Let's make toys with straws! Easy and fun DIY toys
Let’s use straws to make fun toys!
When you hear “straw,” you probably think of the tool you use to drink juice and other beverages.
But did you know that, with a bit of creativity, they can transform into all kinds of toys?
In this article, we’ll introduce straw-based toys and crafts that children in nursery school or kindergarten will love.
Instruments, vehicles, nostalgic classics, and even accessories…!
Straws transform in seven ways?! Exciting, heart-pounding handmade crafts—what can you make?
Give it a try yourself!
Let's make toys with straws! Simple and fun DIY toys (1–10)
Spinning gymnast
The spinning gymnast can be made easily with two straws and some cardstock! Make sure to use an accordion (bendy) straw so the neck can bend.
First, make a doll out of the cardstock, then attach the straw’s mouthpieces together and assemble them like a horizontal bar.
Tape the doll on, and you’re done! You can spin it around and play with it.
Straw Drop
For little toddlers, a straw drop game is highly recommended! All you need are some short pieces of straw and a container with lots of holes, and kids will happily play with it.
It’s perfect for the stage around age one when they enjoy using their fingers.
To prevent accidental swallowing, it’s best to cut the straws to about half their usual length.
bo-bo whistle
Making a honking straw whistle is super easy! You can whip one up just by snipping a straw.
Be sure to use a thicker straw.
After cutting it down to about 5 cm (2 inches), flatten the end you’ll put in your mouth, then cut both corners at an angle.
If you pinch and soften the tip with your fingers, it’ll make sound more easily.
helicopter
This is a craft project for a helicopter that you blow and launch using a straw! Since it involves making snips in the straw with scissors and the helicopter section is a bit more complex, it’s best suited for older preschoolers who are comfortable with fine motor tasks.
An adult should prepare the helicopter template.
It’s recommended for times when you can set aside plenty of time for focused crafting.
gun
You can make a straw gun with just two straws and a clothespin.
Use an accordion (bendy) straw to shape it like a gun.
Place the two straws side by side and tape the clothespin at the trigger position.
After hooking a rubber band onto the clothespin, pinch it firmly and it will shoot out with force.
It’s also fun to play by aiming at a target.
climbing doll
When you don’t want to use scissors, a climbing puppet is a great option! Cut some straws short in advance and have them ready.
After drawing on the puppet, attach the straws to the back in a figure-eight pattern.
Thread a string through them, and it’s done.
Just hook it onto a peg and pull the strings left and right—the puppet will climb up!
Whistle
You can make a whistle with just one straw! This craft is best for older preschoolers who are comfortable using scissors, since it involves fine work like cutting to the straw’s radius and cutting out a U-shape.
If it’s difficult, an adult should lend a hand.
By changing the length, you can make the pitch lower or higher.
Fluttering butterfly
The Fluttering Butterfly is a craft where you play by moving a butterfly’s wings.
It consists of three parts: a construction-paper butterfly, a straw, and an axle.
Since you’ll be making long slits in the straw and similar cuts, it might be a bit difficult for younger children who aren’t used to scissors.
Please have an adult supervise.
lightsaber
Speaking of lightsabers, they’re every Star Wars fan’s dream! Every kid has probably wanted to play with a glowing sword at least once.
With colored straws and small LED lights from a 100-yen shop, you can actually make a lightsaber.
You can choose any color you like and have fun with it.
blowgun
You can make a blowgun using two types of straws with different thicknesses.
Use a thin straight straw for the dart and a thick flexible (accordion) straw for the body.
All you need besides that is a cotton swab.
Since it attaches to the tip of the dart, a large, soft cotton tip is recommended.
You can make a target and play, and there are lots of ways to have fun with it.