17 Best Homemade Toy Ideas for Kids

Kids are always after the latest toys. From action figures to Barbie dolls, there is a huge variety of toys that are available. However, getting all the toys your kids want would be impossible and may even spoil your child. Why not find a way where you can balance this out by encouraging them to make their own toys? This will not only help in improving their brain development but will also make them appreciate the toys they already have. Let them learn the new methods and skills with you using these toys. These toys can keep your kids energetic and also let the parents and family interact with the kids more often. There are several games that can be enjoyed with the homemade toys for kids. Let’s see which one is perfect for your little one.

17 Homemade DIY Toys for Kids

The speciality of ‘Do It Yourself’ toys is that they can be made very easily. You can literally select each of the materials specifically for your kids as well as toddlers. Let’s see how some of the traditional toys are made:

1. Water Balloon Launcher

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Balloons are just the perfect choice for fun. The water balloon launcher uses a holder to release the balloon. This helps to add more fun as the balloon is not broken easily, and you can aim more smoothly. Every kid will love to make one of these for themselves. Even the adults can enjoy the water balloon toy, which helps to create a family bond as well.

What Tools and Materials Will You Need?

Balloon, elastic wire, balloon holder, handle strip

How to Make:

1. Take two elastic wire and tie it to a rigid structure.
2. Other ends of the wire are attached to the balloon holder
3. A handle is attached to the holder for the grip
4. Use the balloon in the holder for the action

Let the splashes of the water add more fun to your kid’s fun time. Release the holder by aiming to release the fun.

2. Backyard Rocket Launcher

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Kids love the way things fly. A water rocket is just one of the homemade toys which could keep your kids excited. This toy can be made in your backyard with the help of some small stuff. This toy also inspires your kids to learn more about the science behind. Hence, this toy inspires them to learn with fun.

What Tools and Materials Will You Need?

Soda bottle, a wooden base attached with weights, copper tube, bike pump, duct tape

How to Make:

1. Take the wooden base and fix it somewhere safe. The weight attachment is important to maintain the balance of the structure.
2. Fix the copper tube in the base in the vertical direction.
3. The copper tube connected to the bike pump at the base.
4. Fix an airtight lid in the soda bottle

Now, fix the water-filled bottle into the copper tube and pump some air in. This will result in the propulsion of the bottle. You can also add up a few frictions on the bottle to change the projectile.

3. Periscope

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The wonders of mirrors are really fascinating. The periscope, with the use of a mirror to give the image from another angle, will always keep your kids wondering. The little toy of wonder can be easily made with a rectangular box and the

What Tools and Materials Will You Need?

Foam board, two mirrors, and duct tape

How to Make:

1. Take the foam board and make a rectangular box
2. Put a rectangular hole at the top of one side and the bottom of opposite side
3. Insert the mirror and fix it in this hole at an angle 45 degree in both the holes
4. Mirrors are to be arranged facing the hole and making 45 degree

The wonderful periscope is ready to use. One can colour the outer of the periscope as you wish. Periscope is a toy which uses the image reflection of mirrors to perfectly keep the kids in awe.

4. Spinning Disk Toy

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Round and round it goes. The spinning disc is one of the toys which can keep your kids in wonder. The small toy uses a string to spin the button, which is attached.

What Tools and Materials Will You Need?

A string of 2-foot length, buttons, scissors

How to Make:

1. Take the string and put the buttons inside
2. Tie the open ends to close the loop of the string

You can just use the strings to be in each hand and the button at the centre. Then extend your hands in and out. This will create a motion in the buttons, which will amaze any kid.

5. Rolling Comeback Can

A little magic toy is always lovely. The rolling comeback can is a magical toy which, when rolled, will come back to us. This magical toy can easily excite your kids. The elastic mechanism used in the toy will amaze the kids and inspire them to learn more.

What Tools and Materials Will You Need?

Barrel-shaped plastic container, two cubic wooden clocks, two 1.5 inch cup hooks, rubber band, drill, non-lead fishing sinker, key ring

How to Make:

1. Drill the container in the bottom and top
2. Fix the cup hook in the square blocks and keep them on top and bottom
3. A fishing sinker is kept inside the container
4. Attach the rubber inside the container connecting the square blocks

This is one of the classic homemade baby toys. Kids will wonder about the magic container and will have a great time with it. Roll on and watch the wonder in your kid’s eyes when they roll back.

