[Let’s Make and Play!] Handmade Toy Ideas You Can Create Yourself
Kids love new toys, don’t they?
They figure out how to play, add their own twists, and discover new ways to have fun.
Here are some ideas for making handmade toys that are easy to customize and adapt!
These ideas use materials you already have at home or can pick up at a 100-yen shop, so they’re all things you can start making right away.
It’s great for adults to make them, and there are plenty of ideas kids can make themselves, too.
Original, one-of-a-kind toys become extra special—and even more fun!
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[Let’s Make and Play!] Handmade Toy Ideas (71–80)
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!
Puppet made from a yoga mat
Impactful puppets! Here are ideas for making puppets using yoga mats.
This is a great idea for anyone who wants to create a large-sized puppet! The key is to insert pieces of cut yoga mat inside the puppet so the parts hold their shape, stand on their own, and feel sturdy.
For the exterior, it’s best to use soft materials like felt.
Children might even feel like they’ve made a new friend.
Give it a try!
Glove rabbit puppet
Make it without any prep! Here’s an idea for a glove bunny puppet.
Do you ever find yourself unsure what to do during small pockets of time, like before a walk or before and after activities? This impromptu puppet idea comes in handy at those times.
All you need is one pair of gloves—nothing else.
There’s no need to cut or paste materials; just fold the gloves and you’re done.
It’s great how easy it is, right? You can also enjoy chatting with the children, saying things like, “The bunny came to visit!” Give it a try.
dollhouse
If she loves dolls, why not try making a dollhouse? In this idea, colored boards and photo frames are used to create walls and windows.
Using pins for furniture legs and buttons for handles, you can build a surprisingly charming dollhouse with just items from a 100-yen shop or things you already have at home.
These days, many miniature furnishings are sold at 100-yen shops, so you can also modify and use those.
Go ahead and create your ideal room.
Yo-yo made with caps
The well-known “yo-yo” is actually great for developing children’s finger dexterity.
You can even make one with everyday materials.
Using their hands helps children improve their concentration, and watching how the yo-yo moves stimulates their senses and nurtures their sense of rhythm.
Here, we’ll show you how to make a yo-yo using a plastic bottle cap.
You can use other materials too, so feel free to craft variations that suit your child’s stage of development and enjoy making them together!
Strikeout
A fun “struck-out” game that helps kids develop both physical movement and thinking skills.
It lets them practice judging distance to the target and supports physical development.
Another advantage is that, through “struck-out,” they can enjoyably improve motor skills and cognitive functions.
Playing with friends or adults also cultivates teamwork and a spirit of helping one another.
You can make a “struck-out” set using familiar materials, so try crafting one by hand to suit your children’s developmental stage!
Tangram
Tangrams are a fun and helpful tool for children’s development.
A “tangram” is like a puzzle where you combine several shapes to make new ones.
It nurtures the ability to recognize shapes, think in space, and use imagination.
As children create various figures, they use their hands while playing, which boosts concentration and helps calm the mind.
The charm of tangrams is that kids can develop many skills while having fun.
Try making your own homemade tangram and enjoy creating different shapes together with your child!
Handmade zipper teaching materials
@user8492253312849 Independent Project Production Log 24: ZipperTranslationHandmade teaching materialsSpecial Needs Education#AutismNeurodevelopmental disorderAfter-school day serviceTokachi
3:03 PM – Sharou
In therapy for child development, zippers are commonly used.
The zipper activity mainly aims to improve hand use.
It also supports children’s focus and their ability to do things on their own.
Especially for children with developmental disabilities, the motion of opening and closing a zipper is an important practice.
By repeating this motion, they become more aware of fine hand movements and gain more successful experiences.
This kind of practice is useful in daily life, too.
Here, we introduce a handmade zipper toy to make practicing with zippers more enjoyable.
Please have fun trying it together, tailored to your child’s developmental stage!
plastic bottle maracas
@welbe.co.jp Simple Craft Series: Plastic Bottle Maracas#NeurodevelopmentalDisordersParenting# developmental support (ryōiku)Habi
Good music – neguse.
Maracas are well-known instruments, but they actually help children learn while enjoying music.
In addition to improving their sense of rhythm and motor skills, exposure to music nurtures sensitivity and creativity.
Moreover, using instruments together enhances cooperation with peers and expressive abilities.
Through enjoyable moments, children’s hearts and minds grow richer.
Please value how music fosters growth of both mind and body.
Handmade maracas can be made from a variety of materials, so be sure to spend fun musical time with children using your own homemade maracas.
number case
@soramame.sensei child# developmental support (ryōiku)numbers#Cap closing
♬ Children, toys, crafts, drawing, fun(1090535) – zomap
The “number case” has several important goals for children’s development.
First, it helps them understand the concept of numbers.
By seeing and touching numbers, they also develop the ability to understand with their eyes.
In addition, playing with numbers increases their concentration and fine motor skills, allowing them to feel a sense of achievement from doing things on their own.
In this way, a number case not only teaches numbers but also supports children’s emotional and physical growth.
Try making a DIY “number case” tailored to your child’s developmental stage and enjoy it together.