Handmade games: DIY craft ideas you can make and play

A UFO catcher made from a candy box

[Easy Craft] UFO Catcher Made from a Tabekko Dobutsu Box! / Ginbis / Snack Box Upcycle / Animal Biscuits Crane Game / Recycled Craft / Claw Crane / Claw Machine

A UFO catcher made from an empty Tabecco Animal cookie box is a playful craft.

Use the box as the base, and create the frame and decorations with construction paper and colored paper.

Combine straws of different thicknesses—slide a regular straw inside a tapioca (boba) straw—to support the movement of the arm.

Reinforce it with parts from a milk carton, and thread string through it so the arm can move up and down; this mechanism is key.

Design the tip of the arm so it can grip prizes securely.

Using double-sided tape or glue during assembly will make it sturdier.

It’s a cute, fun-to-play idea that makes great use of everyday materials.

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mutō

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Fruit Concentration

These are felt cards you can use to play Concentration (Memory)! You can choose any motifs you like—fruits, vehicles, animals, anything is fine.

However, since Concentration is a game where you match pairs of identical cards, be sure to make two cards of each design.

Cut felt into card shapes and either glue or sew the motifs onto them.

If you’re making everything out of felt, it’s efficient to layer the same fabric and cut two identical pieces at once to save time.

If you want to keep things simple, you could also use store-bought appliqués and just stick them on.

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sasashina

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Race-to-the-top climbing game

Let’s make and play with construction paper! Here’s an idea for a “Race to the Top” game.

You’ll need construction paper, scissors, animal illustrations, glue, stickers, and tape.

First, cut the construction paper and tape the pieces together vertically.

Fold the paper to make creases, then fold the tip into a triangle and cut it off.

Attach the animal illustrations to the cut pieces, assemble them onto the construction paper, and you’re done! When you move the construction paper from side to side, the animal pictures climb upward.

Now, who can reach the goal the fastest? Give it a try!

Darkness Theater

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.

Ogre Tower Made with Paper Cups

Make and play together with your kids! Here are ideas for an ogre (oni) tower made from paper cups.

Children have rich imaginations, and they often surprise us with “I never would’ve thought of that!” This time, let’s build an oni tower with your child.

You’ll need paper cups, construction paper in your favorite colors, scissors, glue or tape, and pens or colored pencils.

What kind of image do children have of an oni? It’ll be fun to see the expressions they draw and the colors they choose!

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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Balloon target shooting

@mami_toys

Shuriken#CapCut#tiktok#foryou#toy#diy#handmade#SharePlayHandmadeworkShurikenOrigamilike#Healing#🌈#😍#💖

♬ 강아지 같아 – 브금대통령

Perfect for events! Here’s a fun balloon target game.

Balloons are soothing to watch as they gently float up when you tap them.

They also make great targets for paper shuriken—so it’s extra fun! All you need are balloons in your favorite colors and some string.

If you want to make the shuriken shown in the video, prepare some origami paper too.

When the sharp tip of a shuriken hits a balloon, it can pop with a loud bang, so be mindful of the location and time when you play.

Give it a try!