6. Homemade Coloured and Textured Block

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Colour and so bright. That’s how they like it. The textured block is coloured and then crafted to add the charm. These are handmade toys for toddlers with its safe size and can be used in many ways as well.

What Tools and Materials Will You Need?

Large wooden blocks, textured scrapbook paper, wooden shapes and letters, scissors, paint, and brushes.

How to Make:

1. The wooden blocks are collected and coloured as per your liking
2. Textured scrapbook paper is applied in different shapes
3. Use brushes to paint the blocks with letters and shapes
4. Cut out different shapes and glue it as well

Let your toddlers have fun with these coloured and textured blocks. The variety of shapes and designs helps your kids to engage in a variety of games with the coloured blocks.

7. Homemade Sock Toys

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Kids always like things to be cute and pretty. The Sock toys are made from a variety of materials. But it has a perfect charm that your kids adore. Let them make the sock toys to their liking using the variety of ornamental stuff.

What Tools and Materials Will You Need?

Fluffy sock, googly eyes, ornamental kinds of stuff, glue

How to Make:

1. Take the fluffy sock and fill it with soft materials
2. Stitch the ends with a thread of the same colour
3. Add the details like googly eyes and ornamental attachments as you desire
4. Stitch or glue each gentl,y such that the softness of the sock is not lost

The sock toys can help your kids learn more about the cute and pretty styles. The toy making includes a variety of materials and skills. This will help your kids learn about things easily.

8. Stones for Play

The stones are used for a variety of games for kids. Thus, colouring these makes it more interesting for them. The colouring is done in a specific order or design that kids will learn to make shapes out of these rocks. These are suggested for kids and not for toddlers as they can easily cause problems.

What Tools and Materials Will You Need?

6 Colours of acrylic paint, brush, 28 flat rocks

How to Make:

1. Collect all the stones of the non-traditional shapes
2. Mark the colour till half of each rock
3. Next, colour is painted on the other side and is also used in the next rock
4. Thus, the colouring will involve a specific pattern

These stones can be arranged in the linear order of colours or used in a variety of games. The making of coloured stone will help your kids to learn about the patterns followed. One can also enjoy the painting and the collection of the stones in the making process

9. Homemade Toys for Car-Loving Kids

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Almost all kids love cars and vehicles. They always dream of driving luxurious cars. Here, the roads and maps are made for the traffic of the cars in your own house. Kids will have more fun riding in their car in the city they built themselves.

What Tools and Materials Will You Need?

Old clothing, paint, scissors, markers

How to Make:

1. Take the markers and old clothing
2. Mark the clothing for the roads, streets, and all major places
3. Cut out the marked clothing
4. Paint the clothing to add a real-like touch
5. Stick it all together to make the city

The city made in this way is truly on creative skills. Your kids will gain more analytical and creative skills from this toy-making. The city will grow more with your creativity and will attract more quality time.

10. Toys from the Recycle Bin

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Toys should always give your kids some quality time. The toys from the recycle bin include unused things made useful. The ocean is made from waste plastic bottles, and the structure is made from cardboard.

What Tools and Materials Will You Need?

Old cardboard, bottles, water, oil, blue coloured flavour

How to Make:

1. Take the large bottle and clean it
2. Take water, oil, and blue coloured flavour in the same bottle
3. Mix them well after closing the bottle
4. Watch the ocean like blue inside the bottle
5. Cardboards are torn at the edges
6. They are joined together to form a structure of your choice

11. Bubble Blower Wand

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Bubbles are magical for kids, and making a homemade bubble blower wand adds extra fun. This simple toy encourages outdoor play and creativity as kids chase and pop bubbles.

What Tools and Materials Will You Need?

Pipe cleaners, straws, shallow dish, liquid soap, water

How to Make:

1. Bend a pipe cleaner into a loop and twist the ends to form a handle.
2. Dip the loop into a mixture of liquid soap and water in a shallow dish.
3. Blow gently through the loop to create bubbles.
4. For a multi-bubble effect, attach multiple loops to a straw and blow.

