[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)
Cute zodiac felt finger puppets!
Not just for kids—you’ll want to make and collect them for yourself too! Here’s a cute finger puppet idea.
You’ll need a template, felt in various colors, eye parts, scissors, stuffing, thread, and a needle.
It’s great for those who are good at crafts, but if you’re not confident or you’re a beginner, you can also use fabric glue to stick the felt pieces together and aim to finish that way.
If you customize the mane and eye parts, you’ll end up with a horse that has a totally different look.
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!
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!
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.
Snow globe made from a plastic bottle
Here’s how to make a snow globe using a plastic bottle.
Prepare an empty bottle from a lactic acid bacteria drink, decorative pom-poms, beads, glitter, liquid glue, and a hot glue gun.
Put the beads and decorative pom-poms into the empty drink bottle.
Fill the bottle about halfway with liquid glue, then add water.
Color a piece of paper with colored pens, place it into the bottle, and let it tint the liquid.
Mix everything together, then top up with water to push out any air, and you’re done.
Close the cap tightly and secure it with a hot glue gun so it won’t open.
Wrap vinyl tape around the top to finish.
Decorating with washi tape might make it even cuter!
Let’s try stacking or arranging the pool cues!
Here are some ways toddlers can enjoy playing with pool noodles! It’s fun to have plenty of pool noodles cut into pieces that fit in a child’s hand.
First, prepare a long string or rope threaded with the cut pool noodles.
If you stretch it horizontally at the child’s height, they can enjoy sliding the noodles left and right.
You can also stick hook-and-loop fasteners to the wall and the pool noodles so kids can attach them to the wall, or try stacking the pool noodles to build.
Have fun exploring different ideas!