Popular with toddlers! A collection of homemade toy ideas
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.
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Popular with toddlers! A collection of handmade toy ideas (21–30)
Ogre puppet made from a paper cup
@hoikushisatomi [Easy to Make] Oni (Demon) Puppet CraftNursery teacher / Childcare worker#100-yen shop DIY#NurseryTeacherDailyLifeSetsubunOni of SetsubunPuppet
♬ Find you in the dark feat. Nenashi – Ovall
The “Oni puppet” made from a paper cup is a unique handmade craft idea that can be enjoyed year-round.
By simply attaching horns and a face designed from origami or construction paper to a paper cup, you can create an oni with lots of expression.
Both the materials and tools are simple, making it appealing for children to work at their own pace.
During the process, imagination is nurtured through experimenting with colors and shapes, and it naturally encourages interaction with caregivers and teachers.
The finished piece is fun to display and is a highly satisfying craft made from familiar materials.
amigurumi puppet
The handmade charm of an “amigurumi puppet” makes it a perfect idea for playtime in nurseries and kindergartens.
Crafted with soft, fluffy yarn, this puppet is gentle to the eye and touch, and it’s a versatile item that can be used for performances and pretend play.
Using basic crochet techniques, you can freely customize it into animals or characters, creating uniquely expressive pieces.
The time and care put into making one bring a special sense of accomplishment when it’s finished.
It has a warmth you won’t find in mass-produced items, spreading smiles in children’s play—a highly recommended handmade puppet.
Snug Little Caterpillar
Let me introduce the Peekaboo Caterpillar that pops out when it sticks with a magnet.
Have the children help by threading pipe cleaners through the holes you make in the decorative balls with an awl.
They can create an original look by choosing the color order of the decorative balls, too.
Cut a plastic wrap tube into different lengths to make cylinders, then cover the outside with construction paper.
Stand the tubes upright on the construction paper, arrange them, and use glue to attach and secure them so they won’t fall over.
Put a magnet into a “Pita” pen (a magnetic pen) to finish—and you’re done! Give it a try!
Mario Puppet
The felt “Mario Puppet” is a DIY idea that uses a popular character loved in preschools and kindergartens.
Using red and blue felt, you can recreate Mario’s hat and overalls, and easily finish by gluing on parts like the mustache.
While making it, you and the children can naturally communicate by choosing colors and deciding where to place each piece, creating fun memories.
Once completed, it’s great for pretend play and can help foster creativity and expressive skills.
It’s a puppet with the unique warmth that only handmade crafts can offer.
Egg carton caterpillar
The uniquely shaped caterpillar is a popular insect among children and even appears as the main character in picture books.
Let’s make a caterpillar using an egg carton.
Cut the egg carton lengthwise in half, trim the edges, and round them.
Tear about three kinds of origami paper by hand and use wood glue to stick the pieces onto the egg carton.
Once everything is attached, add pipe cleaners for antennae and glue on eyes to finish.
Depending on the colors and size of the torn origami pieces, you can create a caterpillar with lots of personality.
Give it a try!
Paper bag puppet
“Paper bag puppets” are a handmade craft idea that children can enjoy at daycare and kindergarten.
Using familiar materials like paper bags, construction paper, origami paper, and yarn, it requires no special tools, making it easy for anyone to try.
Children can create freely by sticking papers of their favorite colors and patterns onto the bag or adding yarn as hair accessories, which naturally fosters their imagination and expressive skills.
The making process itself is play, and after completion the puppets shine in pretend play and puppet shows, so they can be enjoyed for a long time.
It’s a perfect craft idea for both early childhood settings and activities at home.
sock puppet
Make the most of socks! Here are ideas for sock puppets.
When you’re making puppets, it’s nice if they’re easy to put together, right? This time, let’s try making puppets using socks, which are easy to source and come in a wide range of colors.
What you’ll need: socks, stuffing, thick paper/cardstock, a pen, fabric double-sided tape or glue, felt, eye parts, scissors, and more.
Try creating sock puppets in your favorite motifs—like snakes, dogs, or bears—by customizing as you like!