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!
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Recycle empty cans! A collection of fun DIY toy ideas (1–10)
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!
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.
Recycle empty cans! A collection of fun DIY toy ideas (11–20)
Can-made can instruments
Let’s make a can instrument with a changing sound using an empty drink can! If the can still has a pull tab, please remove it.
Next, cut a straw to about half its length and tape it to the can’s opening.
When you tape it, be careful not to cover the opening hole! If you slightly flatten the end of the straw before taping it, it will produce a nicer sound.
If you want to change the instrument’s pitch, use an awl to make 2–3 holes below the mouth opening.
Also make one hole on the opposite side (the back).
When you blow and cover the holes with your fingers, the sound changes and it’s really fun!
empty can drum
Let’s try making a musical instrument using an empty can from cooking, and so on.
Please prepare a balloon, an empty can, vinyl tape, a bamboo skewer, and some tissue.
Inflate the balloon to stretch it, then use scissors to cut horizontally across the mouth of the balloon.
Stretch the cut balloon over the can to cover the top.
Stick vinyl tape around the edge from above to secure it, and it’s done.
Next, fold the tissue horizontally and wrap it around the bamboo skewer.
Apply vinyl tape over it, and your drumstick is complete.
If you make them with cans of different sizes, the sounds will vary and it’s really fun!
mini frying pan
Let’s make a cute little frying pan using empty cans.
Prepare two aluminum cans, pliers, a wooden bead, a screw, instant glue, scissors, and a file.
For safety, wear gloves.
Cut both aluminum cans in half, and also cut off the bottom sections with scissors.
Separate the pieces into the pan body and the lid, and adjust the shape and size.
For the lid handle, smooth it with a file, make a hole in the center of the lid with a screwdriver, attach the screw from the inside, and add the wooden bead on the outside.
For the pan handle, cut the aluminum can lengthwise, fold it in half, make a slit at the tip, and use pliers to adjust the length.
Finally, use instant glue to attach the handles to the lid and the pan body, and you’re done!
can stilts
Let’s make a “can stilts” toy that’s fun to walk with while making sounds by stepping on cans with strings attached.
Prepare two steel cans, pliers, polypropylene (PP) cord, an awl, wrapping paper, scissors, and glue.
For safety, crimp the openings of both cans with pliers.
Using the awl, make holes on both sides of each can at the same height.
Cut the wrapping paper to fit the side surface of the can and the round top surface, and glue it on.
Since the holes will get covered, reopen holes in the same spots from the top.
Thread the PP cord through the two holes and tie overhand knots on the inside of the can to secure it firmly—then you’re done! Adjust the length of the PP cord to match the child’s height.