[Daycare/Preschool] Handmade toys that delight infants
Infants grow and change so quickly, don’t they?
The kinds of play they’re interested in vary with each developmental stage.
Constantly buying new toys to keep up can be tough!
If that sounds like you, this is a must-read.
Today, we’re sharing ideas for handmade toys that babies will love.
We’ve packed in ideas that stimulate children’s five senses—sound, shape, and texture—to spark their curiosity.
They’re all made from everyday materials, so they’re easy on the budget too.
Another perk of handmade toys is that you can adjust colors, designs, and sizes to suit each child’s personality.
Why not try making toys that your little ones will love to play with, while also enjoying the warmth that only handmade items can offer?
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[Daycare] Handmade Toys That Delight Infants (81–90)
Tambourine you can make with things at home
Here’s an idea for making a tambourine using items you have at home.
You’ll need a round container from a six-piece cheese pack, jingle bells, string, animal-themed templates, colored construction paper, origami paper, scissors, and glue or double-sided tape.
Even if children don’t recognize it as a musical instrument, this works as a special sound-making toy that infants can enjoy.
The cute animal motifs will spark children’s interest and curiosity.
Let’s make sounds freely and have fun playing along with music and rhythm!
Translucent origami kaleidoscope
Here’s an idea for making a kaleidoscope using a plastic wrap core and mirror-like sheets.
Cut the wrap core in half, then insert mirror-like sheets folded into a triangular prism.
Make sure the reflective sides face inward.
Cut a clear plastic sheet into a circle and attach translucent origami paper to it.
Make a hole in the center, insert a bamboo skewer through it, and secure it.
Align the bamboo skewer with the corner of the triangular mirror sheet and attach it so it runs along the side of the wrap core—then you’re done! If you smooth the edges of the clear sheet with sandpaper, it will be safer for children to play with.
fishing
A fishing game is a fun activity where the thrill comes from the “I caught one!” moment.
Prepare pictures of fish, octopuses, and other sea creatures using free illustrations, hand-drawn art, or coloring pages—whatever you like.
Make them together with the kids and have fun.
Then coat them with laminating film from a 100-yen shop.
Next, attach paper clips to the laminated pieces.
After that, tie a string to a pair of chopsticks and attach a magnet to the end, and you’re done! It’s a simple setup where the paper clips stick to the magnet, but it’s so much fun when you catch a lot.
Be sure to play it a lot with the kids!
baby gym
With just tubular cushions and hula hoop parts, you can make a DIY baby gym! Assemble the hula hoops into half-moon shapes, cross them in the center, and tie them together with string to secure.
Wrap tubular cushions around the legs and tape them in place, then attach items that attract children’s interest—like stuffed animals or bells—and you’re done in no time! What children find interesting changes one after another.
Being able to easily swap out the hanging items to match their changing interests is one of the unique benefits of making it yourself, don’t you think?
cloth picture book
Why not try making a fabric picture book inspired by Anpanman? Fabric books are a staple toy for babies.
They often crinkle, include features that promote finger development, and pack in all kinds of clever ideas.
Let’s try making one by hand.
With your own ideas—like a buttoning activity using Anpanman’s face, peekaboo flaps or matching games with various characters—you can create a delightful fabric book.
If you’re not confident at sewing, using felt and glue to craft it like an art project is a great recommendation!