[For Elementary School Kids] Handmade Toy Craft Ideas
There are plenty of opportunities to make handmade toys, like indoor play items or independent research projects.
Some of you might be thinking, “Isn’t there a toy I can make with things I already have at home?”
In this article, we’ve compiled a bunch of handmade toy ideas for elementary school children.
These are not only fun to make, but also fun to play with once they’re finished.
It’s also great to incorporate your favorite characters or designs when making them.
Be sure to check out these handmade toy ideas that you can enjoy with family and friends.
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[For Elementary School Students] Handmade Toy Craft Ideas (1–10)
nori-maki (seaweed roll; sushi roll wrapped in seaweed)
Here’s how to make a sushi roll–shaped toy that’s delightful in look, sound, and feel.
You’ll need items like plastic bottle caps and beans (or similar) to make the rattle sound.
Put the sound-making beans inside a cap, seal it with tape, then attach felt pieces for the seaweed, rice, and fillings to give it a sushi-roll look, and you’re done.
You can stack them like building blocks, use them as play kitchen props, or simply shake them to enjoy the sound—there are many ways to play.
Change the fillings and they can even serve as board game pieces.
They’re suitable for a wide range of ages, from babies to young children.
The making process is fun too, so craft them together with kids and enjoy playing with your sushi roll toys.
sensory bottle
Let’s make a sensory bottle that’s not only fun to watch but also a lovely interior accent.
A sensory bottle is a toy devised in line with the principles of Montessori education—created by Maria Montessori—which encourages children’s spontaneity according to their interests and developmental stage.
To make one, fill a plastic bottle or similar container with water or another liquid, add your choice of glitter, beads, cellophane, and so on, and it’s done.
It’s a toy you shake to enjoy a variety of movements.
Like a kaleidoscope that never shows the same moment twice, a sensory bottle not only stimulates the senses and curiosity but can also help calm excitement and anger.
You can get the necessary materials at 100-yen shops and the like, so give it a try.
yo-yo
Why not try making a handmade yo-yo that even elementary school kids can easily create? All you need are two sheets of craft paper and some string, and you can get started right away.
First, cut the paper into circles, punch a hole in the center, and thread the string through.
Secure both ends firmly, and you’re done.
You can use colorful paper or add stickers for decoration to make a one-of-a-kind yo-yo.
You’ll have fun moving your fingers as you play with your finished yo-yo, and it’s also great for competing in tricks with friends.
Making it together as a parent–child activity makes the time even more enjoyable.
It’s a recommended craft that lets you experience the satisfaction of making something by hand.
[For Elementary School Students] Handmade Toy Craft Ideas (11–20)
basketball board game
Introduction to a board game for basketball made from cardboard.
Cardboard is a great ally for crafts—many people probably used it for summer vacation projects in elementary school.
Let’s make a board that lets you enjoy a basketball game using cardboard.
On a sloped cardboard base, attach a launcher to shoot the ball and set up the hoops.
For the hoops, stick on a few paper cups.
A ping-pong ball is light and perfect for the basketball.
For the finishing touch, decorate the board with NBA stickers and more to boost the fun.
cupcake
Let’s hand-make adorable ice cream cupcakes, perfect for pretend play and cute as decorations, using items from the 100-yen shop.
The ingredients for these sweet-looking, delightfully textured cupcakes include clear glass dishes, cake cups with cute patterns, and materials like yarn, sequins, and beads.
Just like real ice cream or cupcakes, add toppings however you like to show off your sense of style.
If you tuck an LED light inside the “ice cream,” it can also become a lovely piece of ambient lighting for your room.
penlight
How about making a colorful glowing light stick for the dark using a small light from a 100-yen shop? All you need are a small light from a 100-yen shop, a small plastic bottle from a lactic acid bacteria drink, and colored cellophane.
Gently place small pieces of colored cellophane into the plastic bottle, then insert the light into the bottle’s opening.
If the opening and the light don’t fit snugly, wrap rubber bands around the light to adjust the size.
Secure the light and the bottle firmly with vinyl tape, and you’re done.
lottery game with many strings (Senbonbiki)
Here’s a fun handmade toy that lets you enjoy a festival atmosphere at home: a “Senbonbiki” prize-drawing game.
Senbonbiki is a lottery-style prize game where snacks or small prizes connected by strings are placed inside a big box.
It’s an exciting festival game where you wonder whether you can snag the prize you’re aiming for—or what surprise you’ll win.
It’s also easy to make.
Put the string-tied prizes inside a cardboard box, and players choose one of the strings sticking out at random and pull.
Whatever lifts up smoothly is the prize you win.
With a little creativity in what you put inside, you can make a unique Senbonbiki of your own.