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 (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!
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!
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!
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.
vase
Let me show you how to make a vase from an empty can.
Prepare an empty can, A4 graph paper, glue, a utility knife, sandpaper, and a food storage container filled with water.
Glue the graph paper onto the area where you want to cut the can, then use the utility knife to make vertical slits.
Next, sand around the lid area and remove the lid.
Submerge the can in the water in the food container and peel off the graph paper.
Using a toothpick to help separate the sections, gently shape the can outward, gradually rounding it out.
Finally, refine the shape and you’re done! Add flowers and enjoy.