Popular with toddlers! A collection of homemade toy ideas

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!

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Hoshino Takashi

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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!

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Hoshino Takashi

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[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.

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kappamaki

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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.

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kappamaki

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stretchable rod

[2nd Growing Rod] Make and play as a parent and child! Easy craft!

It’s a simple activity where the paper stretches out long when you swing the stick briskly, and the instant change is fun.

All you need are a popsicle stick and a long strip of paper.

Fix one end of the paper to the stick and simply roll it up to complete it.

If the paper doesn’t have a set curl, it will come apart when extended, so be sure to wrap it tightly to give it a good shape.

It’s important to encourage trial and error within the simplicity—such as figuring out how to swing the stick to make it extend even longer.

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kappamaki

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