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 easily make with 100-yen shop items and everyday materials (41–50)
Munch-munch Hippo
Let’s make something using scrap materials! Here’s an idea for a Chomping Hippo.
What you’ll need: an empty tissue box, origami or colored construction paper, scissors, glue, and colored pens.
This project is recommended because you can use empty boxes you already have at your preschool or at home! The steps are simple and easy to follow, so try making it together with your child.
The finished chomping hippo can open and close its mouth with one hand, but if your child has small hands or finds it hard to move, try using both hands to make it chomp.
A toothbrushing doll that lets you try flossing too
Recommended for kids who aren’t good at brushing their teeth! Here’s an idea for a tooth-brushing doll that also lets them try flossing.
You’ll need an ice cube tray, a toothbrush, decorative pom-poms, illustrated face parts, craft glue, a whiteboard marker, a small storage case, and yarn.
Use the tooth-brushing doll to help kids develop a positive attitude toward brushing while they play! Pretend the decorative pom-poms are plaque stuck on the teeth, and it feels great to remove it with yarn as floss.
It’s also fun to scrub with a real toothbrush!
Handmade cloth picture book
A picture book filled with clever features and love! Let me share ideas for a handmade Anpanman fabric picture book.
You’ll need felt, a needle, thread, and craft parts.
Instead of just turning pages, this interactive book encourages finger movements with elements you can pull and removable parts.
Each page hides little discoveries, so kids can enjoy the joy of finding things and the fun of completing tasks.
It’s a delightful idea that makes turning each page exciting.
Give it a try and make one yourself!
Tooth-brushing crocodile
It feels great to polish until it’s sparkling! Here’s an idea for a tooth-brushing crocodile craft.
What you’ll need: colored construction paper, scissors, double-sided tape, a paper cup, a permanent marker, a clear file (plastic folder), and a whiteboard marker.
The main materials are construction paper and a clear file, so it’s easy to gather what you need—that’s a big plus.
When playing, hold a real toothbrush and scrub away the “stains” colored with the whiteboard marker! It’s so satisfying when it becomes nice and shiny.
No-Sew Toothbrush Puppet
Grab kids’ attention! Here’s a no-sew toothbrushing puppet idea.
You’ll need felt in various colors, scissors, a pencil or something to sketch with, hook-and-loop fastener (Velcro), and fabric glue or a hot glue gun.
Make a cute animal that says “ahh” and opens its mouth wide to reveal dirt.
Since the dirt attaches with Velcro, you can take it on and off, making it easy to show how scrubbing with a toothbrush removes it.
Let’s make an adorable felt puppet!
Melamine sponge sandwich craft
https://www.tiktok.com/@picoton_craft/video/7212556003580185857How about making a delicious-looking sandwich out of a melamine sponge that you’ll just want to take on a picnic? It’s very easy to make! First, prepare a large, thick melamine sponge and cut it into a triangle, imagining the shape of a sandwich.
Use a craft knife to make a slit so you can insert the fillings.
Next, create the fillings—such as ham, lettuce, or spaghetti—using construction paper or yarn.
If you use colorful materials for the fillings, the result will look extra cute.
Finally, tuck the fillings into the sponge sandwich, and you’re done! Try making different fillings and have fun playing with them.
Infinite Tissues
Recommended for kids who are in the phase of pulling things out and playing! Let me share the “infinite tissue” idea.
What you’ll need: an empty wet-wipe container or tissue box, and kitchen cloths (dishcloths).
Kitchen cloths are sturdier than tissue paper, so they’re a great choice.
Tie the corners of the cloths together to connect about 10 pieces, then put them in the box! Your child will likely be absorbed in the game of using their fingers to pull them out.
You can also enjoy a variation by threading them through a toilet paper roll!
In conclusion
There were so many fun handmade toy ideas that stimulate children’s five senses. One of the charms of educational toys is that kids can enjoy a variety of ways to play depending on their own free ideas. It’s also recommended to add your own twists with colors and shapes and make original toys together with the children! Find your favorite idea and give it a try.