[Childcare] Recommended for toddlers! Toy ideas you can make and play with
Toys you can make and play with can be created from everyday materials if you match them to your child’s age and interests.
Through crafting, kids can have fun, grow attached to what they make, and even find opportunities to communicate with friends.
Here, we’ll introduce simple, easy-to-make toy ideas for toddlers.
There are plenty of options for indoor play and for enjoying outside!
Many can be made easily using familiar recyclable materials, so please use this as a reference and try making them together with your children!
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[Childcare] Recommended for toddlers! Toy ideas you can make and play with (41–50)
Paper cup spinning top
A paper cup spinning top is also great for practicing twisting motions like turning faucets and doorknobs.
The idea is to cut and open a paper cup, then add decorations to turn it into a top.
The appeal lies not only in the making process but also in the many ways to experiment while playing—try figuring out how to spin it well or invent different ways to use it.
Depending on the situation, caregivers or teachers can offer prompts that spark creativity, such as, “What happens if you spin it the other way?”
Indoor game with pool stick rackets
This is a pool noodle racket game that kids and adults can enjoy! First, bend a halved pool noodle into a ring and secure it with tape.
Next, wrap plastic wrap across it in a cross pattern three times, and you’ve got a clear racket! It’s fun to play solo with a balloon, but making another racket to play with a few people sounds great too.
Raising your head and lifting your arms in a “hands up” position is said to help strengthen your back muscles.
Because it’s very light, it’s safe for toddlers to play with.
It’s recommended for both outdoor and indoor play!
Tokotoko Penguin
This is an adorable paper-cup penguin that waddles along, swaying from side to side.
Stick origami paper onto a paper cup, then draw details with a pen and attach parts made from origami to make it look more like a penguin.
Make two slits on each side of the cup’s rim.
Attach a rubber band to a used battery and set it into the slits so it’s held in place, and you’re done! Twist the battery a few times, set the penguin down on its belly, and enjoy its cute little waddle.
PET-bottle air cannon
If you have extra plastic bottles, how about making an air cannon and having some fun? First, use a utility knife to cut off the bottom of the bottle.
Since the cut edge can be dangerous, wrap it with vinyl (electrical) tape.
Tie the mouth of a balloon, cut off its top portion, and stretch it over the bottle opening, then secure it firmly with vinyl tape.
Attach a toilet paper roll as a handle, and decorate it with masking tape to finish it off! Hold the handle with one hand and pull the balloon’s knot with the other; the air cannon will shoot bursts of air with a satisfying pop.
Try playing by aiming at targets, and enjoy!
Wobble Game
@narumama_asobi The kids got super excited over the wobbly game—so thrilling and fun!! I’m happy because it’s easy to enjoy!! It uses their fingertips, makes them think about how not to let things fall, and keeps them focused, so it’s great for learning, too! 🥰#AtHomePlay#StayHomeTimepaper plate#PlasticBottleCap#ScrapMaterialPlay
Original song – narumama_asobi – narumama_asobi
Here’s an idea for a “Wobbly Game” that delivers edge-of-your-seat excitement using easy-to-find materials.
Fold a paper plate into thirds and place it rounded side down to create a shaky base.
Then, participants take turns stacking plastic bottle caps on top.
As the base grows more unstable, the tension of gently placing each cap becomes irresistibly fun! The rule is simple: if you make it collapse, you lose.
It’s a balance challenge that makes both kids and adults get competitive.
You can adjust the difficulty with a bit of creativity.
It’s a DIY game that gets everyone fired up.
