Easy, Simple Toys That Have Survived the Centuries
In spite of the large number of complex toys on today’s market, many kids are finding that the simple toys they make themselves can be just as much fun. Many of these toys were made by ancestors and still hold the same appeal today. Let’s take a look at some simple toys that can be made from everyday household items.
Simple toys can be made with just about anything. A fun alternative to walkie talkies is to take two Styrofoam cups and a piece of string. Poke holes in the bottoms of each cup and thread one end of the string through each cup and tie a knot to keep the string in place. Now the kids can talk to each other from a distance, including another room if the string is long enough.
Another simple toy is a clothespin drop. Gather together an empty oatmeal container and some clothespins. Cut a hole in the lid of the oatmeal container and then replace. Kids will spend hours trying to drop clothespins into the hole. This simple toy can help improve fine motor coordination skills.
Sculpting dough is another simple toy that has been around in one form or another for centuries. While there are various recipes for homemade dough, one of the simplest is to take equal parts applesauce and cinnamon. Mix the two ingredients together and knead until the resulting mixture is firm enough to shape. This dough will keep for some time in an airtight container, or you can have the kids sculpt an object and set it out to dry.
Kids love anything that makes noise. One simple toy involves using two coffee cans and some rope. Cut two lengths of rope long enough to reach from the floor to your child’s hand. Punch holes in the bottom of the coffee cans and thread one end of the rope through the hole. Tie a firm knot. Put the lids back on the cans and turn them upside down. Kids can stand on these, pulling the ropes to lift as they walk, or clomp, across the floor.
There are so many other simple toys your child can make. Give any kid a large cardboard box and a blanket and they are sure to build a ‘secret hideaway”. An empty soda can becomes the object of an impromptu kick the can games. Provide a few common objects and turn your child loose. His or her imagination will take care of the rest.