Fun DIY Toy Ideas You Can Make with 100-Yen Store Materials
Kids love playing with toys.
We want to provide toys that match their developmental stages and interests and let them play a lot, but buying new toys every time can be costly, which is a concern.
So this time, we’re introducing toy ideas you can make with materials from the 100-yen shop.
From items that stimulate the five senses through seeing and touching, to those that promote fine motor development, to things that can be used for pretend play—there are plenty of fun toy ideas that babies to preschoolers can enjoy.
Another great point is that they’re easy to make without spending much money!
These are perfect not only for daycare and kindergarten but also at home, so be sure to give them a try.
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Made with Dollar Store Materials! Fun DIY Toy Ideas (21–30)
cake
Here’s an idea for felt cakes you can use for pretend play.
Basically, make a pattern for the cake shape you want, then cut the felt to match and sew it together.
You could make several slice-shaped shortcakes that combine into a whole cake for easier play.
Place a piece of cardboard on the bottom of each cake, then stuff it with cotton and sew it closed.
For the cream, cut the felt into a pinwheel shape and sew it so the tips gather tightly—this will make it look realistic.
After that, add your preferred toppings, like cream layers in the cross-section and strawberries!
Crafting fish with 100-yen shop magnets
Freshly caught and flopping! Here’s an idea for a fish craft you can make using magnets from a 100-yen shop.
It’s perfect for anyone wondering, “What kind of craft can I make with magnets?” All you need are construction paper, tape, a pen, scissors, and a magnetic sheet.
The video mainly features mackerel, but it looks like you can adapt it to other fish like flounder or filefish.
It’s such a unique idea that you’ll want to make it flop again and again!
Fun DIY Toy Ideas Made with 100-Yen Store Materials (31–40)
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.
Toy stethoscope for playing doctor
When you want to play doctor, make a toy stethoscope and get into character! For this one, you’ll use a headband you can find at a 100-yen shop.
Cover the headband with a tube of sewn felt, so if it has any decorations, remove them first.
For the tubing, use a string or cord, and for the chest piece, cover a suitably sized cap or lid with felt.
Once you’ve connected everything, your stethoscope is ready! It might be even more fun if you also make items like a medicine bag or bandages.
Hatena Box
Let’s make a fun toy that looks like it could be in a Mario game! Keep the lid of a formula can open, and attach a drain cover that fits the opening by flipping it upside down over the top.
Since your baby will be putting their hand through it, be sure to use a soft silicone drain cover.
Draw a question mark on the surface of the can and decorate it however you like—that’s it! Put small toys or snacks inside and have your baby guess what’s in there, or let them pull out cards that match a sample picture.
Because they can’t see the contents, it helps develop your baby’s imagination.
Sandwich shop
How about making a sandwich toy inspired by Anpanman characters? Try creating baguettes shaped like Anpanman or Shokupanman’s faces, as well as fillings like ham, cheese, and vegetables.
The basic material is felt.
Since the baguette needs thickness, you’ll have to stuff it with cotton and sew it, but I think the other parts can be assembled by gluing them together.
Be sure to make it with your child’s favorite characters and enjoy some pretend play!
Paku-Paku Bear
Pakupaku Kuma-san: a bear face sewn onto a large piece of felt with a zipper for its mouth.
Next to the bear, items like rice balls, bread, eggs, and vegetables are attached with snap buttons.
You can unfasten them and feed them to the bear—it’s a toy, right? The actions of unbuttoning and buttoning seem helpful for developing fine motor skills, and seeing the bear eagerly eat everything might spark children’s interest in food, making them think, “I want to try the same thing,” or “I wonder what it tastes like?”