Popular with toddlers! A collection of homemade toy ideas

Darkness Theater

@yopiko148

I made this darkroom theater quite a while ago. Sorry it’s not a how-to video. 🙇‍♀️💦#HandmadeToys#EducationalPlay#DarknessTheater

Hide-and-Seek (Chorus) – AliA

The spotlight is on the Anpanman-go’s light! Let me share an idea for a darkroom theater.

You’ll need a clear file folder, a pen, a straw, colored construction paper, thick cardstock, and black construction paper.

Lots of kids love make-believe adventures and explorations, right? This idea is great because it lets you enjoy exploring right in your room! If you say, “Where’s Anpanman?” they’ll move the Anpanman-go around to search for him! Give it a try and make one yourself.

A hand that moves freely when you pull the string

@moonchan_chiiku

Here are the key tips and precautions for making it 👇 The finger that bends changes depending on which thread 🧵 you pull! 💖 Which thread do you pull to make a peace sign ✌️? This is the “Genius Hand” 🖐✨ that nurtures children’s thinking skills 💡. ————Materials———— • Construction paper 🟨 (Use somewhat sturdy paper; origami paper might tear 💦) • Straws 🥤 • Double-sided tape • Twine or other slightly thick thread 🧵 • Color stickers (from Daiso) 🟠🟢🟣 • Pen 🖊 • Scissors ✂️ ——————————— [How to make it] 1) Cut the paper into the shape of a hand 🖐 ✂️ 2) Stick three pieces of double-sided tape 📏 on each finger (two on the thumb) 3) Cut the straws to match the length of the tape 4) Thread the string 🧵 through the straws and tie it at the top to secure 5) Attach the straws with the threaded strings to the hand using the double-sided tape 6) Once all fingers are done, gather all the strings through a single straw and secure 🤏 7) Attach different colored stickers to the ends of each finger’s string 🔵🟡🟣🟢🟠✨️ ——————————— Thank you for visiting! I’m Moon-chan 🌕✨️, a Korean 🇰🇷 mom 👩 raising a 3-year-old 🧒 in Japan (dad is Japanese 🇯🇵). Drawing on my experience working at a children’s museum in Wisconsin 🇺🇸, I share “simple at-home educational play ideas.” 😊 Your follows and likes make me so happy ♥️ @moonchan_chiiku ← Check out my other posts ———————————Thinking abilityHand model#AtHomePlay#At-Home Early LearningEducationalworkTranslationEducational play#EducationalToys#HandmadeToys#ParentChildTime

♬ Doo Bee Doo Bee Doo – Schnuffel Bunny

This is a fun toy where a paper hand moves freely by pulling strings.

First, cut construction paper into the shape of a hand.

Apply double-sided tape along each finger, then attach short pieces of straw—each with a string threaded through it—lined up along the fingers.

Gather all the strings around the wrist area, stick a label or sticker on the end of each string, and you’re done! When you pull a sticker, the corresponding finger moves.

If you pull all the strings to move the fingers, you can even make a fist! It’s an easy, enjoyable toy to make, so give it a try.

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SAKI

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Paper Cup Catcher

@ranmaru_shien

Paper Cup Catcher#HandmadeToysworkChildcareEducational# developmental support (ryōiku)#AtHomePlay

♬ The Peak – SEKAI NO OWARI

Introducing the Paper Cup Catcher, a cooperative game for two players! Prepare several paper cups of the same size.

Tie four strands of raffia string (or similar ribbon) to a single rubber band, and you’re ready to go.

Each player holds two strands, and together you use the rubber band to grab a paper cup from a row and stack it onto another cup placed beside it.

Adjust the pulling tension and coordinate your strength to clear the game as a team! It’s also fun to prepare lots of cups and compete to see which pair can stack the most within a time limit.

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SAKI

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bodkin (drawstring threader)

Let's play with yarn threading for 2-year-olds

Let’s make a cardboard lacing activity! You’ll need cardboard, an awl, yarn in your favorite color, and chenille stems (pipe cleaners).

First, have your child draw a favorite picture on the cardboard.

Next, use the awl to punch holes along the drawing, then wrap the yarn around the end of a chenille stem—and you’re ready to go.

A key tip: bend and secure the tip of the chenille stem so it won’t poke little hands.

Tape the end of the yarn to the back so it doesn’t pull through, and enjoy lacing freely! It’s so satisfying to thread the yarn through all the holes.

Give it a try!

buzzing top

[Wakuwaku-san’s Craft Workshop] Let’s make a “whirring spinning top” out of a milk carton!

Here’s an idea for making a whirligig (spinning top) from a milk carton.

You’ll need the bottom of a milk carton, an awl, scissors, twine, a permanent marker, and tape.

First, use the awl to make two holes in the bottom of the milk carton, spaced 1 centimeter apart.

Thread the twine through the two holes and tie the ends together.

If the twine is hard to thread, put a bit of tape on the tip to make it easier.

If you color the milk carton with a permanent marker or add stickers, the spinning top will look colorful and fun when it spins! Enjoy customizing the shape and design, too!