This page is a work in progress, but I wanted to go ahead and share it with you!
Easy / Make on the Go
It’s a great idea to always have one of these projects going on. These are toys that you can work on a little here and there. They are easy to learn how to make, so once you have learned how to make ONE, you can easily crank out a bunch more!
Open Ended
These toys are the BEST toys to make!
Open-ended toys are so valuable for your child’s development PLUS they are the most affordable to make! Win-win! These are the toys your child will play with the most year after year.
Start with Nuggets, Bean Bags and Heavy Rice Bags! Make a few of each and your child will surely ask for more!
Age Recommendations
I am not a play expert. These recommendations are based on my own personal experience.
Baby Toys
I would start with the Baby Ball and then the Baby Blocks.
The Nesting Bowls, Bean Bags and Nuggets and great for 18 months +
Ideal toys: age 2-4
Open-ended toys are the star for this age group! Make lots of each kind! Start with Bean Bags, Playsilks and Heavy Rice Bags.
Four year olds will surely love cozy needle felted animals. And strawberries too!
Ideal toys: age 5-8
This is the age for playing with animal and human figures! AND as always, lots open-ended toys such as Wood Slice Blocks and Bean Bags which will likely be used for building imaginary worlds. Playscapes are also great for this age. Play food can be a big hit especially for 5 and 6 year olds!
Ideal toys: age 9+
In my experience, children at this age have less interest in dolls and animals. They are more interested in MAKING toys or playing games. Open ended toys continue to be excellent playthings at this age.
Kid-Friendly
Children who are avid crafters can make any of the projects in Toymaking Magic, but here are some projects that I consider to be kid-friendly.
Seasonal Table Elements
Make these for your seasonal table/nature table!
Storytelling Elements
Make these for storytelling!
