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Simple Toys for Kids to Make

Toy construction sparks creativity, builds ingenuity and provides hours of entertainment. It also saves money and builds confidence. Children that make their own toys will feel proud of their creations and likely play with their handcrafted toys for hours. There is no need to spend hundreds of dollars on store-bought toys when your children will be as easily entertained making their own toys out of inexpensive items you probably already have at home.

Things You'll Need

Pipe cleaners
Large appliance box
Scissors
Beans
Rice
Plastic bottles
Rubber bands
Toilet paper tubes
Popsicle sticks
Magazines
Markers
Crayons
1 cup salt
1 cup water
2 cups flour
1 tablespoon oil
Food coloring

Instructions

- 1
  Twist pipe cleaners into assorted shapes. Pipe cleaners are small and fit easily into diaper bags and purses, so they are perfect for waiting rooms and car trips.
- 2
  Cut windows and doors into an empty large appliance box. Encourage your child to decorate the box as a playhouse. A simple cardboard box becomes a playhouse that will entertain your child for hours.
- 3
  Pour beans and rice into empty plastic water bottles. Screw the lids on tightly to make homemade maracas.
- 4
  Cut pictures out of magazines and glue them to craft sticks to make puppets. Your child can draw the pictures instead of cutting them out of magazines for added creativity.
- 5
  Combine 1 cup of salt, 1 cup of water, 2 cups of flour, 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and a few drops of food coloring to make play-dough. Refrigerate for up to three weeks. Knead the play-dough before playing with it to make it easier to manipulate.

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