How to Make an Easy Toy Box

My daughter’s bedroom isn’t easy to keep clean, and I’ve always called her a little tornado. She has one toy box, and it wasn’t exactly cheap. These days I can’t afford to buy a second toy box. Instead, I’ve come up with a better idea. I plan to make a toy box from a large Rubbermaid tote, and I’m confident that once this homemade toy box is decorated it will look far better than my daughter’s expensive store-bought toy box. If you need an inexpensive toy box that’s safe for your child and easy to make, give these ideas a try! You can turn an ordinary large plastic container with a easy-off lid into an extraordinary container to hold your child’s toys.

Precautionary Statement

Any storage container can be dangerous if misused. Only use a storage container with a lid that can easily pop open when pushed from the inside. Many store-bought toy boxes have proved to be dangerous, but Rubbermaid containers don’t completely seal on the sides. Also, they’re easy to push off from the inside if a child should become trapped. Make certain that any container you choose for this project is easy for your child to remove. The lids of locking containers should be removed and discarded. Use commonsense, and always supervise very young children with any type of toy box.

Necessary Supplies

To make an inexpensive toy box you can decorate any way you like you’ll need fabric to cover the entire exterior of the lid and container, fabric scissors, and spray-on adhesive. You’ll find spray-on adhesive at most craft stores and in discount stores that sell craft project supplies.

Procedure

Using the container as a guide, cut enough fabric to wrap it completely on the sides. Generously cover it with spray-on adhesive, and attach the fabric firmly to the surface. Trim away any excess fabric if necessary, and pay careful attention to edges that will unravel. Spray extra adhesive in these areas, and be sure the edges are pressed into place.

Cover the top of the depressed area of the lid in the same manner, and if you want to add a little more flair, cut the fabric with pinking shears. This will give it a interesting edge that will make the toy box even more decorative.

Alternative Decorating Ideas

You can make a decorative toy box without the use of fabric. Instead of covering the exterior of the container with fabric, make or buy craft foam cutouts to attach to the sides and the lid. Craft foam comes in sheets in a variety of thicknesses and in a rainbow of colors. Use stencils or your artistic ability and creativity to make craft foam dinosaurs, trucks, planets, flowers, princess crowns, or anything else your child is sure to love.