Popular with toddlers! A collection of homemade toy ideas

Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICsasashina
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. During my student years at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, I studied a wide range of fields including sound, lighting, and video technology, building a foundation in comprehensive stage production and creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, consistently building experience in production and engaging in a variety of music-centered tasks. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting and what I feel and discover through daily interactions with my kids. I hope my work can be of help to you, even in a small way!

This article introduces handmade toy ideas that are popular with preschoolers.

There are plenty of toys you can enjoy both indoors and outdoors, such as cup-and-ball, yo-yos, airplanes, and spinning tops.

All of the ideas can be made using recycled materials or supplies from 100-yen stores, so feel free to make them and play.

Some preschoolers are starting to use scissors and glue, too.

It’s a good idea to let them give it a try while adults help with the tricky parts.

Popular with toddlers! A collection of handmade toy ideas (51–60)

Kachikachi Animal

Pull the ears and it makes a sound! Here’s an idea for click-clack animals.

You’ll need a kraft paper cup, a pen, two plastic bottle caps, scissors, and tape.

First, leaving 1.5 cm at the top, make four evenly spaced cuts in the paper cup.

Fold two of the cut sections and trim them with scissors to create ears.

Attach the plastic bottle caps with tape to the sections you didn’t fold—and you’re done.

Draw your favorite animal and make some noise!

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hamburger set toy

@mu_aca.origami
How to make Anpanman hamburgers#myuaka work origami Play Playing house translation How to make
♫ Original Song – Myu Akaorigami – Myu Akaorigami

Items that make pretend play even more fun! Here are some ideas for making a toy hamburger set.

You’ll need cardboard, a styrofoam board, a round template, a craft knife, craft glue, scrap paper, tissue paper, origami paper, tape, red round stickers, pens, and so on.

It’s a handmade hamburger set idea perfect for kids who love to play shopkeeper.

The buns are shaped like Anpanman’s face, which makes it extra cute!

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Heart Cracker

@yae_chiiku
Here’s what I used 🩷 @yae_chiiku ← Simple play ideas that build independence 🧸 Save this before you forget 🫶 This time it’s an easy-to-make “Heart Cracker” 🎉🩷 My son had so much fun pulling the balloon part over and over 🎈 ⚠️ When playing, be sure an adult is always supervising, and be careful so the heart doesn’t hit the face 🍀#1-year-old play Educational activities for 1-year-olds #HandmadeToys #HandmadeEducationalToys Development promotion1-year-old baby#Paper Cup Play #Paper Cup Cracker Simple Play
♬ Funny Kids – Syafeea library

Here’s an introduction to a heart-shaped cracker launcher that’s perfect for events.

The pulling motion used to launch it also helps children practice the hand movement they need for dressing themselves.

Prepare a paper cup with a hole in the bottom and attach a balloon whose rounded top has been trimmed off.

Be sure to tie the balloon’s neck securely.

Then just put heart-shaped packing material inside the cup, and you’re done! When you pull the balloon’s neck, the hearts pop out like a party cracker.

It’s easier to clean up than confetti, so give it a try and have fun!

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SAKI

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Toothbrushing doll made with hair gel and decorative parts

@fidsmiles
Toothbrushing practice for little hands: the best kind of sensory art project there is! Download the template on our website, and while you’re there be sure to sign up for more #NCDHM fun! 🔗 fidkids.com #PediatricDentistry #BrushYourTeeth #DIY #KidsCraftsIdeas #ArtsAndCraftsIdeas #Smile #Dentist
♬ Kids & Toys – FASSounds

Here’s an idea for making a toothbrushing doll using hair gel and decorative parts.

You’ll need an illustration, a clear pocket, decorative balls, tape, hair gel, a pen, and glitter.

Place the clear pocket over an illustration with an open mouth.

Trace the teeth onto the clear pocket with a permanent marker, then add hair gel, decorative parts, and glitter inside, and seal it with tape—that’s it! Children can practice brushing to move the “dirt” out of the mouth.

The unique texture of the hair gel will fascinate them.

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Pull-ring toss

@n.annlee321
I shared it with photos on Instagram 🌸 My son was playing with a ring toss after attaching a string to it, so I named it the “pull ring toss” 😊#StayAtHomeSquad Life with children #tiktok classroom Summer Vacation Craft #HandmadeToys #AtHomePlay #StayHomeTime
♬ Nerd Strut (Instrumental) – Gen Hoshino

With this loop with a string attached, you can easily enjoy a ring toss game.

First, roll up some newspaper to make a ring.

Wrap it with vinyl tape from the outside to reinforce it.

It’s also recommended to decorate it by adding masking tape or similar on top.

Then, attach a piece of yarn or another string to the ring, and it’s complete! Use building blocks or crumpled newspaper as targets, place them in various spots, aim at the targets and toss the ring, then pull it back to yourself with the string.

Draw a line to clearly show where to throw from.

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SAKI

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