Recycle your empty cans! A fun collection of DIY toy ideas you can make
Why not try making fun handmade toys using empty cans from juice or fruit, and even empty formula tins? These days, lots of cans come with cute designs, so it’s lovely to use the designs as they are! We’re sharing a variety of ideas, like instruments and lanterns that make clever use of an empty can’s features.
For anything involving fire, switching to an LED light will make it safer to play with, so definitely give it a try and make some fun toys with empty cans!
Recycle empty cans! A collection of fun DIY toy ideas (1–10)
A plate made from an aluminum can
Do you have any used aluminum cans around? This time, we’re giving aluminum cans a makeover! Here’s how to make a stylish dish from an aluminum can.
Prepare an aluminum can and scissors.
Cut horizontally about 1–2 cm down from the top of the can to even out the rim.
Then make vertical cuts at 1 cm intervals all the way around.
After cutting, fold each strip inward in sequence, skipping ahead by three strips each time.
Once you’ve folded all the way around, your dish is complete! It also looks cute and stylish as a small accessory tray.
The steps are simple, so give it a try!
Pinwheel made from an aluminum can
Here’s how to make a pinwheel that shows off aluminum’s signature sparkle.
First, punch four drainage holes in the bottom of an empty can.
Also make a hole in the center of the top.
Next, wrap the can with a sheet of paper marked with straight lines at 7 mm intervals, and use a permanent marker to transfer the marks to the top and bottom of the can.
Fix the can in a box with anti-slip so it doesn’t move, and using a template made from a paper fan, align it with the marks and make cuts with a utility knife.
Don’t cut pieces off; think of it as scoring lines.
Using an awl and nippers, stand the scored sections up and spread them outward into a circle to finish.
Be careful not to injure yourself with the knife.
Make lots and display them outside!
domino toppling
Here’s how to make a domino run using empty cans and flyers.
The method is super simple! Wrap a flyer around an empty can, aligning it with the edge, and tape it in place.
Then fold the opposite edge of the flyer slightly to create a small dent—your domino is done.
It’s great because it’s so easy to make.
When you play, line up the dominos so that the dented parts all face the same direction.
It’s a perfect idea for anyone who wants to play using lots of empty cans—give it a try!
Mancala
Kids love it! Here’s how to make a handmade mancala set.
Here are the materials: first, a sturdy wooden board measuring 20 cm × 58 cm; 12 aluminum cans; 2 plastic containers; scissors that can cut aluminum cans; pliers; glue; 16 screws; a screwdriver; an awl; vinyl tape; cardboard; and packing tape.
Now for the instructions.
Cut the aluminum cans into rings about 2 cm tall, then make slits down to the 1 cm mark.
The cut edges are sharp, so use pliers to fold them inward.
Next, line up six can-cups each along the top and bottom of the wooden board and place the plastic containers at both ends.
Once you’ve decided on the exact positions, glue them in place, and after the glue dries, use the awl to make holes in the centers.
Then fasten them securely with screws.
For the plastic containers, make two holes and fix them with screws as well.
At this point, wrap the aluminum can edges all the way around with vinyl tape to prevent injury.
Finally, reinforce the back with cardboard and wrap it with packing tape.
Cutting and wrapping can be dangerous and requires force, so be sure to do this with an adult.
If cutting empty cans is difficult, using paper cups is a good alternative.
rotating lantern
How about making a magical, candle-powered spinning lantern out of an empty can? First, make radial cuts in the bottom of the can, starting from the center.
Next, cut off the entire drinking top, and then make many narrow, evenly spaced slits along the side as well.
When working, be sure to secure the can so it doesn’t move.
Put a balloon inside the can and inflate it, then push the cut sections outward so the shape becomes round.
Once all the cut sections are spread out, it’s complete.
Turn off the lights, set it near a candle flame, and enjoy a relaxing time.
Choo-choo, the train whistles.
Let’s make a sound-producing train using an empty can! Please prepare an empty can, a straw, a milk carton, scissors, and cellophane tape.
Press the straw against the can and find the spot where it makes a sound, then tape it in place.
Divide the milk carton into four equal parts and shape them around the aluminum can to form a train.
Take one of the four pieces and curve it to create the base of the train, shaping it as you go.
Use another piece as the roof.
For the sides of the train, overlap and cut the corners of the milk carton to refine the shape.
Cut the trapezoid for the front, attach a chimney, and your train is complete! It’s also recommended to cover the milk carton with colored paper of your choice.
Give this special, sound-making train a try!
Tin Can Yacht
https://www.tiktok.com/@kidsdiytoys/video/7150427674270305582Let’s make a cool yacht out of aluminum cans.
Please prepare three aluminum cans, wooden chopsticks, a hot glue gun, colored construction paper, and a star hole punch.
Line up the three cans, and use the hot glue gun to attach two chopsticks each across the front and back to hold them together.
On the front, attach a vertical chopstick to serve as the mast.
Cut yellow construction paper into a rectangle, glue three colored strips down the center, and punch holes at the top and bottom with the hole punch.
Thread it onto the chopstick to make the sail.
Loop twine over the mast and tie it to the base of the boat below.
Cut construction paper into triangles, stick on stars, glue on the flags, and you’re done!
Dropping-in game
How about making a drop-in toy that babies love using a formula can? First, cut fabric to fit the size of the can.
Next, wrap the cut fabric around the can as you stick it on.
Using fabric with an adhesive backing makes it super smooth.
Then cut a sink strainer lid to match the size of the can’s opening.
If you round off the tips of the slits in the strainer, it will feel nicer to the touch and also help prevent babies from biting pieces off.
Glue the lid on, and you’re done.
Try putting in and taking out balls, handkerchiefs, and all sorts of items, and have fun playing together.
woodblock
Let’s recreate the sound of a woodblock using an empty can.
Please prepare a steel can, duct tape, pliers, and a teaspoon.
For safety, use the pliers to flatten the cut edge of the steel can.
Apply duct tape over the round opening of the can, and trim any excess to adjust.
Tap the taped area with the teaspoon and listen to the tone! In no time, you can reproduce a woodblock-like sound with a can.
Try changing the number of tape layers or where you place the tape to enjoy different tones.
It’s also fun to line up two cans of different sizes and tap them!
Educational toy that develops fine motor skills
Here’s an educational toy made by repurposing an empty formula can.
First, cut felt to match the size of the can and lid, and glue the felt onto the lid.
Punch holes in the felt cut to fit the can, thread string through to create pairs, and attach pullable felt toys to the front.
Apply double-sided tape to the side of the can and wrap it with the felt.
Next, make a hole in the lid, thread elastic through beads, and tie it securely so it won’t come off.
Finally, put modeling clay into two water balloons, fix them to two straws with rubber bands to make drumsticks, and you’re done.
It’s a toy that lets kids enjoy various actions like pulling and tapping.