Easy home made toys #4: First threading toy

Threading beads is a great activity for little fingers and inquisitive minds, as it helps develop fine motor skills and concentration. The problem is that most commercially available beads are only suitable from age 3+, even though the ability and desire to thread can start much earlier.

This easy-to-make threading toy addresses that problem: it's safe as well as easy to handle for the smallest of hands. I first gave it to my son when he was about 18 months, though you could try it at any point between 16 and 24 months. Best of all, it only takes about 30 minutes to put together and uses mostly recycled materials. 

First threading toy

You will need:

a sturdy cardboard tube (an empty cling film or aluminium foil roll works best)

a 30-40 cm long stick (wood, bamboo, plastic - any will do)

thin, flat cardboard (e.g. an empty cereal box)

parcel or gaffer tape

water-based paints

Method:

1. Using a bread knife, cut the cardboard tube into 1.5 cm wide rings.

2. Using scissors, cut a circle with a wider diameter than the rings out of the flat cardboard.

3. Cut a slit into the flat circle, then attach about 5cm from the bottom of the stick with tape to make a handle.

4. Paint the rings.

That's it! When the paint on the rings has dried, this super-easy toy is ready for your toddler to play with. I presented this to the Bean in a little pot (made from an empty Pringles tube covered in salvaged wrapping paper), and he took to it straight away.