Age 4: Simple and Fun! Handmade Toy Ideas

cute pineapple toy

Here’s how to make a cute pineapple toy using a candy container! Use an empty cylindrical candy box that matches the size of a pool noodle.

Insert a yellow pool noodle inside, then cut it to the width that suits a pineapple shape.

It already looks pineapple-like at this point, but you can add the pineapple pattern by scoring it with a nail or a thin stick.

Finally, decorate the candy case to look like a tin can using fabric scraps or wrapping paper—and you’re done! It’s perfect for pretend play or playing shop.

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kepiko

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Bunbun top (whirligig)

[Preschool Teacher] Let's Make and Play! How to Make a Whirligig (Bunbun Goma) ✨ [Nursery School/Kindergarten]

How about making a bunbun-goma—a classic whirling toy that spins with a satisfying buzz—using a milk carton? First, open the milk carton and cut off the bottom.

Cut out another piece from a milk carton in the same size.

Draw lines to mark the center, then draw any design you like on the white side.

Glue the two pieces together, and use an awl to make two holes in the center to thread a piece of twine through.

It helps to tape the end of the twine with cellophane tape to make threading easier.

It’s an old-fashioned toy that lets you enjoy not only the sound but also the changing patterns as it spins.

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hiyori

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Paku-Paku Bear

Pakupaku Kuma-san: a bear face sewn onto a large piece of felt with a zipper for its mouth.

Next to the bear, items like rice balls, bread, eggs, and vegetables are attached with snap buttons.

You can unfasten them and feed them to the bear—it’s a toy, right? The actions of unbuttoning and buttoning seem helpful for developing fine motor skills, and seeing the bear eagerly eat everything might spark children’s interest in food, making them think, “I want to try the same thing,” or “I wonder what it tastes like?”

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sasashina

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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

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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kappamaki

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Paper cup rocket you can play with indoors

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

Let’s make a rocket you can play with indoors using a familiar material: paper cups! Since it’s made with paper cups, you don’t have to worry about getting hurt when you launch it.

First, prepare two paper cups and cut four slits into one of them.

Next, cross two rubber bands, tie them together, and attach them to the slits on the paper cup.

Your rocket is ready! Place this ‘rocket’ over the other paper cup and release your hand to make it fly.

It’s also fun to draw freely on the paper cups with markers or decorate them with construction paper and stickers.

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miyabi

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Better Sound! Tambourine

[Upcycled Craft] Easy! Make a Tambourine with Plastic Bottle Caps (Playable Craft & Handmade Toy) [Paper Plate & Bottle Caps] Musical Instrument Craft

Let’s try making a tambourine using plastic bottle caps.

When you think of a tambourine, you probably imagine making sound by hitting it.

Here, we’ll show you how to make a tambourine that produces sound just by shaking the body.

Join two caps together, put rice inside, and secure them.

Next, use a paper plate cut in half to fasten the rice-filled caps.

Besides rice, you can also try small stones or small beans for variation.

You can enjoy adding personality by drawing your favorite pictures or patterns on the paper plate.

It’s easier to make sound by shaking it side to side rather than up and down, so give it a try.

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Nakajima Junko

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Cardboard mini car case

[DIY Cardboard Craft at Home!] A handmade town where you can play with Tomica mini cars! Transforms from a storage case, also using small items from Flying Tiger! Handmade toy Toy cars T’s Garage

Even tidying up is simple! Here’s an idea for a cardboard mini car case.

Many kids love toy cars like mini cars, don’t they? This idea is perfect if you’re thinking, “I want to make a road for cars to drive on and give it as a gift,” or “I’d be happy if it’s easy to take toys in and out.” It’s unique because when you open the storage case for the mini cars, it transforms into a townscape with roads.

Adding a handle makes it easy to carry, which is a nice bonus.

Definitely give it a try!