Disposable chopsticks transformed! Fun toy-making using chopsticks!
Don’t you ever end up with disposable chopsticks left over because you get them with bentos from convenience stores or supermarkets and forget to use them?
Today, we’ll introduce a simple and fun toy you can make using those spare chopsticks!
Please give it a try with any extra chopsticks you have.
It might be a bit tricky depending on your child’s age, so please lend a hand where needed.
Also, waving or pointing chopsticks at people can cause injuries, so please follow the safety rules and enjoy making chopstick toys safely!
Disposable chopsticks transform! Fun toy-making with disposable chopsticks! (1–10)
disposable chopstick airplane
It’s a toy with a simple look—like a pair of paper rings attached to a disposable chopstick—and when you throw it, it flies stably like an airplane.
The construction is just as it looks: make a small ring and a large ring out of construction paper, then tape them to the chopstick.
A key detail that affects how it flies is where you attach the rings: put the small ring on the thinner end of the chopstick and the large ring on the thicker end.
Throw it with the small ring facing forward, observe how it flies, and make adjustments—such as shifting the center of gravity—to aim for more stable flight.
Split Chopstick Ghost
When you grip the chopsticks crossed like a plus sign, the stacked tofu containers open and close like a mouth.
First, prepare two sets of chopsticks; split one set in half, place them on either side of the bundled set, and secure everything firmly with rubber bands.
Then tape a tofu container to the tip, punch holes, fit it onto the chopsticks, and fix the chopsticks and container together—now the mechanism is complete.
After that, decorate it however you like using the opening and closing motion.
Since it looks like a wide-open mouth, a ghost theme is recommended.
If you hide the mechanism, it will look even more mysterious.
disposable chopstick bow and arrow
Bows and arrows are a classic kids’ toy and one of the weapons many boys love.
Here’s an easy way to make a simple bow and arrow using wooden chopsticks! Prepare two pairs of chopsticks and glue the thicker ends together in a crossed X shape.
Wrap string around the joint from above to reinforce it.
Attach clips to both ends on the opposite side; since you’ll hook rubber bands onto them later, glue the clips so they stick out slightly.
Thread rubber bands through the clips, and hook a short piece of cut toothpick into the loop so it won’t slip out.
Do the same on the other side to complete the bow.
For the arrows, wrap vinyl tape around the tip of a chopstick.
It might also help to cut a small notch so the rubber band can catch onto it!
Pachinko Demon Slaying
How about going on a demon-slaying adventure with rubber bands and chopsticks? This time, we’ll introduce a slingshot-style demon-hunting toy you can make with chopsticks and rubber bands.
Protect the chopsticks with vinyl tape, pair them up, and secure them with rubber bands.
Punch holes in a cut milk carton and attach it to the chopsticks with rubber bands.
That completes the launching part of the slingshot.
Next, make some oni (demons) and try defeating them with the slingshot you just made! Soft felt balls are recommended as the ammo.
Give it a try and have fun!
Paper yo-yo made from disposable chopsticks
We’re going to make a paper yo-yo using wrapping paper and round chopsticks.
If you use glossy wrapping paper, it takes shape quickly, holds up well, and is more fun to play with.
Fold the paper in half, cut it into four equal pieces, and then use only three sheets.
Glue or tape the three sheets together as straight as possible.
Attach some clear tape to the edge, place the round chopstick on it, and start rolling the paper around it.
Roll the last part tightly, secure it with a rubber band, and leave it for a day.
Wrap the handle area with colored tape and protect the tip as well.
After a day, it’s ready! Try playing with it in a spacious area!
Fishing game with disposable chopsticks
This is a game where you use a pair of disposable chopsticks with a string and a magnet attached to the tip as a fishing rod, and try to catch fish illustrations that have paper clips attached.
Because it involves a craft using small magnets, it’s important to proceed with caution to prevent accidental ingestion.
The difficulty of catching the fish changes depending on the rod length, string length, and the size of the fish illustrations, so prepare various patterns to suit the participants.
Through the game, players can improve hand movement control and concentration aimed at making a sure catch.
Disposable chopstick grabber
Let me introduce a fun toy made with disposable chopsticks: a magic grabber hand! Use four chopsticks, placing them alternately to form a cross, and secure them with rubber bands.
For the gripping ends, use bottle caps and fasten them with rubber bands as well.
At this point, you’ll need to make slits in the caps with a utility knife, but it’s best to have a teacher cut them in advance.
Once you color the chopsticks, it’s complete! You can roll some balls and compete with friends to see who can grab the most—sounds fun, right? Give it a try!