Cardboard Craft Ideas

March 26, 2020

Kids never stop whining of how bored they are, when they are stuck indoors. All they do is scream ‘Momma’ a hundred times in one hour. If I hear Mommy one more time, I promise I will run away. To the bathroom;)

Children might have a closet full of toys, but somehow they seem the least interested in them. They want new toys new play things. Best is to use recycle things to make new toys. This also turns out to be easy on our pockets. What comes to our mind when we think of recycle? Cardboard.

We all generally get a lot of cardboard boxes at home. They either come through shipping, new appliances, moving houses or new toys. Cardboard is found in abundance. Why throw all of it when we can use it! It is such a versatile material, we can various things out of cardboard and they look great. Even if your child wastes it while making something, you feel absolutely fine.

Benefits of making Cardboard toys:

1. Unique – Each toy that you make from cardboard can be different, it gives you ample of scope for invention.

2. Relatable – Kids love those big cardboard boxes, they love to open it and hide in it. Most of the time they don’t care about the product inside.

3. Flexible – Cardboard toys can be custome made to our availability of space and material

4. Cost effective – These boxes generally come with shipping or new toys, so they are free of cost

5. Long lasting – Cardboard is a strong material and toy can be long lasting.

6. Educational – You can also promote educational toys by making them with cardboard.

7. Versatile – One can paint the cardboard or even stick different kinds of paper to it and make it look completely different.

8. Fun – Every toy you make can be challenging and fun for your child.

9. Recycle – Plus, you can feel good about recycling, and use this as a teaching moment for your kids to learn about upcycling, creativity and imagination

The reason I keep all the shoeboxes and shipping boxes is that while making something my son always has company. I need supplies for his friends as well. You really can turn just about any trash to treasure. Even if you need only half a box of cardboard, one can always use it later for a different craft.

From cardboard playhouses and castles for your little ones to more intricate cardboard lights and shadow puppet theatres for your older kids, there is something for everyone.

So here is a list of things you can make with cardboard – big or small. I have attached the tutorials with them so it is easier for you to check it out.

1. Cardboard City Roadmat

While making a City Roadmat, kids also learn a lot about community helpers and all the institutions we need in a city for it to function. While with their cars they understand the concepts of zebra crossing for pedestrians and traffic lights. They can travel around the city and understand community living, all about hospitals, schools, parks, police stations and fire stations. This Roadmat is a favourite among kids and they don’t get bored for hours.

2. Monogram Craft

These good looking Monograms will brighten up the room immediately. Colourful Yarn and stickers will make this gorgeous Monogram stand out in the room. Personalizing and beautifying yours kids room at the same time. (Link to

3. Maze

The Labyrinth maze has been everyone’s favourite from childhood. Children now also play mazes on the mobiles. This Maze is a mix of the old and new schools. Its made by the kids themselves, so they decided to add some glitches like collecting coins and exit points.