Lovely childcare

Turn a cardboard tube into an educational toy! A handmade toy your kids will love

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.

The core of plastic wrap is very hard and sturdy, isn’t it?

That very core is perfect as a material for kids’ handmade toys!

So this time, we’re introducing ideas for DIY toys that make the most of the wrap core’s long, cylindrical shape.

We’ve included sensory educational toys that stimulate babies’ five senses, as well as toys that toddlers can enjoy.

You can put them together right away using materials from 100-yen shops or recyclables, so the low cost is another great bonus!

Find something that matches your child’s stage of development and give it a try.

Turn a toilet paper roll core into an educational toy! DIY toys kids will love (11–20)

Translucent origami kaleidoscope

I really like kaleidoscopes~ ☺️✨ #shorts

Translucent origami kaleidoscope

Here’s an idea for making a kaleidoscope using a plastic wrap core and mirror-like sheets.

Cut the wrap core in half, then insert mirror-like sheets folded into a triangular prism.

Make sure the reflective sides face inward.

Cut a clear plastic sheet into a circle and attach translucent origami paper to it.

Make a hole in the center, insert a bamboo skewer through it, and secure it.

Align the bamboo skewer with the corner of the triangular mirror sheet and attach it so it runs along the side of the wrap core—then you’re done! If you smooth the edges of the clear sheet with sandpaper, it will be safer for children to play with.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

In conclusion

We introduced some handmade toy ideas using empty plastic wrap tubes. There were lots of unique ideas that made the most of the tube’s shape. Plastic wrap tubes are very sturdy, so they’re unlikely to break even when many children play with them repeatedly, and their long-lasting durability is another big plus. Please be careful not to injure yourself when cutting them with a utility knife or similar tools. Imagine the smiles on the children’s faces and try making your own original handmade toys!