DIY toy ideas for kids to make from simple materials like paper, recyclables and glue
If you’re a regular reader, you may have already guessed how much we love pom pom animal crafts here at The Craft Train! Today I’m sharing some of the favourites we’ve created over the years. All of these pom pom animals are quick and easy to make using one of our printable templates. You might…
Create the most adorable, fluffy pom pom penguin using this printable template. This craft is based on the Gentoo penguin species found on Sub-Antarctic islands. It’s a fantastic Winter craft idea, perfect for kids who are learning about cold-climate animals and the template comes in both full colour and colour-your own. Get the template here…
Here’s a very easy printable polar bear craft for kids! This mother polar bear with two adorable baby cubs can be made using our latest printable template. These paper polar bears are a fun Winter craft idea and are part of a series of printable Winter crafts I’ve been working on. This kids’ papercraft was…
Seriously, how cute are these penguin poppers? They’re a fun penguin-themed DIY toy you can make in a flash. This easy kids craft is suitable for all age groups and makes a fun project for Winter or holiday-themed crafting. The printable template is free. You might also like out printable paper penguins Pom pom poppers…
Make a magnetic ice skating craft! This is a fun DIY toy and STEAM learning idea that kids will love. Note: Magnets are extremely dangerous if swallowed. Please supervise young children around this craft and do not leave magnets laying around where toddlers and babies can reach. This kids’ craft idea was first published in…
Make some noise to celebrate 2024 with our New Year noise maker craft for kids! You can use the same template to decorate a DIY spin drum made from recycled cardboard or a paper plate shaker filled with recycled beer bottle tops. This is super fun for kids as a New Year-themed DIY toy. You…
This simple washcloth snowman craft is a fun Winter craft for kids. It’s also a cute handmade gift idea that kids can make for somebody special (or, alternatively that you could make for kids!). If you are making these as gifts, tie a small treat to the finger knit scarf to make it fun and…
Make a pom pom popper snowman craft for some Winter-themed fun! This is a simple DIY toy kids can make from a paper cup and a balloon. It’s also a great STEM activity for frosty indoor weather (or in our case in the Southern Hemisphere, stinking-hot indoor weather). DIY toys are one of my favourite…
Here are more than 50 homemade cardboard toy ideas for play! We’ve scoured our own archives and drawn inspiration from bloggers around the world to come up with this HUGE collection of cardboard toy ideas. There are cardboard games, pretend play ideas, STEM crafts, doll houses, boats, vehicles…. and more. Christmas is coming, which means…