[Childcare] Playing with scrap materials: Toys you can make from recycled items

Floating Sea Otter

[Craft Play 061] How to Make a Bobbing Sea Otter: Milk Carton Handmade Toy That Floats in the Bath

Introducing a cute otter toy you can make from a milk carton! Milk cartons are sturdy even when wet, so you can float it in the bath and play.

First, cut the milk carton in half, leaving about 2–3 cm above the bottom.

Open the cut section and use a permanent marker to draw the otter’s face and limbs on the sides.

Cut along the outlines, then attach a plastic bottle cap—like a seashell—to the otter’s hands and the inside of the carton, and you’re done! Tapping the bottle caps, which look like shells, makes a castanet-like sound, so it’s super fun and highly recommended!

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kepiko

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Gacha Capsule Shower

Enhance bath time with gacha capsules #capsule #bath #playathome #parentinghack #gacha

Many of you may be holding onto toy capsules thinking, “I might use them for something someday,” right? Here’s a fun way to use toy capsules for bath time! Toy capsules already have holes in them, don’t they? This play idea makes good use of that.

It’s very simple: hold the capsule and submerge it in the bath water, letting it bubble as it fills up.

Once it’s full, tilt it like a watering can and pour the water out through the holes! Watching the capsule fill up is fun too, so it’s a great tip for kids who aren’t fond of taking baths.

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kepiko

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Operation: Let the fish swim in the tray

Bath-time refusal hacks! #shorts #atHomePlay #bathPlay #parenting

Even kids who don’t like bath time might hop right in! Here’s the “Let’s Make Fish Swim on a Tray!” strategy.

Just draw fish with a permanent marker on the plastic trays that packaged meat or fish, cut them out, and you’re done! Float them in the bath and say, “There are fish swimming in the tub!” Wet trays stick to the bath wall, so besides fish, you can cut out letters for a little learning activity, or make your child’s favorite characters—lots of fun options! Try different tricks to make bath time enjoyable.

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kepiko

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Stroll Pet

Here’s an idea for a “walking pet” that’s sure to make strolling more fun.

The structure is quite simple.

First, connect two cores from rolls of packing tape.

Next, decorate the cores however you like, then cover them with clear tape.

Tie on a string so you can pull it along as you walk, and it’s done.

You can give it the look of an animal to enjoy a walk-like experience, or use characters like Anpanman for a cute touch.

It’ll feel like you’re taking a walk together, and it’s sure to be fun.

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yamamoto

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Anpanman

Here’s a handmade spinning-top idea that’s perfect for kids who love Anpanman.

The charm is that you can make it with materials you likely already have at home, like paper plates and plastic bottle caps! It’s designed so even small children can spin it easily, so why not try making it together with your child? First, create Anpanman’s face slightly smaller than the paper plate.

Next, wrap a plastic bottle cap with vinyl tape to make the nose and fix it at the center of Anpanman’s face.

Also attach another cap to the center on the back of the paper plate.

To finish, stick pieces of sparkly origami paper cut into squares around the edge of the plate, and you’re done! Try other characters too, like Baikinman, not just Anpanman.

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miyabi

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rattle

A rattle that could be called a baby’s very first toy.

Let’s try making one with an Anpanman motif.

Prepare something sturdy like a roll from plastic wrap or poster paper, then wrap it with construction paper or colored tape.

Attach the faces of Anpanman characters to the round openings.

Make the faces out of construction paper, and cover them with clear tape so the paper won’t get damaged and the toy will last longer.

Since the core is hollow, put bells or beads inside.

When a child holds and shakes it, it makes a sound and they’ll have fun!

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sasashina

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Soap bubbles made with a plastic bottle

@n.annlee321

I'll write the usable bottles and additional notes in the comments ☺️✨#tiktok video contest#tiktok classroomLife with children

Classic Medley 2019 – Pianica Magician

You can play without blowing! Enjoy soap bubbles using a plastic bottle.

The key is to prepare a soft plastic bottle that dents with a squeeze.

Cut a hole in the cap with scissors and insert the mouthpiece of a bubble wand into the hole—voilà, it’s ready in no time.

Dip the tip into bubble solution and squeeze the bottle to pump out bubbles.

This is a perfect idea for young children who might have trouble blowing bubbles or for kids who want to practice hand and finger movements.