In a world where consumerism has gone a little crazy, it’s nice to jump off that bandwagon and get back to simpler things.
It’s so easy to make toys and activities to keep your kids amused. Recycle things you have around the house to make it cost effective and eco-friendly. Check out these ideas and have a go!
♥Elephant Feet
With some tin cans, paint and stretchy cord, make these cool elephant feet! Excellent for co-ordination and balance. Tutorial at Martha Stewart.
♥ Sock Snake
Finally, a way to use up all those socks without a partner! Super cute. When the kids grow out of it, use it as a draught stopper. Find the tutorial here.
♥ Washer Necklaces
The amazing Kelly at Be a Fun Mum has this funky idea to make necklaces from washers. Find out how on her blog.
♥ Close Your Clothes Book
A gorgeous idea for the sewers. You upcycle old clothes into a book which also helps your child learn how to do buckles, zippers and these thingys. Check out the whole book at Forty Two Roads blog.
♥ Cardboard Box Town
Genius from Anna at The Imagination Tree. Grab an big box and get handy with the felt pen to make this cool play scene. I love that the toys stay inside the box! Find out how at the blog post.
Have you ever made toys for your kids? Tell us all about it.
Get inspired ……
Recraft: How to Turn Second-hand Stuff into Beautiful Things for Your Home, Family and Friends
What great ideas! My hubby would tell you that I could make a sock snake that would go round block!The missing sock is the bane of his existence : )
I started buying all the same brand and colour so I wouldn’t have the problem 🙂
Thanks for these great ideas…I am loving it …
no worries ! they always say kids are more happy with the cardboard box!
Love the sock snake… we often make toys from loo rolls and tea boxes and they get just as much love (and just as quickly trashed) as real toys. Actually, my three-year-old’s cardboard camera has outlived the real one his great-aunty bought him!
Kids really don’t know the cost of things yet, so why would you spend heaps of money on toys?
What great ideas, my daughters favourite toy is a cubby we made out of the new washing machines box. She painted it herself & adores it & it was 100% FREE
it’s great for their imagination too!
Loving the box play area!!!
no mess!!