DIY toys are my absolute favorite, and when they double as fine motor skill builders, it’s a total win! One of the best examples is the “Feed the Monster” game—it’s super easy to make, helps develop hand-eye coordination, and gives a cognitive boost to your little one
What You’ll Need to create your Feed the Monster:
- Popsicle sticks (Bonus points for colored sticks if your toddler is learning colors!)
- A container with a soft lid (like an oatmeal tub or a Cheetos container)
- Scissors (to cut the monster’s mouth)
- Paper and markers (for creating eyes)
Why DIY Toys?
DIY toys aren’t just fun and easy to make; they’re also a chance to teach multiple skills simultaneously. You can even make a few monsters with different-sized mouths to make the game more challenging as your child grows.
Toys that teach are the ones your child will return to repeatedly. I love open-ended toys—they keep little hands busy while encouraging learning. And this DIY toy is no exception!
How to Make Your Monster:
- Grab a container with a soft lid. An oatmeal or Gerber puffs tub works great!
- Cut a half-circle “mouth” into the lid.
- On a piece of paper, cut out two white circles for the eyes and draw black dots for the pupils.
- Glue the eyes onto the container just above the mouth.
- And voila! You’ve made a monster ready to gobble up those Popsicle sticks.
How to Play with Your Baby :
The goal is simple: feed the monster by placing the Popsicle sticks inside the container. Here’s how to introduce the game:
- Model the Play: Show your baby how to insert the Popsicle sticks into the monster’s mouth.
- Play Together: Use the “I do it, we do it, now you do it” technique. Insert a few sticks yourself, then help your baby do the same.
- Celebrate Success: Clap and cheer when they get it right!
- Encourage Independent Play: Once they understand the game, let them explore and play independently, but keep an eye on them from a distance.
How to Play with Your Toddler (12 Months+):
For toddlers, the game can also be used for color recognition:
- Name the Colors: As you feed the monster, name the color of each Popsicle stick. For example, “Can you feed the monster the YELLOW stick?”
- Take Turns: After showing them how it’s done, let your toddler pick a stick and name the color before feeding it to the monster.
- Celebrate Together: Praise your child as they learn colors and play along.
- Independent Play: Once comfortable with the game, let them play independently and figure out the colors.
Game Variations:
Mix It Up: You’re not limited to Popsicle sticks! You can feed the monster pom-poms, scoops of rice, small pasta, or even carrot sticks if your little one is feeling snacky.
Creative Mealtime Trick: Are you struggling to get your child to eat? Make it fun by feeding the monster a spoonful first, then offering the next bite to your child!
This DIY toy has been a hit with my son since he was 10 months old, and now at two years old, he still loves it! We’ve added new challenges to keep it interesting and fun.
Toys that combine fun and learning are always a win—and this little monster has helped my son practice his fine motor skills, color recognition, and independent play all in one!
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