[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 (61–70)
Nigi-Nigi Cube
Crush it and it springs back into shape! Here’s an idea for a squishy squeeze cube.
Not only is it fun to touch and play with, but you can also stack it like building blocks.
Let’s make a squeeze cube! All you need are clear tape, a permanent marker, and scissors.
Create six square panels by layering clear tape, then simply stick them together to finish.
It’s an easy project to try.
If you design it with characters or colors your child likes, it might capture their interest even more.
Paper yo-yo made from disposable chopsticks and wrapping paper
Let me introduce a paper yo-yo made from chopsticks and wrapping paper that’s fun to stretch and snap back.
Prepare some chopsticks and wrapping paper, and let’s get started.
Measure the length and cut the wrapping paper into a rectangle, then join the pieces with glue or tape.
Secure a chopstick with tape and roll the paper around it.
The key is to roll it tightly so there are no gaps.
Finish with decorations, and it’s done.
Try different wrapping papers to make your own original paper yo-yo and have fun! Be safe and don’t aim it at people.
Chopstick grabber
Let me introduce a chopstick grabber that’s fun to make and fun to play with.
Prepare eight wooden chopsticks, double-sided tape, plastic bottle caps, and rubber bands.
Stack four chopsticks in a crisscross pattern and secure the center with a rubber band.
Make another set the same way.
Combine the two finished sets and bind them with rubber bands where the chopsticks overlap to hold them together.
Finally, attach two plastic bottle caps to the tip, and it’s done.
Try moving the handle and have fun playing with it!
How to make a paper-cup kendama
This is a paper-cup kendama made with a paper cup and plastic bottle caps.
First, poke a hole in the center of the bottom of the paper cup and thread a 60 cm piece of yarn through it.
Be careful not to hurt yourself when making the hole.
Tie a knot at the end of the yarn so it won’t slip out, and secure it to the outside bottom with cloth tape.
Tie a knot in the other end of the yarn as well, place it between two plastic bottle caps facing each other, and fasten them together with cloth tape.
That’s all it takes to complete the main body! After that, customize it with stickers or markers in any design you like.
It’s great because even kids who struggle with a real kendama can have fun and play together!
Paper cup cracker
Party poppers are a must-have at celebrations—the loud pop and the confetti bursting into the air really bring the fun.
This project shows how to make a popper that bursts confetti using a paper cup.
First, make a hole in the bottom of the paper cup and insert a rubber band that’s been tied to a toothpick, anchoring it to the bottom and securing it with tape so it catches firmly.
Wrap one end of the rubber band with folded aluminum foil to create a piece that can strike the bottom of the cup—this completes the base.
Next, put confetti or finely cut pieces of straw inside.
When you pull and release the rubber band to deliver an impact, the contents shoot out like a party popper.
As you build it, experiment to see how the confetti scatters and rises.
Paper Plate Balance Game
Let me introduce a guaranteed crowd-pleasing, handmade recreation activity you can make and play with elementary school kids: the Paper Plate Balance Game.
Paint a paper plate in four colors—red, yellow, blue, and green—and attach capsule toy containers or paper cups underneath to create an unstable balancing base.
The rules use two kinds of dice: one regular number die and a special die with “colors” and faces like “x2” and “x3.” Players take turns placing small counters (like marbles or flat game pieces) according to the color and number rolled.
If you upset the balance and make pieces fall, you lose.
It’s easy to make, and a fun idea game that nurtures dexterity, concentration, and creativity.
Fun-to-shake shaker
Here’s a fun shaker made from a plastic wrap core.
Use origami made of film.
Wrap double-sided tape around the core and seal one end with the origami.
From the other side, add beads or similar fillings and seal it the same way with origami.
Wrap washi tape around it, then cut the origami into strips and wrap them on.
Add googly-eye stickers and a mouth to finish! It’s fun to dance with to music, too.
Little kids will enjoy it, so be sure to make it together and have a great time!
