Handmade games: DIY craft ideas you can make and play
We’ve put together a collection of DIY game ideas you can make and play.
Crafts are great not only for indoor play, but also for activities in childcare settings and as summer break projects for elementary school students.
And if what you’re making is a game, kids can enjoy playing with it even after the crafting is done—which they’re sure to love.
In this article, we introduce a variety of games you can make by hand.
If you’re looking for handmade game ideas, feel free to use this as a reference.
Since they’re handmade, it’s also fun to set your own rules and difficulty levels!
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Handmade Games: DIY craft ideas you can make and play (101–110)
Make a bow and arrow with straws!
A piece you worked hard to make yourself becomes twice as fun if you can play with it afterward, right? So this time, we’re introducing a bow and arrow you can make with straws.
You can use either thick boba straws or regular straws.
Besides the straws, you’ll just need common household items like a toilet paper roll and rubber bands, so it’s easy to prepare.
The projectile that the bow shoots is made from the toilet paper roll and rubber bands.
Make the bow using a straw and a spherical Styrofoam ball.
Once it’s finished, just aim and shoot at targets made from paper plates or balloons.
Kids will enjoy crafting it with the excitement of being able to play with it after it’s done.
smart ball
Smart Ball is a playful craft that lets you build your very own game while getting excited about the motion of a rolling marble.
Cut lumber to fit a perforated board to create a frame.
Add an incline beneath the board so the marble rolls more easily.
For the launcher, use nails and rubber bands to make a pull-and-release mechanism that shoots the marble.
Attach a plastic sheet on top of the board to enhance the sound and feel as the marble rolls.
Place small pegs called dowels to add unpredictability to the marble’s path.
With creative targets and decorations, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind original Smart Ball game.
It’s a fun way to nurture creativity and observation skills as you play.
Cardboard vending machine
Let’s introduce a cardboard vending machine that looks just like the real thing.
Insert a coin and press a button, and a drink will come out from inside.
Gather the materials—milk cartons, cardboard, bubble gum, rubber bands, paper clips, plastic sheets, tape, glue, a ruler, scissors, and a utility knife—and let’s get building.
We’ll start by making the internal parts of the cardboard vending machine.
The key is to carefully measure each part and cut it to the correct size before assembling.
Measure the base cardboard as well to ensure it’s the right size to hold the drinks, then build accordingly.
It also sounds fun to make your own original drinks!
chain drop
Let’s make a toy called a “chain dropper” using a milk powder can! It’s very easy to make.
Attach the parts of Anpanman’s face to the lid of the can, then cut out the mouth area with a utility knife.
After that, secure the lid with tape so it won’t come off, and just put the chain inside! Little kids love putting things into small holes like this—and they love pulling them out, too! It’s a simple toy, but it’s a classic favorite among children.
Give it a try!
basket
Why not try making a basket out of construction paper? First, make a loop from a strip of construction paper.
Then prepare eight strips that are half the length of the paper used for the loop.
Cross two strips to form a plus sign and attach their ends to the outside of the loop.
Cross another two strips and attach them to fill the gaps.
Attach the remaining four strips in the same way, but this time, attach them to the inside of the loop.
Prepare two long strips and weave them through the gaps between the papers attached to the loop, alternating over, under, over.
Finally, add a handle and you’re done!
Handmade Games: Craft Ideas You Can Make and Play (111–120)
Marble Drop
Why not try making a marble drop inspired by Anpanman? The base will be a plastic bottle.
First, cut it into three equal sections, then insert a piece of thick paper between the sections and reassemble them.
Punch marble-drop holes in the thick paper and decorate it to evoke Anpanman.
You could also make the thick paper look like Anpanman’s or Baikinman’s face.
Once you add the marbles, it’s complete.
Its cute appearance and the sound of the marbles dropping will captivate children.
Marble Maze
Let me introduce a marble maze that’s so much fun to roll around.
Get your materials ready: a plastic board, colored construction paper, colored pencils, a ruler, a cutting mat, scissors, double-sided tape, clear tape, a ballpoint pen, and marbles.
Cut the plastic board to create the base shape of the maze.
It’s best to assemble the base by attaching pieces around the edges.
For the maze course, cut the board and adjust the sizes as you build.
Create traps by cutting construction paper and attaching them along the course.
Adding tunnels will make it even more exciting.
Roll your marble and enjoy aiming for the goal!