Bored and stuck? Here are 60 things to draw when bored, sorted by theme, each with an easy starting shape, from class doodles to quick cute boredom-busters.
Boredom is the best excuse to grab a pencil. When your mind is wandering, a quick doodle gives your hands something to do and turns dead time into a tiny bit of fun. Below are 60 things to draw when bored, sorted into easy themes, each with the simple shape to start from. These ideas work in a notebook margin, at your desk, or on the couch, and you don't need any skill or special pens. Pick the first one that grabs you and start. The blank page is the only hard part, and you've got this.
How to use this list
Pick one idea and start from its basic shape. Almost everything here is a circle, an oval, or a few quick lines with details on top. Keep your strokes light so they erase clean, then darken the lines you like. You don't have to go in order. If you're in class or short on time, jump straight to the quick doodle sections. Repeat your favorites and color them in whenever you get the chance.
Doodles for class
These are small, quiet, and easy to hide. Perfect things to draw when bored in class in a notebook margin.
A row of stars
A line of five-point stars marching along the edge of the page. Vary the sizes for rhythm.
A vine border
One wavy line down the margin with little leaves sprouting off both sides. Add a flower or two.
A cube
A square with three lines pulling back to make it 3D. Stack a few into a little tower.
A spiral
One curl that winds tighter and tighter to the center. Oddly relaxing to draw over and over.
A speech bubble
A rounded rectangle with a little tail. Leave it empty or fill it with a doodle face.
A checkerboard
A grid of squares with every other one filled in. Great for zoning out without thinking.
A paper airplane
A few straight folds in a dart shape with a dotted trail looping behind it.
A tiny galaxy
A swirl of dots and stars inside a soft cloud shape. Add a ringed planet in the corner.
Cute things to draw when bored
When you want something sweet and quick, reach for these cute things to draw when bored.
A round cat
A circle for the head, two triangle ears, and a smiley face. Low, big eyes read as cute.
A chubby bunny
A round body, a round head, two tall ears, and a tiny puff tail. Keep it all soft.
A baby chick
A small round body, a tiny triangle beak, and two dot eyes. Add two stick feet.
A happy cloud
A puffy cloud shape with two dot eyes and a little smile. Add rosy cheek circles.
A cup of cocoa
A "U" mug with two marshmallows on top and wavy steam. Add a happy face for warmth.
A strawberry
A rounded heart shape with a leafy green top and a scatter of tiny seed dots.
A sleepy moon
A "C" crescent with closed eyes and a little "z z z" floating beside it.
A panda face
A circle with two black ear ovals, two eye patches, and a small round nose.
Cool things to draw when bored
Want something that looks impressive? These cool things to draw when bored still start simple.
A flaming skull
A rounded skull shape with hollow eyes and a few flame curls rising off the top.
A lightning bolt
A sharp zigzag from top to bottom with a glowing outline. Add a few spark lines.
A dragon eye
A pointed almond shape with a slit pupil, a few scales around it, and a sharp brow.
A graffiti letter
One bubble letter with a thick outline, a drop shadow, and a highlight shine on top.
A sword
A long triangle blade with a straight crossguard and a wrapped handle below it.
A wave
A big curling ocean wave with a foamy top edge and a few swirl lines inside the curl.
A galaxy planet
A circle with a ring around it, a few craters, and stars dotted in the space behind.
A cool car
A long box body with two round wheels, slanted windows, and speed lines. See how to draw a car for steps.
Funny things to draw when bored
Make yourself laugh. These funny things to draw when bored are all about being silly.
A potato with legs
A lumpy oval with two stick legs and a goofy grin. The lumpier, the funnier.
A blob monster
One big bean shape, three eyes, and two tiny teeth. There are no rules for blobs.
A cat loaf
A cat tucked into a bread-loaf shape with no legs, just ears and a face on a dome.
A donut with a face
A circle with a hole, a frosting drip, and two happy eyes peeking over the top.
A surprised egg
An egg shape with a cracked top, two wide eyes, and tiny arms thrown up in shock.
An avocado buddy
An avocado outline with a big round pit, a face, and little waving arms.
A grumpy toast
A square of toast with a frown, crossed arms, and a pat of butter melting on its head.
Quick boredom-busters
No theme, just fast and satisfying doodles to fill a page when you only have a minute.
A hot air balloon
A round balloon with a tiny basket on two lines below. Add stripes for color.
A treasure chest
A rectangle with a curved lid, a round lock, and coins peeking out the top.
A cactus in a pot
A trapezoid pot with a tall rounded cactus and two stubby arms. Add a little flower.
A robot
A boxy body, a square head, bendy spring arms, and two antennas. Crooked is charming.
A ringed planet
A circle with a flat ring cutting across it and a few small moons orbiting nearby.
A cozy book
A closed book with a curved spine, a bookmark ribbon, and a few page lines on the edge.
A pizza slice
A triangle with a wavy crust and round pepperoni dots. Add little motion lines for steam.
A snail
A spiral shell on a long bean body with two little antennae. Add a tiny smile.
A flower
A center circle ringed with rounded petals and a leafy stem. Try how to draw a rose for a fuller bloom.
A butterfly
A thin body with two big matching wings. Keep both sides the same. See how to draw a butterfly for steps.
Tips for drawing when bored
- Keep a doodle page going. One messy practice sheet takes all the pressure off.
- Start with the easy ones. A quick win warms up your hand for bigger ideas.
- Use what's nearby. A pen and a margin are all you need, so you can start anywhere.
- Add a face to anything. Dot eyes and a smile turn a plain shape into a character.
- Repeat a doodle in a row. Your fifth star always looks better than your first.
FAQ
What should I draw when I'm bored in class?
Small, quiet doodles work best, like a star border, a vine in the margin, or a tiny cube. They fit in a notebook edge, take seconds, and don't pull your focus far from the lesson.
What are easy things to draw when bored?
Round, friendly shapes are easiest, like a happy cloud, a round cat, or a cup of cocoa. They start from one simple shape, so they look good even if your lines come out a little wobbly.
What can I draw when I'm bored and have no ideas?
Grab a quick boredom-buster like a hot air balloon, a robot, or a snail. Each starts from one basic shape, so you skip the blank-page freeze and have something on the page in under a minute.
Keep drawing and coloring
Boredom is just a doodle waiting to happen, so keep that pencil moving whenever the day drags. When you want more, browse our full list of things to draw, grab a quick win with easy things to draw, or surprise yourself with random things to draw. You can also print our animal coloring pages and color with zero pressure. Keep going. You've got this.