Educational DIY of the Month: Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Own Learning Toys

Have you ever wondered how ordinary materials like cardboard, paper, and clay can transform into exciting learning tools that spark joy and curiosity? Enter the realm of DIY learning toys, where every creation is a gateway to fun-filled discovery. Creating your own DIY educational toys not only allows you to personalise the toys to cater to your child's specific interests and learning needs, but it also gives you the opportunity to bond with your child through the process of making something together. By using simple materials that are easily accessible, you can create handmade DIY educational toys that are not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly. 

In this blog, we will explore the benefits of making your own DIY learning toys and provide you with some creative ways on how to create a toy, ideas and tips to get started. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to unleash your creativity while fostering your child's development.

Importance of Toy DIY for Kids

In today's fast-paced world, it is crucial for children to engage in activities that promote creativity and critical thinking. One such activity that has gained popularity in recent years is DIY toy-making. Toy DIY not only allows children to unleash their creativity but also helps them develop important skills such as problem-solving and fine motor skills. Moreover, the sense of accomplishment that comes with creating their own toys can boost children's self-esteem and confidence. Overall, handmade DIY educational toys are a valuable and enriching activity that every child should have the opportunity to participate in.

Materials and Tools

Here are some common ones.

Material:

• Paper

• Cardboard

• Fabric

• Clay or Play Dough

•  tic-tac-toe pieces or animal figurines

• Beans or Rice

• Craft Sticks

• Paints and Markers

• Beads or Buttons

• Printable Templates

Tools:

• Scissors

• Glue or Tape

• Paintbrushes

• Ruler

• Pencil

• Hole Punch

• Paint Palettes

• Cutting Mat

• Printer

DIY Learning Toy DIY for Kids

Hey kids, are you ready to get creative and have some fun while learning? Let's dive into making our very own DIY learning toy together.

Alphabet Puzzle

Get some sturdy cardboard and colourful markers. Draw big letters of the alphabet on the cardboard, then carefully cut them. Decorate each letter with fun colours and designs. Now, mix up the letters and challenge kids to put them back in order from A to Z.

Counting Beans

Gather some dried beans or small toys, along with cups or containers numbered from 1 to 10. Put the correct number of beans or toys in each container, matching the numbers. Practice counting as you fill them up and then count again as you empty them out. Counting beans makes perfect DIY educational toys for 3 year olds.

Shape Sorting Game

Cut out different shapes from colourful paper or cardboard, and draw matching shapes on another piece of paper. Mix up the shapes and try to fit each one into its matching outline. This DIY for kids helps them learn about different shapes.

Sensory Exploration Bin

Fill a big container with different things like rice, beans, or toys. Ask Kids to use their hands or tools to explore and play. This toy DIY helps  kids to experience different textures and sensations while having fun.

DIY Building Blocks

To make building blocks DIY with kids, collect some empty cardboard boxes or containers of different sizes. Decorate them with paint or colourful paper, then stack them up to create towers or structures. Now, ask the kids to Knock them down and start building again.

DIY Clay Tic Tac Toe

Make small shapes out of clay or playdough and let them dry. Then, paint them different colours. Kids can use them to play tic-tac-toe on paper. This homemade educational toy improves strategy and coordination.

Pretend Play Food

Use felt or fabric to make food shapes like fruits or sandwiches. Kids can play with them in a toy kitchen or pretend grocery store. This DIY for kids encourages imaginative play and social skills.

Printable Farm Puppets

Print pictures of farm animals or draw them on paper. Cut them out and glue them to craft sticks to make puppets. Kids can use these handmade DIY educational toys to tell stories or engage in pretend play.

Cardboard Marble Maze

Make a maze out of cardboard with paths and walls. Drop in some marbles and tilt the maze to guide them through the paths. This toy DIY promotes problem-solving and hand-eye coordination.

Plaster of Paris Animal Moulds

Use special moulds or make shapes out of clay. Pour in the plaster of Paris and let it dry. Then, paint the animals however you like. It is the best way to foster creativity in children.

Conclusion 

Creating your own DIY learning toys is a rewarding and educational experience for both you and your child. By personalising these toys DIY, you can cater to your child's unique learning needs and interests, making the learning process more engaging and effective. So why not give it a try and see the positive impact it can have on your child's learning journey?

But If you have concerns about not having enough time to make handmade learning toys, Skillmatics has a great offer for you. Our DIY learning toys are both educational and fun for kids of all ages. Encourage your child's creativity and problem-solving skills with our interactive games. Get your hands on Skillmatics' games collection today and watch your child's creativity, imagination and love for learning thrive like never before!