Lovely handmade crafts

Let's make toys with milk cans! Upcycling methods suitable for babies

Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICsasashina
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. During my student years at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, I studied a wide range of fields including sound, lighting, and video technology, building a foundation in comprehensive stage production and creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, consistently building experience in production and engaging in a variety of music-centered tasks. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting and what I feel and discover through daily interactions with my kids. I hope my work can be of help to you, even in a small way!

Babies drink more milk as they grow.

Many parents start with stick or tablet types, but as their babies get bigger, they switch to large milk tins.

So today, I’d like to share some DIY toy ideas using milk tins.

Milk tins are made of steel and are very durable! If you’re thinking, “It’s a waste to throw them away—I want to repurpose them,” definitely give these a try.

These ideas are perfect for babies who are still in the milk-drinking stage!

Let's make toys with milk cans! Upcycling methods suitable for babies

drum

[Milk Can Remake DIY] Make a Drum!

drum

An instrument even a baby can play—a drum! Let’s make a simple drum using a milk can.

First, stick a wood-grain or leather-style remake sheet onto an empty can.

You can find remake sheets at 100-yen shops, so choose something cute or realistic—whatever you like.

Attach faux leather or thick paper to the part you hit.

Since this area will be struck a lot, secure it firmly so it doesn’t come off.

The sound will change depending on how wide or narrow the milk can is, so try making a few and have fun playing with your baby.

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Taki no namida pin ku

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drop-in box toy

[1 year 2 months] Handmade Toy by a Nursery Teacher Mom: Anpanman Drop-in Box

drop-in box toy

Let’s make a drop-in toy that makes a fun sound when pieces fall in.

The base is an empty milk can.

Cut a hole in the lid to create the entry for dropping pieces.

Next, decorate the can with felt or other materials.

It would be lovely to make the round lid look like Anpanman’s face, too.

Once the can is ready, make the pieces to drop.

You can do this by combining two plastic bottle caps—simple! Its straightforward design makes it easy and appealing to try.

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chain drop

[Handmade Toys] [Daycare, Kindergarten] I tried making three types of toys you can play with using chains.

chain drop

Let’s make a toy called a “chain dropper” using a milk powder can! It’s very easy to make.

Attach the parts of Anpanman’s face to the lid of the can, then cut out the mouth area with a utility knife.

After that, secure the lid with tape so it won’t come off, and just put the chain inside! Little kids love putting things into small holes like this—and they love pulling them out, too! It’s a simple toy, but it’s a classic favorite among children.

Give it a try!

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In conclusion

We introduced toy ideas using milk cans.

There were many toys that seem likely to promote babies’ hand and finger development, such as pulling, putting in, and tapping.

There are also ideas that can be easily made by combining items from 100-yen shops, so even if you’re not good at crafts, please give it a try.