Fun and Easy DIY Recycled Toys to Make with Kids
1. Toilet Roll Binoculars
Materials Needed:
- 2 toilet paper rolls
- String or yarn
- Tape or glue
- Stickers, markers for decoration
Instructions:
- Take two empty toilet rolls and secure them together with tape or glue.
- Cut a piece of string about 2 feet long and attach it to the ends of the rolls. This will act as the neck strap.
- Let the kids decorate their binoculars with stickers and markers.
- Enjoy a nature scavenger hunt using the binoculars!
Benefits: Enhances observational skills and encourages outdoor exploration.
2. Bottle Cap Magnets
Materials Needed:
- Plastic bottle caps
- Small photos or artwork
- Magnet strips
- Glue
- Scissors
Instructions:
- Cut small pictures or artwork to fit inside the bottle caps.
- Glue the pictures to the inside of the caps.
- Affix a small piece of magnet strip to the back of each bottle cap.
- Showcase these magnets on your refrigerator!
Benefits: Boosts creativity and transforms everyday waste into functional art.
3. Egg Carton Caterpillars
Materials Needed:
- Empty egg carton
- Paint (any color)
- Pipe cleaners
- Googly eyes
- Scissors
Instructions:
- Cut the egg carton into sections, each with one or two “eggs.”
- Paint the sections in bright colors.
- Glue googly eyes on one end and insert pipe cleaners for antennae.
- Arrange caterpillars to play with a colorful habitat.
Benefits: Fosters imaginative play while developing fine motor skills.
4. Plastic Bottle Bowling
Materials Needed:
- 6 plastic water bottles
- A small ball
- Paint (optional)
Instructions:
- Rinse and dry the bottles.
- Fill each bottle with a small amount of water or sand to create a stable base. Optionally, paint the bottles for added fun.
- Set the bottles up in a triangle formation and use the ball to knock them down.
- Kids can take turns to keep score.
Benefits: Encourages physical activity and teaches kids about teamwork and competition.
5. Cardboard Box Car
Materials Needed:
- Large cardboard box
- Scissors
- Paint or markers
- Old bottle caps or paper plates for wheels
- Tape or glue
Instructions:
- Cut out a section of the box to create an open top for sitting.
- Let kids paint and decorate the box to resemble a car.
- Attach bottle caps or paper plates as wheels using tape or glue.
- Organize a car race in the backyard!
Benefits: Sparks imagination and makes for a delightful race experience.
6. Newspaper Puppets
Materials Needed:
- Old newspapers
- Scissors
- Glue
- Markers or crayons
- Small sticks
Instructions:
- Shape newspaper into puppet heads and bodies, gluing pieces together.
- Use markers to decorate faces and clothes.
- Attach small sticks to the base so kids can hold the puppets.
- Stage a puppet show with their creations!
Benefits: Encourages storytelling and enhances verbal skills.
7. Tin Can Lanterns
Materials Needed:
- Empty tin cans
- Hammer and nail
- Water
- Spoon
- Wire for hanging (optional)
Instructions:
- Fill a tin can with water and freeze overnight.
- Once frozen, take the can out and remove some ice to create a flat surface.
- Use a hammer and nail to punch holes in the can to create designs.
- Once finished, remove the ice and place a tea light candle inside or hang with wire.
Benefits: Teaches kids safe crafting techniques and enhances fine motor skills.
8. Fabric Scrap Stuffed Animals
Materials Needed:
- Fabric scraps or old clothes
- Needle and thread (or fabric glue)
- Stuffing material (cotton, old rags)
- Scissors
Instructions:
- Cut out shapes for animals from fabric scraps.
- Sew or glue the pieces together, leaving a small opening for stuffing.
- Fill with stuffing and close the opening.
- Let kids name their new stuffed friends!
Benefits: Develops sewing skills and promotes recycling fabric waste.
9. Cereal Box Jigsaw Puzzles
Materials Needed:
- Old cereal boxes
- Scissors
- Markers or crayons
Instructions:
- Cut the cereal box into a square or rectangular shape.
- Use markers to draw a picture or a design on one side.
- Cut the cardboard into smaller pieces to create puzzle pieces.
- Mix them up and challenge each other to put them back together!
Benefits: Enhances problem-solving skills and hand-eye coordination.
10. CD Spinners
Materials Needed:
- Old CDs
- A pencil with an eraser
- Stickers, markers, or paint
Instructions:
- Decorate the CDs with stickers, coloring or painting them.
- Poke a hole in the center of the CD using the pencil, making sure it’s secure for spinning.
- Show kids how to spin the CDs using the pencil as a base.
Benefits: Teaches concepts of motion and provides hours of spinning fun.
11. Plastic Bottle Musical Instruments
Materials Needed:
- Empty plastic bottles
- Beans, rice, or pebbles
- Tape
- Decorations like stickers or paint
Instructions:
- Fill the bottles halfway with beans, rice, or pebbles.
- Seal the top with tape to prevent spills.
- Let kids decorate their instruments.
- Organize a mini band to make music together!
Benefits: Teaches rhythm and fosters a love for music.
12. Clothespin Dolls
Materials Needed:
- Wooden clothespins
- Fabric scraps
- Markers
- Glue
Instructions:
- Use fabric scraps to create clothes for the dolls.
- Glue or wrap the fabric around the clothespin, securing it with glue.
- Use markers to draw faces.
- Kids can create entire families and act out stories!
Benefits: Encourages creative expression and storytelling.
13. Fruit and Veggie Stamps
Materials Needed:
- Old fruits and vegetables (potatoes, apples, etc.)
- Paint
- Paper or canvas
Instructions:
- Cut fruits and vegetables in half to create a stamp.
- Dip the cut surfaces into paint and press onto paper or canvas.
- Create vibrant art works by mixing colors and patterns.
Benefits: Develops artistic skills and encourages creative thinking.
14. Nature Collage
Materials Needed:
- Collected leaves, twigs, flowers
- Glue
- Cardboard or heavy paper
Instructions:
- Go on a nature walk to collect interesting leaves, twigs, and flowers.
- Arrange the collected items onto cardboard or heavy paper.
- Glue them down to create a beautiful nature collage.
Benefits: Connects kids with nature and enhances sensory experiences.
15. Shoe Box Shadow Theater
Materials Needed:
- A shoe box
- White tissue paper
- Scissors
- Small figures (toys, cut-out characters)
Instructions:
- Cut out one side of the shoe box and cover it with tissue paper for the screen.
- Create small puppets or use toys to perform.
- Shine a flashlight behind the box to cast shadows on the tissue paper.
Benefits: Encourages creativity while introducing elements of theater and storytelling.
Incorporating DIY recycled toys into playtime not only enables kids to engage in creative projects but also instills valuable lessons about recycling and environmental responsibility. These projects are fun, educational, and promote bonding experiences between parents and children. Enjoy exploring and crafting together!
