Thursday, September 10, 2009

My Creative Space - Formula Tin Toy

Gift giving always makes me feel good.
I feel even better when I have made the gift and I feel especially really good when I have made from re-cycled stuff.
For my Son's first Christmas I made him a toy.

I had noticed that he was getting to that "posting" stage of development e.g. putting things into holes, slots, DVD/CD players that don't naturally go there...

Christmas was fast approaching and still I had made nothing for him.

With the 'postings' in mind and bread in the video player, an idea found me.

I got a formula tin from my friend.

I got the older Sister to do some painting.

Inked and stamped their feet on to the dried painting.


Put a protective clear plastic self adhesive coating onto the painting and attached it to the tin.


I cut a circular hole in the lid.

Purchased a bag of wooden dolly pegs

And finally I advised the Mr that it would be a more meaningful gift for our Son if we were to both (be up late at night as the children slept dreaming of all things Christmas) be painting the pegs.

My Son has just had his second birthday, he still loves this toy as does our daughter. It gave him loads of pleasure picking up the dolls, turning them right way up and then dropping them into the hole...Magically disappearing! Picking them up, turning them right way up(an interesting little trait of his that things must be 'right way up') and putting them into the hole.... and repeat..

The look on his face was/is priceless.
Developmentally, this toy will help build hand-eye co-ordination, fine motor skills, reasoning and more.

But basically it is fun, easy, and kids love it.

Hop on over to kootoyoo and see who else has some creative stuff to show n' tell.
Cheers.

16 comments:

Kylie said...

What a lovely idea :) K

sophie said...

what a brilliant idea! I love it.

Unknown said...

Such a great idea, my son would love something like that for sure..

Nikki said...

This is such a simple but clever idea Peta. And you're right, handmade AND recycled are the best presents.

yardage girl said...

Great idea and great toy - thanks for sharing with us.

Skebba said...

I love repurposing! Especially when it's as cute as this!

MooBear Designs said...

It's the simple things... I love it it's perfect!! Wish my kids were formula babies now lol... next one maybe hehe

xo Steph

Sandrine said...

What a great idea and a present that involved everyone little fingers ;)

Kirsty said...

Such a lovely gift & so wonderful that it's been so well loved & enjoyed.

Gina said...

Oh Peta thanks, that is great. Where does one get the fabulous dolly pegs from? And I'll have to scout out a formula tin too...

Melanie said...

Your toy is far superior in so many ways than the mass produced rubbish found in toys are us. well done and good on ya for being so clever.

Treacle Beak said...

Onya Peta ... what a great idea. Good to know your home-made-with-love toy's pleasure-giving has lasted so long.

Tania said...

Holy Moly, you are on to something there. And I have a kazillion of those gorgeous wooden pegs about the place!

Sally said...

Brilliant idea - I'll certainly be giving it a go.

admin said...

Adorable!!! If only I had saved all the formula tins from when my girls were bubs!!! haha!! :)

Anonymous said...

That's fantastic - I love it. I know it would make a hit at our house too. Thanks for sharing!