If your kids don’t have their own helicopter—and a dinosaur and a chick as friends—don’t worry. I’ve got you covered! You can watch the full tutorial video here!
But first, do you know why making DIY (Do It Yourself) toys is so great for kids?
Why DIY Toys Are Awesome for Kids
Crafting toys isn’t just fun—it’s a mini workout for the brain and hands! Through simple steps like cutting, folding, and gluing, children develop fine motor skills and improve hand-eye coordination. It also sparks creativity and imagination, giving kids the freedom to express themselves.
And that’s not all—DIY projects teach patience and focus as kids follow each step to finish their masterpiece. When they finally say, “Ta-da!”, the sense of accomplishment boosts their confidence big time. Plus, these activities help develop problem-solving skills (because sometimes glue doesn’t listen to instructions either!).
The best part? Making toys together creates quality family time, turning learning into laughter-filled moments. So why not start crafting today? Let’s give those little hands something fun to do!
What You’ll Need
• Paper cups, craft paper, crayons
• Child-safe scissors
• Googly eyes, tape, string, beads
• Any other decorations your imagination suggests
(Tip: Parents should always supervise when scissors are involved—tiny fingers are precious!)
Let’s Get Crafty!
Craft 1: Paper Cup Helicopter
- Grab your favorite-colored paper cup.
- Cut a round hole (about 2.5 cm) on the side of the cup.
- Poke a small hole at the bottom.
- Roll some paper to make the tail and thread it through the big hole.
- Decorate your helicopter—go wild with colors!
- Thread a rubber band through a bead and secure it with two sticks.
- Attach the rotor blades.
- Twist the stick at the mouth of the cup to “fuel up.”
Your paper helicopter is now ready for its first mission. To see exactly how it’s done, check out the tutorial video here!
Craft 2: Paper Cup Dinosaur
- Cut a mouth and split 2 sides of one cup.
- Take another cup, punch two small holes, and thread the wire through.
- Use glue to attach the back and head together.
- Add the paper parts: tail, arms, back spikes, teeth, and some shiny eyes.
And there you have it—a dinosaur that’s cute, not scary! You can watch more in the tutorial video here.
Craft 3: Paper Cup Chick
- Decorate the cup with eyes, beak, wings, and a comb—make it as adorable as you want.
- Take two plastic bottle caps, place them upside down together, and secure with tape.
- Attach a rubber band to the caps.
- Cut two small slits on both sides of the cup mouth and attach the elastic band from step 3.
- Twist the caps a few times, set the chick down, and watch it run like the wind!
To see exactly how it’s done, check out the tutorial video here.
Why This Matters
These crafts aren’t just toys—they’re a way to create fun family moments. Parents get to bond with their kids while building something together. Plus, it turns ordinary paper cups into extraordinary playtime!
So, what are you waiting for? Grab some cups and start crafting today—because happiness can be handmade!