Inspiration hits this mama in flashes most of the time. I will be sitting watching my girls play, and something they do or say or show interest in sparks an idea. But I have to be fast about getting it done or at least writing it down before I get distracted and forget.
The other day a group of ideas I saw on Pinterest along with my child’s sudden fascination with every single plastic bowl
in my kitchen cabinets lit a spark in my imagination that turned into a really fun and simple DIY toddler toy…
A Super-Simple DIY Colander Ribbon Pull Toy
The best part: I had all of the materials I needed to make this ribbon pulling toy right around the house — meaning I can entertain my favorite busybodies in no time and without spending a dime!
Here are all the details…
“Ribbon Spaghetti” — A DIY Ribbon Pull Toy
This homemade toddler toy really is simple to make. All you need is a plain old kitchen colander (i.e. strainer) and some ribbon!
Just thread a length of ribbon through a hole in the colander and tie knots in each end so the ribbon cannot be pulled all the way through. (Sometimes you have to double-knot so the knot is big enough to not fit through the hole.)
Then, simply repeat, threading and tying as many ribbons onto the colander as you like until you have a clever ribbon pull toy that is just right for your child. (Yes, making this toddler toy is a fine-motor skill challenge for mama, too — ha!)
Homemade Colander Ribbon Toy Fun
Before I presented my toddlers with their new ribbon toy, I pulled all of the ribbons inside the colander and placed it upside down with only the knotted ends visible around the outside. Then, when I invited the kids to explore their new “Ribbon Spaghetti” toy, they instinctively pulled on the knots and were so surprised and excited to see the long colorful ribbons slide out — like magic!
This super simple colander ribbon pull toy kept my two toddlers busy for longer than I had expected! Plus, it helps them work on their focus, fine motor development, and hand-eye coordination.
It also provided a great opportunity for them to practice taking turns and cooperating with one another.
Learning with Your Colander Ribbon Toy
Krissy: I really love this clever DIY ribbon pull toy — especially how you can throw it together in no time with simple household items. Plus, this simple homemade toy offers endless opportunities for extended learning, even for preschoolers. Check them out in the full tutorial below…
DIY Colander Ribbon Toy
Tools
- 1 scissors
Materials
- 1 colander (with small-ish holes)
- satin ribbon (approx. (10) 12"-long pieces)
Steps
How to Make the Toy
- Tie a knot in the end of a length of ribbon. Make sure the knot is large enough to not pass through one of the small holes in the colander hole. Double-knot, if necessary.
- Thread the other end of the ribbon through one of the small colander holes until the knot reaches the hole and stops the ribbon from pulling all the way through.
- Tie a knot in the un-knotted end of the ribbon. Again, make sure the knot is large enough to not pass through the hole; double-knot, if necessary.
- Repeat steps 1 through 3 with each piece of ribbon and various holes around the colander.
Notes
Adaptations and Extensions for Learning:
- “In” and “Out” — Help your toddler practice the words “in” and “out” while they pull the ribbons back and forth between the inside and outside of the colander.
- Ribbon Pull Color Game — Make your colander ribbon toy with ribbons of different colors. Then, with all ribbons pulled inside the colander and the colander placed upside-down, play a learning game by calling out specific colors for your child to find and pull. Or let your toddler lead and choose the ribbons, but ask them what colors they are pulling as they play.
- Pull & Count Game — Help your child count each ribbon as they pull. Older kids can even practice counting down while pulling the ribbons back the other way.
- Ribbon Pull Measuring Game — Get older kids engaged in some playful math learning by using a ruler to measure and compare the lengths of the ribbons after they pull them. Start with the ribbons pulled inside the colander and the colander placed upside down, then have the kids pull ribbons and measure them. Make it a fun game by seeing who pulls the longest ribbon!
About the Author: Leah is the homemaker and mama behind Simple. Home. Blessings. She loves seeing the spark in her children’s eyes as they discover and explore new things. And she is passionate about reading and creates lots of activities based on favorite books. Leah also writes about other topics related to homemaking.
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Other DIY Ribbon Pull Toys from Friends:
- DIY Ribbon Pull Toy Using a Recycled Canister (MyCrafts)
- How to Make a Cardboard Tube Sensory Ribbon Toy (BBC Tiny Happy People)
More DIY Toy Ideas from B-Inspired Mama:
- 10 DIY Toys to Encourage Imagination
- Easy DIY Toys — Recycled Building Blocks
- How to Make a Simple DIY Playmat for Kids Robot Toys
- An Easy DIY Kids Microphone Toy
denise says
great idea! will make a nice present for the little toddlers that i babysit. maybe add pom poms on the ends instead of knots, or little felt “charms” if i’m feeling adventurous.
Krissy @ B-Inspired Mama says
You’ll have to let me know how the pom poms work!
Jill says
Simple, yet elegant toys make from everyday items 🙂 This is a great idea and resource. Thank you for sharing and for linking up this week to the Thoughtful Spot Weekly Blog Hop.
Jelli says
Impressed! I’ve got all the materials on hand to make something simple, cheap, and super fun for my little girl tomorrow. Can’t wait to try it. Thanks so much, Krissy!
Felicakes says
What an amazing idea. I must do this when I babysit toddlers next. 🙂
JDaniel4's Mom says
I have a collection of ribbons that I cut off my son’s birthday balloons. I will need to dig them out. Great idea!