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!
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!
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.
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.
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
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!
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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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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.
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!
🙂
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!
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.
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 🙂
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.
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!! 🙂
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.
ohhh I love it. My dimples (4) would love that motor bike.
I am going to have to try this 🙂
The motor bike toy was awesome!!! I can see a four year old loving it.
Thanks for your comment lovely Rez.
Awesome! Shared and pinned x
Thank you so much lovely lady. 🙂
Awesome! Shared and pinned x
This is really wonderful way to upcycle cards.
I get excited when I can upcycle anything, especially when it can help a child learn. LOL
Thank you for your comment JDaniel.
I loved this activity Kate…already pinned and forgot to tell you i featured it on my Co-op post this week too x
I actually noticed and got a wonderful SURPRISE! Thank you so kindly Jodie. I really appreciate that. x
Fantastic, thanks for sharing! I use cards to make magnets but this is even better! Will be giving this a go for sure xx
Oh your magnet idea is BRILLIANT.
Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. 🙂
This is a fun idea; you could also make stick puppets by taping dowels to some of the pictures.
Absolutely!!! That is a terrific idea Diane. Thanks so much for your comment. 🙂
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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!!
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