Homemade Gifts/Toys/Imaginary Play

[littlemommy]

In another thread, some of you were saying you were making blankets for the DCK's for Christmas. Have any of you ever made cloth dolls, stuffed animals, or any other toys? I feel like I need to rotate toys and get some new ones in here for the kiddos, but don't want to spend money on new toys. I'm losing a couple kids and as of right now DH still doesn't have a job after the new year.

I would love to make puzzles or some other fun activities for the toddlers. I'm just not the most crafty person.

[sharlan]

Years ago, I bought fabric that had a toddler's type book printed on it. I just cut it out and sewed it together with a thin batting.

[Meyou]

Felt food is easy to make. Just cut out the shapes and blanket stitch them together.

[littlemommy]

Felt food is easy to make. Just cut out the shapes and blanket stitch them together.

I was just googling this! I think I'll definitely be doing that!

[Meyou]

Felt boards are great too. Just cover something with felt and cut out shapes, trees, animals, people, clothes etc. They stick to the board and store nice and flat. They're actually easier than the felt food since there is no sewing.

I like to do theme ones for holidays. Snowman and all his parts, Christmas tree to decorate, halloween scenes with ghosts and a haunted house. Different shapes to build houses and structures on the felt boards are popular too. Just squares, triangles and circles.

[littlemommy]

Felt boards are great too. Just cover something with felt and cut out shapes, trees, animals, people, clothes etc. They stick to the board and store nice and flat. They're actually easier than the felt food since there is no sewing.

I like to do theme ones for holidays. Snowman and all his parts, Christmas tree to decorate, halloween scenes with ghosts and a haunted house. Different shapes to build houses and structures on the felt boards are popular too. Just squares, triangles and circles.

Stupid question-but do you put Velcro or something on the back of the pieces to make it stick?

[Meyou]

Nope, the felt sticks to the felt. Even on a vertical board. We usually use lap boards though that are about 12"x18"

[sharlan]

I bought a bunch of felt board sets at the beginning of summer. None of my kids will play with them.

[Meyou]

I bought a bunch of felt board sets at the beginning of summer. None of my kids will play with them.

Wow!! I'm shocked.

Mine love them. If they see me with felt and scissors they start cheering. happyface They beg to get them out everyday but I keep it to a couple of times per week so they don't get bored.

[littlemommy]

I think the kids I have would enjoy something like that. I'm trying to get away from push button, light up, noisy toys and shift to more imaginary play. I think the kids would love a big felt board with numbers, letters, or I could even do a puzzle type thing or a face!

The more I think about it the possibilities seem endless!