10 ‘regular things’ that kids will make into toys

Pounding things is what some kids do best during play time. So, when I heard a story recently about a dad who gave his son a hammer and log with a bunch of nails sticking halfway out of the log, I understood how a kid might like such a gift. The boy spent all afternoon whacking nails, while ignoring several other “real” toys he received that same day. While a nail-loaded log isn’t for every family, we can all appreciate the moral of the story: Children will find fun in almost anything. In the spirit of finding fun, here are 10 “regular things” that kids will make into toys (excluding the log idea).

Our kids have played with most of these items at some point. However, none of these items have been tested as toys. Parents must judge for themselves whether they are age appropriate or safe and whether they require adult supervision. 

01 caution tape

I used this stuff last year to keep people and vehicles off our new driveway while the wet concrete set. Little did I know at the time, kids love caution tape. Our 5-year-old asked for some tape, and I gave him a bunch. He then marked off “dangerous” areas in his bedroom. The tape later showed up in the living room and several other places in the house. Each time he used it, he had an elaborate story to share. Whether your child is managing a make-believe chemical spill or investigating an accident scene, caution tape will add to the drama.

02 oversized clothes/shoes

Save your outdated clothes and shoes. They’ll never go out of fashion for kids. The photos you take of them pretending to be adults will be priceless. You might even check with your local theater to see whether it plans to scrap or sell any of its costumes.

03 old kitchen utensils

Also, consider saving your old kitchen utensils and cookware or buying some at a thrift store. In our house, the most popular items are whisks and wooden spoons. Add some measuring cups, and you can turn playtime into an introductory course on fractions. Learning while playing is frugalmatic. Since he was 3 years old, our son has been creating a “Chef Jeff” persona. He concocts all sorts of make-believe dishes as Mom and Dad prepare the actual meals.

04 audio recorder

When we were kids, my sister and I spent many hours talking into my dad’s tape recorder. We still have some of those recordings. Back then, we had actual tapes. Today’s recorders are digital, which makes them even more user friendly. Our kids have entertained themselves for hours recording their voices and playing back the recordings. Sometimes, they interview their mom and me.

Consider encouraging your kids to make more elaborate recordings by adding special effects. Anything that makes a noise, from zippers to electric toothbrushes, can become part of your kids’ “production studio.” There’s also a little gadget called the NPW Sound Effects Musical Moments Machine (a “real” toy) to further elevate your kids’ productions.

05 bandages

I certainly don’t recommend allowing your kids to raid your household’s first-aid kit. You’ll discover you’re out of Band-Aids at the moment you need them. But if you spot a box of cheap bandages at the store, buy it. See what your kids do with it.

Don’t be surprised if your kitchen turns into an M.A.S.H. unit with your children busily treating their stuffed animals and dolls while detailing their tales of woe: broken arms, poked-out eyeballs and scraped knees.

06 flashlight

I’m talking about old-fashioned incandescent flashlights. You can get flashlights made for kids, but the adult ones have stronger beams. With a stronger flashlight, it’s easy to play games, such as flashlight tag, or make shadow puppets.

07 paracord

Paracord is a great material for either the young survivalist or crafter at your home. Making paracord bracelets has become trendy, and you can buy paracord bracelet kits. But you don’t need a kit. You just need the cord and some plastic buckles (see the video below). The bracelets’ original purpose was to provide a source of strong rope should you ever find yourself in dire straits and without supplies. Paracord can be made into many things, including a sling or fishing line.

08 appliance boxes

Did you just get a new refrigerator or washing machine delivered? The appliance box can be turned into a fort, a secret hideout or any number of imaginary edifices. Cut out some windows and invite your kids to paint the box. I’ve seen cardboard playhouses sell for $20 or more, but I can’t imagine spending money on a box for kids to use.

09 binoculars

Binoculars give kids a way to explore the world around them. An older pair will do the trick. However, adult binoculars can be too heavy for the littlest ones, in which case you might want to buy a lighter kids version. If you’re looking for something to admire, try the moon. It’s in the night sky nearly every day but often gets forgotten.Your child might be amazed to see it up close.

10 retractable tape measure

Almost anything retractable has fun potential. With a retractable tape measure, you can also use it to teach a child about measurement, like with the measuring spoons and cups. Some measuring tapes retract with a lot of force, so you’ll want to test out the tape before handing it to a child. A 6-foot tape is probably a good length.

Almost unlimited possibilities

This list of 10 “regular things” that kids will make into toys is merely a starting point. I imagine readers have many more ideas. Please share them in the comment section below!

I tried to pick items that are relatively inexpensive. What I like most about these items is that they all inspire creativity. Notably, none of these ideas involve screens.

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with traditional kids toys. (Lego is a favorite around our house, and our kids are playing with mini-figures as I type this.) Just know that you have a lot more options than you might think when it comes to deciding what your kids might find entertaining.