Many products are delivered in cardboard boxes; cardboard boxes that are then disposed of in waste paper. However, some of these boxes are ideal for crafting children's toys. This saves money, protects the environment and gives the children fun and games.

 

Building blocks

Younger children like to play with building blocks, which are usually made of wood or plastic. You can make your own building blocks from sturdy cardboard and make them according to your own ideas in different sizes, shapes and colours. To do this, simply cut out several areas of the same size from the cardboard. Fold them as desired and glue the sides together with adhesive tape or paper glue. The cardboard building blocks can be painted any colour you like, preferably together with the children, and stacked on top of each other. You can make different shapes such as triangles, rectangles and squares and show the children how the shapes fit together by sticking them together.

Doll's bed

A cardboard box can become a lovely little bed for dolls or soft toys. Cut out the lid flaps from a rectangular cardboard box and cut the sides with a box cutter so that they look like the sides of a bed. You can do this by cutting the bed posts vertically, for example. You can even cut a cot by cutting thin vertical strips out of the box. Four cardboard building blocks of the same size (see above) can serve as legs for the bed. Paint and decorate the doll's bed and cover it with a soft blanket.

Cars

A large cardboard box can be cut and painted to look like a car that the child can even sit in and "drive". The ideas for vehicles are endless, for example aeroplanes, fire engines or even sailing boats. The colour of the vehicle determines its function. If you like, you can also cut two round holes in the floor through which the child can put their legs and walk around in the car.

Flying objects

Children love throwing things through the air, and what better way to do this than with a flying saucer made of cardboard. Cut round discs out of the cardboard and paint and decorate them as you wish. The children can throw these flying saucers around in a long throw competition or knock cans over with them.