How to Make Toys at Home with Waste Material

 

It is an interesting opportunity to engage children in creative activities. Because we are living in the fast-moving world. Where people are dominated by technology. So, toys making with scrap at home would give you two solutions. First, this hobby will foster creativity among kids. Second, this activity promotes environmental awareness.  In this article, we will explore different methods to utilize them for making toys at home with waste materials found near your house. So, let's dive in and discover the joy of crafting toys while reducing waste!

How to Make Toys at Home with Waste Material

Crafting toys with waste material is a fantastic way to combine imagination and resourcefulness. The process of making these toys doesn’t need expert skills. Moreover, it is going to be a fun activity in which children can actively participate. Further, you can use custom toy packaging to keep them safe at your home. Overall, you can say that it would be a fun-filled family activity.  Let's explore some engaging projects that will inspire you to create toys using waste material!

1. Cardboard Tube Race Cars

Materials:

1.         Cardboard tubes (from paper towels or toilet paper)
2.         Bottle caps
3.         Craft paper or colored paper
4.         Straws
5.         Googly eyes
6.       Glue
7.       Scissors
8.       Markers or paint

Steps: Take a cardboard tube and decorate it with markers or paint to resemble a race car.

1.       Take a cardboard tube and decorate it with markers or paint to resemble a race car.
2.       Attach four bottle caps to the bottom of the tube using glue, serving as wheels.
3.       Cut out a small rectangle from colored paper and glue it to the top of the tube, creating the car's windshield.
4.       Attach googly eyes to the windshield using glue.
5.       Cut a straw into two pieces and glue them on either side of the car to serve as side-view mirrors.
6.       Let the glue dry, and your cardboard tube race car is ready to zoom around!

2. Tin Can Wind Chimes

Materials:

1.         Empty tin cans (various sizes)
2.         Acrylic paint
3.         Paintbrushes
4.         Beads or small bells
5.         String or yarn
6.         Nail and hammer
7.         Wooden stick or dowel
8.         Scissors

Steps:

1.       Clean the tin cans thoroughly, removing any labels or sharp edges.
2.       Paint the cans in vibrant colors using acrylic paint and allow them to dry completely.
3.       Using a nail and hammer, create small holes around the open end of each can.
4.       Cut several pieces of string or yarn of varying lengths.
5.       Thread beads or small bells onto the strings, leaving a loop at the top for hanging.
6.       Thread the strings through the holes in the cans and tie them securely.
7.       Tie the other ends of the strings to a wooden stick or dowel, spacing them evenly.
8.       Hang your tin can wind chimes outdoors and enjoy the soothing sound they produce!

3. Plastic Bottle Herb Garden

Materials:

1.         Plastic bottles (2-liter or smaller)
2.         Potting soil
3.         Herb seeds (such as basil, mint, or parsley)
4.         Scissors
5.         Water

Steps:

1.       Cut off the top portion of a plastic bottle, leaving a deep container to hold the soil.
2.       Make small drainage holes at the bottom of the bottle using a sharp object.
3.       Now take the bottle and fill it with potting soil. Further, make sure to leave a small gape at the top.
4.       Next, read the information given on the packet and plant herb seeds. In addition, cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil.
5.       Water the seeds gently and place the bottle near a sunny window or in your garden.
6.       Ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged by watering the herbs regularly.
7.       Watch your herb garden grow and enjoy fresh herbs for culinary adventures!

4. Sock Puppets

1.         Materials:
2.         Old socks
3.         Buttons
4.         Yarn or felt
5.         Fabric glue
6.         Scissors
7.         Markers or fabric paint

Steps:

1.       Select a sock and place it on your hand, determining where the eyes and mouth will be.
2.       Use fabric glue to attach buttons as eyes and yarn or felt as hair or facial features.
3.       Cut out a small piece of felt or fabric for the mouth and glue it in place.
4.       Use markers or fabric paint to add additional details and create a vibrant character.
5.       Let the glue and paint dry completely before playing with your adorable sock puppet!

5. Newspaper Kites

Materials:

1.         Old newspapers
2.         Bamboo skewers or thin wooden dowels
3.         String or twine
4.         Scissors
5.         Tape
6.         Craft paper or tissue paper
7.         Markers or crayons

Steps:

1.       Cut two identical diamond shapes from a sheet of newspaper.
2.       Decorate one side of each diamond using markers or crayons to create colorful patterns.
3.       Place the two diamond shapes together, ensuring they match perfectly, and secure the edges with tape.
4.       Attach a bamboo skewer or wooden dowel to the longer sides of the diamond shape using tape.
5.       Now take a twine or long piece of string and tie it to the ends of the dowel or bamboo skewer. And make a cross shape.  
6.       Cut a small piece of craft paper or tissue paper and tape it to the string where they intersect, acting as the kite's tail.
7.       Take your newspaper kite outside on a windy day, hold onto the string, and let it soar through the sky!

FAQs about Making Toys at Home with Waste Material

Can I create toys from waste materials at home without being crafty?

Absolutely! The beauty of crafting toys with waste material is that it doesn't require advanced artistic skills. Above described projects are easy to make. You don’t need to have well crafting skills. The purpose of this activity is to have fun and enjoy the moment of creativity. So take a start with easy projects as we’ve mentioned above. You’ll feel excited after seeing your creation.

Any safety concerns when making homemade toys?

Safety should always be a priority when crafting toys, especially when involving children. Be cautious when using sharp objects like scissors or needles, and ensure children are supervised at all times. Avoid materials that may be harmful if ingested or have sharp edges.

Final Thoughts

Making toys at home with waste material is a wonderful way to unleash your creativity and engage in meaningful and eco-friendly activities. So gather your waste materials, gather your loved ones, and embark on a thrilling journey of creativity and environmental consciousness. Get ready to witness the magic of turning trash into treasures!