Age 4: Simple and Fun! Handmade Toy Ideas
By the age of four, children’s imaginations blossom, and they become able to express their thoughts and feelings smoothly in words.
They also get better at using tools like scissors and glue, which further expands the range of crafts they can make.
So this time, we’re introducing handmade toy ideas that will captivate four-year-olds.
From moving toys to flying toys to sound-making toys, there are plenty of fun ideas that will capture a four-year-old’s heart!
Encourage children to use their free imagination and expressive power to make a favorite piece.
We hope they have lots of fun playing while enjoying communication with their friends!
[Age 4] Easy and Fun! Handmade Toy Ideas (1–10)
paper cup airplane
Here’s how to make a paper-cup airplane you can play with outdoors.
All you need are two paper cups, a rubber band, tape, and some colorful pens, etc.
That’s it.
It uses just a few materials, and the steps are simple, too.
It’s also fun to decorate it with your own ideas using colored pens or stickers.
For any tricky steps in the process, have an adult help out.
The way to play is very simple as well.
If you play in a wide open outdoor space, it will catch the wind and fly far.
It’s also fun to make lots of them and have competitions to see whose can fly the farthest.
Kendama
Kendama is said to help develop concentration, a sense of achievement, and even balance.
As an easy first step into kendama, how about a handmade version using paper cups and string? Since it’s made by stacking paper cups, it’s oversized—perfect for 4-year-olds.
Another plus is that you can draw any design you like with markers.
Each child’s uniquely personalized kendama will feel special because they made it themselves, which can encourage them to try again and again and take good care of their toy, creating a positive cycle.
Pop-up Rocket
Rockets full of dreams are a hit with kids! Why not try incorporating a “pop-out rocket” that even little ones can enjoy into your daycare or kindergarten crafts? It’s a well-flying rocket you can play with right after making it! Wrap origami paper around a toilet paper roll to create the rocket body.
Stick on shiny or patterned origami and design your own unique rocket.
Make the launch pad by rolling newspaper into a firm cylinder.
Finally, attach two rubber bands linked together to a chopstick, and secure it firmly to the tip of the launch pad—done! It’s a craft that’s twice as exciting: fun to make and fun to play with.
kaleidoscope
A kaleidoscope that constantly changes its patterns with the play of light is a toy that fascinates four-year-olds.
So why not make a simple, easy kaleidoscope using a milk carton and aluminum foil? Sticking the aluminum foil onto the end of the milk carton might be a bit challenging for children, but let them give it a try.
Seeing their own drawings on white paper reflected on the aluminum foil and shining will feel fresh and exciting, and it may spark their interest in color changes and light reflections as well.
spinning top
Spinning tops have always been a popular pastime.
Why not enjoy making colorful tops with paper plates? It’s very simple: draw your favorite designs on a paper plate with crayons, then tape plastic bottle caps to the exact center on both the top and bottom.
Once you’re done, spin them together and have fun! You can even get everyone excited with challenges like “Whose top spins the longest?” Another great point is that you can experiment—adjust where you attach the caps, tweak the shape, and enjoy coming up with your own improvements.
Castanets & Den-den daiko (Japanese pellet drum)
Kids love toys that make sounds, don’t they? Let’s try making castanets and den-den daiko drums using things you have at home! It’s great that you can easily make them with household items like milk cartons and disposable chopsticks.
You can make a bunch and hold a little concert with friends, or use them to jingle and show to a baby.
Animals walking with paper cups
These are animal paper cups that are super cute when they toddle along.
Cut two slits on opposite sides of the rim of a paper cup and fold the cut sections outward.
Attach a rubber band to a used battery, hook it onto the folded parts, and secure it with tape.
Twist the battery around and place the cup upside down—now you’ve got a toddling cup that walks! Finish it by gluing colored paper to the sides, adding ears, and drawing eyes and a mouth.
It’s so adorable you’ll want to make all kinds of animals.
