Lovely handmade crafts

Let's make toys with paper cups! Simple and fun handmade toys

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!

Let me introduce some handmade toys using paper cups!

If “store-bought toys get boring quickly” or you “want to do crafting play with your child,” try making toys with easy-to-find paper cups.

We’ve gathered ideas that children of preschool and kindergarten age are sure to love, so have fun!

Paper cups, which we usually use for drinking, can move or even become musical instruments! They’ll surely make kids’ eyes sparkle with interest.

Let's make toys with paper cups! Simple and fun handmade toys (71–80)

Kurukuru Aquarium

[Craft Play] Rotating Pictures with Paper Cups! Spin-Spin Aquarium

Kurukuru Aquarium

Make a lovely aquarium with two paper cups! Cut one window in one of the cups.

On the other cup, draw as many of your favorite aquarium creatures as you like—and you’re ready! Then just place the cup with the drawings inside the cup with the window and spin it around to meet lots of creatures.

Your cute little aquarium is complete!

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Moving sea creatures

Mysterious moves with paper cups: moving squid and octopus

Moving sea creatures

Let’s make octopuses and squids that sway in the sea using paper cups! Prepare two paper cups and color them or draw eyes on each.

On one paper cup, cut slits to divide it into eight sections for an octopus or ten for a squid, then curl them slightly to form the legs.

Fold two long strips of construction paper in an accordion style, attach them to the head and leg parts, and you’re done! Press the head and it will sway back and forth!

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In conclusion

I introduced some toys made with paper cups. They were all easy to make and could be finished in a short time. If plain paper cups feel a bit dull, I recommend decorating them by drawing pictures or using colored paper to make them look cute! Be sure to have fun making wonderful toys together with your child!