Easy DIY! Introducing educational toys that can be easily made with 100-yen shop items and things around the house.
You want to provide toys that match your child’s development and changing interests, but buying new ones every time can get expensive, right?
If that sounds familiar, this is for you.
Here are some easy, handmade toy ideas you can try.
They use items from 100-yen shops and materials you likely already have at home, so they’re low-cost and beginner-friendly—another great bonus!
We’re focusing on how to make educational toys that build concentration, imagination, and fine motor skills.
Try incorporating them into playtime at home, as well as in daycare or kindergarten!
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Easy DIY! Educational toys you can make effortlessly with 100-yen store items and things around the house (11–20)
Marble-rolling game made with 100-yen shop items
How about making a marble-rolling game like pinball or smart ball using 100-yen shop items? First, prepare a thick document file (the kind used for storing papers) and cut a piece of cardboard to the same size to use as the base.
Paste construction paper on it, then cut out faces of your favorite animals or characters from more construction paper and stick them on.
Punch a hole where the animal’s or character’s mouth is, create a starting point, and slide it into the file—done! Instead of animals or characters, you can also make ramps so the marble slides down, which is highly recommended.
It’s portable, so it’s great as a time-killer for kids when you’re out and about.
Marble-rolling game made with 100-yen shop items
How about making a marble-rolling game like pinball or smart ball using 100-yen shop items? First, prepare a thick document file (the kind used for storing papers) and cut a piece of cardboard to the same size to use as the base.
Paste construction paper on it, then cut out faces of your favorite animals or characters from more construction paper and stick them on.
Punch a hole where the animal’s or character’s mouth is, create a starting point, and slide it into the file—done! Instead of animals or characters, you can also make ramps so the marble slides down, which is highly recommended.
It’s portable, so it’s great as a time-killer for kids when you’re out and about.
A rabbit plush made from fleece
Using fleece fabric that looks and feels soft, let’s make a palm-sized stuffed bunny.
The key is how you construct the body: cut the fabric into the shape you want, embroider the facial expression, sew the pieces together, then stuff them with cotton and shape as you go.
The way you stuff it will change the overall roundness and softness, so it’s a good idea to focus on this to create your own unique bunny.
After that, attach parts like the hands, feet, and ears, and finish it so it looks like a bunny, and you’re done.
It can also be fun to change the fabric color and the shapes of the parts to add originality.
A kalimba that makes a hopping sound
A kalimba is a traditional African instrument consisting of a wooden box fitted with thin metal or bamboo tines.
This time, let’s make a kalimba using an empty candy box and plastic spoons! The method is simple: just use rubber bands to fasten the spoons to the empty box.
To improve stability, you’ll need to create grooves to hold some chopsticks, but don’t worry—the process is as easy as making small cuts with scissors.
Place your handmade kalimba on a desk, hold the body down with your hand, and pluck the spoons to produce interesting sounds.
Try experimenting with how the way you secure the spoons changes the pitch.
Pool cue stick holder
A fun activity called “stick insertion,” where children use their hands and fingers to insert sticks into holes.
It also helps develop finger strength and supports overall development.
As their concentration and stamina improve, children carefully look for the hole and think, which nurtures spatial understanding and thinking skills.
The sense of accomplishment and confidence gained from doing it themselves, along with enjoying it with friends, also fosters communication skills.
Another plus is that it can be made with familiar materials.
Try customizing the colors and shapes to suit your child’s developmental stage and interests.
