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Make Homemade Toys

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Toys

Some experts consider play time to be work for children, a critical part of their development. As work, kids need the right tools to get the job done well: good toys. We've selected some helpful Web sites that can teach you the importance of "child's play" and how to equip your kids with safe toys that will keep them happy, engaged, and active.

Choosing Toys for Children

Finding great toys for kids isn't exactly rocket science but it does take some thought. The age, ... read more »

Online Toy Shopping

If you’ve ever tried to navigate a toy store with children in tow, you understand the ... read more »

Specialty Toy Stores

The value of toy stores that specialize in a certain item is that their selection and pricing ... read more »

Make Homemade Toys

Homemade toys are generally more economical than store-bought toys, and likely come with a little more sentiment attached. If you’re feeling crafty or looking for a great project to do with your kids, use the sites we recommend here for ideas and instructions to make great kids toys at home.

Dulcinea's Insight

  • If you search for "homemade toys" on the Web, your results will be very scattered. Be much more specific with your search terms, using phrases such as "toy car patterns," or "doll patterns," for example.
  • If you watch any craft or do-it-yourself shows on television where you've seen homemade toys constructed, check the show's Web site for project patterns and instructions available online for purchase or even for free.
  • Just as when you are searching for the right toy from a toy store, homemade toys must be chosen and fashioned with the same eye toward safety. Look for Web sites that tell you the appropriate ages for children to safely make or use a particular homemade toy.
  • For additional ideas about homemade toys and other projects kids can create from home, read The Ultimate Book of Kid Concoctions. With the help of a few common household ingredients, kids can make their own stickers, a snow globe, scratch-and-sniff watercolors, and more.

Dulcinea's Picks

FamilyFun has a multitude of ideas for homemade toys and other crafts for kids. Look for ideas organized by age group; this way, you can help your children choose a project that will be appropriate for their abilities and safe to use.
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BabyZone.com has a list of seven toys to make for babies. Find instructions for these simple projects, usually involving just a few steps to complete.
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MarthaStewart.com provides links to instructions for making several different types of "dime store games." Look for photos and directions on how to play them.
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Knitting Pattern Central has a directory of free patterns for homemade toys. To view some of the patterns, you must sign up for a free membership to the Knitting Daily Web site.
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Toy Organization

If you’ve ever walked barefoot into your child’s room and stepped on a pointy toy, you ... read more »

Learn About Toy Recalls

In the wake of numerous toy recalls and problems with lead paint in toys, many parents are ... read more »

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