CindyHonestly, what could be more fun than 5 DIY Kids’ toys? With me being an artist from an early age I looked forward to our children having access to all kinds of creative supplies. I really wanted to teach them the joy and importance of using their imaginations and creativity!
The memories of making some of our own toys, ornaments and other decorations gave me the idea to write this blog highlighting my top 5 DIY kids toys!
Here are 5 of the most fun and non-messy DIY toys we enjoyed!
Photo courtesy of The Best Ideas for Kids.com
#1. Homemade play dough!
When I came across this recipe for homemade play dough I knew it would be something new and fun to make with my kids. All you need is flour, cream of tartar, water, oil, food coloring and salt. Here is a link to instructions for making your own play dough: Best Ideas for Kids – playdough recipe!
A special thank you to Best Ideas for Kids.com and the uber innovative Kim McLeod for her sustainable and fun ideas! Check out Kim’s book “Fun and Easy Crafting with Recycled Materials” on Amazon!
Have a great time playing and sculpting!
Photo courtesy of The Craft Train.com
#2. Cereal Box Board game
First, several really great things about empty cereal boxes: they are clean and are all the same size! A craft just waiting to be born! This dinosaur-theme is a great hit with the kids (we always had a collection of favorite plastic dinosaurs on hand)…but of course you can substitute any players your little hands adore! Your supply of cereal boxes is your only limitation…and the kids were so excited and proud to share their new creation with family and friends (even as a toddler my son was looking for an idea to sell)!
So easy to make! Check out the easy instructions (and fun story line) brought to us by our friends at The Craft Train.com
Photo courtesy of Artsy Crafts Mom.com
#3. Felt Llama Craft for Kids
Llamas hold a special place in my heart! They have become so popular in the last few years. This felt llama plushie is absolutely adorable and will fill many hours of fun pretend time for kids.
These instructions have been carefully crafted by the gifted blogger, Shruti Acharya Check out her easy-to-follow “how to” on her great website: The Artsy Craftsy Mom.com!
Here is a great source for 15 pieces of quality felt (and for even more fun, the color selection is random)! Check them out on Amazon!
If you really love the sweet light blue, here is a set of 20 on Amazon!
Photo courtesy of Artsy Craftsy Mom.com
#4. Printable Farm Animal Puppets
Did you love puppet shows as a child? When I was very young puppet shows were fascinating to me. The moving expressive puppets talking, laughing and singing in different voices were mesmerizing! Pretending is such fun for children.
It is important for them to use their imagination and express themselves. Puppets are perfect for pretend play. Children can make up any stories, sounds, characters, costumes and voices they desire. With these farm animal puppets there is such a variety of different animal sounds that any play performance would be fun and delightful!
Again, a big shout out to wonderfully creative, Shruti Acharya and a huge thank you for her lovingly crafted instructions (and printable farm animal template): Click here!
If you are short on supplies, here you go:
- 100 sheets of 20 different colors of colored copy paper
- 200 Popsicle sticks (think of the things you can make with a supply of fresh and new “craft sticks”)!
Do your kids love puppets as much as mine did? Check out my post for 20 Super Cute Puppet Crafts for Kids…guaranteed to put a smile on little faces of all ages!
Photo courtesy of Artsy Craftsy Mom.com
#5. Tic Tac Toe Bees vs Flowers
Seriously, could anything be cuter? Who doesn’t love playing Tic Tac Toe? And who better to add character to the traditional “X” and “O” game than Shruti Acharya with her absolutely adorable set of colorful Bees vs Flowers!
Here are the fantastic instructions (including a link to purchase cold porcelain clay) from Shruti and her Artsy Craftsy Mom blog!
…or if you prefer to work with air drying, pre-colored modeling clay (also non toxic), here is my personal fav…check out the Creative Kids Air Dry Clay Modeling Crafts Kit (with 50 great colors and it includes 6 tools)!
As an added bonus, modeling clay is helpful with developing hand-eye coordination and for using the imagination and creativity!
I hope you have as many hours of fun as we did with these 5 DIY toys!
All the very best and kindest wishes,
Cindy
