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)
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!
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!
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.