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 (11–20)
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.
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.
bamboo-copter
Taketombo are very easy to make, so they’re great for kids’ crafts! Use thick paper or a milk carton for the blades.
Cut a small slit in a straw and insert the blades—that’s it! To make it fly, you need to fold the blades at an angle, so just be careful not to fold them straight.
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!
necklace
You can make necklaces using colorful straws! Cut the straws into short pieces and string them together with twine.
You can connect them into a chain or arrange them into a three-dimensional pendant top—there are lots of ways to enjoy this.
The more colors you have, like red, light blue, yellow, and green, the more vibrant the result will be.
bracelet
With just three straws, you can knit using a finger-knitting technique! The steps might be a bit tricky for young children, so it’s a good idea to check their progress together.
You can also use two colors of yarn to make a two-tone design, so once you get the hang of it, give it a try!
blow painting
Blow painting with straws is an activity that children of a wide range of ages can enjoy, from toddlers to older kids.
You drop paint onto drawing paper and use a straw to blow it, watching the patterns spread.
Lay down newspaper or something similar underneath so it’s okay if things get messy.
Since the colors you use and how they mix differ each time, you’ll end up with a one-of-a-kind creation.
Slurp slurp with a straw
With the Straw Shuru-Shuru, the straw wriggles like a living creature when you blow on it! It’s easy to make—just cut the straw into a spiral.
Because you’ll be cutting at a diagonal, it’s best for preschoolers who are comfortable using scissors (older preschool to kindergarten age).
Adding a fringe or a little figure to the tip of the straw changes the way it moves and makes it even more fun!
Perler beads
If you’re doing straw crafts at home, ironing beads (perler-style) are recommended.
Just line up the straws, sandwich them with kitchen paper, and press with an iron—that’s it! It’s also fun to try different shapes by combining straws of various thicknesses and colors.
Be sure an adult supervises and helps.