DIY toy ideas for kids to make from simple materials like paper, recyclables and glue
Make a paper heart spinner decoration that twirls in the breeze, or when you blow on it gently. This is a fun STEM craft for Valentine’s Day and is easy enough for all age groups from around 6 and up. Get the printable template here Hearts are the prettiest shape to craft with, don’t you…
Make a super easy frilled neck lizard craft from a paper towel roll! This is a fun Australian animal craft for kids of all ages and is a perfect activity for anyone who loves reptiles. This craft was originally published in 2015 and has been updated and reshared for today’s audience. You might also like…
Here are some easy yarn doll ghosts you can make at home using the same technique you’d use to make traditional yarn dolls. You might also like our Halloween paper craft collection Have you ever made yarn dolls before? They’re a traditional craft so maybe you have, or maybe you remember somebody else making them…
Create a cardboard apple tree with removable apples kids can “pick”. Free printable template included. This easy recycling craft is a fun DIY toy for kids and could be extended into a learning counting game for preschoolers. You could also add the finished tree to Fall or harvest-themed small worlds to encourage imaginary play. This…
For those of you who love the Despicable Me movies (*that’s me*), we have a treat for you today. A Minion pencil topper, perfect for back to school themed crafting and a cute and easy sewing project kids will adore. The Despicable Me movies have been a firm favourite on our own family movie nights,…
Make a woodland animal paper playset with our latest printable template, based on animals from the North American woodlands. This is a fun Fall or Autumn themed craft for kids which is very simple to cut out and glue together. The finished project becomes a DIY paper toy to inspire imaginary play or a pretty…
Without hesitation my absolute favourite category of kids’ crafting would have to be DIY toys. I love them for so many reasons. For a start they teach kids that fun doesn’t come in a box from the department store (often with an accompanying ridiculous price), nor does it have to be supplied on an addictive…
I’m excited to share this easy 3D cube craft for kids—make a set of garden bugs using our printable templates. Not only are the bugs adorable as a Spring or Summer craft, they are also perfect for kids who are learning about 3D shapes. There is a bee, a ladybug, a green bug, and an…
Today I’m excited to be sharing this incredible collection of over 40 fun and free printables for kids! This round up includes some of our own favourite printables as well as some from bloggers around the world. There are DIY toys, games, colouring pages, puppets, scavenger hunts, animal crafts, STEM activities and more. You might…