DIY toys

I'm thinking of making toys for my baby, especially for the first 2 years or so because I know that eventually he/she will FORCE me (through endless crying, kicking, rolling around the floor.  I'm deeply hoping that won't happen) to buy them toys from an actual store!!!  

So here are some really cool toys that can be made from whatever you have in the house with some little extra that you have to buy, but still cheaper than purchasing an actual toy from the store. 

All that glitter water bottle
tutorial from Pink Pastachio

Water Sensory Bottle
tutorial from Spoonfed Baby

tutorial from Meet the Dubiens

Scavenger hunt/I spy bottle

Tutorial from Meet the Dubiens

 Making toys out of Cardboard boxes

Milkeyes - old school toys cardboard boxes

Tutorial from ambrosia girl

Cereal box coin roller

Tutorial from Made by Joel

Cereal box marble run

Tutorial from Made by Joel

Baby toy slot box

Tutorial from Made by Joel

Cardboard marionette

Tutorial from Made by Joel

Marble Race Track

Tutorial my home spun threads

Toys that requires no work to make:

Cardboard box- Don't buy a cardboard box!!! That defeats the purpose of saving money. Use the cardboard box that the diapers come in when you buy in bulk or when your husband buys his big toys.   Just put the baby in there and he'll explore it on his own. 

If you want to make something out of the cardboard, take a look at Boys germ for great ideas.

Soda/water bottle are also great by themselves. Put it on the floor. Watch him use his gross and fine motor skills to kick or roll it. Line some up and he'll use one to try and knock them all down. 

You can also do a little bit of work by putting in water and dishwashing detergent (seal the cap so that it doesn't leak). Shake it up and watch him interact with it. Add food dye and see what happens!

Note: As with all toys, supervision is needed to ensure safety. Also make sure that the toys are age-appropriate for your kid and supplies that you use are safe for baba.