This time, we’ll show you how to make fun, handmade toys using rubber bands, which are commonly found in every household.
By using rubber bands, you can create entertaining toys that show surprising movements—like paper cups that launch or marbles that spin!
Rubber bands are a fascinating material that can power all sorts of motion.
Be sure to explore and make handmade toys that are fun to build and play with!
Please handle rubber bands carefully and use them safely.
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- Handmade snake toy. A fun idea you can move and play with!
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- Handmade capsule toy machines with everyday materials! Easy craft ideas you can make
- [For Kids] Spins in the wind! A collection of recommended DIY pinwheel ideas
- [Handmade Toys] Fun to Make! A Collection of Pull-Along Toy Ideas
- Kids and adults alike will be captivated! A collection of DIY marble run ideas
Moving! Spinning! Flying! Fun handmade toys made with rubber bands (1–10)
batting machine
You can make it with items you have at home or in the classroom! Here’s a homemade batting machine.
You’ll need paper cups, rubber bands, construction paper, cardboard, a plastic bottle, origami paper, tissues, tape, a pen, and scissors.
To make it, cut slits in a paper cup and hook crossed rubber bands into the slits.
Next, glue a plastic bottle cap to the top of the cup, and attach construction paper cut with scissors to the sides to create the base.
For the ball, take three tissues, crumple them into a ball, and secure with tape.
Decorate a plastic bottle to make a bat, and you’ll be ready to play right away!
A guitar that changes its sound
Here’s how to make a simple guitar-like instrument that’s similar to bongos using paper cups! You’ll need 4 paper cups, 3 rubber bands, tape, scissors, and a pen or marker.
First, tape two paper cups together by their bottoms so they’re firmly attached.
Next, use the pen to mark three spots on each of the remaining two cups, then place those cups inside the first two that you taped together.
Finally, cut small slits at the three marked spots and thread the three rubber bands through the slits—done! The great thing about this toy guitar is that you can change the sound by adjusting the rubber bands.
If you pull or stretch the rubber bands, the pitch changes, so try making music together with your kids!
Ball Shooter
Play indoors or outdoors! Here’s how to make and play with a ball shooter and catcher.
What you’ll need: a milk carton, rubber bands, a paper cup, wire, craft glue, a utility knife, an awl, a pen, scissors, and tape.
How to make it: cut the milk carton into parts and tape them together, then cut slits and make holes in the paper cup.
Thread rubber bands through using the wire, and reinforce with tape to complete the base.
Assemble the ball using craft glue.
The key is to hold it firmly in place and let it sit until it dries.
Reinforce the ball with tape as well.
Make two sets and try playing catch or competing to see who can shoot the farthest—have fun getting creative!
cracker
You can make it without gunpowder! Here’s how to make a party cracker.
What you’ll need: 1 paper cup, 1 chopstick, 1 rubber band, 1 sheet of aluminum foil, cotton balls or origami paper, a ballpoint pen, and scissors.
First, make a hole in the bottom of the paper cup.
Next, cut eight 3 cm slits around the rim of the cup and curl them outward by wrapping them around a pencil to give them a rounded shape.
Tie the rubber band to a chopstick cut to 2 cm, and thread it through from the inside of the cup.
While wrapping the rubber band that comes out on the outside, crumple the aluminum foil into a ball.
Put cotton balls or small pieces of cut origami paper into the cup, and it’s done.
Be sure to use soft materials inside the cup so they won’t hurt if they hit someone.
Try using it at birthday parties or celebrations!
snapping frog
Let me show you how to make a “Snap-Jumping Frog” that makes a snapping sound and leaps high! You’ll need: thick paper or a milk carton, rubber bands, a ruler, scissors, and colored pens.
It’s super easy to make.
First, cut the thick paper to 12 cm by 6 cm and fold it in half.
Draw a frog’s face on both sides with colored pens, then make a slit about 1 cm long.
Be sure to cut through both layers together.
You’ll end up with four slits—hook a rubber band across them in a crisscross pattern, and you’re done! With the rubber-band side facing out, fold it in half, let go, and the frog will make a big jump! It can spring with force, so step back a little when you release it.
It’s great for events too—why not make it with the kids and have some fun?