Collection of handmade spinning top ideas: how to make tops for use in childcare and play
Spinning tops are a classic item enjoyed as a New Year’s game.
They’ve traditionally been played with because you can enjoy watching the top whirl around by pulling a string or twirling a stick, and they’re popular with children, too.
In this article, we’ve put together a roundup of handmade spinning top ideas that let you enjoy both making and playing.
Many can be made with simple materials you have at home, like milk cartons and flyers, so they’re easy to try.
Give it a go and create your own original tops with any illustrations or patterns you like.
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Collection of handmade spinning-top ideas: How to make tops you can use in childcare and play (21–30)
paper plate
This is a hand-spun top you can easily make by combining a paper plate and plastic bottle caps.
Lightly fold the paper plate in half to create a crease, then use the intersection of the creases as a guide to find the exact center.
Next, attach a plastic bottle cap to both the top and bottom of the plate at the center, and you’re done.
After that, decorate it however you like.
Since changing the weight will affect how it spins, it’s best to add decorations like pen-drawn patterns rather than heavy items.
Try experimenting with different hand and finger movements to see how they change the way it spins.
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.
plastic bottle cap
The spinning top made by connecting plastic bottle caps with string has a unique wind-catching shape and a colorful look that really stands out.
Make a hole in the center of each cap, connect them with string to form a ring, and adjust the angles as you shape it into a circle.
Once it’s neat and round, attach round pieces of thick paper to the top and bottom center, make holes in them, and add the axle to finish.
If it’s too small and hard to spin, try increasing the number of connected caps or making the axle larger for an easier grip.
Also pay attention to which direction it spins more easily, and aim for a more stable rotation.
Mini Gem Spinning Top
This craft features a colorful, beautiful look with a rotating board decorated with gem stickers and the like.
Attach a stabilizing part—such as the bottom of a plastic bottle—to the center of a thick coaster, then decorate the other side with gem stickers and craft parts.
As you design, imagine how it will look while spinning and add decorations in a balanced way.
Since it doesn’t have a handle, it’s not only fun to use as a spinning top but also makes an attractive decorative piece.
milk carton
This is a spinning top made from an opened milk carton, with four wings spread out in all directions.
As you cut each wing, try to keep them the same size and aim for a shape that spins more easily.
To improve spin, cut the tips of the wings at an angle and attach a plastic bottle cap in the center as the axle.
It’s recommended to build it with the inside (white side) of the carton facing up, as it makes pen decorations easier.
To keep the wings straight and stable, you can also reinforce them by layering thick paper or cardboard.
origami
We’re introducing how to fold a stylish spinning top that you can make with just three sheets of origami paper! It’s perfect for making and playing together with your child or friends.
You’ll create each part with the three sheets of paper and assemble them at the end.
There aren’t many difficult steps, and you won’t need glue or scissors, so kids can easily give it a try.
You can also freely customize it by changing the colors or adding patterned paper, letting you express your originality! It would make a delightful handmade gift from a child, too!
CD
If you’ve got CDs lying around at home, why not repurpose them into handmade spinning tops? By combining a CD with a marble, you can transform it into a top that spins really well! The trick is to choose a marble that’s slightly larger than the hole in the center of the CD.
To make it, just apply glue around the center hole of the CD and fix the marble in place.
You can also add a small piece of double-sided tape where you pinch it, or use a finger cot for extra grip, making it easier to spin.
Plus, it’s fun to design and decorate the disc! Try making your own original top in your favorite colors and have fun spinning it.
A spinning top made from the bottom of a milk carton
There used to be a word, “milk bottle,” and for a long time milk normally came in bottles.
Back in the day, the milk served with school lunches was in small bottles, too.
Maybe people shied away from them because bottles are heavy and dangerous when they break? It feels like milk cartons took their place in no time.
But those milk cartons are paper and yet surprisingly sturdy, aren’t they? So how about making a spinning top using a milk carton? Just cut out circles or squares with scissors and stick a toothpick through—it’s almost done.
You can even use a plastic bottle cap as a handle.
And don’t forget to add your own special decorations!
sunflower
This sunflower spinning top incorporates a seasonal touch, looks cute, and spins really well! It’s a great idea for a summer vacation craft.
First, cut the rim of a paper cup into 16 equal sections and spread them out, then trim off any excess.
Rounding the edges of the sections that will become petals makes it extra cute! Next, attach a plastic bottle cap to the bottom of the paper cup, and you’re done.
You can use colored paper cups or decorate plain white ones.
It’s easy for small children to spin, so be sure to make it together as a parent-child activity and have fun playing with it.
Perler beads
Perler beads are arranged to create your favorite shapes and then fused with heat from an iron.
Let’s make a handmade spinning top using Perler beads—a craft that’s fun not only for kids but also for adults! The charm of this idea is that you can arrange the beads into any shape you like, such as circles, squares, or flowers.
If you get creative with color placement, you can enjoy the changing patterns as the top spins! Note that fusing Perler beads requires applying high heat with an iron, so if you’re crafting with children, make sure an adult handles this step.