12 DIY Kids Toys That Will Keep Them Entertained for Hours (And You’ll Love #5!)




If you’ve ever dreamed of a peaceful cup of tea while your little ones are happily not climbing the walls, you’re in the right place. Kids love toys, but parents love toys that don’t cost an arm and a leg (or a whole day’s sanity). Enter: DIY kids toys – the perfect blend of creativity, fun, and “I can’t believe they’re still playing with that!”

Here are 12 genius DIY toys that’ll keep your kiddos busy, happy, and off your furniture (hopefully). And trust us, #5 might just become your new best friend.

1. Cardboard Box City

Remember that massive box from your last online order? Don’t toss it! Turn it into a whole city - houses, roads, garages for toy cars. Give your child some crayons and let them go wild. Bonus: the bigger the box, the longer the fun.

Relatable moment: They’ll probably love the box more than the toy it came with. Classic.

2. Sock Puppets with Attitude

Got lonely socks? (We all do.) Grab some googly eyes, yarn, and markers. Make sock puppets that tell silly stories or argue about who gets the last biscuit. Perfect for giggles and indoor shows.

3. Rice Shakers (That Won’t Drive You Mad)

Fill a plastic bottle with rice, glitter, and a few buttons or beads. Seal it tight (seriously, super glue is your friend here). These make musical shakers that double as a calming sensory toy. You might actually enjoy shaking it too.

4. DIY Balance Beam

A roll of painter’s tape is all you need. Stick a line on the floor and let them walk the "tightrope". Add zig-zags and curves for extra challenge. Great for balance, coordination, and burning off energy indoors.

5. Felt Quiet Book (AKA The Holy Grail of Calm)

Okay, this one takes a bit more effort, but it’s so worth it. Create little felt pages with buttons to button, zips to zip, shapes to match, and puzzles to solve. Perfect for quiet time, car rides, or when you just need five minutes.

Why you’ll love it: It’s quiet. No batteries. No chaos. Just glorious silence.

6. Popsicle Stick Catapults (Controlled Chaos)

Make simple catapults from popsicle sticks and rubber bands. Use pom-poms or marshmallows as ammo. Set up targets (plastic cups work great) and let them aim, fire, and laugh like little mad scientists.

7. DIY Play Dough – Smells Amazing!

Mix 2 cups flour, 1 cup salt, 1 tbsp oil, and enough water to form dough. Add food colouring or even essential oils like lavender (calm kids = happy you). Let them shape, squish, and bake their masterpieces.

8. Mini Car Wash Station

Outside on a sunny day? Set up a car wash for toy cars using a tub of soapy water, a sponge, and a towel. Warning: they may end up washing themselves too. And that’s not always bad.

9. Toilet Roll Binoculars for Mini Explorers

Tape two empty toilet rolls together, add string, and let your child become an intrepid explorer in the wild jungle (aka your garden or living room). Hours of spotting “rare animals” and “hidden treasure”.

10. Paper Plate Ring Toss

Cut the middle out of paper plates to make rings. Stand up a kitchen roll tube as the base. Decorate the rings, toss, and keep score. Winner gets… first dibs on dessert?

11. Rainbow Rice Sensory Bin

Dye rice with food colouring, let it dry, and pour into a bin with cups, spoons, and small toys. Great for sensory play - and yes, you’ll find rice for days, but it’s worth it. Trust me.

12. Bottle Cap Memory Game

Save bottle caps, stick matching pictures or stickers underneath, and play a DIY memory game. Boosts their brainpower, keeps them focused, and gives you a chance to flex your unbeatable memory too.

Final Thoughts (And a Little Laugh)

Let’s be real – sometimes the best toys aren’t the pricey ones from the shop. They’re the ones made from love, leftover craft supplies, and a bit of parental desperation. These DIY toys are fun, cheap, and most importantly, they work!

Pro tip: Always keep a stash of tape, glue, and old socks. You never know when inspiration (or chaos) will strike.

Now go forth, get crafting, and enjoy a few quiet sips of tea while your little one enjoys the magic of homemade toys.

Pin now, thank yourself later! 🧡

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