Holidays come around every year, as does the time when Christmas or Hanukkah wish lists come out. Some parents get ahead of the shopping, while others wait until December. Well, because it is officially shopping season, we wanted to help with the toy search. Even those who aren’t parents can appreciate knowing what the hottest toys out there are, whether for their niece, nephew, or family friend. Modern-day toy lists include things like lots of technology, fun gadgets, updated board games, and toys that are related to the hottest new show or song (lookin’ at “Baby Shark” fans). It’s actually cool how there are toys available for all kinds of kids.
But nostalgia is a big thing with both grandparents and parents, especially millennials and Gen X’ers who think about the toys they played with and how fun they were even if they came with no charging port or batteries. (This isn’t to say that tech toys aren’t good. They can actually be incredible tools for kids.) For the folks looking to throw it back a bit and get a toy that isn’t mass-produced or possibly all plastic, options exist: homemade or DIY toys. Turns out, technology has made it possible for people to create small businesses to share their homemade items with the world, and that includes toys. From puzzles to airplanes and pretend campfires, lots of homemade toys are online, especially on Etsy. They’re detailed enough for kids to enjoy but leave so much to the imagination.
We compiled some of our favorites that we found, just in case Santa wants a more simple set of gifts this year. Just be careful: The kids might not want to share them.
Wooden Montessori Elephant Toy
$35
from
Doesn’t this toy look familiar? It’s a version of the pull-by-string toys with wheels that stores have in plastic, but this one is special. It’s made by hand out of wood.
Personalized Name Wood Puzzle
Letter block slates are an excellent way to teach kids their letters and how to spell their names. Now they can have one that’s just for them, plus with a tiny animal or vehicle piece.
Magnet Felt Fishing Game
A game that requires patience but also practice is this felt fishing game. It’s simple yet super entertaining.
Giraffe 3D Puzzle
Why have a flat puzzle when the kids can have a 3-D one? This wooden giraffe is also a puzzle that, when complete, makes a cool toy.
Children's Play Tent
Children love tents. They can create new worlds in there or steal some privacy. This Etsy tent is handmade and will look beautiful in any room.
Nostalgic Handmade Wooden Rocking Horse
Is it a real childhood if there is no rocking horse involved? Get kids in on the so-called old-fashioned fun with a rocking horse made for them. We love how it has a mini railing to keep them from falling backward.
Farm Animal Quiet Book
For a simple toy that helps children practice color-matching and motor skills, this “quiet” book will do the trick.
Wooden Stacker Toy
The plastic rainbow colored stacker toy is iconic, but one talented Etsy store owner has created a version with pieces of natural wood. It’s a beautiful piece to get in touch with the environment and nature. Plus, it won’t look too shabby on the coffee table.
Wooden Toy Chest
Although this isn’t a toy, it is a box designed to hold all of the good stuff. Instead of a generic plastic toy box, this chest comes personalized and is handmade to last for generations.
Handmade Rattle
Handmade toys for younger children aren’t the easiest to find, but this rattle is a hit on Etsy. It features a crocheted lion and wooden handle.
Wooden Toy Camera
This wooden camera is a toy that can perhaps start the careers of future photographers. It includes a spring-loaded shutter button. Because it’s wood, it’s safe to use and won’t break as easily as a real one would.
Children's Campfire
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire is possible with a play campfire. Kids can pretend to be in the great outdoors with this homemade campfire set from Etsy.
Wooden Bowling Game
Bowling can be played at home when the set is one’s own. These pins come personalized, along with a wooden ball. It’s sized for toddlers and offers a good option for parents looking for alternatives to plastic versions of the game.
Toy Airplane
When one thinks of classic toys, surely airplanes come to mind. Another wooden piece, this stunning airplane will definitely get kids’ imaginations going.
Sailboat Puzzle
This sailboat puzzle is easy to put together and beautiful once completed. It’s like a miniature piece of art!
Miniature Garage
Kids who love cars need a place to park them, right? They can imagine they’re in a real garage with this mini one from Etsy, all made by hand. It even includes ramps for the vehicles.
Victorian Dollhouse
Dollhouses are a quintessential gift that has transcended the whims of decades of kids. This homemade one strays from a mainstream dollhouse and features stunning Victorian architecture.
Wooden Dog Figurines
Kids love action figures and toys they can use to play pretend. These dog figurines are adorable and durable.
Waffle Squishys
Squishys have been all the rage lately, but luckily, they’re not too hard to come by. Homemade Bakery has made these desserts for kids to squish to their hearts’ desire.
*Psst: if you choose to purchase an item from this post, CafeMom.com may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
