" Homemade crafts that make children's eyes sparkle "

Children discover the world through their own eyes. Every day brings something exciting with it and parents should encourage the imagination as much as possible. There's nothing worse than bombarding children with electronic toys instead of encouraging their natural urge to discover and explore. Get creative yourself! Making toys yourself is not just a nice way to pass the time. If there are older children in the household, they will certainly be happy to help with the crafting.

Age is crucial

Children's toys are available in very different designs. The decisive factor is age. If you are making toys yourself, first of all remember that they should be age-appropriate. The older the children, the more sophisticated the toys can be.

Always make sure that there are no small parts that can be swallowed if the child is under the age of three. Sharp edges should also be avoided and only use colors that are safe for children, especially babies.

From a certain age, children can also help with the handicrafts themselves

There are numerous recommendations as to which children's toys are suitable for which age. Use these as a guide, but never forget that every child develops individually. You know your little one best and therefore know better than anyone else what is good for your child.

Use craft afternoons to make children's toys yourself

Especially in the cooler months of the year, it's a wonderful opportunity to spend a long afternoon doing arts and crafts. We will now look at a few craft ideas and suggestions for toys.

As usual, prepare all the necessary materials. Prepare the table so that it is protected and tie a children's apron around the hard-working helpers and you're ready to go.

Toys for babies - from grasping toys to rattles

In the first few months, little ones are busy processing all the new impressions and events. First of all, they need to understand and get to know smells, sounds and sensations. From the third month onwards, curiosity about objects and therefore, of course, about Toys for babies.

As soon as babies can grasp, it is the ideal time for them to make their first toy themselves.

Grasping toy - simple and individual

The grasping toy is undoubtedly one of the first toys a child has. You can easily make this toy yourself. You will need the following materials:

• 1 wooden half ring
• 3 small wooden rings
• Wooden beads, lentil beads and crochet beads
• 1 small bell
• 2 motif beads
• Threading cords

First select the desired craft materials materials. The more different the individual elements are, the more interesting the grasping toy for the baby.

1. Take the string and cut it to the desired length. You can be a little more generous, then it won't be too short at the end. Knot the end tightly together and simply cut off the rest.
2. Now decide for yourself which beads you would like to start with. If possible, insert the half ring after the first three beads.
3. Now it's time to get creative. Alternate between wooden beads, lentil beads and crochet beads. This makes the grasping toy particularly interesting. A small bell and another motif bead round off the self-made grasping toy.

Rattles - made all the more interesting with different fillings

In addition to the grasping toy, rattles make children's eyes light up. Making this children's toy yourself is very easy. All you need are the following materials:

• Empty drinking bottles (as small as possible)
• Nuscheli
• string
• rice
• noodles
• sand

Rattle

1. Fill each bottle with a little rice, dry pasta and sand. Please do not fill them completely, but rather leave a little more air. After all, it should rattle nicely at the end.
2. Close the bottles tightly.
3. Now wrap them in the soft muslin. This makes it easier for the baby to hold and of course it looks much prettier. Secure the cloth firmly to the bottle with string.

With just a few steps, you can quickly and easily make your own toys that are suitable for babies

Toys for toddlers

The days of rattles and grasping toys are now behind us. It's time to keep toddlers busy. The best thing to do first is to go for a short walk, as you will find an incredible amount of material in nature that you can use to make your own toys.

Toddlers love to experiment with natural materials. You can therefore also offer materials that you find in nature. Not only are they great for crafting, they can even be used to create toys.

For the first toy, you will need as many flat stones as possible, such as those found on riverbanks.

Dominoes - colorful game idea

We need around 20 to 30 dominoes for the domino game. You will also need finger paints and mumblers.

Dominoes

1. Draw a line in the middle of the domino with black paint, on both sides of course. Now simply paint one side at a time with the same color using the finger paints. Make sure that there is always at least one pair so that these dominoes can be placed together later.
2. To store the stones, simply take one or two Nuscheli. Place them on top of each other and sew a string into the edge. Then you can simply place the dominoes inside after playing and tie them up.

Marble run made from used cardboard rolls

No childhood without a marble run! Why not make one from old cardboard rolls? In addition to the rolls, you will need a board or very sturdy cardboard to which the rolls can be attached. This track does not necessarily have to be very big. The main thing is that it is fun.

Used paper rolls

1. Color the rolls together with your child. There are various options available to you. From finger paints and wax crayons to papier-mâché. Leave one side of the rolls blank and untreated.
2. Take the board or cardboard and start by laying out the rolls so that a track is created and the marble can roll through it easily later. Make sure that the transitions fit.
3. Then glue on the rolls one by one and allow the whole thing to dry thoroughly. Then set up the marble run and the fun can begin.

Children are easy to inspire and if you take the time to get creative with your little ones, you don't have to buy expensive toys. Because making children's toys yourself is anything but difficult.

We hope we have given you a few good tips and suggestions and wish you lots of fun and success