There are so many toys out there today, it can often be difficult to figure out what to get kids. If you’re looking for an interactive toy that challenges them as they play, here are 8 Inspiring Do It Yourself Toys for Kids to Make, that will keep them (and most likely you!) amused for hours. And the kids will love that they’ve made their own toy too!
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#1. Kano Computer
The Kano Computer Kit is aimed at children aged between 6 and 12 years.
Kano is a computer that anyone can make, starting by assembling the hardware and then writing games from scratch that teach kids to build, learn and create through code.
Here are why Kano Computer Kits are Cool for Kids.
Buy Online: Kano
The Kano Kit can now be bought for £89.99 / $99.99 / EUR 99.99 (shipping and handling fees apply – ends 31 Dec 15). Original price was £119.99 / $149.99 / EUR 149.99
#2. The Meccanoid G15 KS from Mecanno
For kids aged 10+yrs, the Meccano MeccaNoid G15 KS is a serious piece of kit.
This build your own personal robot comes with over a thousand phrases and voice recognition and stands at over 4ft tall.
Things have certainly moved on since the dark ages of my youth!
Buy online: Amazon USA; Amazon UK; Smyths Toys Ireland; Smyths Toys UK;
#3. LEGO
Lego still remains popular with the kids of today.
My 9 year old and all of her pals are obsessed with Lego Friends Sets. They get hours of enjoyment building them and having adventures with the characters.
You can buy small scales sets like the first aid jungle bike right up to Airports and Pizzeria’s.
Buy Lego Friends Online : Smyths Toys Ireland; Smyths Toys UK; Amazon UK; Amazon USA;
New this year, and on Argos’ hot toy list, is LEGO City Deep Sea Exploration Vehicle for 8+yrs, which includes an exploration vessel, a submarine and remote sub, a scuba scooter, shipwreck, shark cage, and lots more.
Other popular sets include movie related items from Jurassic World, Star Wars, Minecraft, Ninjago and Scooby Doo.
Now it’s just a matter of trying to get the kids to decide which set goes on their Christmas list!
Buy Lego City Deep Sea: Amazon UK; Amazon.USA; Smyths Toys Ireland; Argos Ireland, Argos UK.
#4. Arckit
If you have a future, architect, designer, builder or young engineer in the making, then Arckit is the perfect ‘do it yourself’ kit for them.
In simple terms it is an architectural model system that lets you design, build and modify quickly, with zero glue.
Once you are happy with the final design, you can download finishes from the Arkit site, print them on the adhesive sheets supplied, and bring your creations to life. The kits are suitable for children aged 12+ and adults with an interest in design.
Buy Online: Directly from Arckit or Amazon UK; Amazon USA;
#5. Build Your Own Football Stadium
Kids aged 7+ yrs can bring their favourite football teams’ stadium to life in 3D. With no mess, no special tools and no glue required, these kits are reuseable and offer hours of fun and enjoyment.
Each one has been officially licensed from the football club, so they offer a genuine, details replica, constructed on its own base.
Buy Online: The Happy Puzzle Company.
#6. Build Your Own Roller Coaster
This fantastic Roller Coaster Kit is suitable for ages 7+. Kids can build their own roller coaster complete with a battery operated, automated lift, that will keep the ball rolling in a continuous loop!
It offers great fun for all ages and takes about an hour to build. Younger children may require some help with the construction.
Buy Online: The Happy Puzzle Company.
K’NEX also make a great range of Roller Coaster Toys. Our favourites are:
- The K’NEX Amzin; * Coaster from Amazon USA
- The K’NEX Typhoon Frenzy Roller Coaster from Smyths Toys UK
- The K”NEX Typhoon Frenzy Roller Coaster from Smyths Toys Ireland
#7. Domino Rally
The Domino Rally is a superb gift suitable for kids of 3+yrs.
The kit contains 250 wooden pieces including steps and a slide. Construct it correctly and you should be able to get a bell to ring as the final domino falls!
Once you have finished playing, the kit can be kept in the cloth storage bag provided and taken out to play with, again and again.
Buy online: The Happy Puzzle Company.
Other Domino Games we love include the Domino Rally Game available from Amazon USA and the Domino Extreme Game from Smyths Toys Ireland.
#8. Rideable Wooden Construction Kits from Berg MOOV
The award winning Berg MOOV Construction Kits are great for kids aged 5+yrs, and adults who wish they were still kids!
All parts are made of quality, sturdy materials that can be configured to create different shapes to build anything from a go-cart to a scooter and much more in between.
Buy Online: Amazon UK and Amazon USA.
Click here for a list of Berg MOOV stockists in Ireland.
Over to you! Has your child tried any of these DIY toy products? Or can you add to the list? Let us know in the comments box below.
About the Author: Michelle
