[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 (41–50)
A toy you pull and use with your fingertips
This is a toy made by poking holes in a plastic wrap core and threading a string or an elastic with beads through it so that children can pull and play.
It’s very simple, but it seems like an idea that even young babies who are still lying down can enjoy.
It also looks great for developing the hand and finger skills of 1- to 2-year-olds.
It’s easy to make! Decorate the plastic wrap core cutely with origami paper, construction paper, or masking tape, then thread and secure string, elastic, and beads you can buy at a dollar store.
If you’re using string, make two holes at the same height and thread a slightly longer string through so it can be pulled from both sides for extra fun.
Infinite Chain
There are capsule toy items called “Endless Bubble Wrap” and “Endless Edamame,” right? It’s not exactly modeled after those, but how about making a toy called an “Endless Chain”? First, decorate a formula can with colored paper or masking tape.
Prepare a plastic chain, connect it into a long length, and put plenty of it into the can.
A slightly thicker chain is better so that a baby can grip it easily.
That’s it—done.
The more you pull, the more chain keeps coming out, so your baby is sure to be delighted.
Ring game
If you turn pool noodles into loops and secure them with duct tape, you can make soft-material toys.
Kids can play however they like—by stepping into the loops or crawling through them like tunnels.
If you prepare several colors, they can pick their favorites or line them up, making them great for exploring colors too.
They’re safe even for infants, so why not try making them by hand? It’ll be fun to see how children react when they see the loops.
Before use, check that the duct tape isn’t torn to prevent accidental ingestion.
train
Let me introduce an idea for a train made with a coin case.
When it comes to toy trains, “Plarail” is the classic choice, but this time let’s try making one with felt! Cut out a train base the same size as the coin case, along with parts like windows and lights, all from felt.
Sew them together, then slip the felt over a coin case wrapped with magnetic tape.
After sewing it closed, you’re done! This toy can connect with magnets, so try making trains in various colors and types.
It might be fun to make a playmat with tracks to go with it, too!
[Ages 1 and up] Sensory mat
![[Ages 1 and up] Sensory mat](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/teM2_z91TMA/sddefault.jpg)
A “sensory mat” lets kids have fun and get stimulated even indoors.
Because they use mats that let them enjoy various sensations with the soles of their feet, you won’t have to worry about them running around the house! You can make a DIY sensory mat by attaching items with different textures to interlocking floor mats.
For example, choose safe materials for children to walk on barefoot, such as balloons, artificial flowers, sponges, or artificial turf.
If you’re playing in summer, items that feel cool—like cold packs—might also be effective.
Creating tunnels or circuits with sensory mats will make it even more exciting!
Play in many ways! Educational toy
You know those educational toys you can pull, tap, and pinch—the ones sold at big toy stores? Inspired by that idea, why not make a “multi-activity educational toy” using a formula tin? Punch holes in the can, thread a string through, and tie fist-sized toys to the right and left ends to create a pulling activity.
Use rubber bands to secure small beads to the bottom of the can—now you’ve got a pinching activity.
Turn the opposite side of the can into a drum for tapping play.
Beyond that, brainstorm as a family to come up with more ideas and turn it into a fun educational toy!
Roly-poly Snail
Let’s make a roly-poly snail toy using mainly a paper tube core, plastic bottle caps, and scrap materials! Attach a snail body made from colored construction paper to a paper tube cut to about 3 cm in width.
Create the tail and face parts and stick them onto the paper tube.
Fix inside the tube two plastic bottle caps glued together, and it’s complete.
Painting the paper tube and matching the colors of the caps with the construction paper will make it look extra cute.
