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!
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Let's make toys with straws! Simple and fun DIY toys (1–10)
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.
Rocket
If you have lots of straws, let’s make rockets! First, prepare various designs on construction paper, like rockets or your favorite animals.
By cutting a slit lengthwise in a straw, you can make a slightly thinner inner straw; tape the rocket to the end of that thinner piece.
It’s really fun when everyone blows and plays together.
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.
Let's make toys with straws! Simple and fun DIY toys (11–20)
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.
airplane
When it comes to airplanes, many people probably think of paper planes, but you can make an even more advanced plane using a straw and construction paper! Since the parts are separate, the work is a bit detailed.
An adult should help with the tracing.
If you make a launcher with a pair of disposable chopsticks, you can fly it even farther.
straw spinner
When you want to make something a bit more elaborate, the straw spinner is for advanced makers.
You use two types of straws with different thicknesses and do some precise cutting and pasting.
If the holes are too big or too small, air leaks out and it won’t spin, so it’s tricky to make—but the joy when you finish is tremendous!
A flute that can play Do-Re-Mi
Believe it or not, you can make a flute out of straws.
By changing each one’s length, you can play the Do-Re-Mi-Fa-So-La-Ti-Do scale.
The shorter the straw, the lower the pitch; the longer it is, the higher the pitch.
All you have to do is blow gently to produce sound, so anyone can play it easily.
Give it a try with your kids or friends and have fun!