Watch as your kids enjoy endless bubble-blowing fun with this easy DIY toy idea for children!

12. Cardboard Marble Maze

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A marble maze is an exciting toy that enhances problem-solving skills. Made from cardboard, this maze challenges kids to guide a marble through twists and turns.

What Tools and Materials Will You Need?

Cardboard box, scissors, glue, straws or popsicle sticks, marble

How to Make:

1. Cut the top flaps off a cardboard box to create a flat base.
2. Glue straws or popsicle sticks in a maze pattern inside the box.
3. Tilt the box to guide the marble from start to finish.
4. Decorate the maze with colours and obstacles for extra fun.

This engaging toy keeps kids entertained while improving their coordination.

13. DIY Kaleidoscope

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A kaleidoscope creates mesmerising patterns with just a few simple materials. Kids will love twisting it to see colourful designs change.

What Tools and Materials Will You Need?

Paper towel tube, colourful beads, plastic wrap, aluminium foil, tape

How to Make:

1. Cut a piece of plastic wrap and place beads inside, then seal it.
2. Line the inside of the tube with aluminium foil for reflection.
3. Attach the bead-filled plastic wrap to one end of the tube.
4. Cover the other end with translucent paper or plastic.

Twist and watch the magical patterns unfold!

14. Sensory Bottles

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Sensory bottles are calming and visually stimulating for young kids. These bottles can be filled with glitter, beads, or water for a relaxing effect.

What Tools and Materials Will You Need?

Clear plastic bottle, water, glitter, food colouring, small toys

How to Make:

1. Fill the bottle with water and add glitter or food colouring.
2. Drop in small toys or beads for extra interest.
3. Seal the lid tightly with glue to prevent spills.
4. Shake and watch the swirling colours and objects.

Perfect for quiet play or stress relief!

15. DIY Balance Board

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A balance board helps kids improve coordination and core strength. Made from simple materials, it’s a fun way to stay active indoors.

What Tools and Materials Will You Need?

Wooden board, PVC pipe or round log, non-slip tape

How to Make:

1. Place a PVC pipe or a rounded log on the ground.
2. Lay a wooden board on top (ensure it’s sturdy).
3. Add non-slip tape for better grip.
4. Let kids step on and balance carefully.

A great way to burn energy while enhancing motor skills!

16. Paper Plate Frisbee

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A lightweight frisbee made from paper plates is safe for indoor play. Kids can decorate their own and enjoy tossing them around.

What Tools and Materials Will You Need?

Two paper plates, markers, glue, scissors

How to Make:

1. Decorate the bottoms of two paper plates with markers.
2. Glue them together, facing inward, leaving the rims open.
3. Once dry, bend the edges slightly for better flight.
4. Toss gently and enjoy!

A simple, fun toy that encourages active play.

17. DIY Tin Can Stilts

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Stilts made from tin cans help kids develop balance and confidence. They’re easy to make and provide hours of entertainment.

What Tools and Materials Will You Need?

Two tin cans, rope, drill, duct tape

How to Make:

1. Drill holes on opposite sides near the top of each can.
2. Thread a rope through each hole and tie knots inside.
3. Cover sharp edges with duct tape for safety.
4. Hold the ropes and step on the cans to walk.

A classic DIY toy that never gets old!

FAQs

1. Can homemade toys be as durable as store-bought ones?

While homemade toys for preschoolers may not always match the industrial strength of commercial toys, their durability depends on materials and construction. Reinforcing with strong glue, sturdy cardboard, or weather-resistant coatings can extend their lifespan. Plus, since kids can help repair them, they often last longer through care and creativity.

2. What if my child loses interest quickly?

Involve them in the creation process—kids often value toys they help design. Also, opt for versatile toys (e.g., cardboard boxes become forts, rockets, or cars). Rotate toys periodically to renew excitement, or upcycle them into new projects.

Welcome your kids to the world you used to live in. These homemade toys are perfect for keeping kids away from tech gadgets. Let them have fun with some homemade games and toys. Always take special care or accompany your kids while they are engaging in toy-making activities, as they involve scissors.  Many of the mentioned toys make use of various mechanisms and technology. This will surely trigger the curiosity of your kids to learn more in the future.

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