Homemade Wooden Toys for Kids
Homemade wooden toys have been around for a long time and remain popular today. They are considered to be a green alternative because they are natural and biodegradable. Toys are designed specifically for kids and range from simple ones for babies to complex creations for older children and adults. Toys play a vital role in physical, mental, emotional and social development. Toys that are open-ended allow a child's imagination to soar. Making a wooden toy is really quite simple, and it does not require a lot of skill, money or time.
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Things You'll Need
- Wood
- Carpenter's glue
- Clamps (optional)
- Nails
- Screws
- Hammer
- Drill
- Hand saw or power saw
- Course and fine sand paper
- Sander (optional)
- Kid-friendly paint, stain and sealer
- Wood Burning Kit (optional)
Instructions
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Make simple toys for babies by drawing a design on a piece of 1-inch thick piece of wood that is at least 3 inches in each direction to avoid a choking hazard. Cut out the shape, round the edges and sand thoroughly. Leave natural or paint, stain and seal using child-safe products. The design or shape can be of any animal or object. Some examples are ducks, birds, fish, giraffes, cars, trucks, airplanes and dolls.
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Make a sorting and concentration game for preschoolers. Draw, burn or paint designs on 1-inch-by-4-inches pieces of wood for children to match and sort. This is a great way for to improve memory and learn colors, shapes, letters, and words. This also can be done by making several variations of shapes.
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Make a pull toy or riding toy by drilling corresponding holes near the bottom and inserting wooden dowels. Cut four round pieces of wood in an appropriate diameter and width to make wheels. Drill halfway through each and attach to dowels with wood glue and small nails. For pull toys attach a rope or a handle. This also can be done to create a portable toy chest.
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Ignite your child's imagination by cutting out a design such as a pirate ship, car, castle, or animal shape. Sand, decorate with kid-friendly products and attach to opposite sides of a child's bed. This project can be as simple or extravagant as you prefer. It is a great way to provide hours of play and customize a room.
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Create furniture or toys that rock by cutting circles in half and attaching them to the bottom of toy or furniture. For heavier items, cut two matching curved pieces out of 2-inches-by-6-inches pieces of wood. Children love to sit and rock on things that look like animals or vehicles.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are using hand tools, pine cuts easier and is inexpensive.
Always were goggles and other protective equipment when working with power tools.
Poplar, Beech, Birch, Alder, Cherry, Maple and Douglas Fir are good woods to use.
Always let your children get involved while making toys when it is age appropriate.
Sanded and painted scrap pieces of wood are excellent building blocks.
Homemade wooden toys are great family projects and make wonderful gifts.
Never make a toy for a child less than 3 years old that is smaller than 3 inches in any direction
Always use child-safe wood sealers and non-toxic paints
Take the time to carefully sand everything you make
Do not use plywood for your projects for children
Avoid delicate or sharp corners
Never use treated wood for any child's toy because it could contain chemicals
References
Resources
- Photo Credit wooden horse image by jedphoto from Fotolia.com
