Five DIY Toddler Games (Made with stuff you have at home!)

Day in the Life

Sep 12

Turning other peoples’ “trash” into treasure has always been my favorite thing to do. I love to upcycle a good thrift find! Turning actual trash into kid games is just as gratifying. If it breaks or we lose a part, WE THROW IT AWAY and don’t feel guilty about it. Lol yes, I said that. I don’t throw anything away, so when I do, it’s a very proud moment. Here are a couple of my recent trash toy projects.

Game #1: Paper Towel Roll Matching Game

You’ll need:

1 paper towel roll (or 3 toilet paper rolls)
Standing paper towel holder
Markers or paint
Scissors

Step 1: Draw and color your desired shapes vertically.

Step 2: Cut the tube into pieces. You’ll want to cut the shapes in half, so your littles can match them. You can make this easy or harder depending on your kids’ ages.

That’s it! Now set the paper towel holder out and get to stacking and matching.

Game #2: Popsicle Stick Obstacle Course

You’ll need:

1 paper towel roll
2 popsicle stickers
Cardboard
Box cutter*

*This one can get frustrating if you don’t have the right tools. You will want to use a box cutter for the cardboard!

Step 1: Cut half-inch slits on each side of the paper towel roll. Slide the popsicle stick through. Repeat this step, changing the direction of the second popsicle stick.

Step 2. Trace the paper towel roll and stick in the center of your cardboard. Then draw a larger circle around them. Cut out the first shape you drew. The challenge is to move the cardboard disk up and down the obstacle course of sticks!

Game #3: Troll Haircut

You’ll need:

Googly eyes (not required but adds fun)
Toilet paper rolls
Kid safe scissors
Marker
Glue

This one is the easiest and most fun for Q, my 3-year-old. Atlas (18 months) loves it too. But it is a little scary with the scissors.

Step 1: Glue or stick the googly eyes about 2 inches from the bottom. Then draw a mouth!

Step 2: Cut the “hair.” Use scissors to cut tiny strips of hair. You’ll have a troll-looking roll at the end of this step.

Now give that cute troll to your kid, along with some kid-friendly scissors. Let them give that bad boy a haircut. I usually prep 4-5 of these cause they go fast!

Game #4: Color Number Matching

You’ll need:

6 toilet paper rolls
Cardstock
Felt balls
Marker
Tape

You’ll want to color match your cardstock and felt balls. If you don’t have felt balls, you can use any matching color item that will fit in the roll (LEGOs, beads, etc.).

Step 1: Use tape to attach the cardstock to the roll. You can also have your kids color/paint the tube with your desired color!

Step 2. Number your tubes.

You now have a color matching and number learning game.

Game #5: Paper Towel Tube Track

You’ll need:

7-8 paper towel rolls or 10-12 toilet paper rolls
Small toy cars or marbles
Egg carton
Tape

Step 1: Cut all but 2 of your rolls in half vertically. You can paint and color them if you want to!

Step 2: Make two bases. Cut the egg cartoon into thirds (you’ll use 2/3 of the carton). Use tape to secure the support tubes to the middle of the square bases.

Step 3: Tape the cut tubes together to form a track. Tape the support tubes to the racing tubes. Use the support tubes to shift the track’s height and direction. Don’t be shy with the tape here. The more tape the better! LOL.

Let the races begin!