Looking for DIY Toddler Toys?
Over the years, I've created many easy DIY toddler toys to aid in the development of the little ones in my care. Before I throw anything away, I quickly think about whether it can be useful for anything. I've found that little ones don't care if the indoor activities for toddlers still look like what they used to be.
Posting DIY Toddler Toys
The trick is to find a used container with a flexible plastic snap-on lid, which is often found on tin or cardboard cylinder containers. Using a flexible plastic lid is beneficial because it's easier to cut with regular scissors, and they tend to leave safe edges. If there are jagged edges that you can't smooth out by cutting more, cover the edge with parcel tape or duct tape.
Save disk-shaped balloon weights from helium balloons, medium/large jar lids, old library or store gift/reward point plastic cards, or lolly/popsicle sticks (reused or for craft). I make a separate plaything for each collection of items. Wash or wipe out the container and the sturdy objects of your choice. Size up the posting items with the larger lid and cut a slot big enough for them to be pushed through it. You can cover the sides of the container(s) with sticky-back paper if you like.
Egg Box Slot DIY Toddler Toys
These are easy things to do with toddlers using egg boxes. Did you know cardboard egg boxes can be sterilized in the microwave for 10 seconds? Plastic or styrofoam egg boxes can be wiped down; however, I haven't tried using them for these toddler play ideas.
These are really easy to prepare. Place a closed, clean cardboard egg box upside down for either version.
For the stick/button slots simply push open scissors through the bottoms of the upside down the egg box, away from children. I placed a lump of play dough under where the scissors were heading each time. I used different angles to make the slots, to add to the challenge.
Collect or buy packs of lollipop/popsicle sticks or buttons (for toddlers who don't tend to mouth things, then supervise). I found a cheap jar of buttons with craft supplies. Mine came in a variety of sizes, so I checked and only provided the buttons that fit, which were the medium and small ones. Also check that the sticks fit too, I had to widen my slots because they are large.
Only use pom-poms with toddlers who are out of the mouth anything phase and closely supervise anyway. For the pom-pom version, make a tiny hole in the middle of each egg compartment of the upside down egg box, again with open scissors and away from children. Then use a sturdy pen to poke round holes in each egg compartment while it’s upside down. Check to see if a craft pom-pom will fit through. I found pushing a finger through the holes make them wider if needed.
If you like, you could use poster or kids' paint to create color-matching activities, too. I made one out of an egg box that a toddler painted for a craft project. Later, I painted a color-matching version, but that toddler prefers the one she painted.
These strengthen the muscles in the hands because they encourage the use of the pincer grasp. For more Pre-Writing Activities, click the link.
Slot Plaything Using a Salt/Herb/Spice Shaker
When I finished this salt shaker, I knew it could be used as a posting activity. I was going to use raw spaghetti pieces, but I thought that cutting down and sanding wooden skewer sticks would last longer in the hands of a toddler. Be mindful of choking hazards when planning the length of the sticks, and make sure they fit in the jar, too. I peeled off the label , but I consider this an optional step. This one has a larger hole to choose from, too.
Egg Box Color Matching DIY Toddler Toys
I've created a few of these easy DIY toddler toys over the years for little ones who've stopped mouthing anything, then supervised it. I've used bottle lids, buttons, and craft pom-poms at different times. Mix your paint to match the colors of your chosen collection.
Click the links to find more engaging Activities for 1-Year-Olds or Activities for 2-Year-Olds