[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 (21–30)
Puppet horse
You can put it on your hand and make the mouth chomp! Here’s a handmade horse puppet idea.
You’ll use a sock, foam sheets, felt, yarn, and googly eyes.
Stack two half-circle pieces of foam sheet and tape the straight edges together, then attach them to the cut end of the sock with a hot glue gun.
Line the contact surfaces of the foam with pink felt and glue on teeth made from white felt.
Finally, add the facial features, a yarn mane, and felt ears—and you’re done!
wiggly toy
How about a wiggly toy that moves like a living creature? This idea uses plastic bottle caps with holes drilled in them, threaded onto a string.
If you picture a snake toy, it might be easier to imagine the finished product.
Decorate the caps to create the look you like.
You can enjoy watching it move by pulling on the string, or let people actually touch and play with it.
Its unique appearance leads to stimulation and fun.
Fluffy sponge ball
Introducing a fluffy sponge ball that’s fun to touch! Prepare three sponges (you can find them at 100-yen shops), scissors, and a rubber band.
First, cut both ends of a sponge with scissors.
Make cuts on the left, right, and center to create eight tentacle-like strips.
Do the same with the other two sponges so each has eight “tentacles.” Stack the three cut sponges together, tie the center with a rubber band to secure them, and fluff the strips outward.
You’re done! Try tossing or rolling it and enjoy playing in different ways!
milk can drum
Toys that make sounds are said to be effective for early childhood development.
So how about making a drum out of a milk can? First, prepare an empty milk can you no longer need, then decorate it by attaching a faux leather sheet to the bottom and a remake sheet to the sides.
Using a wood-grain patterned remake sheet will give it a more drum-like look.
Try playing together by beating it to music and have fun.
By the way, the tension of the faux leather sheet will change the sound.
Spinning Drive
“Kurukuru Drive” is a toy that lets you use a paper towel roll as a road and drive a car along it.
It’s an irresistible idea for kids who love vehicles! First, sketch a road on the paper towel core.
Don’t forget to draw a start and a finish.
Once the drawing is done, color it in.
It’s even better if you add things like traffic lights and houses—it makes it feel more like real driving.
Finally, draw a car on a piece of plastic (vinyl) sized to fit the road’s width, color it, and wrap it around the paper towel core—that’s it! Line it up at the starting point and spin it to drive toward the goal!
Everyone’s favorite music play
How about an idea where children play musical games to original music using existing instruments or homemade ones? As they freely make sounds with bells, maracas, drums, and more, smiles naturally appear as they get into the rhythm.
It’s okay even if you’re not confident with music! It’s a time when each child can be the star.
It also nurtures expressive and communication skills.
Adults can enjoy it together as a program too.
It’s easy to incorporate and will make daily activities even more fun, so be sure to try it with the children.
Toys that expand with a switch
Indoor, switch-operated toys you can enjoy.
They’re easy to use even if hand or body movement is limited—that’s the key point.
Just pressing a switch makes sounds, lights, or movement, sparking children’s curiosity.
You’ll need a few slightly uncommon tools to make them, but once they’re finished, kids will have lots of fun.
What matters is that even with the same activity, each child responds differently.
While playing, they can build focus, fine motor skills, and opportunities for communication.
They’re easy to use even for beginners, so try making them and enjoy playing together with the children!