Lovely handmade crafts

Fun and easy toy ideas made from empty Yakult bottles

lighterutatane
A person from the melodic hardcore boom generation who loves music, photography, and eating. I’ve been going to live houses for over 20 years. I’m at the age where summer festivals are starting to feel tough physically. I sometimes try shooting live photos and videos for MVs. I’m not great at English, so I often listen to straightforward Japanese rock that hits directly, but if someone recommends something, I’ll listen to anything—Western or Japanese—broadly and casually. I like cooking while listening to music; it’s a nice way to relieve stress.

Lactic acid bacteria drinks like Yakult are a daily favorite for many families.

They’re also well-known as recyclable materials that can be used for crafts in places like daycare centers and kindergartens.

Instead of throwing away the empty Yakult bottles that pile up every day, why not try making some simple crafts or toys for kids to play with before you toss them?

In this article, we’ll introduce ways to make toys and share ideas using empty Yakult bottles.

There are lots of simple and fun toys that kids will want to make—try creating them together with your child.

They’re also great for craft activities at preschools and senior care facilities.

Simple and fun toy ideas made from empty Yakult bottles (11–20)

spool tank

Dad’s handmade toy: another one using Yakult containers

spool tank

There’s a classic handmade toy that has entertained many children: the spool tank.

You attach a rubber band to an empty thread spool and make it run using the power of twisted tension.

You can actually make that spool tank with an empty Yakult bottle, too.

Its structure is quite simple—just glue a stick, like a chopstick, to the container and attach a rubber band.

Because it moves in unexpected ways, kids won’t get bored and can play with it over and over.

It would also be fun to make a bunch and race them together.

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blowpipe (glassblowing); bubble blower

Must-see! Spray-foam finish painting #ChibaPrefecture #repainting #paintingContractor #painting #paintWork #DIY #paint

blowpipe (glassblowing); bubble blower

Do you know a blow ball toy? It’s a toy where, when you blow into a straw-like tube, the ball resting on the tip floats.

Let’s try making one ourselves.

For this idea, we’ll use the mouthpiece part of an empty Yakult container.

After cutting out just the mouthpiece, attach a straw to one side and use the other side as the place where the ball sits.

You can have plenty of fun with just this, but if you paint the parts from the empty container, you’ll probably feel more attached to it and like it even more.

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ground spinner firework

Have you ever played with a spinning ground firework (nezumi-hanabi)? It’s named for the way it scurries along the ground.

Let’s make a toy inspired by that.

In this idea, you decorate an empty Yakult bottle to look like an animal.

Add your own personal touch and make it cute.

Once you’re done, attach a rubber-band mechanism inside to finish it.

Then, when you wind the rubber band, it will roll along the ground like a nezumi-hanabi.

It could also be fun to make versions based on other animals.

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Totem pole

Craft time: Easy! Play with Yakult building blocks and make a totem pole! [Poi Art]

Totem pole

As an idea to spark your imagination, let me introduce totem poles.

Totem poles are originally sculptures erected by Indigenous peoples of North America in front of their homes and elsewhere.

You’ve probably seen them at least once.

In this activity, we’ll treat each empty Yakult container as a part of a totem pole.

Once you’re done, try stacking them vertically or lining them up horizontally—play with them freely.

Building them up like a tower sounds fun, too.

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hula hoop

A handmade hula hoop for the daycare—we made it using Yakult bottles.

hula hoop

You can even use empty Yakult containers to make a big toy.

So, here’s an idea: a hula hoop.

This project involves connecting the empty Yakult containers into a circle by taping them together.

Once it’s formed, reinforce it again with vinyl tape.

It’s fun that you can’t tell at a glance that it’s made from Yakult containers.

If you reveal the materials, people will surely be surprised.

First, gather a lot of empty containers.

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plastic bottle cap

Let's make a spinning top with a cap: We'll show you how to make a spinning top using a plastic bottle cap ♪ #Shorts

plastic bottle cap

The spinning top made by connecting plastic bottle caps with string has a unique wind-catching shape and a colorful look that really stands out.

Make a hole in the center of each cap, connect them with string to form a ring, and adjust the angles as you shape it into a circle.

Once it’s neat and round, attach round pieces of thick paper to the top and bottom center, make holes in them, and add the axle to finish.

If it’s too small and hard to spin, try increasing the number of connected caps or making the axle larger for an easier grip.

Also pay attention to which direction it spins more easily, and aim for a more stable rotation.

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In conclusion

We introduced ideas for making toys using empty Yakult containers. They’re the kind of toys that make you want to create many of them and keep playing over and over—they can even become a little addictive. It feels great to put empty containers that would’ve been thrown away to good use, doesn’t it? Yakult containers are also sturdy, so they’re a great choice for toys that will last a long time.