Toddler-approved fun! DIY toy ideas for 2-year-olds

Balloon roly-poly

Let’s play by controlling how much force we use! Here’s an idea for a balloon roly-poly toy.

It’s a perfect, fun activity for curious two-year-olds.

Put a weight inside a balloon and inflate it, then toss it into a hula hoop.

The balloon will bounce without toppling over, which is fun to watch.

As children adjust their strength to match the balloon’s movement, they can develop dexterity and concentration.

Aiming and tossing the balloon into a specific spot helps them experience the fun of controlling their force.

snap stick

Fun from infancy to toddlerhood! Snap Rods / Handmade Toy by a Nursery Teacher

Babies and toddlers will love it! Introducing the Snap Stick.

You’ll need a template, fabric, snap buttons, stuffing, and cooking chopsticks.

To make it, cut the fabric according to the template and sew the edges together.

Sew one end with a running stitch and secure it, then turn it right side out and stuff it.

Sew the other end with a running stitch and secure it as well.

Sew snap buttons onto both ends, and you’re done! Making several is great for pretend play, so it’s highly recommended.

As a precaution, regularly check that the snap buttons are securely attached.

Give it a try!

Operation: Let the fish swim in the tray

Bath-time refusal hacks! #shorts #atHomePlay #bathPlay #parenting

Even kids who don’t like bath time might hop right in! Here’s the “Let’s Make Fish Swim on a Tray!” strategy.

Just draw fish with a permanent marker on the plastic trays that packaged meat or fish, cut them out, and you’re done! Float them in the bath and say, “There are fish swimming in the tub!” Wet trays stick to the bath wall, so besides fish, you can cut out letters for a little learning activity, or make your child’s favorite characters—lots of fun options! Try different tricks to make bath time enjoyable.

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Kendama

Let’s play with a handmade kendama for 1- and 2-year-olds

You can make it with items found at school or home! Here’s how to make a kendama.

You’ll need paper cups or plastic cups or a paper carton, string, construction paper or origami paper or a beanbag, and tape.

To make it, poke a hole in the bottom of the paper cup and thread through the string that’s sewn to the beanbag.

Tape over the bottom to secure it, and you’re done! It’s easier to catch in the cup if it has a bit of weight, but if you don’t have a beanbag, you can substitute a ball made by crumpling construction or origami paper.

Try customizing it with materials you have at school or at home.

A norimaki toy you can play with in many ways

Endless ways to play! Sushi roll toy♪ Easy to make by hand 😊 #EducationalToys #DIYToys #Parenting #Childcare

It makes sounds and it’s fun! Here’s a nori-maki themed toy you can play with in many ways.

You’ll need plastic bottle caps, small beans like azuki, felt, double-sided fabric tape, and scissors.

To make it, put the beans between two bottle caps, then wrap felt around them using the double-sided fabric tape.

Attach “rice” felt and “filling” felt to the top and bottom, and it’s done.

You can enjoy lots of play: tic-tac-toe, sound play, pretend cooking, “posting” drops, stacking them high, lining them up, and more!

Threading board

Easy to make and play at home – Threading activity for 2-year-olds – Have fun using little fingers while boosting concentration and thinking skills!

Boost focus and thinking skills while having fun! Introducing the Threading Board.

You will need cardboard, a pen, embroidery thread, an ear pick, and tape.

To make it, punch 49 holes in the cardboard arranged in a 7-by-7 grid, then tape the embroidery thread to the end of the ear pick—done! It’s a great activity that uses fine motor skills and encourages concentration.

While playing, make sure the ear pick doesn’t hit other children or fragile objects, and have a parent or teacher supervise nearby.

Climbing ladybug

Easy magnet craft! A climbing ladybug! Recycle plastic wrap and toilet paper cores! #crafts #handmadeToys #summerVacationCrafts #recycledCrafts

Climbing up! Sliding down! A freely moving ladybug is so much fun! Here’s an idea for a climbing ladybug.

For children, ladybugs are familiar insects they see in picture books or on walks, right? This unique idea makes it look like the ladybug is playfully roaming around.

What you’ll need: round magnets, a toilet paper tube, a plastic wrap tube, a half-sphere of Styrofoam, wooden sticks or chopsticks, construction paper, pens, scissors, and double-sided tape.

Give it a try!