The play has an important role in baby’s development and it teaches skills that babies will use in life. For playing toys are needed. Buying toys for your kids can be expensive, but there are ways to save money on toys.

One of the possibilities to save money on toys is to search ideas for DIY toys and create them yourself.

I found this posting can idea on Pinterest some time ago, but never had time to make it. Today, when Sofia was getting bored with playing with her toys, I remembered this idea and here is the result.

DIY Toys - A Posting Can @homelifeabroad.com #baby #toys #diytoys

We already have an activity cube with a posting box option, but my daughter is too little to understand how it works. This posting can is far more baby friendly, it’s really easy to make, takes a little time and doesn’t cost much! Besides, this toy helps to promote hand to eye coordination, fine motor skills, dexterity, and patience!

Here are the things you need for creating this entertaining posting can:

  • empty canister (cocoa, coffee etc.)
  • decorative paper
  • baby food jar lids (metal food lids)
  • glue
  • scissors/knife
  • different pictures/images
  • tape/self-adhesive transparent paper

When you have gathered all the necessary, you can start putting it together.

Firstly, clean the container you are using. I used a metal container, so when those lids fall to the bottom of the can, it makes a loud noise. When the container is clean, remove the plastic lid and cut a slot big enough for the lids go through easily. Hemm, my slot didn’t come out as beautiful as I wished for, but at least it fills its purpose.

Now you can start decorating the can. Cut a piece of paper big enough to cover the can and glue it on (or use self-adhesive paper).  I used a decorative paper from Tiger Store. Instead of paper, you can use fabric, or maybe even stickers. But whatever you use, make it bright. Babies and toddlers love colorful items. If you are using decorative paper, it’s a good idea to cover it with transparent adhesive paper, so when your baby wants to chew the can, he won’t be able to eat the paper.

When the can is ready, it’s time to prepare the lids. I used baby food jar lids, but other smaller lids work well too. Just remember to check if they go through the slot you cut. You can use plain lids without decorating if you wish. I let Sofia play first with undecorated lids but then decided to destroy some magazines and cut out different baby faces. For toddlers, you can substitute faces with animals, numbers, letters, etc. Glue the images on lids and secure the borders or whole image with tape or self-adhesive transparent paper.

Now let your kid play!

Sofia-màngib

Do you prefer DIY toys or store-bought? Any good ideas for DIY?

August 18, 2013
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