Popular with toddlers! A collection of homemade toy ideas

Infinite Marble Run

Infinite Marble Run

The infinite marble run made with paper plates is sure to keep your child happily engaged even after it’s finished.

By cutting two paper plates and stacking them slightly offset, you can create a looping field for the marble.

However, since you’ll need to use a regular utility knife or a compass cutter to make holes in the plates, be sure an adult assists according to the child’s age.

You can adjust the difficulty by attaching a paper cup or similar item to the holes, so adults should give it a try too!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem

[Clear File] Airplane

[Playable Craft] A Plane That Flies Better Than a Paper Airplane <Handmade Toy> [Free Craft] Easy Independent Research

Airplanes made with clear plastic files as wings are easy to build and can fly far, making them great for crafts.

Besides the clear file, the materials—like straws and vinyl tape—are everyday items that are easy to gather, so it should be easy to get started.

Clear files also come in many colors, so you might be able to make your own original airplane.

However, since there are steps like cutting the clear file with scissors, adults should provide support appropriate to the child’s age when they work on the craft.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem

Decorap: Parachute

No.122 “Let’s Make a Parachute” [Handmade Toys by Preschool Teachers]

A parachute made with Decolap looks beautiful and will likely delight children.

Depending on how you combine the Decolap, you can make it colorful, and by adding illustrations drawn by your child, you can create a unique, original parachute—there are many ways to enjoy it.

However, since it involves precise measuring and using scissors, please have an adult assist according to the child’s age when they do the craft.

It’s a recommended craft idea that everyone can get excited about by launching it from a high place.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem

Kendama with Paper Cups

[For 4-year-olds] Let’s make a kendama and play!

Let’s try making a kendama using paper cups.

First, draw your favorite picture on a paper cup.

Once you’re done, place the bottoms of two paper cups together and tape them to stick.

Next, attach a piece of kite string to the paper cups, and tie a crumpled ball of newspaper to the other end—that’s it! Because the ball is light, it’s easy for children to handle, and when not in use, you can store the ball inside the paper cups, which is convenient.

Instead of drawing, you can also decorate the cups with stickers, or make them look like animals by adding embellishments with construction paper or yarn.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

sasashina

Report a problem

Mr. Twirly Snake

[Playable Crafts] Easy, no prep needed! Fun crafts and toy-making! For preschools and kindergartens (suitable for 3-, 4-, and 5-year-old children)

The twirling snake that moves around just by pulling a string is a great toy for children.

Simply color the snake illustration on the downloaded template as you like, cut along the lines, and thread a string through the snake’s head to finish—making it an easy craft even for young children.

Since tasks like using scissors and threading a string vary in difficulty depending on a child’s age, adults should provide support as needed.

It’s also fun to use the downloaded template as a reference and create your own original version, so give it a try!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem

[Felt] Fishing for Fish

No.133 “Level-Up Fish Fishing!” [Handmade Toy by a Nursery Teacher]

It’s a game where you catch felt fish using a special fishing rod, and a nice feature is that small tweaks can change the difficulty.

The fish are simple—just cut and decorated felt—with a clip attached at the mouth.

You can make them thicker by layering fabric, or even create the fishing field out of felt; these touches make everything look cuter and softer, so they’re recommended.

The key to the game is what you attach to the tip of the fishing rod: try versions with a magnet or with a hook and let people play both ways.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

kappamaki

Report a problem

Spinning Top (Paper Plate)

[Playable Craft] Easy to Make! Spinning Top (Paper Plate and Bottle Cap) [Simple Craft] Perfect for At-Home Play, Preschool Teachers, Kindergartens, and Nursery School Projects

A large spinning top made using paper plates—since we’ve designed it to be easy to hold, kids can freely spin and play with it.

Fold a paper plate in half to find the center and mark it.

On that mark, draw a circle the same size as a plastic bottle cap.

Be careful not to misalign the center of the plate and the circle.

Cut along the round area to make a hole, then insert and secure two bottle caps stacked together.

It’s important to tape the caps firmly to the paper plate, focusing on stability and ease of spinning.

You can also have kids draw pictures on the plate and get creative with the design.

Let them experience how the patterns change when it spins.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

kappamaki

Report a problem