[Handmade Toys] Fun to Make! A Collection of Pull-Along Toy Ideas

Tree-climbing little monkey

Climbing smoothly with a paper cup and twine: a tree-climbing monkey

Play with full enthusiasm! Here’s a fun idea for a climbing monkey craft.

You’ll need a paper cup, straws, scissors, a picture/illustration, glue or double-sided tape, and kite string.

First, cut out the bottom of the paper cup.

Prepare two straws cut to 5 cm each, attach them parallel to each other on the inside of the cup, and thread the kite string through them.

Once you stick the illustration onto the cup, it’s done! When you pull the kite string alternately, the monkey appears to climb—it’s a delightful idea.

Give it a try!

Balloon walking pet

[Handmade Pet] Fluffy Walking Pet #AtHomePlay #Handmade #IdeasForChildcare #PlayAtHome #StayAtHomeTime #HandmadeToys #KidsCrafts

Let’s enjoy the walk we’ve been dreaming of! Here are some balloon walking-pet ideas.

You’ll need balloons, construction paper, glue, scissors, double-sided tape, and ribbon.

Many children probably dream of having a pet and taking it for a walk, right? In that case, try making a balloon walking pet.

Fold strips of construction paper back and forth to make legs and attach them to the balloon, then add eyes and ears made from construction paper.

Tie on a ribbon, and it’s done! Try making your favorite animals like elephants, rabbits, dogs, or cats.

Watching them float and bob around is so cute.

Kachikachi Animal

Pull the ears and it makes a sound! Here’s an idea for click-clack animals.

You’ll need a kraft paper cup, a pen, two plastic bottle caps, scissors, and tape.

First, leaving 1.5 cm at the top, make four evenly spaced cuts in the paper cup.

Fold two of the cut sections and trim them with scissors to create ears.

Attach the plastic bottle caps with tape to the sections you didn’t fold—and you’re done.

Draw your favorite animal and make some noise!

Scrap-wood Archery

[Crazy Archery Using Scrap Materials] #AtHomePlay #EasyActivities #ParentChildPlay #Crafts #ScrapMaterialPlay

Make and play with everyday materials! Here are some ideas for upcycled archery.

You’ll need: a paper tube, an awl, a straw, rubber bands, paper cups, tissue paper, and scissors.

First, use the awl to make a hole in the paper tube.

Cut off the accordion part of the straw, then ball up some tissue paper and attach it to the tip.

Cut a notch at the back of the straw where you can hook a rubber band, and you’re done! Stack paper cups to make a target.

Insert the straw into the hole in the paper tube, hook the rubber band, and launch.

Try experimenting with different ways to shoot!

Mysterious Card

When you pull the card, the illustration turns colored! Here’s an idea for a magical card.

What you’ll need: a favorite illustration, construction paper, a clear file folder, vinyl tape, scissors, glue or double-sided tape, a permanent marker, and a stapler.

Let’s make a magic-like item that “colors in” the illustration along with a cheerful peekaboo shout of “Peek-a-boo!” To keep it safe for kids to handle alone or with others, round off the corners by cutting them, and protect the edges of the piece with vinyl tape.

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!

bodkin (drawstring threader)

Let's play with yarn threading for 2-year-olds

Let’s make a cardboard lacing activity! You’ll need cardboard, an awl, yarn in your favorite color, and chenille stems (pipe cleaners).

First, have your child draw a favorite picture on the cardboard.

Next, use the awl to punch holes along the drawing, then wrap the yarn around the end of a chenille stem—and you’re ready to go.

A key tip: bend and secure the tip of the chenille stem so it won’t poke little hands.

Tape the end of the yarn to the back so it doesn’t pull through, and enjoy lacing freely! It’s so satisfying to thread the yarn through all the holes.

Give it a try!