Hello,
Today we have some tips and ideas for making your own toys. A special thanks to Cindy Bailey for sending in so many wonderful ideas.
Thanks for reading,
Susan
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Make Your Own Toys
Cheap Homemade Toy Blocks for Christmas
I make blocks for my three grandsons by going to the cutoff bin in my local Home Depot store. They have lots of short pieces of wood that can be cut into blocks. I sand them while watching TV. I round the edges, apply stain and then polyurethane them. I then get one of those handy paint buckets to store them in. My grandsons love to build with these and can even take them outside to their sand box if they want. They are pretty durable.
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Little Carpenter's Apron (Ages 5-10)
Materials:
Instructions
Cut shoe organizer across the width, so you have a line of four pockets. (If it holds 12 shoes, this will make 3 aprons).
Measure the child's waist and add several more inches so you can tie the ribbon in the back.
Attach ribbon or strapping across the top of the apron.
Fill pockets with some of Dad's/Grampa's old, cleaned tools. (Maybe paint handles all alike to match, add child's initials).
Add large nails and screws if you think this is appropriate.
Or buy little mini hammers, screw drivers, tape measures, etc. from your favorite dollar store.
If you go to the lumber yard and ask for a few scraps, your little carpenter can get started right away.
Obviously, this is a gift that will require supervision. Something fun for grandparents to help with maybe!
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Dolly Diaper Bag ($10 Or Less) - (Ages 4-9)
By Cindy Bailey
Materials:
Instructions
Rather than buying those over-priced baby doll diaper bags with one or two diapers and empty bottles, why not make up your own kit? A package of preemie diapers is much cheaper and provides hours of fun. Also, the dollar stores are loaded with baby items which may not be of the quality you used on your baby, but will do fine for dollies.
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Materials:
Instructions
If you are crafty at all, you probably have craft materials piling up all over your house.
Why not make up some craft kits for the young artists in your life? You can add new items to fill in, if you like. for example, if you include some beads, you may have to buy a roll of elastic cord to go with it.
Toss in fabric and felt scraps; assorted paper; miniature items such as teddy bears and birds, sequins, whatever.
If you package small supplies in tiny zipper bags, they're more appealing.
You may have to buy some paints, brushes, crayons, etc.
Maybe toss in a project book for inspiration.
Make a tote bag from heavy fabric and cord, or buy a plastic basket hold the treasures.
'I Love My Dog/Cat Kit' ($10 Or Less) (Especially appropriate for a child who is getting or has just received a new pet)
Instructions
Cover an old pillow with kitty or puppy print.
Purchase small"luxury" items like toys, chewies, moist treats, etc. from the dollar store
OR, make your own animal treats. (My website will soon have a few at http://www.greenespeak.com).
Place items on pillow.
Wrap all with cellophane. Tie with bow. (You can also adapt this gift for hamsters, fish, etc).
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Grocery Store Play Set (Free) - (Ages 3-8)
By Cindy Bailey
Materials:
Instructions
I recently bought my niece a plastic grocery cart to play with and as I looked over the expensive and low-quality play food packages for sale, I remembered that I used to make up my own grocery items for my kids. Simply wash plastic items, such as margarin tubs, frosting cans, etc. Smallish boxes, such as those which hold pudding and Jello mixes are also good, as well as salt or oatmeal containers. You could also save flour or sugar bags and fill with tissue paper. Just open the containers carefully, use contents, and seal back up with scotch tape. My kids also enjoyed things like Band-Aid boxes and their own empty shampoo bottles. These items are not suitable for young children who still like to put things in their mouths.
Also, never use an empty medicine bottle or containers from things like detergent, even if the child is older. You don't want to push your luck!
If the child doesn't have a grocery cart, a plastic square basket with a handle from the dollar store will work fine. You can buy play money also from the dollar store, or if the child is old enough, give her some real coins and a few dollars. It's never to early to learn about money! An empty egg carton works in lieu of a cash register.
Add one of your no-longer-used purses/wallets/shopping cards from grocery stores, and you have some fun stuff.
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Tea Party Kit (Cost Of Disposable Camera) (AGES 4 & UP)
Materials
Instructions
Gather an array of colorful items as listed above for your child to dress up in.
Decorate the old suitcase with paint, decals, sequins, rhinestones, etc. Add something like "Annie's Fashions" on the outside with paint or stick-on letters.
If desired, you could line the inside of the suitcase with pink or something fancy. Just glue it in place with fabric glue.
Perhaps you have some orphaned tea cups and saucers or can pick them up at a thrift store.
Wash and press clothing and place in suitcase.
Line basket with a napkin and add dishes, mix, and cookies.
Invite some friends, spread the tablecloth on the floor and have mom take photos of this event.
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Preschooler's Alphabet Teacher (Almost free) - (Ages 3-6)
By Cindy Bailey
Materials:
Instructions
Simply place the letter on the lid of the plastic tub, and then fill with the toy which begins with that letter. My kids enjoyed playing with this "teacher" when they were small, and as they got older, they enjoyed making them up and giving them as gifts. If you don't have enough little toys, thrift stores usually have tons of them. Or, again the dollar store often has bags of assorted animals, etc. which could be used. If you plan ahead, this gift will cost you practically nothing.
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Homemade Toys and Printable Games
This site has cool homemade toys and printable games... "You are invited to come and have fun with homemade toys and printable games. In this section we will give you ideas on how to identify ordinary articles and recyclables around your home that can be used as educational and fun homemade toys. We also will include great homemade toy ideas that you can make with your children with minimal effort using recyclables and affordable materials."
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When your kids want to blow bubbles, use a coffee can that you've cut both ends from. Put your bubble solution in a bucket and dip the can. You can either sway the can through the air or blow into it, either way makes huge bubbles that kids love.
By Laura
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