooked.

To improve delegation and organization within your family, invest in a chore reward chart. This buying guide gives you an overview of popular styles along with tips to help you find the right one for your family.

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If you like the magnetic pieces for your chart but feel they’re a bit too weak, consider gluing on some stronger magnets.

Key considerations

Display method

Chore reward charts are displayed in high-traffic areas so all household members can see them. They’re often found on refrigerators, in entry halls, and in kids’ bedrooms. 

A chart hung on the refrigerator requires magnetic backing. Poster-style charts may need to be mounted with adhesive tabs or tape. There are also sign-style charts that can be hung the same way you’d hang a picture frame.

Point system

To track progress and stay on top of tasks, many chore reward charts employ a point system. Kids apply a sticker or a magnet or check off a box to indicate they’ve completed a chore. Some charts also offer superlative or cumulative rewards. For example, a child could win recognition for a status such as “Most Chores Completed” or “Weekly Winner” with this type of chart.

Popular types of charts

Dry erase board charts

Dry erase board charts are usually write-and-wipe posters. You’ll need to invest in dry-erase markers if they aren’t included. These products tend to have the least amount of information printed on them, providing maximum flexibility for customization. The layout consists mostly of blank boxes, often color-coded to improve visibility.

Pocket charts

Pocket charts are soft boards with slots, or pockets, in which you place cards. Pocket charts have one of two basic layouts: kids pull cards and collect them in their name pocket as they complete tasks, or kids have several name cards which they place in “duty pockets” across the board as they complete them.

Magnetic boards

Magnetic boards have layouts that let you drag and drop pieces. In some sets, you can write names and specific duties. Other sets come with pre-printed pieces, so you’re limited to the chores the company has chosen. Something to keep in mind with magnetic boards is that you get what you pay for. Poorly made magnetic boards often have weak magnets that fall off.

"Consider hanging the chore reward chart at your kids’ heights rather than yours. This makes it easier for kids to reach and engage with it. "
STAFF
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Chart information

Calendar

Chore reward charts feature various iterations of calendars, which can be weekly, monthly, or weekday (Monday through Friday). Weekly and weekday calendars are the most popular, as it’s more realistic to plan for a week than it is a month at a time. Those who prefer monthly charts often buy them for older kids whose specific duties may occur only once or twice a month, such as raking leaves or cleaning the fish tank.

Names

It seems like a no-brainer that names appear on chore reward charts, but some don’t list them at all. This is usually because the chart is intended for a single child and gives families a more customized overview of responsibilities and achievements. Charts with spaces or pieces for several names are intended to track progress for multiple people, including siblings and other members of the household.

Chores

Chores are displayed on charts by way of magnetized pieces, peelable stickers, or cards. On some charts, the chore labels are actually printed or affixed to the board. 

One thing to keep in mind with this type of chart is that the included chores could vary considerably. Some include around a dozen common chores, whereas others offer up to 40 options. If you’d like to customize chores, it may be best to choose a dry erase chart or one with pieces that can be customized. 

Rewards

No two charts depict rewards the same way, so keep that in mind if you’re looking for more of a visual representation of accomplishments. In some charts, the reward is simply the sticker or indicator that a chore has been completed. The reward, in this case, is seeing the chart fill up. In other charts, there is a dedicated area for rewards that can be filled up with stars, stickers, or tally marks. 

In terms of tangible rewards beyond the chart, that is a personal choice for each family. Some families leverage the chore reward chart to keep kids on track toward earning their allowance. Others establish a point system in which kids can redeem points for treats or staying up later.

Goals

If you’d like a chore reward chart that promotes goal-setting, invest in one that features a dedicated area to write goals. Only some charts have this feature, and even then, it varies from product to product. Some charts have a few lines for kids to write out sentences, whereas others have a box in which kids can state how many points or stars they aim to earn that week.

Accessories

Dry erase set: Arteza Whiteboard Set
Invest in a quality dry erase set for your chore reward chart. We like this one from Arteza, as it includes a colorful assortment of fine-tip markers. It also comes with a nontoxic cleaning spray and eraser.

Reward stickers: Avery Removable Stickers
If your chart calls for peelable reward stickers, consider these from Avery. The package includes over 1,000 labels in four colors, which can be printed with a laser or inkjet printer.

Chore reward chart prices

Chore reward charts typically run between $10 and $80. Charts with high levels of customization, as well as those made from better-quality materials, tend to cost more. 

Inexpensive: Many simple poster and magnetic charts cost between $10 and $30. Quality can be hit-or-miss, and the design is often a simple one.

Mid-range: If you’re willing to spend between $30 and $60, you’ll find higher-quality magnetized charts as well as a variety of pocket charts. These products offer more in the way of customization, and they tend to last much longer.

Expensive: If you look in the highest price range, $60 and above, you will find mostly pocket charts with fine detailing. The cards tend to feature high-quality images and are printed on heavyweight cardstock.

Tips

  • Consider the reading level of the kids in the house. Younger kids who are budding readers may need some assistance filling out or understanding chore charts. 

  • Mind the magnets. If you have pets or babies at home, you might not want to use a chart with magnets, as they can pose a choking hazard if they fall on the floor.

  • Invest in an extra chart. If kids spend extended periods of time with other family members, consider purchasing a special chart for use when they visit. 

Content Image
If a wide age gap exists between your children, it may be advisable to buy an age-appropriate chart for each one.

FAQ

Q. What’s the difference between a chore chart and a behavior chart?
A. Chore charts focus on actual tasks and responsibilities with clear due dates. Earning rewards on these charts is relatively black and white: either the chore has been completed or it hasn’t. Behavioral charts, on the other hand, require ongoing work and dedication. Rather than isolated tasks, like taking out the garbage, the chart is performance-based as it pertains to respect, manners, or anger management.
 

Q. Does it matter which chore reward chart I get for my kid, or do I need to buy an age-specific one?
A. Most chore reward charts are suitable for kids of all ages, though some may appear “babyish” to older kids. As long as a chart displays the essential information, you could theoretically use it. Some families make choosing the chore reward chart a group effort so everyone feels involved and connected to it.
 

Q. I lost some magnetic pieces to my chore reward chart. How can I replace them?
A. One option is to contact the manufacturer and inquire about replacement pieces. Some companies will send you replacements at no cost, whereas others will charge you for the pieces plus shipping. Another option is to use a different set of magnets. You could use any magnet set you like, though there are sets geared toward educational use that may work especially well.

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