Repurposed Kids Toys and Craft Projects

The toys that little kids love the best are very simple. You can repurpose things around the house into hours of free kiddy entertainment! Here are a few of my favorites to get you started:

1.) Shakers – This is a great way to multipurpose old plastic jars, plastic spice containers, and plastic Easter eggs (Isabella’s favorite). Add uncooked rice, dried beans, or stale cereal to the containers. If it doesn’t close tightly or you’re worried about your kids opening it, add a strip of packing tape around the opening. Note: Watch small kids closely! They  could choke! Even with the tape they could get this open. (6 months – 5 years)

2.) Junk Mail – Instead of tossing your junk mail, allow your kids to draw and color on it. Glue it, tear it, fold it, and so on. You can still toss it in the bin when they finish. (1 yrs +)

3.) Used gift wrap – Rip it in small pieces and let your kids use a glue stick to attach it to an index card or piece of paper. This is a great post-holiday or birthday party craft. Save a little of each type for a colorful end result. (This has kept Isabella occupied for over an hour!) (2 yrs +)

4.) Old Books – Books in bad shape can be reused as a memory book. Glue decorative paper, photographs, tickets, postcards, and other memorabilia to the pages. You can paint the pages before or use paint and glitter to decorate after. Let your kids create a custom cover by painting or covering with paper or other items. They can add their own art work to the mix. If the spine is peeling, use packing tape to repair it before they start. A ripped page can be removed, you can glue paper to it as a repair, or you can leave half a page for visual interest. This project is for the older kids or small kids with the help of an adult. Makes a great gift! (5 yrs – adult with emphasis on the 9-12 year olds)

5.) Paper Towel Rolls – Decorate with crayons or construction paper for a fun day of playing pirate! (2-5 yrs old)

6.) Out Grown Baby Clothing – Baby clothing can make the best baby doll clothing! Kids are also very forgiving of stains. Try to find a doll roughly the size of a newborn and save the clothing this size and small 0-3 months. Place them in a drawer or container for the best doll wardrobe around! (1 – 7 yrs old)