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!
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- [For 4-year-olds] Ideas for group games and craft activities that can be done indoors
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[Age 4] Easy and Fun! Handmade Toy Ideas (1–10)
windmill
Pinwheels that spin round and round in the wind are perfect for 4-year-olds who love moving toys.
You can also expand their interests by chatting as you play: “Have you seen something like this somewhere?” “It looks like a fan.” “What makes it move?” It’s great practice for using scissors and glue, too—cutting round blades from construction paper, sticking them on with glue, and snipping the straw.
Take them along on walks outside the preschool or hold them while running races—there are lots of ways to play and make new variations!
Spinning octopus
How about making a “Whirly Kite” that’s easy to put together and spins in a curious way? You’ll need colored pens and kite string, colored construction paper, scissors, a hole punch, and so on.
First, draw lines to divide the paper into three equal horizontal strips and cut along the lines.
Don’t cut off the ends—leave them connected to make one long, narrow strip.
Punch holes at both ends and thread the string through.
Then draw whatever pictures you like and create your own cute, original kite.
When it catches the wind and lifts, the kite spins around in a fun way that will keep kids entertained without getting bored.
A roulette like a spinning top
Let’s enjoy playing at home with a simple toy you can make using things around the house.
This is a fun craft toy you can make with a paper cup and a gacha capsule.
Even if you don’t have a capsule, you can still make it—give it a try! Is it a top? A roulette? Let’s try making a roulette toy that spins like a top.
It’s easy to make.
First, attach a paper cup with slits and numbers written on it to another paper cup that serves as the base.
Then combine a round gacha capsule with the base—and you’re done.
It will spin even without the capsule, so no worries.
If you make a simple sugoroku board, spin the twirling top, move your piece according to the number shown on the roulette, and enjoy playing the game.
[Age 4] Simple and Fun! Handmade Toy Ideas (11–20)
Ring toss
It’s an easy game you can make with things you have at home, but ring toss always gets kids excited.
It’s also popular at fairs and festivals.
To make the rings, roll up long strips of newspaper into circles and wrap them all around with vinyl tape.
Using two colors or making them colorful will delight the kids.
For the targets, just fill plastic bottles with water and wrap them with colored construction paper.
You can also prepare bottles in different sizes and change the points depending on the size.
Let’s make clacking naruko (clappers)
Here’s a craft recommended for 4-year-olds.
Around this age, more children start to take an interest in sound-making instruments.
After making it, they can use it as a rhythm instrument to play along with beats, or wave it as a cheer item at sports days—it’s sure to be a hit.
Add your own special design on the outside to create a one-of-a-kind naruko (clapper).
Another great point is that it’s easy to make using recycled materials like plastic bottle caps.
paper plate Frisbee
A flying disc toy that kids love can actually be made from a paper plate! Using a ruler, mark eight evenly spaced lines about 2 cm long around the rim of the plate.
Between those marks, draw four circles, skipping one space each time.
Draw any picture you like in the center of the plate, then make small cuts with scissors along the lines you marked on the rim.
Finally, fold the sections with circles inward and the other sections outward—and you’re done! You play with it just like a flying disc: hold the edge and use your wrist to give it a throw!
Dragonfly glasses
These handmade dragonfly glasses are a toy that lets you enjoy the fun hues seen through colored cellophane.
You’ll need a milk carton, a straw, cellophane sheets, markers, masking tape, glue, and so on.
If cutting the glasses and wings from the milk carton seems tricky, have an adult help with that part.
It’s fun to use different colors of cellophane on the left and right lenses.
Hold the straw section and say “let’s see,” then look around at various things and enjoy a world of colors that’s different from usual!