Maze ideas
@tomonite_official A handmade maze using a wrap core! This looks fun for both kids and adults♪ Try making it together with your child 😊 Please use this idea with adult supervision and with safety in mind. Featured from Instagram: a post by @mimita_asobi ✨ Thank you for the wonderful post. ↓↓↓ ───────────────── 【Not trash: A Spinny Maze with a Wrap Core】 Today’s post is a “spinny maze”! The child was super focused! But then they said, “Make a harder one next time,” 🫣 I guess it was a bit too easy for a five-year-old! You can make lots of different versions☺️ The child was able to make it themselves too, so everyone, try making it with your kiddo 👍🏻 ̖́- ▷Materials for today 〇 Wrap core (cardboard tube from plastic wrap) 〇 Paper (construction paper or copy paper is fine) 〇 Wrapping film 〇 Double-sided tape 〇 Stickers (or draw directly on the film) 〇 Pens/markers for drawing ───────────────── This is Tomonite @tomonite_official. Even on busy days, we want family time to be full of smiles! We share: 🏠 Time-saving housework and parenting hacks 💎 Convenient items with great time and cost performance 👶 Relatable parenting moments and heartwarming videos ✨ A favor ✨ Likes and comments really encourage us! If you found this post helpful or enjoyed it, we’d be happy if you leave a 👶 in the comments! All posts introduced by Tomonite are shared with permission from the original creators. Comments that may hurt others may be hidden by our team. We’d love for everyone to enjoy comfortable conversations and to connect a lot here ✨#AtHomePlayworkSimple craftMaze
♬ Bling-Bang-Bang-Born – Creepy Nuts
You can make a fun maze with a cardboard wrap core! Here’s a simple way to do it.
First, cut construction paper to the length of the wrap core, and draw a maze on it using any writing tools you like.
Attach double-sided tape to the paper with the maze and wrap it around the core.
Next, cut a piece of wrapping film to about 5 cm and stick your favorite stickers on it—that’s it! Thread it through the wrap core to play the maze game.
If you make the construction paper removable, you can enjoy original mazes over and over again.
It’s also recommended to use stickers of your favorite characters to enjoy a themed world.
Maze ideas
@tomonite_official A handmade maze using a wrap core! This looks fun for both kids and adults♪ Try making it together with your child 😊 Please use this idea with adult supervision and with safety in mind. Featured from Instagram: a post by @mimita_asobi ✨ Thank you for the wonderful post. ↓↓↓ ───────────────── 【Not trash: A Spinny Maze with a Wrap Core】 Today’s post is a “spinny maze”! The child was super focused! But then they said, “Make a harder one next time,” 🫣 I guess it was a bit too easy for a five-year-old! You can make lots of different versions☺️ The child was able to make it themselves too, so everyone, try making it with your kiddo 👍🏻 ̖́- ▷Materials for today 〇 Wrap core (cardboard tube from plastic wrap) 〇 Paper (construction paper or copy paper is fine) 〇 Wrapping film 〇 Double-sided tape 〇 Stickers (or draw directly on the film) 〇 Pens/markers for drawing ───────────────── This is Tomonite @tomonite_official. Even on busy days, we want family time to be full of smiles! We share: 🏠 Time-saving housework and parenting hacks 💎 Convenient items with great time and cost performance 👶 Relatable parenting moments and heartwarming videos ✨ A favor ✨ Likes and comments really encourage us! If you found this post helpful or enjoyed it, we’d be happy if you leave a 👶 in the comments! All posts introduced by Tomonite are shared with permission from the original creators. Comments that may hurt others may be hidden by our team. We’d love for everyone to enjoy comfortable conversations and to connect a lot here ✨#AtHomePlayworkSimple craftMaze
♬ Bling-Bang-Bang-Born – Creepy Nuts
You can make a fun maze with a cardboard wrap core! Here’s a simple way to do it.
First, cut construction paper to the length of the wrap core, and draw a maze on it using any writing tools you like.
Attach double-sided tape to the paper with the maze and wrap it around the core.
Next, cut a piece of wrapping film to about 5 cm and stick your favorite stickers on it—that’s it! Thread it through the wrap core to play the maze game.
If you make the construction paper removable, you can enjoy original mazes over and over again.
It’s also recommended to use stickers of your favorite characters to enjoy a themed world.
Fly! Core Rocket
Here’s how to make an easy “core rocket.” You’ll need a plastic wrap core, a toilet paper core, two rubber bands, and a straw.
First, cut the straw so it’s just a little longer than the opening of the toilet paper core.
Link the two rubber bands by looping them together.
Tape the rubber bands to the straw, then tape the straw onto the plastic wrap core with cellophane tape.
Once it’s set up so the toilet paper core can be launched, you’re done! Decorate the toilet paper core however you like to make your own original rocket.
Have fun and get creative!