Let's make toys with acorns! Simple and fun handmade toys
When autumn comes, you often see children enjoying collecting acorns.
Acorns have always been a favorite nut among children, both now and in the past.
In this article, we’ll introduce handmade toys you can make with acorns.
We’ve gathered a variety of ideas—from classic toys like spinning tops and balancing toys (yajirobei) to items that let you enjoy making music or doing craft activities.
If you’re wondering what to do with the acorns you’ve collected, give these a try.
Be sure to treat acorns before using them by boiling or freezing to get rid of any insects inside.
Let's Make Toys with Acorns! Simple and Fun Handmade Toys (1–10)
acorn whistle
Let’s hollow out an acorn and make a whistle.
First, pierce a hole in the top of the acorn with a pin, then gradually insert a nail to remove the inside.
Start with a short nail, and when it no longer reaches, switch to a longer one.
For holding the acorn in place, doorstop rubber is recommended.
Work slowly and carefully so the acorn doesn’t crack.
Once the inside is hollow, your whistle is complete.
Press the acorn to your lower lip and blow gently.
Acorn Tower
This is a recommended toy for babies called the “Acorn Tower.” First, cut a plastic bottle into four equal sections and cut out three circles of construction paper with the same diameter as the bottle.
Decorate the construction paper by drawing pictures or attaching printed images to make it cute.
Punch holes in the construction paper big enough for an acorn to pass through.
Use these as dividers by inserting them between the bottle sections, then glue the bottle pieces together.
Be sure to offset the construction paper slightly so the holes don’t line up in a straight line.
Drop acorns in through the bottle’s mouth, seal the opening with tape, and it’s complete.
Acorn Maze
How about making an “acorn maze” out of cardboard? It’s also great for a summer vacation craft assignment.
Cut the cardboard so the sides are about 5 cm high from the base to create the maze frame.
Once the frame is ready, attach strips of cardboard to the base to form the maze.
Try punching holes, adding ramps, and getting creative in various ways.
Don’t forget to make a start and a goal point.
For the acorns, slightly larger, round ones are recommended.
Acorn beanbags
Let’s try making beanbags using acorns.
First, prepare a rectangular piece of fabric and run a running stitch horizontally along the bottom edge.
Don’t tie off the thread; leave it as is.
Fold the fabric in half and sew the side edge closed, then pull the running-stitch thread to gather the fabric.
Wrap the thread and tie it off, turn the fabric right side out, and put the acorns inside.
Finally, do a running stitch around the opening, pull to gather and close it.
Your beanbag is complete.
Be sure to disinfect the acorns by boiling or freezing them before use.
Acorn Hand Drum
The den-den daiko (hand drum) has long been loved as a children’s toy.
Let’s make one using acorns! Before you start, collect some acorns and fallen leaves.
First, glue the fallen leaves around the rim of a paper plate like a lion’s mane.
Attach a single chopstick, then spread glue over the surface and press another paper plate on top to sandwich it.
Paint the plates and draw a lion’s face.
Finally, tie acorns to pieces of kite string and staple them to the left and right sides of the paper plates—and you’re done.
It works as both a toy and a musical instrument, so be sure to have fun playing with it!
Acorn balancing toy
A balancing toy made with acorns sounds fun, doesn’t it? First, make a hole in the acorn and pass a small twig through it.
Balance is important, so it’s best to choose acorns of the same size.
It’s a good idea to gently watch over the children so they can be creative on their own.
Making it together as a parent and child is lovely, too.
Once it’s finished, enjoy watching it gently sway and celebrate together.
It’s a play activity that nurtures imagination while feeling the season.
Before using the acorns, don’t forget to deal with any insects by boiling or freezing them.
Acorn spinning top
Acorn spinning tops are really cute, aren’t they? They’re fun to make with your child.
First, clean the acorns.
Next, make a small hole and insert a toothpick.
The key is to adjust the length so it balances well.
If you draw patterns with colored pencils or markers, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind top.
Watching it spin round and round is so exciting, isn’t it? It can also be fun to think together with your child about what kind of design to make.