Toys you can make from cardboard crafts! Authentic ideas you can build and play with
“It moves like the real thing!” “It’s just like an arcade!” Want to try making cardboard crafts that will amaze your family and friends?In fact, with a bit of ingenuity in assembling cardboard, you can create all kinds of fun projects like a claw machine, a basketball game, and even a cardboard car.Besides cardboard, most of the materials you’ll need are everyday items, along with a utility knife and glue.Why not take on the challenge of creating your own original project without fear of failure?In this article, we’ll share cardboard craft ideas that both kids and adults can enjoy!
- For summer vacation homework! Simple and amazing crafts for elementary school students that you’ll want to make after seeing them
- You can make them with cardboard! Cool katanas & swords
- Simple yet amazing crafts: craft ideas that elementary school students will want to make
- Let's make toys out of cardboard! Easy and fun handmade toys
- Adults will be hooked! A collection of craft ideas using toilet paper rolls
- DIY science projects that elementary school boys will love: ideas you can make with everyday materials
- [For Upper Elementary Students] Simple but Awesome! A Collection of Summer Vacation Craft Ideas
- [For Adults] Simple yet Impressive Crafts: A Stylish, Eye-Catching Collection
- Paper cup crafts that elementary school kids will love! A collection of fun project ideas
- Craft ideas using plastic bottle caps [for boys]
- [For Kids] Today’s Handmade Craft Ideas
- Crafts parents and kids can enjoy together. Recommended craft ideas to keep children entertained.
- Fun crafts using straws
Toys You Can Make with Cardboard! Authentic Ideas You Can Build and Play With (11–20)
Basketball game
Basketball games are hugely popular with kids, aren’t they? Lately, the NBA has been getting a lot of attention.
Playing basketball outside is great, but this time we’ll introduce a basketball game you can play at home.
Since you can do it at home, it’s perfect for hot summer play, and it’s also recommended as a summer vacation craft project.
This time, let’s make a basketball game out of cardboard.
Using cardboard makes it easy and keeps costs down.
Once it’s finished, set up a small basketball and give it a try.
It would be fun to compete with friends to see who can score the most baskets.
safe
Safes have long played important roles in TV dramas and movies.
There have even been challenge shows where people try to open old safes without knowing how they work.
If you could make a safe yourself, many people would probably want to give it a try.
The safe featured in this video can be easily made using common materials like cardboard and plastic bottle caps.
Making it is also a great way to learn how locks work, so it’s highly recommended.
If you use more durable materials, it could even serve as a mailbox.
cardboard house
It’s a simple project where you assemble cardboard into the shape of a house, and its big appeal is that it’s sturdy despite using simple materials.
It’s best to use cardboard that’s as large as possible; instead of cutting it into small pieces, make use of its original form to achieve a more beautiful and durable look.
Since it already has creases that fold into a rectangular box, using those will make it easier to build and result in a cleaner appearance.
After you’ve created the rough shape, it’s a good idea to think about how you want to refine and finish it.
soccer game
Soccer game making is perfect for kids who love games and sports.
It’s that game you often see at inns, where you spin the rods to play.
You can easily make your own using a shoebox.
First, cut off the lid and cut out rectangular openings on the two short sides.
These will be the goals, so make them large enough for the ball to pass through.
Next, thread wooden chopsticks through the indentations that serve as handles, and attach four straws at right angles to them.
These straws are the parts you’ll spin to play.
Finally, clip clothespins onto the straws, and you’re done! This way, your child can keep playing with friends even after the summer project is finished.
If you want to add more atmosphere, try decorating it with origami paper to make it look like a field.
locked treasure chest
Treasure chests are so exciting, aren’t they? And this one even comes with a lock! It’s a perfect craft idea for curious kids, since they can make it while learning how a lock works.
The process is to use cardboard to create the box, lid, and key—each part separately—and then assemble them.
As long as you cut the parts correctly and prepare them, all that’s left is to glue them together, so it goes smoothly.
You’ll use a hot glue gun to bond the cardboard, so be careful to avoid burns while handling it.
There’s also a downloadable template, so be sure to use it as a reference and give it a try!