How to Make a Homemade Toy Car

Acquire a sturdy shoebox, with or without a lid. Poke four holes into the shoebox with the nails. The holes should be on the corners of the shoebox, at least 1/2 inch from the bottom of the box and one inch from the side edge, where the tires will go.

Measure and cut plastic foam into four 1-inch cubes carefully using a utility knife. Place a piece of plastic foam at each inside corner of the box.

Thread a button into a nail and insert the nail back into the shoebox into the plastic foam to secure the wheels. Leave one to two millimeters of clearance between the button and shoebox. If the button wiggles too much, thread a thin bead between the button and shoebox. Repeat for the other three wheels.

Place newspaper on a flat surface to allow for easy cleaning after decorating. Put the box on the newspaper and embellish it with paint, glitter, crayons and markers.

Tape a straw to each side of the car. The straws should be placed along each side of the car with about two inches of the straw sticking out. Use at least three pieces of tape at least 1 inch long, though more may be required if the straw does not seem secure.

Attach one balloon to each straw at the front end of the car and secure with tape. Use at least two pieces of tape at least 1 inch long, though more may be required if the balloon does not seem adequately secured.

Inflate each balloon by blowing into the straw. Hold the end of the first balloon to keep it inflated while you inflate the other balloon. Release both balloons when you are ready to make the car move. The car will stop when there is no more momentum from the air in the balloons pushing it forward.