[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 Making Ideas (161–170)
Double-shot chopstick gun
Let me show you how to make a double-shot chopstick rubber band gun! Prepare two chopsticks and use a utility knife to carve small notches at the tips where the muzzle will be, so rubber bands can catch easily.
Bundle a total of five chopsticks together by sandwiching those two notched chopsticks with three others on the sides, then secure them with rubber bands to form the barrel.
Make the grip and trigger section by cutting other chopsticks to shape and fastening them with rubber bands, and you’ve got a double-shot chopstick rubber band gun.
They say the longer the barrel, the more powerful it gets, so it could be fun to build a few in different lengths and compare them.
64-shot cardboard chopstick rubber band gun
A must-see for anyone who wants to push the limits of rubber band gun rapid fire! With this cardboard-based gun, you can fire an incredible 64 shots in a row! All you need is cardboard, a plastic bottle, chopsticks, rubber bands, kite string, plus a motor, batteries, and vinyl wire.
It’s a proper build with a built-in motor, so the difficulty is high—but that just makes the satisfaction of completing it even greater! Perfect for a summer vacation project or a stay-at-home activity during a long break—give it a try when you have time to take it slow.
Just be prepared: picking up all the rubber bands after 64 shots might be a bit of a challenge…
[For Elementary School Students] Handmade Toy Craft Ideas (171–180)
Simple chopstick gun
This is a very simple chopstick rubber-band gun you can make with just two pairs of disposable chopsticks.
Clamp the tip of one chopstick set with the tip of the other and secure them with a rubber band.
At this point, use both chopsticks un-split, just as they are.
That’s actually all there is to the assembly! Then hook a rubber band onto the tip to set it, and slowly tilt the clamped chopstick diagonally like a trigger—the rubber band will launch.
Since you don’t need scissors, a cutter, glue, or anything else, it’s perfect for a craft project with small children.
Give it a try!
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!
Button practice toy
Here’s a toy idea that lets kids practice buttoning using Anpanman’s facial parts.
It’s made with felt.
First, stack two circular felt pieces to create the base of Anpanman’s face.
Embroider the eyebrows, nose, cheeks, and mouth outline on it, then sew buttons onto the eyes, nose, and cheeks.
After that, sew the corresponding attachable parts that fasten onto the buttons, and you’re done! You can use either snap buttons or regular buttons with holes—choose whichever seems more fun for your child.
Two‑handed chopstick rubber‑band gun
It’s a hefty chopstick gun that you hold with both hands like a rifle! Once you choose the chopstick that will be the muzzle, surround it with other chopsticks and secure them with rubber bands to form the barrel.
Fix the trigger and the grip with rubber bands as well, and your two-handed chopstick gun is complete.
Though it’s quite large, the method is very simple—you’re just using more chopsticks.
Even for small children who might put small objects in their mouths, this size should make it safer and more reassuring to play with.
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.
