Make it with everyday materials! A collection of DIY toy ideas recommended for 1-year-olds
One-year-olds are curious about everything! Homemade toys are perfect for nurturing that curiosity.
You can make them with familiar materials you already have at home, and adapt how they’re used to suit your child’s development.
Using items like plastic bottles, milk cartons, and fabric, you can create everything from toys that promote finger dexterity to cleverly designed, interactive playthings.
Here, we’ll introduce ideas for handmade toys that one-year-olds will be eager to play with.
Enjoy making safe, fun toys that are easy to incorporate into childcare settings, too!
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Handmade toys for sound play and movement (11–20)
Rolling Slope
Here’s how to make a simple rolling slope.
Prepare printed illustrations, a cardboard template, a milk carton, capsule toys, beads or nuts, tape, and glue.
Apply glue to the template and assemble the base of the rolling slope.
Cut the milk carton vertically in half, fit it firmly into the slope so it won’t fall out—this is the key point.
Attach the illustrations to the slope section, and make the rolling balls using capsule toys to finish! Put beads or nuts inside the capsules so you can enjoy the different sounds and speeds as they roll.
If you use recycled materials that may contain allergens, be sure to handle them safely.
sensory toy play
Fun for all ages! Here are some sensory toy play ideas.
You’ll need: food storage bags, colored water, oil, adzuki beans, erasers, toy goldfish, beads, bells, hair gel, and tape.
Put the materials you prepared into the bag along with the hair gel! Changing up the colors and textures makes the feel different and more interesting.
Sensory toys are recommended not only for infants but also for preschoolers—they’re engaging to look at and touch, and kids will be totally absorbed.
sensory mat
Here’s how to make a sensory mat you can enjoy at home.
Prepare interlocking foam mats, materials that are fun to step on or touch—like CDs and plastic bottle caps—and some adhesive.
Start by gluing the materials onto the interlocking mats.
The key point is how you apply the glue: we recommend sticking just one type of material on each single mat.
Once you’re done, connect the mats together and enjoy them as a big die, or lay them out on the floor—get creative and have fun with sensory play.
Be sure to let the adhesive dry completely before use.
Stroll Pet
Here’s an idea for a “walking pet” that’s sure to make strolling more fun.
The structure is quite simple.
First, connect two cores from rolls of packing tape.
Next, decorate the cores however you like, then cover them with clear tape.
Tie on a string so you can pull it along as you walk, and it’s done.
You can give it the look of an animal to enjoy a walk-like experience, or use characters like Anpanman for a cute touch.
It’ll feel like you’re taking a walk together, and it’s sure to be fun.
Train made from plastic bottles
@yuumaama2022 Plastic-bottle vehiclesTranslationHandmadePlastic bottlePET bottle vehicleChildcareworkTrainHow to make
♪ Original song – Yuumaaama – Yuumaaama
Let’s recreate a vehicle that’s very popular with boys using plastic bottles.
Please prepare plastic bottles and vinyl tape.
Cut a plastic bottle in half, then connect the cut openings by fitting them together.
Wrap vinyl tape vertically from the top, overlapping the strips as you go.
The key is to choose tape colors that match your child’s favorite vehicle.
Once you cut and add decorative pieces of vinyl tape, it’s done! It’s simple and easy to make, so try creating it while asking your child about the vehicle they like.