With Christmas now behind us, chances are you’re left with a pile of leftover cardboard boxes. Before tossing them in the recycling bins, you might want to hang on to a few good ones perfect for re-purposing into cool new toys for the kids. It’s like Christmas coming twice! Make awesome car garages, rockets, cars and playhouses. Or puppet theaters, marble mazes, play kitchens and more with these clever and inventive cardboard crafts that turn otherwise thrown out boxes into fun new toys.
Cardboard Parking Car Garage (via Apartment Therapy)
Create the perfect place to park all your kids’ toy cars and wheels with this cool portable car garage.
.jpg)
Car Conveyor Belt (via hello, Wonderful)
See how we turned a plain box into a neat conveyor belt for cars to come crashing down. So fun to watch and a sure-fire way to mesmerize the kids.
.jpg)
Cardboard Doll House on Wheels (via hello, Wonderful)
Isn’t a doll house so much more fun when you can wheel it around? Our kids sure think so. Get the tutorial on how to make this two-level chic doll house.
Cardboard Portraits (via Mermag)
Two heads are better than one. Or in this case, why not make multiple faces and emotions? It’s easy from just plain pieces of cardboard.
.jpg)
DIY Cardboard Play Kitchen (via Pimpelwit)
Find out how to create this modern play kitchen that’s great for small spaces but has all the essentials to whip up a gourmet kid-made meal.
Mod Cardboard Playhouses (via Flashbugs Studios)
These modern playhouses and structures are the best because they’re kid-made and so much fun for hide-and-seek and imaginative tales.
.jpg)
Cardboard Rocket (via Kate’s Creative Space)
This rocket’s going to the moon for sure all decked out in crafty glitz and colorful details.
(1).jpg)
Magnetic Car Racetrack (via hello, Wonderful)
Power cars up with a cool magnetic wand on a painted cardboard race track.
Cardboard Tree House (via Ikat Bag)
Just like the outdoor tree house you’ve always wanted, except in a miniature version. Find out how to make this awesome multi-storied tree house from bits of cardboard.
.jpg)
Winter Cardboard Castle (via hello, Wonderful)
Make a magical winter castle or if the seasons change, spruce it up by adding greenery and colors around it.
Cardboard Puppet Theater (via Playtivities)
One cardboard box is all it takes to make this fun puppet theater starring your child!
Marble Labyrinth Game (via Frugal Fun 4 Boys)
Turn a box into a cool marble maze game that’s handheld and portable to boot for play anytime.
.jpg)
Colorful Cardboard Play Houses (via Hello Lucky)
Add easy design touches to plain cardboard houses with decorative colorful tape.
Cardboard Instruments (via Pink Stripey Socks)
Your little musical troupe will love banging around their new cardboard instruments which won’t cost an arm and a leg like real ones do.
.jpg)
Cardboard Race Car (via Mood Kids)
Your kids won’t have to wait to get their license to test drive this fun race car made out of cardboard. It’s got the cool wheels and dials that make it look just like the real thing.
What are some fun ways you recycle your old cardboard boxes? Check out more fun recycled toy crafts!
Agnes Hsu is a mom of three and has been inspiring parents and kids to get creative with easy activities and family friendly recipes for over 10 years. She shares her love for creative play and kids food to her 2MM+ followers online. Agnes' commitment to playful learning and kindness has not only raised funds for charity but also earned features in prestigious nationwide publications.