Lovely childcare

Let’s make it with 3-year-olds! Fun handmade toy ideas

9 years of experience as a nursery school teacherShibata Risa
I am an active nursery school teacher with 9 years of experience. After graduating from university, I worked at a daycare center. The time I spent happily with children—playing piano, singing songs, and doing finger-play—are priceless memories to me. Currently, while raising three children of my own, I work at an after-school day service, engaging with children and providing individualized developmental support. Drawing on my diverse experiences as a childcare worker and as a mother, I hope to express and convey my thoughts through writing.
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICsasashina
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. During my student years at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, I studied a wide range of fields including sound, lighting, and video technology, building a foundation in comprehensive stage production and creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, consistently building experience in production and engaging in a variety of music-centered tasks. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting and what I feel and discover through daily interactions with my kids. I hope my work can be of help to you, even in a small way!

Let’s make and play with handmade toys together with your three-year-old!

Making your own toys lets children experience the joy of creating original pieces and gives them a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment—there are so many benefits.

So this time, we’ve gathered ideas for DIY toys recommended for three-year-olds.

Everything uses familiar materials and involves simple tasks with few steps, making them easy for three-year-olds to try.

Have fun drawing freely, adding decorations, and creating a one-of-a-kind special toy together.

Let’s Make It with 3-Year-Olds! Fun DIY Toy Ideas (21–30)

Button practice toy

[Anpanman] Handmade Toy Button Practice (Tetsu Craft, Occupational Therapy, Fine Motor Training)

Button practice toy

Here’s a toy idea that lets kids practice buttoning using Anpanman’s facial parts.

It’s made with felt.

First, stack two circular felt pieces to create the base of Anpanman’s face.

Embroider the eyebrows, nose, cheeks, and mouth outline on it, then sew buttons onto the eyes, nose, and cheeks.

After that, sew the corresponding attachable parts that fasten onto the buttons, and you’re done! You can use either snap buttons or regular buttons with holes—choose whichever seems more fun for your child.

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garbage bag ball

https://www.tiktok.com/@rano.mama_asobi/video/7453813532077903112

Let’s make a big ball and have fun! Here’s an idea for a garbage-bag ball.

It’s a DIY ball you can make with materials you have at home.

All you need are a trash bag and vinyl tape or duct tape.

After sealing the bottom of the trash bag with tape, blow air into it and tie the opening.

Wrap vinyl tape around the inflated bag, and you’re done! Its fluffy feel is addictive, and kids are sure to get excited! The soft material means it won’t hurt even if it hits you, which is a nice bonus.

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milk carton

I made a spinning top from a milk carton that even 1–2 year-olds can spin. It’s easy, spins well, and is a handmade toy. ❤︎ DIY/spinning top/milk carton/It’s that easy!! ❤︎ #693

milk carton

This is a spinning top made from an opened milk carton, with four wings spread out in all directions.

As you cut each wing, try to keep them the same size and aim for a shape that spins more easily.

To improve spin, cut the tips of the wings at an angle and attach a plastic bottle cap in the center as the axle.

It’s recommended to build it with the inside (white side) of the carton facing up, as it makes pen decorations easier.

To keep the wings straight and stable, you can also reinforce them by layering thick paper or cardboard.

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Indoor drive with cardboard

At-home play for a 3-year-old and a 0-year-old (cardboard car)

Indoor drive with cardboard

Moving vehicles are always popular with kids, aren’t they? If you make a car out of cardboard and set it on a dolly to move it around, they’ll be thrilled! Cover the outside of the cardboard with colorful paper and add a steering wheel inside.

It might also be fun to build a station or bus stop where they can get on and off, and even create signals or a railroad crossing around the house.

Be sure to securely fasten the car body to the dolly so it doesn’t slip off.

It’s also perfect for indoor fun when you can’t go outside.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Paper cup rocket making

[For 4-year-olds] Easy rocket craft using paper cups!

Paper cup rocket making

Here’s a paper-cup rocket that’s perfect for indoor play.

Prepare paper cups, rubber bands, construction paper, pens, scissors, and glue.

Cut four slits into one of the paper cups.

Leave the other paper cup as is.

Take two rubber bands, stretch them, and attach them to each other in a crisscross shape.

Hook the connected rubber bands onto the slitted parts of the paper cup.

With the cup that has the rubber bands on top and the other cup as a base underneath, press down; the rubber band’s force will launch the cup upward like a rocket.

You can decorate the paper cups with colored pens, origami paper, or stickers to make them even cuter.

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Marble Drop

Marble Drop: A DIY Anpanman Plastic Bottle Toy That Even Babies Love!

Marble Drop

Why not try making a marble drop inspired by Anpanman? The base will be a plastic bottle.

First, cut it into three equal sections, then insert a piece of thick paper between the sections and reassemble them.

Punch marble-drop holes in the thick paper and decorate it to evoke Anpanman.

You could also make the thick paper look like Anpanman’s or Baikinman’s face.

Once you add the marbles, it’s complete.

Its cute appearance and the sound of the marbles dropping will captivate children.

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Handmade maracas

[Handmade Instruments] Make Maracas with Things at Home: A Fun Activity to Do with Your Kids

Handmade maracas

Here’s an introduction to easy, handmade maracas you can make with everyday materials.

Gather a capsule toy case, a toilet paper roll, a plastic bottle, beads or buttons, and vinyl tape, and let’s get started.

Cut off the neck portion of the plastic bottle, roll the toilet paper core to make a sturdy handle, and attach it securely with vinyl tape.

Put the buttons or beads inside the capsule toy case, fasten it firmly with vinyl tape, and close the lid.

Once it’s finished, shake your maracas, sing along, and have fun!

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