Bored at home and toy stores aren’t yet open? No problem, here are 10 Easy DIY Toys that you can make at home – fun, frugal and fantastic!
It’s been a whirlwind of a year, hasn’t it? Well, things are different in each country, but I think many stores have started opening up slowly. Unfortunately, toy stores aren’t deemed essential, although our kids may disagree!
Speaking of kids, they’ve been stuck home for much longer than they (or even we) ever have, so you can’t blame them for getting cranky. You don’t want them glued to screens and you can’t take them outside, so what is a poor parent to do?
If you can’t buy ’em, make ’em! This applies to toys too – you can easily make fun toys at home for kids to play with. Bonus – when kids get involved in making their own toys, they spend more time with them – and you save more money! So here’s a look at some super simple toys kids can make at home by themselves or with a little help.
10 Easy DIY Toys to Make at Home
1. DIY Clay Tic Tac Toe
Tic Tac Toe is one of the simplest games you can play, and it’s one game that crosses all kinds of borders! Make this game even more fun by making your own game featuring bees and flowers. Can’t think of a better game for spring!
2. Cardboard Shape Puzzle
Barley and Birch shows us how to make a good looking shape puzzle out of things lying around your home! If you’ve got cardboard and bottle caps or something similar, you’re all set to make this fun game for toddlers or preschoolers.
3. Felt Dinosaur Plushie
Dinosaurs are a classic toy for boys and girls of all ages. Let your child play with a dinosaur he makes himself. This felt project is also a great way to teach sewing. You may also want to try our felt cat and llama plushies.
4. Pretend Play Food
Pretend play toys are the best, in my opinion – you can get hours and hours of play out of a single set. And if you don’t have a pretend play set right now, why not make your own! Check out our tutorials to make paper sandwiches, pasta, donuts, pie, sushi and even masala dosa!
5. Cardboard Stackers
We love this cardboard toy from Meaningful Mama – it is so open ended! And really easy to make; all you need is some sturdy cardboard and paints. Then go ahead and build whatever structure your mind can think of!
6. Wooden Peg Dolls
Dolls – no one’s childhood is complete without them! Give the Barbies a break and try making these wooden peg Waldorf dolls. While you’re at it, check out our Peg Doll Mermaid too. Take it further by adding some DIY doll accessories!
7. Printable Farm Puppets
What could be more fun than an animal puppet show? A farm animal puppet show! This project gives kids an opportunity to yell out all their favorite animal voices and create some hilarious situations with the animals!
8. Cardboard Marble Maze
Hello Wonderful brings us a DIY version of another classic toy – the marble run. It’s unbelievable how easy to make this is, and how much fun you can have with it! Use a sturdy box and it’ll last a good while.
9. Bee and Flower Game
Test your little one’s motor skills with a bee catching game. You can have her be the bee while the rest of the family becomes a different flower and each one tries to ‘catch’ your busy bee!
10. Mini Camping Set
Small world play is something that kept me and my siblings occupied during summer holidays when it was too hot to play outside. Bring the outdoors in with this DIY camping set which is perfect for small action figures or Lego minifigures.
Most of these DIY toys can be made with things you have lying at home, and maybe a few extra craft supplies. If your child enjoys making these, you can make some more to gift his friends when school reopens. Nothing says welcome like a handmade toy!
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