Looking for the perfect toy to take on a summer vacation! We need something lightweight so it can go anywhere, whether on foot or in the car. It also has to be durable enough to handle beach sand, water, and the hustle and bustle of travel. Of course, it has to be fun: something that keeps them entertained and holds their attention for a little while so you can breathe. It should be educational in some way or help develop a skill. And, if possible, something you can make yourself. Do these DIY toys exist?
Of course they do! And at Lulu Ferris, we'll show you how to make them. Take note, because here are our DIY toy ideas that are perfect for summer.
DIY toys to take on vacation
Memory game
The classics never fail. You remember this game, right? Place all the cards face down and turn them over one at a time. When you recognize one you've already seen, you have to remember where the other one was to make the pair.
It helps exercise memory and concentration and can be played alone or with the family.
You can make as many cards as you want, with any design you want (if your little one is learning letters or numbers, you can use those designs). And it's very easy to make.
You'll find the tutorial for making the Memory game at Lulu Ferris.
Magnetic fishing game
What could be better to take to the beach than a fishing game where the animals you catch are toys, too?
Our fishing game for kids was inspired by Pol, one of Laura's little ones. For a while, he got hooked on fishing and spent the whole day fishing things around the house. So Laura made him a fishing rod and some beautiful sea animals with magnets to make it easier and more fun.
Unless you want to make incredibly complicated animals, it's also very easy to make. The tutorial includes patterns for making little fish, jellyfish, crabs… but you can add as many as you like.
If you need help, the fishing game tutorial is waiting for you at Lulu Ferris.
Native American teepee for kids
A place to fire their imaginations and keep them safe from the sun. Where you see a teepee, they see a world of possibilities, fantasy, stories, and games.
A refuge they'll love that you can carry folded up so it takes up no space (just like a closed umbrella).
The original version is made with canvas to make it very durable. If you want to protect it from dirt and moisture, you could also use waterproof world-map fabric.
If you want to make it with us, you'll also find the teepee tutorial at Lulu Ferris. Go for it—it's much easier than it might seem.
Portable fabric chalkboard
Are your little ones at that stage where they love drawing all the time and everywhere? With this portable fabric chalkboard, they can draw as much as they want without going through tons of paper. You only need some colored chalk.
You can find chalkboard fabric in our store and customize your portable chalkboard however you like. If you're not very good at curves yet, you can also make it square or rectangular and whatever size you want.
It weighs practically nothing and takes up hardly any space, so you won't even notice you're carrying it until it's time to use it.
You can find the portable chalkboard tutorial on our YouTube channel. Although we no longer upload new content to this channel, you can still find a few lovely surprises there.
Perfect—do you have all your DIY toys ready?
Then come on, into the kids' bag and off to enjoy summer together as a family.