As you select a toy for your preschooler or for a friend or relative, do you look for a toy that is different? New and exciting? Sometimes, simple standbys work just as well. Here are a few ideas for toys that are easy to assemble and simple to make.
Make a Box of Dress Up Clothes
If you have access to a thrift store or if you have a bulging closet, a box or basket of dress up clothes is a perfect gift that provides hours of pretend play. Choose a variety of clothes in many different fabrics. Try to choose clothes that will fit to a degree. While it's fun to try on adult clothing, it's not always safe to run around in drooping pants.
Old Halloween costumes, fun hats, scarves, and other delights often end up in thrift stores. This is a craft for the non-crafty. Simply put together a group of clothes in a basket, and you have an instant present. If there is a ballerina in your midst, you can also make a simple tutu using some colorful mesh fabric doubled over a wide fabric elastic. Add pretend petals for interest, then sew the back and the ends together.
Make a Play Silk as a Gift
Play silks are wide silk scarves used for pretend play. They are often dyed and made of Habotai (China) silk. Find silks at your local art shop or through companies like Dharma Trading. If you would like to dye your play silks, the easiest way is to buy some KoolAid and dip or spin the silks in a vat of boiling water and dye. If you would like the play silks to be completely colorfast, you can also purchase silk dyes through Dharma and other art supply houses.
A Bag is a Perfect Gift for a Preschooler
Preschoolers are fascinated by purses and bags. These days, many department stores offer inexpensive grocery bags. Choose one with a small logo that is easy to hide. Then decorate the bag with glued on felt pieces. Better yet, give the child a kit with glue, felt, pompoms, glitter, and other craft accessories so she can decorate her own bag.
Build a Fairy Garden
Create a special garden on a theme that your preschooler will enjoy. Perhaps he is enchanted by fairies. Make an indoor or outdoor fairy garden, a miniature garden with rocks, a shell full of water, a little marble for a gazing ball, and many small plants. Add interesting features like a little bell or a tiny dollhouse dinner plate. Children can care for the garden and use it for pretend play as well.
Turn a Box into a Play Structure
Children open a great present, only to play with the box. Well, give them the box! You can often get large boxes for free at department stores. Cut it into a spaceship, a boat, or something else your imagination comes up with. Paint it if you'd like. One word of caution: make sure that you ask the parents about this one if it is not for your child. Not everyone has space for a big box.
As you search for birthday and holiday presents this year, think simple and think creative. A little bit of planning and a crafty bent will yield gifts that are loads of fun for your preschooler.
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