How to Make Your Own Blocks

Children throughout the ages have enjoyed playing with blocks and what they can create or do with blocks is limited only by their imagination. However, getting the blocks for a child to play with does not have to be costly. Everyday household items can be used to make blocks. Making the blocks is as fun and imaginative as getting to play with them after wards. Once you get the first initial tips and ideas for boxes you can start to look at just about every household or common object and figure out how it can be incorporated into block play.

A basic rule of thumb in making blocks is to always be certain of safety that is appropriate for the age of your child. Children who still put small objects in their mouths need bigger blocks without small removable parts. There should be no sharp edges or anything that can break (such as glass). Paper products should not be given to children who still place objects in their mouth, the paper will tear apart and could prove to be a choking hazard.

Brown Paper Sacks: When shopping at the grocery store ask for paper sacks instead of plastic. These sacks come in a variety of sizes from very small to very large. Simply stuff a sack with old newspapers but leave enough room from the top so that the open edge of the bag can be folded down and secured with tape. For colorful or festive blocks use decorative gift bags. To get started, purchase small, lunch-sized bags. These can be found in most grocery stores and only cost a few dollars. Often, they come with designs on the bags to appeal to children.

Cardboard Tubes: Save all the empty cardboard tubes from toilet tissue and paper towel rolls. These make wonderful cylinders for columns or spires for churches and castle towers.

Boxes: These make the best blocks and come in such a variety of size and shape that the possibilities are endless; from rectangular shoe boxes to round hatboxes to soft and velvety jewelry boxes. Save empty facial tissue boxes or cotton swap boxes, mailing boxes, flat trays (like the kind soda or canned goods are displayed in at the store), jewelry boxes or boxes that certain products come in. Boxes can be left as if, painted, covered with contact paper or wrapping paper or covered with plain white or brown paper and then colored on.

Empty Plastic Containers: With our without lids, empty containers make great blocks. They are easily stackable, can store smaller toys or blocks in them, and are safe in case the tower falls. They also come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Start saving old containers instead of throwing them away, or save food containers. The plastic that peanut butter, cottage cheese or sour cream comes in make great blocks. Make sure they have been thoroughly cleaned in warm soapy water before letting a child play with them. Empty soda bottles make great tower tops or spires for churches. Under no circumstance should glass containers should be used. In addition to plastic containers, metal coffee cans make great blocks but parents or caregivers need to be sure that there are no sharp metal edges. Plastic containers are also waterproof. This is especially helpful for young children who might want to put them in their mouth.

Egg Cartons: Easily stackable and lightweight, empty egg cartons make wonderful blocks. Because of their length and width they are great for bases of buildings and their hinged tops and many compartments make for a neat treasure chest or storage area in a child’s fort.

Clothespins: While these items are not stackable, they can be an essential part of block play. Clothespins can be used to pinch together boxes or pinched around the edge of boxes for a decorative flair.

Wood Scraps: If you know someone who works with wood, ask if you can get the leftover scraps. Or, try talking a lumber yard out of their scraps. Since wood can pose a safety issue with either getting splinters or throwing them, make sure they are age appropriate. Use wooden blocks only for children who do not throw or children who no longer place objects in their mouth. Wooden scraps can also be sanded town to prevent injury from sharp corners or splinters.

Styrofoam Pieces: Often, large or breakable items come packed with Styrofoam pieces. These pieces vary in size and shape and make very unusual and interesting blocks. With the help of an adult they can also be shaped to fit the child’s need. Styrofoam is great for making those odd shapes that be achieved through boxes or non-pliable materials. Archways, circles and tunnels are just a few of the architectural designs that can be created with Styrofoam.

Styrofoam Peanuts and Toothpicks: On a smaller scale, Styrofoam packing peanuts and toothpicks are great building materials for small constructions. By sticking Styrofoam pieces onto a toothpick all sorts of sculptures and constructions can be created. This is not an activity for young children however, as both items can be a choking hazard.