Lovely childcare

Let's make toys with acorns! Simple and fun handmade toys

Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICsasashina
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. During my student years at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, I studied a wide range of fields including sound, lighting, and video technology, building a foundation in comprehensive stage production and creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, consistently building experience in production and engaging in a variety of music-centered tasks. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting and what I feel and discover through daily interactions with my kids. I hope my work can be of help to you, even in a small way!

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 (11–20)

acorn

Kimie Gangi: Easy and safe “How to make an acorn top (spinning top)” for elementary school Life Studies. #acorn #donguri #LifeStudies #2ndGrade #children’splay #elementaryschoolteacher

acorn

Why not make a homemade spinning top using acorns you’ve picked up at parks or campgrounds? It’s also a great opportunity for kids to get hands-on with natural materials.

The trick is to choose larger acorns, such as sawtooth oak (kunugi) acorns, for the top.

First, mark the center of the top of the acorn, then set it on a rubber doorstop or similar item to hold it steady.

While holding the acorn firmly, use a pushpin to make a hole.

If you want to widen the hole, you can use a screw hook.

Once the hole is made, insert a toothpick straight in, trim it to a suitable length, and you’re done! This method is simple and safe enough for elementary school children, so give it a try.

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Acorn-chan

[Origami] Fold an acorn with origami — with a little twist, it becomes a cute acorn-chan!

Acorn-chan

Let’s add a little twist to acorn origami, which is great for small children, and make a cute little acorn character! After folding the acorn out of origami paper, attach round stickers for eyes and draw a mouth.

You can let your child place the stickers freely and draw the expression, too.

Next, glue a chopstick to the back of the acorn along with pipe cleaners as the arms and legs, and your acorn character is complete! It’s easy to make and can be used like a paper puppet, so kids are sure to love it.

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In conclusion

We introduced handmade toys made from acorns.

There were various toys that made use of the acorn’s easy-to-roll shape and hardness.

Did you find any ideas you’d like to try making? Many of them are simple to make, so be sure to enjoy the process of making them together with your children.