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D.I.Y Toys using old cards

June 20, 2013 by Kate 29 Comments

DIY Toys using recycled cards and imaginative play
 
 
 
If you’re a parent I’m sure to can raise your hand to admit that at one time or another you’ve purchased a fancy new toy only to find they are more interested in playing with the box. Doh!
 
DIY Toys using recycled cards and imaginative play
 
So in typical Laughing Kids Learn style I decided to make a set of simple hand made toys that wouldn’t cost me a cent in putting together. 
 
 
 
 
I love to recycle when I can and so these old celebration cards were perfect for what I needed. If you didn’t have any cards that were suitable, visit your local discount shop and you can pick up such cards for about 50cents each. I recommend finding cards with a clear image that suits your child’s interest.

 
How to make these toys
Simply cut out the image that you feel your child would enjoy playing with and use sticky tape and a recycled toilet roll to help it stand up. Simple! 
 
DIY Toys using recycled cards and imaginative play
 
If you have an image that says ‘Happy Birthday’ or similar, you might like to cover it with stickers. It is important to remember, however, children are not often fussy about this and possibly not able to read it anyway. 
 
 
DIY Toys using recycled cards and imaginative play
 
TOP TIP
It’s a great idea to provide children with a variety of images – drawn, photographed, painted etc. This will encourage their creative and imaginative play. 
 
DIY Toys using recycled cards and imaginative play
 

Toddlers will love these because they can be used for indoor and outdoor play! 

 
These simple toys promote discussion and provide a ‘close up’ to many interesting animals. Looking carefully at pictures helps children to read visual images, which is one of the first steps to reading!


Possum (who was a little unwell at the time) loved playing with these and has only just started to experiment with some imaginative play. The robot and the ballerina did lots of kissing! LOL

Janice from Learning4Kids has used toilet rolls to teach the alphabet. Be sure to check it out here! 
__________________________
I hope that you have enjoyed reading this post. 
 
Please leave me a comment below. I love hearing from you. 
 
Kate x
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Filed Under: 3 - 5 years, Art & Craft, Craft, Making, Play

Comments

  1. Mommy of Many Hats says

    June 22, 2013 at 7:58 pm

    What a great idea! I was just thinking about whether or not I should throw away a HUGE stack of old cards we have. Thank you so much for sharing! Feel free to check us out at http://everystarisdifferent.blogspot.com.

    Reply
    • Kate Lloyd says

      July 8, 2013 at 3:12 am

      Thank you for your comment. I’m glad you find a use for your old cards now. I’ll be sure to check you out!
      🙂

      Reply
  2. Laura Flaute says

    June 23, 2013 at 4:49 am

    Hi Kate, I think, you have a wonderful blog! I have nominated you for a Liebster Award. All the info here: http://camillaandroman.blogspot.com/2013/06/blog-love-liebster.html
    Of course, you don’t have to accept it. I hope that you’d do because I love it!

    Reply
    • Kate Lloyd says

      July 8, 2013 at 3:13 am

      Thank you so kindly for your nomination. I am very blessed. I’m probably getting to this a bit late but will have a look at my next opportunity. Thank you Laura. I appreciate your comment too.

      Reply
  3. Chelsea @ Moments A Day says

    June 26, 2013 at 1:03 pm

    Such a cute idea!!! Will definitely have to try this out 🙂 We’ve often used magazine pictures or pictures from old toy boxes for collages or stick puppets (I posted about some a few weeks ago) but never made actual “toys” – might be something to try tomorrow 🙂

    Reply
    • Kate Lloyd says

      July 8, 2013 at 3:14 am

      I’m not very good at drawing so using cards or pictures from a magazine is a brilliant idea.
      Thanks so much for your comments.

      Reply
  4. Bekka Joy says

    June 27, 2013 at 1:11 am

    These are fabulous Kate! What a great idea – you come up with some fabulous new ideas! Will definitely try this, especially as it’s birthday season here!! 🙂

    Reply
    • Kate Lloyd says

      July 8, 2013 at 3:15 am

      I love that these are simple to whip up for our little ones. It also highlights to me how children really don’t need the fancy or expensive toys to have fun and learn.
      Thanks for your comments Bekka. Much appreciated.

      Reply
  5. Rez P says

    June 27, 2013 at 4:05 am

    ohhh I love it. My dimples (4) would love that motor bike.
    I am going to have to try this 🙂

    Reply
    • Kate Lloyd says

      July 8, 2013 at 3:16 am

      The motor bike toy was awesome!!! I can see a four year old loving it.
      Thanks for your comment lovely Rez.

      Reply
  6. Kylie @ Octavia and Vicky says

    June 27, 2013 at 10:33 pm

    Awesome! Shared and pinned x

    Reply
    • Kate Lloyd says

      July 8, 2013 at 3:16 am

      Thank you so much lovely lady. 🙂

      Reply
  7. Kylie @ Octavia and Vicky says

    June 27, 2013 at 10:33 pm

    Awesome! Shared and pinned x

    Reply
  8. JDaniel4's Mom says

    June 28, 2013 at 2:49 am

    This is really wonderful way to upcycle cards.

    Reply
    • Kate Lloyd says

      July 8, 2013 at 3:16 am

      I get excited when I can upcycle anything, especially when it can help a child learn. LOL
      Thank you for your comment JDaniel.

      Reply
  9. Jodie Clarke says

    June 30, 2013 at 11:31 am

    I loved this activity Kate…already pinned and forgot to tell you i featured it on my Co-op post this week too x

    Reply
    • Kate Lloyd says

      July 8, 2013 at 3:17 am

      I actually noticed and got a wonderful SURPRISE! Thank you so kindly Jodie. I really appreciate that. x

      Reply
  10. The Imperfect Housewife says

    July 1, 2013 at 11:13 am

    Fantastic, thanks for sharing! I use cards to make magnets but this is even better! Will be giving this a go for sure xx

    Reply
    • Kate Lloyd says

      July 8, 2013 at 3:18 am

      Oh your magnet idea is BRILLIANT.
      Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. 🙂

      Reply
  11. Diane Hurst says

    July 1, 2013 at 2:19 pm

    This is a fun idea; you could also make stick puppets by taping dowels to some of the pictures.

    Reply
    • Kate Lloyd says

      July 8, 2013 at 3:18 am

      Absolutely!!! That is a terrific idea Diane. Thanks so much for your comment. 🙂

      Reply
  12. Anonymous says

    October 15, 2013 at 4:18 am

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    Reply
  13. Janice says

    January 19, 2014 at 11:54 am

    How gorgeous!! So simple and yet so effective….I love this idea!
    Your blog is looking fabulous, I have missed visiting and seeing all you great ideas!!
    Thank you for the link to our post! xx

    Reply
  14. cami says

    June 20, 2020 at 4:19 pm

    I have read your blog its really good.

    Reply
    • Kate says

      June 24, 2020 at 10:23 am

      Thank you kindly!!

      Reply

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Welcome
Hello and welcome!
My name is Kate and I am a mum to two little girls, Possum and Boo. We have lots of fun together learning with play at home and are pleased to share some of what we do with you.
Read my about page to find out more.

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